
Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
The Art of Verbal Shaping

deleted_user
This Friday I begin my journey of getting involved in the Autistic community at the DFW Center for Autism by taking a Workshop 'Teaching Children to Speak: "The Art of Verbal Shaping".'
I have a wonderful connection with people who have Autism, and as a Yoga teacher who is about to take an intensive training in Yoga for the special child I want to get involved locally. I want to begin my training and education so that i can serve and give and help others. I am an Artist and that is how i make my living. I teach Yoga for free, so I thought this would be a good way to help families with Autistic children, Be a Yoga Teacher for the Special child.
Has any one tried this with their children, and does anyone have any feedback?
I think it would be wonderful !!!!!!
I'll let you know how it's going.
Bright Blessings -Cynthia
I have a wonderful connection with people who have Autism, and as a Yoga teacher who is about to take an intensive training in Yoga for the special child I want to get involved locally. I want to begin my training and education so that i can serve and give and help others. I am an Artist and that is how i make my living. I teach Yoga for free, so I thought this would be a good way to help families with Autistic children, Be a Yoga Teacher for the Special child.
Has any one tried this with their children, and does anyone have any feedback?
I think it would be wonderful !!!!!!
I'll let you know how it's going.
Bright Blessings -Cynthia
Posts You May Be Interested In
-
theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
-
I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
These kids are age 3 to 5 :)
special needs and all
"Ball Bounce, Ball Baounce, Ball bounce."
We talked about sign language, and using pictures to communicate.
The big thing I got out of the Sign language discussion was that it seemed to inspire the children enough in the long run to eventually begin to use words, because, to me, it seemed they got excited about communicating instead of just mimicking for the reinforcer (reward). A lady shared how she had a son that did not talk for 10 years until he learned sign language and that some how became a bridge for him to learn to be verbal and form words, because he was so excited about being able to communicate instead of being frustrated.
I was moved by the workshop, and it often brought tears to my eyes because I am being so inspired and lead to working with Autistic children, and children with special needs. I am overjoyed as my heart reaches out to these children, and to the parents. I have always had a special connection with special adults, and now the clown energy in me, that goofy fun loving spirit is going to really be of value to children, and parents. I look forward to my Yoga teachers training for the special child in 2008.
Next Monday I am going to a lecture where a TX state representative, Viki Truitt is talking about a bill (1919), that will help assist parents with Autistic children between ages 2-6, assisting with everything including physical therapy. Look for the post next week.
you can check out that lecture on the info for the DFW Center for Autism... just Google it. It's in the workshop department or contact me.
Thanks everybody! Bright Blessings-Cynthia
You all may know I have many years of yoga training and am considered qualified and certified and registered and from all those words you may know I am pretty wacked. Yoga is the drug I take when the pressure makes me cry. Yoga keeps my energy positive and helps me stay on track. I teach all sorts of people including my kids, but they don't know it. It is the best thing to do, no matter if you are young or old, and especially if you are suffering from something, yoga will help..
I can't shut up about the benefits of yoga.......
At the workshop we discussed Gibberish, and many parents were concerned...should they stop them? The general consensus was that gibberish was great, at least it was being verbal, and that from there you can begin to shape the words by forming the sounds. Gibberish can be seen as a strong desire to communicate. Choose a focus, perhaps 'Potty' and work on the "PPPPP" and then go to "Pah pah pah" you can later work with "TTT" TyTyTY".
In collecting data for the Applied Behavior Analysis you go back and forth with a reinforcer seen by some as a reward. It motivates them to have results. For example a favorite toy, or a new toy only used during this time of training/learning. Or you can use sensation like tickle, or high five. SO it goes like this, 3 trials, then the reinforcer: tickle them, they laugh and giggle and have fun, then work on three trials of 'PPP', 'PPP', 'PPP'...then tickle, and if they make the sound then reinforce the positive action with a HIGH FIVE, and a verbal "VERY GOOD", or "I LOVE IT WHEN YOU TALK!"
Introduce sign language: Sign GOOD JOB, modeling it as you say it.
If a toy is in the hand that they are interacting with, something that has lights or makes noise....let them them interact with it for a few seconds, then cover it and work on the "PPP", give it three seconds, "PPP", then 3 more seconds, "PPP" then let them play with it, that was 3 trials. Then go through the process again. In ABA 10 trials a minute is suggested...wow that is allot, but it keeps them focused.
Have at least two reinforcer's, if they get bored you can switch to the other motivater. And even if they are just mimicing, it's a step...
Once you get to the 'Potty' word, you can add on to it by introducing the word "Go".
Good Luck!!!!