Autism/answering questions

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Expert: - 12/9/2010


Question
I have a student that has difficulty answering abstract questions.  He can answer wh-questions well with a picture choices. He is 14 years old.  One day he lost his wallet and he had difficulty answering questions such as “Did you have it yesterday,” “When was the last time you had it,” “Did you have it in your pocket?”  Any input as to how to address this or explain this to a parent would be helpful.

Answer
Hi Jenny

People with autism do have trouble with abstract concepts. Also, he may not be at the stage of language development where he is ready to deal with abstractions-or maybe he is. for instance, in the question, did you have it yesterday, that would require him to understand past tenses. The speech pathologist may need to work on getting him to understand past tenses first before moving into the abstractions.

Have the mom check out my website for really great computer programs that would help him in these areas.

www.valerieherskowitz.com

Go to online store and click on language software then Stage 4.

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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