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Autism/Severe autistic changing languages
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Question
To follow up to a question you answered in this site before... What about a 9 year old severe autistic boy who only has been exposed to one language (Spanish) but that still doesn't speak it and it is questionable if he understands anything in spanish but the most basic commands... What about taking him to a private american autistic specialized school where everything is in english... Quality of treatment should be better but I fear that he will go backwards because of the change in language.
It depends on where he lives. If he is now living in the United States, you are going to have to take the risk that there will be some regression in terms of understanding of language,but it should be done. If he is going to be living in a Spanish-speaking country, then I don't see the point to do that
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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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