livebeyondautism

Feeding a non-verbal autistic child can be challenging, especially when they cannot express their needs, wants, or discomfort. As a parent or caregiver, it's essential to develop strategies to communicate effectively about feeding. In this post, we'll explore some practical tips and ideas to help you navigate mealtime with your non-verbal autistic child. 1.  Use Visual Aids Visual aids like pictures, symbols, or gestures can help your child understand what's happening during mealtime. You can: •  Create a visual schedule or routine for meals •  Use pictures of food to show what's being served •  Make a "first-then" chart to indicate the order of food 2.  Implement a Communication System Develop a communication system that works for your child, such as: •  Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices •  Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) •  Sign language 3.  Offer Choices Provide your child with choices to give them a sense of con...

Helping Mothers with Non-Verbal Autistic Children: A Guide to Support and Empowerment Raising a child with autism can be a challenging and rewarding experience. However, for mothers of non-verbal autistic children, the journey can be especially daunting. The lack of verbal communication can create significant barriers to understanding and connecting with their child. In this post, we'll explore some practical strategies and resources to support mothers of non-verbal autistic children. We'll discuss ways to enhance communication, manage challenging behaviors, and cultivate a supportive community. Enhancing Communication While verbal communication may not be possible, there are other ways to connect with your child: 1.  Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices: Explore the use of AAC devices, such as picture communication symbols, gestures, or electronic devices that generate speech. 2.  Sign language: Teach your child simple signs for common items and actions. 3...

As I sit down to write this blog post, I'm still trying to process the mix of emotions that I've felt over the past few days. This weekend, my family and I embarked on a journey that marked a significant milestone in our lives – dropping off my daughter at college. As we said our goodbyes and watched her settle into her new dorm room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. My daughter had grown into a capable and independent young woman, ready to take on the world. But amidst all the excitement and pride, I knew that this transition wouldn't be easy for everyone in our family. My son, in particular, has been struggling to come to terms with his sister's departure. He's always been close to his sister, even though they have there differences at times and her absence has left a gaping hole in his life. As we drove back home, he was quiet and subdued, clearly missing his sister dearly. But then, something unexpected happened. As we were talki...

  GET TO KNOW YOUR AUTISTIC CHILD Connecting with an autistic child can feel like an uphill challenge, especially if the child is nonverbal or shows little interest in interacting with others. Even autistic children who are considered high functioning can seem standoffish or unwilling to form an emotional connection. The first step in opening up a relationship with an autistic child is learning about them and embracing who they are.  Understand what bothers them. Is the autistic child you’re trying to connect with hypersensitive to touch, sounds, light, tastes, smells, or colors? Any one of these sensory experiences can cause them to turn away from your efforts to form a close bond. It can even result in a meltdown. If you’re going to have a meaningful connection, you will have to create a safe space for them to express themselves. And that means enjoying time with them in an environment that doesn’t trigger an outburst or cause them to shut down.  Communicate clearly and...