In the News - As parents of complex special-needs kids, we know that inclusive education doesn't work

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Check out this Globe and Mail article - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-as-parents-of-complex-special-needs-kids-we-know-inclusive-education/

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Prepare your Child for Communication at School

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With children going back to school in a few weeks, parents will be wanting to help prepare their children's communication skills for school, especially if they are entering Kindergarten. Good communication skills can significantly impact a child's socialization and academic skills. Here are some ways you can help your child prepare for communicative success at school: 

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1. Be responsive - remember to comment or respond to your child's remarks. 

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2. Match your child's utterances - When speaking to your child use sentences that are similar to his/her sentence length. For instance, if your child is communicating using 5 words, you should try and keep your sentences to 5-6 words in length as well.  

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3. Encourage verbal communication turns - Children may often gesture, scream or cry to get something that they want. Try and encourage your child to use a word(s) to request wants and needs. Do not give them their desired item until they use a word. 

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4. Follow your child's lead - Engaging in your child's play is one of the best ways to engage in an interaction with your child and to help your child build upon their vocabulary and communication skills. Try to do this regularly and see the difference with your child's communication. 

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I've Lost My Words but not my Brain - Understanding Aphasia 

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The Brampton Guardian published an article proving insight into Aphasia - https://www.bramptonguardian.com/opinion-story/8754086-i-ve-lost-my-words-but-not-my-brain/

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Soar with Speech this Summer!

 

Are you worried about maintaining your child's speech skills this Summer? Are you worried that the upcoming summer holidays will make your child's communication skills regress? Here are 5 things you can do to help your child maintain their speech and language skills this Spring:

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1. Practice your child's speech sounds or target words in daily activities (e.g., playing outside, bath time, meal times)

 

2. Create opportunities for your child to practice their sounds/words without them knowing- e.g., placing objects wih target sounds/words out of reach, giving a choice, etc.

 

3. Practice your child's speech or language skills while reading a book and describing the pictures.

 

4. Take time to talk with your child and encourage them to ask questions. Also, ask them to repeat themselves when you don't understand them-- this will be a good way to see if they are using their speech strategies

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5. Be creative! Do some crafts or play games that encourage your child to practice their targets sounds and words

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Good Luck!

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Broaden Your Child's Communication

 

Have you ever noticed a child looking at you in the subway or on the go train? The child is probably looking for attention or someone to talk to on their journey.  You may have even noticed a child looking at their parent/guardian, but not getting the attention that they are seeking in return. Those attention-seeking moments are key moments for parents and caregivers to help their child broaden their communication horizons. Whether it is by making silly faces, pointing, labeling things around you, or talking about your day, children will get the receptive and expressive language exposure they need to help them develop their communication abilities. So, the next time you are on the subway and have a child staring at you, give them the attention they seek and help them reach their communcation potential.