AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication – essentially any method that helps someone communicate beyond spoken words. This includes everything from simple picture cards, visual schedules, low tech devices, to dynamic screen communication devices. If you’re new to AAC or want to understand it better, I wrote a blog post on the 5 Common AAC Myths for a deeper dive. Many parents may believe that AAC will decrease speech, but I know from personal experience, it actually INCREASES speech and social interactions!

RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC

Why AAC?

Every child deserves to express their basic wants and needs – hungry, tired, help – and even have the ability to make comments. Without a way to communicate these essentials, children become frustrated, parents feel lost, and outings turn into battles. AAC gives your child a voice for their most important messages, reducing meltdowns and creating successful social interactions for the entire family.

There is nothing worse than not knowing what your child wants! I remember feeling helpless as my son was having a meltdown and pointing; wondering what he wanted and not knowing how to help him. Honestly, sometimes I wanted to have a meltdown right along with him!

You see, my son has autism and was nonverbal until age 5. I lived this life. Every. Single. Day. As both a speech-language pathologist and an autism mom, I understood AAC from a professional perspective – but I was learning what it meant to actually live it, to be there in those crucial moments.

It was due to early intervention and AAC that helped him communicate – now he talks without using a device. My son’s experience may not mirror your own, but I hope to provide you with inspiration. I see you. I understand you, and I know what it feels like to wonder, ‘Will my child ever talk?'”

RELATED: 10 Tips To Encourage AAC

The Moment That Changed Everything

When my son was three, I’ll never forget the day at the museum when he started getting antsy. Instead of scrambling for his device, scrolling through the pages, and trying to guess what he needed, I showed him the simple communication card I’d created. He immediately pointed to “ready to go.”

I asked, “Are you tired?” and he pointed to “yes.”

Instead of rushing to leave before a meltdown started, I looked him in the eye and said, “I know you’re tired. Let’s just finish this activity and we can go.”

And you know what? He settled down. No meltdown. No battle. He was at peace – not because I gave him what he wanted immediately, but because he had been heard and acknowledged. He was only three years old, but he understood that his feelings mattered. That moment still gives me chills because it proved something powerful: quick communication is about being seen as a human being with valid feelings.

That’s the power of quick communication in action! 💛

What Inspired AAC On-The-Go

AAC On-The-Go isn’t meant to replace your child’s main communication system. It’s designed to complement it with lightning-fast access to the words that matter most during community outings – museums, zoos, restaurants, sporting events, science centers. And let’s keep it real…the grocery store!

RELATED: Grab Your AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

These are places where sensory overload is most likely to occur and your child needs quick solutions to be heard. This is especially helpful when you’re managing other children or navigating large group dynamics where you need immediate communication, not lengthy device searches.

AAC On-The-Go sets the foundation for basic needs, then the comprehensive device can dive deeper into conversation, once your child’s immediate needs are met.

My simple tool gives you instant communication for those urgent moments when your child needs to tell you:

• I am hungry
• I am thirsty
• It is too loud
• I feel sick
• I need my sensory toy
• I am ready to go
• Yes/No

How To Use AAC On-The-Go

Getting started is simple: choose between the vertical or horizontal style (both 8.5 x 5.5 inches), cut it out, and laminate for durability. The compact size makes it easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or sling bag for quick access when you’re out in the community.

RELATED: Grab Your AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

When your child needs to communicate something urgent, simply show them the card and let them point to what they need. You’ll be able to attend to their needs quickly and avoid meltdowns before they start.

BONUS: I’ve included a Canva template link so you can design your own version with pictures that work specifically for your child!

RELATED: Embracing Autism Podcast Interview on AAC🎙️
Want more practical tips on AAC? I had the honor of being a guest on the top 1.5% podcast Embracing Autism. Click the link to listen to the full interview.

Conclusion

Every child deserves to have their voice heard, especially during those challenging community outings. AAC On-The-Go gives your child a way to communicate their most urgent needs quickly, preventing frustration and creating successful experiences for your whole family.

Remember, it’s not about giving them everything they want immediately – it’s about acknowledging that their feelings matter.

The post AAC On The Go: Quick Communication for Real-World Moments appeared first on The Artsy SLP.

The Night My Son Became My Voice

I couldn’t speak. My tongue had swollen so much that I couldn’t swallow, couldn’t form a single word. Panic was setting in as I frantically scribbled notes on whatever paper I could find, shoving them toward my 9-year-old son. He had his grandparents on speaker phone and was reading my notes to them.

