School is Back in Session! For most of us, the school year is among us! Let’s be honest because I know the feeling. If you are anything like our family with an autistic, non-verbal child you may be feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. Summer was very challenging due to the disruption of routine and inconsistency of specialized services like camps...
When taking non-verbal autistic children to crowded places such as amusement parks or community events, it's crucial to ensure their safety and visibility. Wearing bright and easily identifiable clothing is one essential strategy to manage the risks associated with such environments. This blog post explores why high-visibility clothing is vital and offers practical tips to...
As the school year winds down and the promise of summer beckons, many families eagerly anticipate vacations, outdoor activities, and the freedom from rigid schedules. However, for parents of autistic, non-verbal children, summer can bring a unique set of challenges that transform this season of relaxation into a period of heightened stress and anxiety. The Quest...
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,...
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....
We’re back today to explore a crucial aspect of parenting a non-verbal autistic child - teaching self-soothing techniques. Managing emotions can be uniquely challenging for these children, particularly because of communication difficulties. However, with tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, which our foundation is proud to supply free of charge, we can bridge...