If your toddler has autism and isn’t talking yet — or has just a few words — it can be hard to know where to start. The good news: some of the most effective strategies are simple, everyday habits that both parents and teachers can use, backed by research. Here’s the full series, all in
6 Ways to Help a Toddler with Autism Communicate: The Full Guide Read Post »
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 »
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 »
One of the most common fears parents and teachers share about a nonverbal toddler with autism is this: “If I give her pictures or sign language, will she ever talk?” The research says the opposite is true. Why It Works Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) — things like picture cards, sign language, or a simple
Give Them a Way to “Talk” Before They Have Words: AAC for Toddlers with Autism Read Post »
Supporting a student with ADHD well isn’t about one big fix — it’s usually a handful of small, consistent strategies working together. The right combination varies by student, but most effective approaches fall into five areas: structure, organization, academic accommodations, active engagement, and emotional support. Here’s a quick-reference breakdown of each, with practical strategies you
Support & Strategies for Students with ADHD: A Teacher’s Quick-Reference Guide Read Post »