But here’s the thing about my son – he gets concerned about things others might consider minor. So when he called my parents, their first instinct was that he just needed reassurance. They thought I had just bitten my tongue or was coughing a little too much.

But my son didn’t give up. For over 10 minutes, my parents offered reassurances that everything would be alright, not realizing I had to write everything down because I couldn’t even speak. My son persisted in communicating, even though they weren’t getting it.

Something in his voice – the urgency, the fear, the absolute certainty that this was different – finally broke through. My dad looked up my symptoms on his phone. “I’m coming over right now,” he told my son. “Don’t let your mom fall asleep.”

I had to be rushed to the hospital, where I discovered I had an anaphylactic reaction – for the first time in my life – and needed an epi-pen injection.

And here’s the thing: my son has autism. And he saved my life.

The Silent Emergency

It was a Friday evening, and I was settling in for what I thought would be a quiet night. My son was with me, but sometimes he spends time with his grandparents on Fridays. (A detail that would prove to be life-saving.) 

I made dinner – seafood and salad, which I’d eaten countless times before. I’d never had a food allergy in my life. Nothing  that would have made me think twice about what was on my plate.

At first, everything seemed normal. But then I started coughing. Just a little at first – the kind of cough you might get from eating too quickly or having something go down the wrong way.

Then it escalated. I had a coughing fit like I was coughing up a lung. My throat felt raw and strained from all the coughing, so when my tongue started feeling strange, I assumed it was just from irritated from all that coughing.

But then my tongue began to swell, and suddenly I couldn’t swallow. We were still sitting at the table, my throat raw from all the coughing. My son looked at me with worry in his eyes.

“Mommy, I think I should call 911,” he said.

I reassured him everything would be fine and told him no. But even as I headed upstairs, thinking I just needed to rest, my son was already moving to his backup plan.

“I’m calling grandparents!” he announced.

He was desperate to get me help, and somehow HE could tell this was very serious, even though I couldn’t.

At the hospital, they confirmed what my son somehow knew before anyone else – this was a severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction that required immediate treatment emergency care.

Why I See Him Differently

People see my son and hear his big vocabulary — the brilliant things he says that make jaws drop — and they assume communication is easy for him. But I see the pauses, the long silences while he gathers the right words. I’ve watched him get interrupted, talked over, or rushed by a world that doesn’t always slow down to listen. Communication is still so hard for him at times.
RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC–For more on my son’s communication journey.

That night, though, he didn’t hesitate. When it mattered most – when my life was literally on the line – he persisted – even though communication is not his strength. Even though it’s hard for him. He persisted to save my life.

My son’s speech is fluent now… But what others don’t know—could have no way of knowing—is that my son was nonverbal until he was five.

I used to advocate for my son and I was his voice. Now he was advocating for me and he was My voice.

He took his greatest weakness and turned it into his greatest strength to save my life. Your child will surprise you too – in ways you never imagined, at moments you least expect, with strengths you didn’t even know they had.

Our children are capable of so much more than the world sees. Trust them. Listen to them. And never underestimate what they’re capable of when it matters most. Believe in the power of a voice that fights so hard to be heard.
RELATED: AAC-on-the-go Freebie

To every parent reading this who’s in the thick of it —who’s waiting for those first words, fighting for services, or wondering what your child’s future holds — please remember this story. That same child who might struggle to order at a restaurant could be the one who saves your life someday.

Additional Resources

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April has traditionally been known as Autism Awareness Month. However, there has been a growing debate over using the word “awareness” vs. “acceptance.” Read on to learn about the purpose, history, and importance of Autism Acceptance Month.

What is the Purpose of Autism Acceptance Month?

Autism Acceptance Month is about accepting people with autism and respecting their rights. It is about accepting them for who they are –all of them, and not trying to change them to fit into your mold of what you think is acceptable. The purpose is to provide dignity and respect. RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

What is the History of Autism Acceptance Month?

April was widely known as Autism Awareness Month. It was founded in April 1970 by Bernard Rimland PhD. The term was used by many outside the autistic community until Paula C. Durbin-Westby, an autistic disability rights activist, coined the term Autism Acceptance Month in 2011. A decade later in 2021 Christopher Banks, president and CEO of The Autism Society of America, urged the media to follow suit and use the term “acceptance” instead of “awareness.” Understanding the history of Autism Acceptance month is important to understand the impact that it has on the autistic community.
RELATED: Engaging AAC Activities

What is the Difference Between Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance?

