As we reflect on 2023, all of us at Give Kids a Voice are filled with gratitude and pride for what we've achieved together. This past year has been remarkable, not only in our efforts but also in the incredible support we've received from our community. Impacting Lives, One Device at a Time Our core mission at...
The holidays are almost done!! We still have a big one to get through, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! To my neurodivergent parents hang in there! The holidays for families with autistic children, the festivities can bring unique challenges. One of the significant hurdles that parents and caregivers often face is the disruption...
As we embrace the holiday season, a time of joy and family gatherings, inclusivity remains paramount, especially for families of non-verbal autistic children. The Robert Norton Foundation, also known as Give Kids A Voice (www.givekidsavoice.org), is dedicated to providing bilingual Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to families in need, at no cost. This blog...
December is here, the holidays have been in full effect for over five weeks now and I have failed to have the self-awareness to acknowledge publicly just how triggering and anxiety producing this time of year can be. This blog post may not resonate with everyone who reads it, but to my fellow neurodivergent parents,...
Thanksgiving is a time of joy and family gatherings. For families with children who have sensory sensitivities, creating an environment that is both inclusive and comfortable is essential. In this post, we'll explore how to set up a sensory-friendly "kid's table," share activities that can make Thanksgiving enjoyable for everyone, and introduce the role of...
Communication is an integral part of human interaction, a bridge that connects us to the world around us. But for those with speech and communication disabilities, this bridge can be filled with challenges. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a field that empowers individuals with disabilities to express themselves, fostering independence and inclusion. October is...
Non-verbal autism, also known as nonverbal communication disorder or NVC, is a condition that affects an individual's communication abilities. It is a subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which impacts one in 54 children in the United States. Individuals with non-verbal autism face significant challenges in expressing themselves and understanding others, making communication a daily struggle....
How AI could eventually help children like Robert Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making remarkable strides in healthcare, opening up avenues to support children with autism, like Robert. From early diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, AI's versatility holds the promise of transforming the lives of autistic children and their families. ...
Welcome back to the second installment of our guide on creating a sensory-safe Halloween! In Part 1, we explored understanding sensory sensitivities and identified places to avoid and activities to embrace. Now, we venture deeper into the heart of Halloween celebrations: your home. Let's discover ways to make it a haven of spooky yet soothing...
The allure of Halloween is undeniable. From adorable costumes to trick-or-treating adventures, it's a festival that promises fun and memories. However, for families of autistic and non-verbal children, Halloween can present unique challenges, mainly due to sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar situations. But with some thoughtful preparation, it's entirely possible to provide a fun and sensory-safe...