Special Needs Children Learn Language Development And Social Skills In Play

From experience, I know that developmental and educational toys alone are not enough to help a child with special needs. But, you can easily help your child learn through play. For example, blowing toys can help to overcome language delay or sensory toys to overcome touch reluctance in a child on the autistic spectrum.

Learning to Play

Children do most of their learning through play so children with special needs can be instantly disadvantaged if their play skills are impaired. Children on the autistic spectrum often lack a natural interest in play and will need extra help to learn to play. The restricted social skills in autistic children and some other special needs children make it difficult for them to accept social interaction during play.

As a parent of a child with a severe language delay and a child with autism, I knew the importance of play and was particularly aware of the value of play based language development. However, I quickly realised that I too needed to learn to play. Merely presenting my special needs children with an array of toys was not sufficient to help develop their play and interactive skills. By spending even a few minutes playing with them, I was able to make a huge difference - and felt much more confident in my own parenting skills.

Using developmental toys

The first step in initiating play with a child with special needs is to gain your child's attention. Often they need to be attracted away from their solitary play or their favoured activity. This requires a toy that is of interest - it does not have to be a specialist developmental toy.

Once you have your child's attention you then need to hold their interest long enough to give them enough of a chance to practise the activity and get to like it - both of which will build confidence and eventually mean they will want to do it again. Peek a boo with a scarf, bubbles, balls, bean bags and puppets are very simple devices for attracting a child to join in with a game and can be started easily anywhere at any time.

Cause and effect toys for children with special needs

I have found cause and effect toys are really good because a child will quickly learn that if he does one thing something else will happen - press the button and a light comes on, or a character pops up or as with the Sound Puzzle Box where if a shape is correctly inserted into the right hole it makes a squeaky noise.

Ball or car ramps and pop up peg toys can be used to help queue in a child, who otherwise is reluctant to involve you in their play or to interact during play. Merely holding onto the car or ball at the top of the slope saying 1,2 3 'GO' but only letting go once your child looks at you accompanied with a big whoop is another good way of increasing your child's enjoyment as well as promoting interaction and eye contact.

Games to stimulate social skills, especially in autistic children

Ball and car ramps are also very good for practising social skills such as turntaking and waiting, you may have to work hard to stop your child from grabbing the ball when its not his turn but doing these sorts of activities frequently can really help your child to wait and participate more willingly. These are just some ideas to help entice a child with special needs away from solitary play even for a short time initially and to help develop a desire to play.

How SenseToys aims to help parents and carers

When my children's special needs were identified, I was amazed that I couldn't find a shop or mail order catalogue selling the kind of toys I wanted for my autistic son, Eddie. There were plenty of pre-school educational toys but I had to search high and low to find things that were suitable. I also needed some guidance on the best way to play with them to help Eddie. It is all very well having special toys but if you don't know what to do with them or how to engage your child it is not much use. It is not the toy, it is what you do with it that gives it value for an autistic child. The aim of the SenseToys website is to bring you colourful, fun toys and lots of inspiring ideas for how to play with them with your special needs child.

As the mother of two special needs sons - my eldest suffered a language delay through glue ear and my second son Edward has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - I became frustrated by endless fruitless searches for toys and activities to help with their special needs. Even when I found suitable toys, I still wasn’t always sure how to use them to help my sons, so I established a company called SenseToys. The SenseToys range has been developed with several leading therapists and Montessori trained teachers ensuring that the products and play tips are appropriate. I am committed to helping parents and carers find and choose the toys they need. I feel it is essential to explain to people how to use these toys and why they work. I know from my own experience how important it is to get practical information and advice, especially when you are learning about and coping with special needs for the first time.

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What Are Some Mild Autism Treatments?

The symptoms of mild autism are far less severe than those associated with more severe forms of this condition. Unfortunately, this will often result in many children being undiagnosed for several years, and the treatment process being delayed. In many cases of children having mild autism, if they perform a sequence of different therapies and treatments they can recover.