Many autism advocacy agencies have been using the term “acceptance” instead of “awareness” for over a decade. There has been controversy over the term “awareness.” Some argue that the term refers to knowing that autism exists and for people to just tolerate it. Others argue that awareness also refers to identifying how many people have autism, like it’s a growing epidemic. For example, the CDC reports that 1 in about 8 women will get breast cancer. Using this same terminology for autism makes it seem like it’s something to be afraid of. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) expressed their feelings about the term Awareness vs. Acceptance.

RELATED: Understanding Autism Stimming Behaviors

As we raise acceptance of autism, it is important to learn to embrace it. Long gone are the days when autism was seen as a curse that needed to be cured. In the past, many organizations and researchers focused on autism as being a deficit and something that should be avoided. Paula C. Curbin-Westby states, “These events often focused on how awful it was to have an autistic child. Research is (and still is) focused on ‘prevention and finding a cure’.” In fact, a prominent autism organization just recently removed the “cure” from their mission statement. As long as we are trying to find a cure, it is sending the message that autism is like a disease. Autism is not like cancer or many other diseases that need to be eradicated. Instead, it should be celebrated.

Why is Autism Acceptance Month Important?

As an SLP, I have over 20 years of experience working with autistic children. My understanding and compassion grew with now raising my son with autism. I accept him for who he is and he is amazing.

I think we often get it wrong. Instead of trying to change people with autism; we should learn from them. It is a common misconception that those with autism have no feelings. This couldn’t be any more false. They feel, they see, and they hear everything vividly.

They just may not express it like we do. It doesn’t mean that they don’t care or that they don’t feel. They need to know that we understand them and, most importantly, that we care. RELATED: Debunking 5 Common AAC Myths

In Conclusion

So this April, let’s embrace Autism Acceptance Month and learn to embrace neurodiversity. Autism is not a disease that needs to be cured or a curse that we should be ashamed of. We should learn from one another and appreciate what makes us special. As we learn more about autism, we have learned to welcome differences.

Additional Resources:

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What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of tools used to help individuals with communication challenges express themselves. AAC supports people who are nonverbal or have difficulty with verbal speech. It helps them to effectively communicate by sharing their ideas, feelings, and make comments. AAC consists of low-tech–which includes picture boards and visual schedules and high-tech–which includes speech generating devices and apps.
RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

Why Include AAC Activities In Your Classroom?

Including AAC activities in your classroom will help all students feel like they belong. It also promotes awareness, inclusivity, and an overall understanding of AAC. Providing a supportive environment helps all students thrive and feel included in the classroom setting.
RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC

10 AAC Classroom Activities

Here are a variety of AAC activities that promote communication and engagement for users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems:
RELATED: Increasing AAC Awareness

1. AAC Simon Says
   
   Activity: Play a modified version of Simon Says. Let the students choose commands for the other kids in class to follow. Choose simple commands like jump, clap, or sit. Have a picture card with Simon Says that the student can hold up, along with their command. Also, have Simon Says programmed into student devices.
   
   Goal: Enhance comprehension skills and following directions while incorporating AAC into fun, active play.
   
   Extension: Allow students to take turns being “Simon” and giving instructions with their AAC device.
   
   
2. AAC Charades
   
   Activity: Have a list ahead of time of the words the students have to act out. Already have those words included on picture cards or programmed in student devices. Then when students are acting out the word, students using AAC will be able to hold up a picture card with their answer or use their device. Students using AAC may also take a turn acting out the word.
   
   Goal: Encourage student engagement and creative thinking skills. Also, increase student confidence while promoting social skills.
   
   Extension: Adapt the difficulty level by adding common phrases, instead of just using words. 
   
   
3. AAC Opinion Poll
   
   Activity: Conduct an “opinion poll” where students share their thoughts about topics, such as, their favorite foods, hobbies, or activities. Students using AAC may hold up symbol cards of yes/no to indicate if they agree or disagree with the other students. Find out student preferences ahead of time to have the cards or devices ready for students to share their thoughts. Keep a tally of the responses and then discuss the results.
   
   Goal: Provide students with an opportunity to express their opinions using AAC.
   
   Extension: Use this activity for group decision-making, like voting on class activities or projects.
   
   
4. AAC Word of the Day
   
   Activity: Have a vocabulary word of the day. Students using AAC may use their devices to create sentences with the vocabulary word. This helps the students practice using the word and it reinforce its meaning.
   
   Goal: Build vocabulary, increase comprehension skills, and encourage regular AAC use.
   
   Extension: Create a “Word Wall” where the vocabulary words are displayed for students to practice during the day.
   
