Posts Tagged ‘scripting’
More Than Words Can Say
If you had asked me what communication meant five years ago, I would have answered without hesitation, “It’s conversation, talking and listening.” Then my daughter came along and showed me how limited that perception is. Evie is five and a half years old, and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder three years ago. She doesn’t talk, not the way most people do. She does something called scripting, which for her means using words and phrases memorized from select shows, movies and songs to express herself. She throws them out like…
Read MoreA Harsh Reality
That moment when you realize your child’s diagnosis is far worse than you originally thought. It was almost as if I couldn’t catch my breath. Like someone was choking me. I cried as if someone had died. It sounds harsh, but trust me when I say that’s how it felt. I always knew my son Isaiah was special. From the moment he was born, I knew my boy was going to be somewhat different and not live a completely “normal” life. That was my Mom gut instinct. He was born…
Read MoreWhat’s it like to be Nonverbal…
I am so excited and honored to introduce you to Peri of Not Raingirl. I have been following Peri for quite some time and trying to learn everything I can from her. Not only is she amazing herself, I know that she can help me be a better mom to Cooper. Take a read as she describes what it feels like to be nonverbal. Peri’s Story I was not fully verbal until I was 10 years old. I said my first word at 6 years old, but stopped saying much…
Read MoreThere is No Easy Autism
When my daughter was first diagnosed on the autism spectrum last year, I clung to the concept that it was no big deal—that it was “mild,” and she was “high functioning.” She was going to be fine and this was not going to interrupt our lives because she was so smart and how could that happen? But looking back, I now wonder—what does that mean? What is “high functioning autism (HFA)?” Well, it’s not a medical term or recognized diagnosis from the DSM-5 manual, it’s just how some parents prefer…
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