If a toddler says “ba” for ball, the instinct is often to correct it: “No, say ball.” It comes from a good place — you want them to get it right. But for a toddler just starting to talk, that correction often does more harm than good. Why It Works Correcting a toddler’s attempt can
Model, Don’t Correct: A Communication Strategy for Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
When you ask a toddler a question or model a word, it’s natural to jump in and fill the silence within a second or two. But for a toddler with autism, that quick silence isn’t empty — it’s often exactly when they’re processing what you said. Why It Works Toddlers with autism frequently need more
Wait Five Extra Seconds: A Communication Strategy for Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
You don’t need a “lesson plan” to build a toddler’s communication skills. Some of the strongest research-backed strategies don’t happen at a table with flashcards at all — they happen during snack time, bath time, and getting dressed. Why It Works Naturalistic intervention — teaching communication inside ordinary play and daily routines, instead of isolated
Build Language Into Everyday Routines: A Communication Strategy for Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
Many well-meaning adults fill silence with questions: “What’s this? What color is it? Can you say ball?” For a toddler with autism who isn’t talking yet, this can feel like pressure — and it often shuts communication down instead of opening it up. There’s a simpler approach with just as much research behind it: narrate
Talk With Them, Not At Them: A Communication Strategy for Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
Happy Labor Day! Ms. Gina still laboring.
Happy Labor Day! Ms. Gina’s Still Laboring Read Post »
If you’re a parent or teacher supporting a child who isn’t communicating with words yet — or is just getting started — a core vocabulary board can open up a whole new way to connect. Core words are the small set of words that make up most of what we say every day: go, stop,
Build a Free Core Vocabulary Board for Your Child or Student Read Post »
Half are signed. Half are ‘I’ll bring it tomorrow.’ It is tomorrow.
The Permission Slip Pile | Educatedly Teacher Comics Read Post »
A practical first-steps guide for parents and teachers introducing AAC to a young child. Why It Works If your 3-year-old isn’t talking much yet, it’s natural to want to wait and see. But research shows starting AAC (augmentative and alternative communication — think picture boards, symbol cards, or simple speech-generating apps) early doesn’t hold speech
AAC for 3-Year-Olds: Where to Start Read Post »
When a toddler with autism isn’t talking yet, the instinct is often to redirect them — point to what you want them to look at, hold up a flashcard, ask them to repeat a word. It makes sense. But it usually backfires. The strategy with the strongest research behind it works the opposite way: get
Follow Their Lead: A Simple Way to Build Communication with Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