   
5. AAC Weather Report
   
   Activity: Have students create a “weather report” using picture cards or their AAC devices. Students describe the current weather and share how the weather makes them feel. Have each student take turns being a “weather reporter” so they can report the weather.
   
   Goal: Encourage language skills, social skills, and practice daily communication about daily events.
   
   Extension: After the students come in from recess, have them make a prediction about the weather for the next day or the rest of the week. Then keep tally of the students that make correct predictions.
   
   
6. AAC Board Games
   
   Activity: Modify traditional board games like Candyland or Connect Four by including AAC. Students use picture boards or AAC devices to ask whose turn it is, what color they want, or to say “I win.”
   
   Goal: Make communication part of the fun while reinforcing language and social skills.
   
   Extension: Create a custom AAC-friendly board game where players must use their devices to move forward or answer questions.
   
   
7. AAC Bingo
   
   Activity: Create a Bingo board filled with commonly used AAC symbols or words. Call out or show the words or symbols. Students using AAC can match the pictures on their devices or match their picture cards.
   
   Goal: Strengthen core vocabulary skills while making learning fun.
   
   Extension: Use this activity to introduce new vocabulary words or themes.
   
   
8. Storytelling with AAC
   
   Activity: Read a story and have students use their AAC devices or picture cards to answer questions. Increase comprehension skills by also having students describe the characters and events.
   
   Goal: Improve language and literacy skills while reinforcing how AAC supports communication.
   
   Extension: Allow students to create their own story and tell it using their AAC devices.
   
   
9. AAC Song Time
   
   Activity: Sing familiar songs with repetitive lyrics–like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star–and use AAC to join in. Include symbols for key words so students can participate by holding up a picture or using their devices. By using a song with repetitive lyrics, the students will be able to anticipate which words are coming next.
   
   Goal: Encourage participation and interaction through music, while building vocabulary.
   
   Extension: Let students choose their favorite songs and use AAC to express their song preferences.
   
   
10. AAC Art Project
    
    Activity: Students create an art project by drawing, painting, or coloring. Then students discuss their artwork using picture cards or their AAC devices. Display the art around the classroom to encourage more group discussions.
    
    Goal: Promote creativity, self-expression, and social skills while integrating AAC.
    
    Extension: Have the students make comments on the artwork and share what they like.

Conclusion

By integrating these activities into your classroom, you’ll help promote awareness, inclusivity, and understanding of AAC. Also, it provides a supportive environment for all students to feel included. By including these engaging AAC Awareness Month Activities in the classroom, you will encourage understanding and inclusion of all Augmentative and Alternative Communication users.

Related Resources

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What Is AAC Awareness Month?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is highlighted in October every year. This time is dedicated to raising awareness about AAC and its impact on individuals with communication challenges. AAC uses alternative communication methods—such as speech-generating devices (think iPad), communication boards, and pictures—to help people communicate.

RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

What Is AAC?

AAC is a form of alternative communication to assist people who are unable to use their voice, or have difficulty speaking. It allows individuals to communicate their wants, needs, feelings, and make comments. Most people may automatically think of speech generating devices when you hear AAC, but it actually includes low-tech and high-tech options.

RELATED: 10 Fun Activities to Boost AAC Awareness

AAC includes

• Low-Tech: picture cards, choice boards, visual schedules, functional sign language, and low tech devices. These technology-based systems include switches, communication devices (i.e. Go Talk), and buttons (i.e. Big Mac).
  
  
• High-Tech: communication devices (i.e. iPad with apps) and speech generating devices (i.e. Tobii Dynavox). Most speech generating devices also include apps that can be purchased and used on the iPad.
  
  
• Unaided communication: Non-verbal methods like gestures, facial expressions, and body posture.
  
  
• Aided communication: Picture boards, symbol systems, and technology-based systems that help convey messages.
  

Who Uses AAC?

The individuals that use AAC are not able to effectively communicate. This includes people that are nonverbal. However, it also includes individuals that have some verbal words, but are unable to effectively communicate with others. Even if someone is able to say a few words, they may benefit from AAC. Common challenges include behaviors, frustration, shutting down, and loss of self-esteem. AAC supports individuals with various conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, and speech or language disorders. It’s about providing everyone with the tools they need to engage in social interactions.

RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC

Why Is AAC Important?

Most importantly, it provides individuals with a voice. For many, AAC is not just a tool but a lifeline that allows them to express themselves, connect with others, and participate in society. Communication is a fundamental human right, and AAC empowers individuals by providing them with the means to express themselves, share their feelings, and advocate for their needs.

What Are The Benefits of AAC?

