Becoming Verbal with Autism
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 5th Aug 2011
I'm looking for advice. My nephew 5 years old, has Autism and cognitive delays. He doesn't speak at all; he just makes noises like he is "singing" to himself (although not with any specific tune), cries when he doesn't get what he wants, and tugs at someone's clothes if he wants to go out or eat something. Very, very rarely, he could suddenly say "No" or "Bye Bye," but very inconsis
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Oral Defensiveness & Aversions
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 2nd Aug 2011
Oral defensiveness falls into two main categories: HYPOsensitivity and HYPERsensitivity:
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• Individuals with hyposensitivities have low oral tone and very little awareness of what's going on inside their mouths. This "oral numbness" so to speak can cause significant speech and feeding delays. For example, the ability to create a food bolus is a critical oral motor skill n
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Using Visual Aids for Communication
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 26th Jul 2011
Are there any tools, workbooks, etc., I can buy to help my mother who has problems with her speech? She is in the moderate-severe stage of dementia. This problem began a few months ago. She is active and mobile with a walker. This new development is causing her to experience frustration and has resulted in her talking less. She lives with me, and while I have some help c
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Strengthening Mouth Muscles
Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 7th Jul 2011
My daughter's speech therapist suggested we have my daughter sip thick liquids (i.e. yogurt, chocolate pudding, etc.) through a straw to work on strengthening mouth muscles. I have not been able to find straws thick enough to work. Do you have a suggestion?
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Drinking out of a straw (any straw) in general is a great way to help individuals learn how to keep the lips closed, how
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