Individuals with a mild form of autism will often develop very well and have a normal speaking ability. Regular therapy at a young age can have incredible results, and can help to cure the child of all signs of autism. Treatments will typically fall into two different categories, and will need to be tailor made to the individual child.

Every single autism case is unique; therefore, the child will need to be assessed before treatment should begin. Both educational and medical treatments can be successful, depending on the child and how mild the autism symptoms are. Although drugs are diagnosed for some forms of autism, many people prefer to use other methods and treatments. Speech therapy, physical therapy and animal assisted therapy, are all extremely popular.

Speech therapy is one of the most common treatments available and many children with mild autism will need to perform this. Children with mild autism will often develop their speech differently, and their necessary communication skills may be lacking. Therefore, spending the time to re-educate the child and encourage them to speak appropriately is essential. If the child is struggling to communicate correctly, other methods such as picture exchange may be used.

Animal assisted therapy is becoming a very effective form of treatment for mild autism sufferers and can be highly effective with children. The daily routine that is needed with animals can help children come to terms and deal with their autism. The daily interaction with an animal can have remarkable healing and therapeutic benefits. Feelings of loneliness and stress will vanish when a unique bond is formed between the child and the animal.

Massage therapy has been found to help people with developmental issues and mild forms of autism. Regular massage therapies can help to relieve stress, increase attention spans and help with the overall aversion to being touched. Many children with mild autism will not know how to show affection, and will be unsure of appropriate touching and hugging. Therefore, the massage and touch therapy can help to relax and guide them.

Music therapy is a controlled experience that can help with autism in many different ways, and help positive changes to be achieved. Through planned sessions that should be developed to suit the child, many different things can be achieved. Music is an extremely powerful tool and can be used in several different forms. This can include singing, playing instruments, listening to music and moving to the sounds.

Sensory integration is particularly beneficial especially to children who find it difficult to cope with their surroundings. Many children with autism will not adapt to the environment they are in, which can cause disruptive behavior. By teaching the children more regarding their senses and how to cope with the feelings they are experiencing, they will develop far better. By including several of the different techniques it is possible to take positive steps to curing mild autism.

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What Is HFA - High Functioning Autism?

Autism as a disorder is diagnosed on the basis of abnormalities detected in the subject in the spheres of social interaction, communication, imagination, combined with a marked tendency towards indulging in peculiar, repetitive behavior. Most autistic subjects also have very few interests and passions and largely keep to themselves. So how is the condition of high functioning autism different and how is the diagnosis made on the subject?

The term, 'High-Functioning Autism', also called HFA, applies to people suffering from autism, who also register an IQ of 80 or above. People with HFA also have a clear ability to speak, read and write. Hence, people diagnosed with HFA might actually have normal or even above-average intelligence on the whole and might not at all seem that cognitively challenged at all.

An autistic person who displays all the signs of typical HFA except having a history of delayed or abnormal speech development, is said to be suffering from Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

There is a school of thought that believes that both AS and HFA are types of a disability in the autistic child. But that might not be the case at all. Children suffering from high-functioning autism are only different as compared to others, not necessarily disabled.

Sometimes, certain types of high-functioning autism are diagnosed as Asperger's Syndrome and certain other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The symptoms of such types of HFA are more or less those of regular autism. There might be a delay in speech development, understanding of language and slang, repetitive behavior and rigid, unchanging and stubborn mental attitude.

A child who is diagnosed with HFA should immediately be taken to a specialized professional, such as a pediatric neurologist or child psychologist, who would be able to suggest further course of treatment. With regular treatment and therapy, children with high functioning autism may even be able to live full, normal lives.

Raising a child with high-functioning autism is not the end of the world either for the child or his family. There are only certain things that have to be done if the child has to make quick recovery.

Visiting treatment centers

Once the diagnosis of high-functioning autism has been made on the child, he needs to be immediately taken for treatment. The earlier the therapy commences, the better it is for the child. Each school district in the United States offers programs that help and assist children with such conditions.

Mapping out a strategy for treatment

The strategy for therapy has to be decided upon and implemented without delay. Autism is not a disease - it is only a mental condition which involves a different kind of brain functioning. Charting out the best course of therapy and getting to it as soon as possible helps the child overcome his challenges that much faster.