Most individuals just want to be acknowledged. They want to be heard, make comments, and to be able to express their feelings. Being able to express feelings and emotions is essential to supporting a sense of well-being. AAC also decreases frustration because individuals are able to communicate; and this leads to less behaviors in the classroom setting. What led me to focus on AAC is my son. My son has autism and didn’t talk until he was five. I used AAC as an early intervention tool to help him communicate. Now he is able to talk and communicate without using a device.

RELATED: 6 Sensory Strategies for Autism

Practical Tips For Educators

Ready to get started? Discover my tips to incorporate AAC into your classroom today.

Tip #1: For low tech AAC, Make a visual schedule for a lesson, have a choice board of preferred activities, and teach functional signs to your students like “more” “all done” or “thank you.”

Tip #2: For high tech AAC, familiarize yourself with the device and model how to use it. Start with a smaller set of options as your student learns how to use the device.

Tip #3: Honor all communication attempts. Whatever they communicate, go with it and reinforce what your student says. This helps acknowledge their voice and how they feel. 

RELATED: Understanding Autism Stimming Behaviors

Conclusion

AAC Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of communication and to advocate for others. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or SLP, your support makes a difference–and ensures that everyone is able to communicate. This October, let’s use this month to foster a world where everyone has a voice–regardless of how that voice is expressed.

Additional Resources

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Stimming is short for self stimulatory behavior that involves making repetitive body movements and sounds. It is a form of self-soothing behavior that is a necessary part of the human experience. Stimming behaviors may come and go, depending on the environment; and may decrease as a child matures.

RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

What Are The Types Of Sensory Stimming For Autism?

Sensory stimming includes auditory (hearing), visual (sight), vestibular (balance), tactile (touch), verbal (speech), and oral/olfactory (mouth/smelling) behaviors that are done repeatedly.

• Auditory-Listening to the same song or making the same sounds repeatedly.
  
• Visual-Involving the eyes or eyesight (e.g. staring at moving objects).
  
• Vestibular-Repetitive actions that involve balance (e.g. spinning in a chair).
  
• Tactile-Touching different types of textures.
  
• Verbal-Making the same sound, noises, or words repeatedly.
  
• Oral/Olfactory-Grinding teeth, mouthing non edible items, or smelling objects.
  
  
  RELATED: 6 Sensory Strategies for Autism
  

What Are Common Stimming Behaviors For Autism?

• Hand and arm flapping (most common)
  
• Fluttering fingers near the eyes
  
• Watching items rotate
  
• Staring at objects for a long time
  
• Rocking while sitting or standing
  
• Spinning in a chair
  
• Chewing or mouthing objects
  
• Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
  
• Pacing
  
• Sniffing objects
  
• Running
  

RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC and Autism

What Is The Importance of Stimming In Autism?

• Helps to maintain focus
  
• Soothes the sensory system
  
• Helps process feelings of excitement
  
• Releases built up emotions and energy
  
• Processes sensory input
  
• Helps avoid meltdowns or shutdowns
  
• Relieves anxiety
  
• Provides comfort
  
• Regulates emotions
  
  

Do Only Autistic Individuals Exhibit Stimming Behaviors?

No, neurotypical individuals also exhibit stimming behaviors. These behaviors may appear when someone feels stressed, anxious, or even bored. These behaviors may include:

• Pen twirling
  
• Chewing on pencils/pens
  
• Hair twirling
  
• Biting nails
  
• Foot tapping
  
• Cracking knuckles
  
• Biting bottom lip
  
• Bouncing a leg
  
• Drumming fingers on a desk
  
• Clicking or fiddling with a pen
  
• Repeatedly drawing or doodling on paper

However, neurotypical individuals usually refer to these behaviors as “fidgeting” instead of stimming.These behaviors may provide comfort, maintain concentration, or help with processing information.

What Are Atypical Stimming Behaviors?

Some autistic individuals exhibit stimming behaviors that are less common. In fact, not all stimming behaviors are commonly recognized. In these situations, children are often mislabeled as being disruptive. This is especially true with autistic individuals that require low support. This is because they may appear and act more like their neurotypical peers.

These repetitive stimming behaviors may include:

• Touching items or textures
  
• Listening to the same song or noise
  
• Flicking light switches on and off
  
• Repeating the same questions
  
• Opening and closing doors
  
• Laughing excessively
  
• Requesting the same story, book, or song
  
• Asking about the schedule repeatedly

Some of these stimming behaviors are not as distracting and are often overlooked. The behaviors that are distracting present a challenge because they are commonly misunderstood. In some instances, these stimming behaviors could be misinterpreted as being purposely disruptive. It is often not recognized as being a part of autism. In fact, many have the misconception that the child can control these stimming behaviors and is just being “silly.”

