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| FAQ's with Author
and Speaker, Karen Leigh Simmons |
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| Subject: Communication
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 Question
- I have a young cousin who is showing
signs of autism. As far as communication...is
the inability to communicate considering all
languages? What about sign language? Do you
think an autistic child might have an easier
time learning and communicating through the
use of American Sign Language? Or maybe a
combination of speaking and signing?
Erin
Answer - There are all kinds of
possibilites. I don't have a lot of expertise
in this area and would encourage you to
contact a speech and language pathologist
or organization in your area. There is a
book called "Teach Me Language"
by Sabrina Freeman that is quite popular
to help teach language.
good luck.
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| Subject: approaching
a friend with concerns |
Question - Hi
Karen- I'm a pediatric SLP who has been working
with children with autism/PDD as well as other
developmental speech/language problems since
the early '90's. Right now I'm a stay at home
mom of a 2 year old. I have a playgroup friend
whose daughter appears to be on the high end
of the autism/PDD spectrum. She is also 2.
I've asked her how she feels about her daughter's
communication skills, and she said that she's
"starting to talk more," and quickly
changed the subject. My feeling is that she's
aware, at least to some extent, that her child
is not developing the same as the other children
in playgroup. She has several major stressors
in her life right now, and I think she's just
not prepared to deal with this at the moment.
How should I approach this? I've mentioned
this to one other person in playgroup (privately,
of course), as well as my daughter's pediatrician.
Both feel that I should be her friend, and
that when she's ready to ask my advice, she
will. Part of me agrees, and I'm also worried
that if I bring it up before she's ready,
I'll lose her friendship. The other part of
me is concerned that we're missing some valuable
early intervention. Any advice you could give
me would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Tina
Answer - Oh, Tina, I so identify
with this. Many, many parents stay stuck
in denial because others judge them so severely.
I know you don't want to put your friendship
on the line but think of who is really at
stake here. You know better than me how
vital that narrow window of intervention
is! There are gentle ways of getting through
to your friend and she may thank you in
the end for your perserverance. I would
encourage you to gently suggest that she
proves you wrong in your suspicions by taking
her daughter to a specialist. After all,
what can it hurt to check it out. We know
who it can hurt if you don't!
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| Subject: School Report
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Question - hi
i am a high school student in an ontario,
canada school. i need to find out the technical
aspects (medical, emotional, physical limitations)
and how this affects the learning process.
can you please tell me a little about this
subject or refere me to a web site where i
can get the information i need. thank you
very much and hope to hear from you
Christine
Answer - check out www.exceptionalresources.com
for resources in Canada on autism and
aspergers syndrome. also, www.autismtoday.com
an online magazine there is a lot of information
out there so if you can be more specific
I will try to help.
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| Subject: Who works
with people with Autism? |
Question - Who
works with people with Autism? Like what types
of doctors, like for example RN or MD? I need
to know at least three, and if possible their
abbrevation too.
Thank You
Samantha
Answer - Lots of professionals work
with people with autism like paeditricians,
medical doctors, speech and language pathologists,
medical doctors and nurses. It just depends
on what capacity they are involved.
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| Subject: Autism |
Question - I
am a 43 year old grandmother of a 27 month
old and a 5 month old. My
grandson who is 27 months old is still not
talking are trying to
talk...when he wants something he points and
gunts. He does not play by
himself, ect. play with cars,dolls or anything.
If you try to get him to
play blocks, he may play with them alittle
while but does not get involved
in the task. He has no patience and will more
then likely just throw the
blocks after a short period of time and get
up and walk away. He will
watch the TV with interest. He does not feed
himself, however, he does
drink out of a cup. He does not watch your
face to make the expressions to
match yours. He is not trying to dress himself.
Most times you can not get
him to look at you, and really listen to you.
His sister at 5 months is
making all kinds of noises and laughing and
trying to make the faces you
make, she makes good eye contact and responds
as she should. I have tried
to bring it up to my Daughter in law and step
son but they feel that he
will talk when he gets ready. However, their
doctor did have him to start
speech therapy a couple of months ago and
I see no progress, he is now on
his second therapist. I am very concerned
but not sure exactly how to
reseach this correctly. I think there are
different levels of Autism and I
am wondering if that is correct and what stages
are they? Maybe I am just
being a worried grandmother, but I would appreciate
any assistance you can
give me on this matter. Thank you.i
Answer - As far as research and
statistical information you could try autism.org
or autism.net.
good luck
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| Subject: Autism Treatment
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Question - I
am looking for research/statistics regarding
how soon treatment should begin for autistic
children and if there is a better prognosis
if intervention begins early.
Cyndi
Answer -Dear Grandmother,
You can never be too worried! Have you been
to our site:
www.autismtoday.com to the "about autism"
section and taken the
"mini-quiz" this should give you
a real handle on what might be going on.
Yes there are different levels of autism
and you can find this out there
too. Be sure to visit the site and it will
answer many of your questions. We
are making some amazing announcements over
the next six weeks on new
developments with Autism Today so be sure
to opt in to receive our free
newsletter.
Karen Simmons
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| Subject: high functioning
Autism |
Question - Hi
my son is 2 and a half and was diagnosed with
Autistic Spectrum
Disorder because he scored a 5 in his communication
skills and a 10 on
Social skills on his evaluation .I know that
he was speech delayed and shy.
How do I explain what autistic Spectrum is??
Many of our friends a family
are uneducated in this area and say "oh
so he's like Rainman"// I'ts
really frustration because they say he will
be high functioning can you
explain to me high functionin as far as the
future for him Imjust starting
to try to find info but it is all so vague...
Thanks so much Amy
Answer Hi Amy,I've certainly been
there! Done that! I even wrote a book "Little
Rainman" to help my son's teachers,
grandparents, and siblings understand
him. Also for him to understand himself
and at 12 he does. Be sure to go to www.autismtoday.com
to learn more and opt in to receive
our free newsletter. Hope this helps.
Karen Simmons
PS You can click on the Little Rainman link
and learn all about the book.
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