Experts formulate a strategy for social, communication, motor and other behavior skills. A specialized therapy plan, called the Individual Education Plan (IEP) is worked at, after the specialist brainstorms with the parents and teachers. Methodically laying out this plan is what helps the child progress in the academic and other fields of his life.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is applied to reward these children for right behavior, so that they learn to reform from it. They are also taught to let go of their stubborn tendencies and develop better social and communication skills.

Conclusion

Treating children with HFA is slowly becoming easier, thanks to the discovery of new strategies and therapies available for the condition. If treated early enough, children suffering from high functioning autism can lead a normal, successful life ahead.

Melissa Fox is a health professional very interested in Teaching Children With Autism. She enjoys writing inspirational articles for Real Living. To learn more about High Functioning Autism please visit www.CausesOfAutism.org

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Can Autism Be Prevented?

Can autism be prevented? Unfortunately, no, it cannot be prevented or cured. Early diagnosis is critical and may help maximize an autistic child's ability to speak, learn and function. Regular visits to a pediatrician can help with early signs and detection. The earlier treatments can begin, the more effective they will be.

Autism is a pervasive development disorder. It is actually a group of illnesses that cause delays in the development of many basic skills, such as, the ability to form relationships and socialize with others, the ability to communicate and use imagination. Many children with autism are confused in their thinking a have problems with the world around them. They usually have a limited range of interest and are unable to bond with their parents or siblings.

Symptoms of autism will usually appear before age 3, but will last throughout life. Some of the symptoms are difficulty with communication, including using and understanding language, difficulty in using non-verbal communication, such as, gestures and facial expressions and the inability to make friends and even preferring to play alone. An autistic child may have a distinct lack of imagination and be unable to adjust to any change in routines or surroundings. They may exhibit an unusual insistence on following daily routines in exact detail.

While babies all develop at their own pace, you should consult a physician if any of these warning signs are present. If your baby does not babble or coo by 12 months of age, or seems unable to gesture, point or wave by 12 months or is not saying at least single words by around 16 months of age. If your child has lost any language or social skills at any age it could be a warning sign worth some further exploration by a physician.

While the exact cause of this disease is not known, much speculation about the correlation between childhood vaccinations and autism has surfaced in recent years. Some parents believe there is a link between the vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella. Research, however, suggests that the only link is that symptoms of autism usually appear shortly after age one, or the usual time these vaccinations are started. Researchers believe there is no connection other than a coincidence of timing.

Autism treatment usually includes a combination of special education, speech, physical and occupational therapy and behavior modification. There is no medication to specifically treat the disease, but some medication may be used to treat specific behaviors such as, hyperactivity, nervousness or behaviors that may result in injury.

Can autism be prevented? Unfortunately, no, but with early diagnosis and treatment, symptoms may improve as children age. The outlook appears better for children with higher levels of intelligence who are able to communicate with language. Again, regular visits to a pediatrician can detect any signs of autism so that early treatment can be started. The earlier treatments begin the more effective they will be.

Do you have an autistic child or loved one? Calm your fears and don't despair. Help is near. Right now, before you do anything else, click over to the Parent's Autism Guide. This may be the most important thing you will do today.

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The Warning Signs of Autism in Infants

Although the exact cause of Autism still remains somewhat of a mystery, most doctors and other health professionals that there is some type of genetic link between the disorder and genetics. Additionally, there are other variables that are possible causes such as abnormalities with the child's immune system and contributing environmental factors.

Although the cause of the disorder remains unknown or speculative at best, major medical advancements have been made in the past decade where the management of treatment of the disorder are concerned. However, most medical professionals agree that the best course of action is early intervention and diagnosis.