RELATED: Feelings and Emotions FREEBIE

When Should Stimming Be Redirected?

Stimming helps maintain focus, soothes the sensory system, provides comfort, and helps regulate emotions. These behaviors may cause concern if:

• Causes physical harm to self
  
• Overly disruptive to others
  
• Causes extreme distress (e.g. upset, crying, shouting)
  
• Child appears to be in physical pain
  
• Harms someone else
  
• Child appears extremely frustrated

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have concerns about your child’s stimming, be sure to contact your child’s pediatrician

What Are Strategies To Help With Stimming?

1. Avoid punishing the stimming behavior.
   
2. If persistent, consider scheduling a medical exam to rule physical pain or distress.
   
3. Provide a quiet space in the classroom.
   
4. Play calming music in the background.
   
5. Evaluate the sensory environment to look for overstimulation or under-stimulation.
   
6. If the child needs less stimulation, try going to a quiet space or sensory room.
   
7. If the child needs more stimulation, try extra playground time or more time in the gymnasium.
   
8. Learn to recognize and reduce sensory triggers.
   
9. Learn how to recognize stimming behavior and prompt the child to take a calming break.
   
10. Teach calming techniques: deep breathing, using a fidget, deep pressure exercises.
    
11. Provide sensory input: weighted lap pad, weighted blanket, bean bag.
    
12. Create a daily exercise routine–regular exercise releases endorphins and helps to reduce anxiety.
    

Conclusion

Stimming is short for self stimulatory behavior that involves repetitive body movements and sounds. For autistic individuals, it may provide a sense of comfort, help process sensory input, and release energy. Neurotypical individuals often exhibit stimming behaviors in the form on fidgeting; such as, clicking a pen repeatedly, twirling hair, or tapping a foot. You should consider redirecting stimming if it is constant, causes harm to others, or harm to self. Stimming may impact individuals with level one autism differently and these behaviors are often overlooked and misunderstood.

Helpful Autism Tips

1. 5 Tips For Picky Eaters
2. Potty Training Tips For Autism
3. 7 Tips On How Autism Impacts Potty Training
4. 12 Christmas Gifts for Kids With Autism
5. Sensory Friendly Christmas Holiday Activities

Autism Resources

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As the mother of a child with autism, I know first hand how challenging sensory processing disorders can be and, how it impacts daily activities. Sensory processing disorders can significantly affect social interactions and academic performance in school. Before discussing helpful strategies, I think it’s important to understand exactly what sensory processing is and how we receive sensory input.

RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

Senses

Five Senses
We have five major senses: taste, hearing, sight, smell, and touch. Neurotypical children often react differently to these stimuli than children with autism.

Hyper vs. Hypo Sensitivity

Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity is when a person’s senses are heightened to everyday stimuli and sensory input. This means that autistic children with hypersensitivity are often overstimulated by everyday sensory input. A child that is hypersensitive may dislike florescent lights because they are too bright, cover their ears to the sound of a blender because it is too loud, or avoid certain types of fabrics because it feels itchy on their skin.

Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity is when a person may seem under responsive and has a decreased response to everyday stimuli. This means that autistic children with hyposensitivity may not react to certain sounds like their name being called, they may crash into things for the sensory input, crave foods with a strong smell, or be able to spin/swing for a long period of time without becoming dizzy.

RELATED: 5 Tips for Teaching Feelings and Emotions

Sensory Defensiveness

What is sensory defensiveness? It is when a person is over responsive to sensory input.

What does this mean? Our sensory input is how we respond to the five senses in our daily environment. Sensory defensiveness can lead a person to be reluctant to participate in everyday activities. At times, a person may even demonstrate a fight or flight response to common things, like itchy tags in the clothes they wear or the blender whirling in the kitchen.

Types of defensiveness: Tactile (touch); Olfactory (smell); Auditory (hearing); Visual (sight); Oral (taste, texture); and Vestibular (movement, balance).

Sensory defensiveness can affect a person within all situations within their daily activities. They may avoid certain situations, withdraw, stay clear of certain people, or react aggressively to sensory input.

In the long run, this decreases the chance for them to communicate with their peers, participate in group activities, decreases social interaction, and their ability to explore their surroundings.

How will this impact my child at school? Children may be constantly distracted by background noise in the classroom; which impacts their ability to follow teacher directives. They may seek vestibular input by rocking, spinning, or running; which can be disruptive to peers within the classroom setting. They may get in trouble at school for having a sensory meltdown and may have limits time in the least restrictive environment.

RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC and Communication

Sensory Strategies

I have found these strategies to be helpful with my son and you may find them to be helpful too. (Always consult your child’s healthcare provider and Occupational Therapist before trying any new strategies)

1. Weighted Lap Pad – Helps with Proprioception (Body Awareness) and Tactile (Touch)

A weighted lap pad sits across a child’s lap and can be used while sitting at the desk, sitting at the dinner table, and more. The weighted lap pad helps a child feel calmer, organized, and more focused. Many find deep pressure to be relaxing and it helps reduce a feeling of sensory overload.

2. Weighted Blanket – Helps with Proprioception (Body Awareness) and Tactile (Touch)

A weighted blanket can be used at bedtime. It helps decrease anxiety and it provides a sense of comfort and security. Many children find it difficult to unwind and settle down for bed. The weighted blanket also helps with emotional relaxation, which may help improve the quality of sleep.

3. Sensory Compression Sheet – Helps with Proprioception (Body Awareness)

A sensory compression sheet can also be used at bedtime. It is a breathable and stretchy blanket that fits on your child’s mattress. An advantage to the compression sheet is that it provides calming pressure all night and feels like a hug. This may improve your child’s quality of sleep and help them feel refreshed.

4. Noise Cancellation Headphones – Helps with Auditory (Hearing)

These headphones help reduce background noises and distractions. Many children on the autism spectrum are extremely sensitive to everyday sounds (toilet flushing, blender, vacuum). The noise cancellation headphones help block out these overwhelming sounds and help your child concentrate.

5. Exercise Therapy Ball – Helps with Vestibular (Movement & Balance)

Sitting on an exercise therapy ball can help improve attention span and reduce anxiety. It may also come in handy for movement and strengthening exercises.

6. Crash Pad – Helps with Vestibular (Movement & Balance)

The crash pad is useful for children that have a lot of energy. It provides sensory input and allows children to get out some of their excess energy. Children really enjoy jumping and falling into the crash pad. It also provides deep pressure on their joints, which helps improve strength.

Summary

Children on the autism spectrum often interpret the world around them different from their neurotypical peers. They may have difficulty with sensory processing and may later develop a sensory defensive. This can greatly impact socialization with peers and their ability to participate in a variety of activities. Occupational Therapists are trained in improving sensory integration and providing a variety of sensory strategies.

Additonal Autism Resources

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What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

SEL has five major components that include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Teaching SEL in the classroom has a positive impact on children and adults. It encourages student achievement, self-awareness, and positive behaviors in and outside of the classroom. Students that participated in the SEL curriculum saw an increase in their academics, grades, and had better attendance.

How Does Kindness Impact SEL?

Kindness is an important part of the SEL curriculum and is a skill that can be taught like many others. Teaching kindness is essential for children to learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships. As well as, encourage children at a young age to have empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others.

What Are The Benefits of Being Kind?

• Increases happiness
  
• Teaches empathy
  
• Improves focus
  
• Encourages deeper interpersonal relationships
  
• Decreases blood pressure
  
• Contributes to a more connected society
  
• Decreases depression and anxiety

10 Ways to Teach Students How to Be Kind
Encourage Students To:

1. Let someone else go first in line
   
2. Give someone a compliment
   
3. Thank someone for doing something nice
   
4. Play with someone new at recess
   
5. Sit next to someone by themselves at lunch
   
6. Hold the door open for someone
   
7. Greet someone new
   
8. Tell someone close to you how much you appreciate them
   
9. Write a positive note to someone
   
10. Stand up for a friend

Grab my Feelings and Emotions FREEBIE

Lesson Plans for Kindness

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation provides lesson plans for grades Pre-K through High School to teach kindness.They also provide kindness tips to use at home and at work. The Random Acts of Kindness also discusses the
6 Concepts of Kindness – Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Caring, Courage, and Inclusiveness. For more classroom ideas, click to read my article on Random Acts of Kindness Week and scroll to #6.

RELATED: Random Acts of Kindness Activities

Conclusion

Random acts of kindness are small gestures that bring happiness to others without expecting anything in return. These acts include holding the door open for someone, giving a compliment, or simply offering a kind word. Teaching kindness to students contributes to a sense of community, increases empathy, and improves one’s overall well-being.

