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Hi Valerie, My son is 4, diagnosed ASD. Going to a special school thrice a week. He went for a preschool before for about 1.5 yrs and refused recently and then I managed to put him to this special school. He is not having speech. Pointing fingers, so difficult to get it, poor eye contact. he sings though. Just cry off for everything . He is physically very very good. Im scared that he will not develop his speech. I need more advise on parenting. Ideas and activities to make him interest to do and communicate. He understands us and our emotions too. Whether we are angry or happy. Pls advise me with tips, which can be done.
Hi Neesha
First of all, the most important thing that you need to do at this point is make sure that he has communication. Speech may or may not ever come, but he needs to learn to communicate in some fashion. Either through pictures, sign language, iPAD apps designed for this purpose. Does the special school have someone that can work with him on this?
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Answers by Expert:
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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