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SOCIALLY
SPEAKING GROUP FORMING NOW
Socially Speaking is a program designed to help
older children and adolescents develop social skills. While it
is true that children on the autism spectrum have much
difficulty with these skills, children with a variety of
learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and nonverbal
disorders also have difficulty interpreting social situations,
deciding on an appropriate behavior and following through on
that behavior. For this reason, our Socially Speaking program is
not just for those with ASD. It is for everyone.
In his book “The Child with Special Needs,” Dr. Stanley
Greenspan describes the way a typical child learns a skill in
real life. He writes that a child learns a skill and generalizes its use at the same
time. Our special needs children require “more practice and higher states of natural motivation.” It is the
purpose of Socially Speaking to provide the structure, create
situations and also provide the practice that will lead to more
meaningful and spontaneous use of socially acceptable behavior.
Each session includes role-play and time to practice skills
during games, snack or craft time. When appropriate,
non-disabled children have been invited to participate. Topics
which have been targeted in past sessions include: starting a
conversation-The Two Question Rule, Talking Too Much and Using
an Appropriate Tone.
Children who are non-compliant and need frequent physical
prompting to direct their attention, or who are echolalic
(repeats what is heard) may benefit more from a different type
of therapeutic program. The interview process guides us toward
the best program for each child.
Socially Speaking meets once weekly for 12 weeks. Cost is $75
per session payable in monthly installments. We ask that a
commitment to attend all sessions be made at the time of
enrollment. A new group is being formed now. If you have a child
that you believe can benefit from this program, contact our
office for more information. If you know of a child who can
benefit, please pass the enclosed flyer to the family.
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WHAT'S
NEW WITH THE STAFF
Mary Ann Moore has been invited to speak at Fort
Bend Family Services on March 24. Her topic is helping children
and adolescents on the autism spectrum acquire appropriate
social skills.
Lali Gray continues as a
clinical supervisor at the
University of Houston. Occasionally she needs to reschedule
clients in order to observe her graduate clinicians. She
appreciates the flexibility and understanding of her families.
Haley Helmer has been attending conferences on autism and
serves on the board of the Communication Disorders Alumni
Association.
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BOOKS
WORTH LOOKS: “When
the Brain Can’t Hear: Unraveling the Mystery of
Auditory Processing Disorder” by Teri James Bellis,
Ph.D. |
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Dr.
Bellis is considered an expert in the area of Auditory
Processing Disorders, and her first book is required
reading in audiology departments of several
universities. Her second book, “When the Brain Can’t
Hear,” is for the rest of us. What makes Dr. Bellis’s
second book on the topic of auditory processing
disorders so effective is her disclosure of her own APD
discovered following head trauma from a car accident. By
describing real life cases of people living with APD,
including herself, Dr. Bellis explains the relationship
between learning, language and auditory processing. We
learn how APD effects each stage of life, from infant to
senior citizen. Most helpful are her descriptions of
children though all growing stages. She details what
should be included in evaluation and discusses the
resulting impact upon the person. Her treatment section
is filled with strategies for therapy and home life, and
she gives her opinion of well known programs available
to the public. Finally she finishes with strategies for
living with APD, including techniques to improve oneself
and make career choices. If someone you love has been
diagnosed with this disorder, you should have a copy of
this book on your shelf. You’ll refer to it often for
ideas, guidance and strength.
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