Additional Resources

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Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Georgia. In 1955, he earned his PhD degree in Philosophy. He was the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church from 1954 to 1960. King led many marches to fight against racism and to strive for equality. He is most known for organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, for his I Have A Dream speech in 1963, and for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He helped to advance the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Why should we celebrate MLK Day?

The Montgomery Bus Boycott helped to end segregation on public buses and King’s I Have A Dream speech united the world with his belief that all men are created equal. King’s historic march from Selma in 1965 influenced the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminating voting practices. King also received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolence. MLK Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a time to educate others and continue to advocate for social justice.

RELATED: Black History Month Activities for the Classroom

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activity

I like to do a project on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For the project, print out a picture of Dr. King Jr. and cut it into squares for each student in your small group. Instruct each student to color their square any way they choose. When everyone is finished, glue the pieces back together. I explain that even though each square is different, we all fit together and we can all learn from each other. Here are examples of the work:

Download Dr. King Jr. coloring page

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RELATED: Fun February Activities for the Classroom

I also like to read this Children’s I Have a Dream Book and it also has a cd of King’s authentic I Have A Dream speech. The kids enjoy looking at the pictures as they listen to the speech.

Additional Resources

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6 Fun February Activities

1. Groundhog Day -Upper Elementary-

Groundhog Day Activities-This bingo activity is great for teaching language comprehension skills. Click to print this Groundhog Day Bingo Game. As a bonus, you can edit and customize up to 20 bingo cards. Another great speech language therapy activity is this Groundhog Day Word Search. As a bonus, you can choose the difficulty level and customize your own activity. Enjoy these activities in a small group or individually. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Groundhog Day Books for Kids.

2. Valentine’s Day -Upper Elementary-

Valentine’s Day Activities-Download my free Valentine’s Day Cut-n-Fold activity that is perfect for speech language therapy. Students can work in pairs and practice their reading skills. One student reads the clue, and then the other student has to guess the right answer. Then they get to fold back the paper to check if their answer is correct. Also, try this Valentine Symbol Sudoku activity. Your students work on repetition and recognizing patterns. Add vocabulary by describing the symbols. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Valentine’s Day Books for Kids.

3. Black History Month -Teens and Upper Elementary-

Black History Month-February is Black History Month; an important part of our history and culture. Learn how to diversify your classroom with these little known Black History facts. In my engaging Black History Bundle; students learn about 32 historical figures and their contributions to society. Use the Black History Bundle with your students during Black History Month and beyond. I also like to do a project on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Click here to grab my Martin Luther King Jr. Activity. Look at the examples below:

Download the Dr. King Jr. coloring page:

RELATED: Martin Luther King Jr. Activities

RELATED: Black History Month Activities

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4. Dental Health Month -Upper Elementary-

National Children’s Dental Health Month-February is Dental Health Month for kids. This is a good time to talk with your students about the importance of good oral hygiene. Explain the benefits of brushing your teeth with the Painting a Tooth Activity. All you need is: paint, toothbrushes, and colored paper. Draw a large tooth on the construction paper and students take turns painting the tooth white with their toothbrushes. Another is a sensory activity with the Brushing a Tooth Activity. All you need is: a laminated picture of a tooth, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Put a dab of toothpaste on the toothbrush and students take turns brushing the laminated tooth. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Going To The Dentist Books for Kids.

Download the tooth coloring page:

RELATED: 5 Tips To Encourage Kids To Eat Healthy

5. American Heart Month -All Grades-

Healthy Heart Awareness-February is American Heart Month; a health education program that encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle. For nearly 100 years, The American Heart Association has been educating others on the benefits of living a heart healthy lifestyle. The Kids Heart Challenge increases awareness through activities and lesson plans by grade. The Kids Heart Challenge also features posters, fun facts, and infographics to use in your classroom: Heart Healthy Activities. Educate your students on the benefits of making healthy choices and the impact it will have on their lives.

Download These Health Conscious Infographics:

6. Random Acts of Kindness -All Grades-

Random Acts of Kindness Week-Celebrated each year from the second week of February. Random Acts of Kindness is near and dear to my heart because I recognize the significance of being kind. I try to be kind to everyone because you never know what someone is going through. It’s important to show kids that even one small act of kindness means the world to someone else. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation strives to make kindness the norm through education and free resources. They provide resources for teaching kindness in our schools, at home, the workplace, and in the community. Kindness at School by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers a wealth of resources to use in your classroom by grade. By teaching children to be kind at an early age, the world will be a much better place. Click to download Kindness Resources that include: posters, coloring pages, calendars, and more to use with your kids today!

So during this winter season, try these engaging activities with your students. Create lasting memories and help chase the winter blues away.

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