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 »
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 »
One of the easiest tools for avoiding power struggles in the classroom is also one of the most overlooked: giving students a choice. Why It Works Most kids don’t fight because they refuse to do the work — they fight because they feel like they have no say in the matter. When a student is
Offering Choices: A Simple Way to Prevent Power Struggles Read Post »
Elements of an IEP: A Teacher-Friendly Guide to Writing an Effective IEP An Individualized Education Program, commonly called an IEP, is more than a document that schools complete once a year. A well-written IEP provides a roadmap for supporting a student with a disability and helping that student make meaningful progress in school. For teachers,
Elements of an IEP 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 »