Autism's early warning signs and symptoms

The following information has resulted from a number of different studies that were conducted in order to discover some of the early warning signs and symptoms of Autism in the infancy stage of the child's life. The following are what you should look for and by what age these should be apparent:

- the absence of smiling or other positive facial expressions by 6 months of age

- failing to exchange smiles and sounds with others by 9 months of age

- the inability to babble, wave, point and/or reach for different objects,, by 12 months of age

- the lack of or total absence of any vocabulary development by 16 months of age

- the inability to create basic two-word phrases by 24 months of age

- a regression of communicative, social, and speech skills at any age

There may also be noticeably, severe sensory issues during their infancy that you should look for such as an abnormal reaction to certain sounds or tastes and touching.

Early intervention and treatment

If these signs or symptoms mentioned in the preceding section appear early on, you don't want to delay or procrastinate about this. You should talk with your pediatrician and maybe even a neurologist or psychiatrist/psychologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism. While the infant is being observed, the parents will most likely be interviewed to see if the diagnosis of Autism is accurate. The doctor may also order for the infant to receive a hearing test and an MRI.

Additionally, if there are communication, language, and social issues that are apparent, the doctor may also recommend a speech pathology evaluation. Once all of these variables have been evaluated, clinicians and other doctors may get involved in order to develop some type of educational intervention program for the afflicted infant. The most important treatment for Autism involves teaching the infant or the child how to communicate and interact socially successfully with others around them.

Beware of the misconceptions

No two children or infants are ever alike in the manner that Autism affects them. Symptoms of the disorder can range from mild or slight to extremely severe. The common misconception to be aware of is that every child or infant with Autism does not display any emotional response such as smiling at others. For instance, this may not be an issue whereas other children may smile but have serious linguistic or sensory issues.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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Toddlers - Speech Delay or More Serious Problems?

Does your toddler talk? Does your toddler scream to communicate?

When I looked down at my beautiful baby infant my heart soared. There is nothing in this world that can match the feelings of seeing your very own new born baby.

My baby girl was a wonderful infant. She really did not give me any unordinary problems.

When my baby was around two years old she suddenly changed.

What had happened to my wonderful sweet baby girl?

Yes I know there are the terrible two's. I had another child, older and I remember when he went through the terrible two's. Plus I remember when my sister's children went through there terrible two's but this was different.

My little toddle did not talk she screamed to communicate with me and anybody that was in her small life circle.

I know that many two year old children do not talk. They might start talking when they are 2 ½ or 3 years old but this was entirely different.

My family and friends suggested that I take my beautiful daughter to a doctor. I did and I am forever grateful to my family and friends for making the suggestion to me.

When it comes to children and parents some people would never think of becoming involved. As an outsider, they have a clearer window since they are not involved in the day to day care of the child.

The doctor immediately upon my description of how my child was acting and screaming to communicate plugged me into a Speech Therapy class.

The doctor also recommended a Child Psychologist.

For the next three years my life revolved around my daughter's schedule of attending speech therapy three times a week.

Immediately following speech therapy we went directly to the Child Psychologist's office.

The speech therapy and the Psychologist's therapy combined achieved a wonderful miracle.

My daughter started to slowly start speaking using one or two words sentences. Gradually her vocabulary continued to build.

After she was in kindergarten and all throughout elementary school, she continued her speech therapy. Her visits to the Child Psychologist were now only twice a month.

As a mother and having lived through this trauma and believe me it was a trauma. I am happy to say my daughter, a young lady today, is working, owns her own car and is financially independent. I am very proud of her and could not imagine her not being in my life.

I say a strong thank you to the wonderful Speech Therapists that worked with her throughout the years.

I also say a strong thank you to the wonderful Child Psychologist who worked with my daughter throughout her younger years.

I do not know what would have happened to her if she would not have had this special care in her early years.

I strongly recommend to parents, if you have a child that you feel needs help in anyway get the child evaluated by a doctor immediately. It's never too early to act.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to check out my other articles. I would love to hear from you.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler

Linda would like a child evaluated immediately as soon as the problem presents itself.

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Currently Linda has published her first children's book, "Ghost Kids Trilogy". This is three complete books in one book. Christy 12, and her brother Brad, 16 move into an old house on a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids. Love, and Family Values burst off the pages along with Adventure and Mystery. To order, "Ghost Kids Trilogy," check out my website http://www.lmeckler.com

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