Autism Spectrum Disorders Summer Chenault, Kourtney Landis, Hanna Schenkelberg, and Sarah Wright

Characteristics of ASD Frank, forthright, honest, Have a passionate sense of right and wrong Perseverant and single minded about things important to them Visually strong Precise memories for music and rhythm Early signs tend to include traits such as: avoiding eye contact not responding to voices lack of facial expressions lack of joint attention failure to engage in games

Local Resources Autism Society Central Virginia, 200 South 3rd Street Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 257-0192 info@ascv.org Holds free monthly meeting for parents Have different activities and events such as Lego night and nights out at restaurants Richmond Autism Integration Network. 7250 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229. (804) 754-0000 Their mission is to enhance the social-emotional and spiritual health of individuals with autism through creative social and recreational outlets

Local Resources The Founders Center of Commonwealth Autism. 4108 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228. (804) 355-1011 Their motto is “Helping people reach their full potential” Family insight and involvement are encouraged and are essential components of any support program. Every person is capable of learning and should have the experience of learning and feeling of success.

How to Encourage your Child’s Language Encourage Play and Social Interaction-providing opportunities to play, provides more opportunities to communicate. Imitate your Child- doing this helps facilitate more sound vocalization from your child. Focus on Using Nonverbal and Verbal Communication Together- this builds a foundation for further communication, even if not verbal

How to Encourage your Child’s Language 4. Leave Pauses in Conversation for your Child to Talk- this allows the child to see how a conversation should flow and gives them more opportunity to try and communicate 5.Simplify your Language- this allows the child to process what you are saying and easier for them to imitate your speech

How to Encourage your Child’s Language 6. Use your Child’s Interests- form conversations around what your child likes to do, this will maintain their attention longer and the child will be excited about what they are talking about 7. Consider Using Visuals and Assistive Technology- your child can use these to foster their development of speech and to make requests 8. Have a Structured Routine- research supports that children with ASD excel more when they know what to expect.

References About The Founders Center. (2018, January 04). Retrieved from http://thefounderscenter.org/about/ Lewis, R.B., & Wheeler, J.J., & Carter, S.L. (2017). Teaching Students with Special Needs in General Education Classrooms. New York, NY: Pearson MacKenzie, H. (2008). Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Using Learning Preferences and Strengths. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Richmond Autism integration Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.richmondautism.org/ Seven Ways to Help Your Nonverbal Child Speak. (2013, March 11). Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/03/19/seven-ways-help-your-nonverbal-child-speak Strategies to support speech development in children with ASD. (2017, March 31). Retrieved from http://childrensupportsolutions.com/strategies-to-support-communication-development-in-children-with-asd/ J. (n.d.). Support, Services, Help, Advocacy. Retrieved from http://ascv.org/