Author: singt (Page 1 of 2)

October is Autism Acceptance month in Canada.

Autism Acceptance month is a time to celebrate neurodiversity and increase our understanding of Autism. This helps to reduce the stigma and discrimination that Autistic people experience, and it empowers Autistic individuals to express themselves confidently.

Did you know?

 In September 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada published a new framework for Autism in Canada.

“The purpose of the Framework for Autism in Canada (framework) is to promote the health and well-being of children, youth, adults and older adults on the autism spectrum, their advocates, families, and caregivers; and to provide a common direction for autism in Canada that lays the foundation for collaborative and complementary action to be taken by all sectors. The framework was created in response to the Federal Framework for Autism Spectrum Disorder Act” (Government of Canada, 2024).

To read and learn more about this framework for Autism in Canada click here.

The SLPs at the Burnaby school district value the unique perspectives, strengths, and talents of Autistic individuals, their families/caregivers, and the Autistic community.  We are excited to celebrate Autism acceptance Month with you! To learn more about The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Supporting Autistic People click the link.

Reference

Government of Canada. (2024, September 26). Framework for Autism in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/framework-autism-canada.html#a3.1

Engaging with your child about their day at school can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating for parents when your child gives a one word answer to the common question, “How was school today?”

Here are some additional ways to encourage your child to share more:

1. Ask Specific Questions: Instead of general questions, ask about specific parts of their day. For example, “Who did you sit with at lunch?” or “What game did you play during recess?”
2. Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine where you spend a few minutes talking about each other’s day. This can be during dinner, a walk, or bedtime.
3. Use Conversation Starters: Try fun and engaging questions like, “What made you laugh today?” or “Tell me the most interesting thing you learned about.”
4. Be an Active Listener: Show genuine interest in what they say. Use body language, facial expressions, and follow-up questions to show you are engaged..
5. Share Your Own Stories: Share something about your day first. This can make them feel more comfortable opening up about their own experiences.
6. Engage in Activities Together: Sometimes, doing an activity together like cooking, playing a game, or drawing can naturally lead to conversations about their day.
7. Avoid Immediate Interrogation: Give them some time to unwind after school before asking about their day. They might need a little space before they’re ready to talk.
8. Use Visual Aids: Using drawings or pictures to talk about their day can be helpful. Ask them to draw something they did or saw.
9. Encourage Storytelling: Ask them to tell a story about their day, focusing on details and emotions. This can help them articulate their experiences better.

These strategies can help create a more open and communicative environment, making it easier for your child to share their thoughts and experiences with you.

Please see the About page for the name of the speech-language pathologist for your child’s school and browse by topic for other areas of information.

April is Autism Awareness month, previously known as Autism Acceptance month. Here are some links that highlight the differences between Awareness and Acceptance:

Acceptance, not just awareness: Changing the conversation around Autism

Autism Acceptance: Is There Still a Long Way to Go?

Click on the image above to read more about how SLPs support autistic individuals.

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? It’s the most common childhood disorder that most people have never heard of. DLD  affects 1 in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason. In Canada, there are approximately 2.6 million people with DLD. DLD is a lifelong problem and affects people of all ages.

Today is international DLD Awareness day and the 2022 theme is Growing with DLD. DLD is a lifelong, permanent disability. People do not grow out of DLD but can thrive with supports that can include speech-language therapy and educational adjustments. It’s about growing with DLD.

Resources

RADLD Canada

DLD and Me

Raising Awareness about DLD video

Welcome back to school! Many children often give a one word answer to the common question, “How was school today?” Try some alternative questions to help your child share more information about their day:

• What was your favourite/least favourite part of today?
• Tell me something that was exciting/scary/funny/gross/cool.
• Who did you help today? How were you helped today?
• When were you happiest today?
• Where did you play and who did you play with at recess today?
• Tell me the most interesting thing you learned about.
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Some children will also use a  home/school communication book to help them share important information about their day. Please click here for examples. Please see the About page for the name of the speech-language pathologist for your child’s school.

Happy Friday! We’ve recently added an Early Literacy resource section to this blog which includes information on Learning to Read and updated resources on Phonological Awareness. Hope you and your child can have fun with the activities!

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is very common, affecting approximately 7% of the population. The cause of DLD is generally unknown. A person with DLD can have difficulty talking and understanding spoken language. Spoken words and sentences can be challenging for people with DLD. DLD may also impact behaviour, attention, academic achievement, and peer relationships.

The Burnaby Speech Language Pathologists work with many students with DLD. We also support families and school teams.

For more information, please check out these resources:

Raising Awareness about DLD video

https://radld.org/

https://dldandme.org/

For many students and families, transitioning back to school can be challenging. Part of the challenge is that all children are developing their executive function skills. These are the mental processes that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Like an orchestra conductor or an air traffic controller, to do all this the brain builds the ability to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses (self-regulation). While executive functions are emerging for all children, they can be more challenging for students with learning and behavioral disabilities. Executive functions have a major impact on a child’s academic and social participation and success. 

There are many ways to help your child at home with developing their executive functions and independence. Try using visual reminders of the morning, after school and bed time routines. This can include something as simple as a written or drawn-out schedule on their bedroom door, the fridge or the bathroom.   

• Keep the schedule somewhere everyone can see it. 

• Look at it together often and celebrate when tasks get done – check it off! 

• Have your child be part of making the schedule – they draw some of it; include favorite things; name it together e.g., “Kira’s Awesome Mornings”

• Try using a white board; window markers; or something basic like paper and felts. There are many schedules online or try making one on the computer with images your child chooses with you.  It can be very simple.  The power is that it is visual. 

For more tips, check out our new executive functions page!