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

2. 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

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

4. Local Resources
The Founders Center of Commonwealth Autism E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA (804)
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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. References
About The Founders Center. (2018, January 04). Retrieved from
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
Seven Ways to Help Your Nonverbal Child Speak. (2013, March 11). Retrieved from
Strategies to support speech development in children with ASD. (2017, March 31). Retrieved from
J. (n.d.). Support, Services, Help, Advocacy. Retrieved from