Autism/Autistic Grandson

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/22/2006


Question
My grandson has been diagnosed as autistic. He is 4 years old and is in a peer program at a local elementary school. He is in every way a normal, loving, little boy but is not yet speaking clearly. He does say words, understandable to us mostly and is putting them together. His other communication skills are good - pointing, leading you, etc. He has speech therapy twice a week at school, but since he is showing signs of speaking so much more lately, I wonder if outside more intensive speech therapy would be better. My daughter thinks he gets enough during school but he is showing such an interest in talking and even reading. He will bring me a book and point to the words and then say them (I can understand, others would have a problem..) He knows his ABC's and can count. Your ideas on more intensive therapy ? Thanks  

Answer
Hi Sally,

I understand your eagerness to help your grandson progress.  Believe it or not, reading the book for him IS therapy.  You are participating in his education in a very important way.

I think your daughter may be right, though.  It is possible to have too much of a good thing.  Kids in speech therapy, or any other kind of therapy, can get turned off if it is too intense.  

Language learning progresses in a fairly methodical manner.  Even though he is late in learning, he still needs time to progress through the stages just like he did learning to crawl, then to stand and then to walk.

Play is great therapy.  You can make a huge contribution talking to him as you play.  Do it naturally, it works!

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

Please note that I have no control over the "sponsored links" at the bottom of this page. I do not endorse these web sites or their products or opinions. Use your own best judgment in evaluating any claim made. As with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.