The Power of Imitation for Children with Autism

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Read on about the power of imitation during play:
http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Follow-the-Leader--The-Power-of-Imitating-Children.aspx

What Is Behaviour Regulation? And What Does It Have To Do With Language Development?

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What Is Behaviour Regulation? And What Does It Have To Do With Language Development?

Scientists identify the gene for emergent language

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"A telltale stretch of DNA at a gene called ROBO2 is linked to the number of words that a child masters in the early stage of talking...  ROBO2 controls a protein that directs chemicals in brain cells that may be used for developing language and producing sounds.The gene lies on a region of Chromosome 3 which has previously been implicated in dyslexia and speech-related disorders, according to the study."   Read more: 

Scientists identify ROBO2, the 'baby talk' gene | Lifestyle from CTV News

How to Use Exercise to Help Kids with ADHD and Kids with Autism

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Research shows that regular vigorous exercise helps kids with ADHD  focus and reduces self-stimulatory behaviour in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  http://www.educationandbehavior.com/exercise-to-help-kids-with-adhd/

What are the Symptoms of ADHD and How Can You Help?

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 Learn about the signs and symptoms of ADHD:  http://www.educationandbehavior.com/signs-of-adhd/

"My child's speech is hard to understand"

Intelligibility refers to the clarity of speech - how well it can be understood by others.  Typically, children in senior kindergarten are 100% intelligible. They can be understood almost all of the time by familiar and unfamiliar listeners.

Early autism intervention speeds infant development

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In this pilot project, parents of infants between 6 months and 15 months who were demonstrating symptoms of autism, were given strategies to facilitate engagement during play, diaper changing and bath time. Read on to learn about the promising findings:
Early autism intervention speeds infant development - health - 10 September 2014 - New Scientist

Red Flags for Autism

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or facial expressions by 9 months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back and forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No meaningful two-word phrases (including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

To read more about the signs and symptoms of autism click on the Link for Autism Speaks Canada:
http://www.autismspeaks.ca/about-autism/signs-and-symptoms-of-autism/

What is Autism?

 

           This video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses the signs and symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Can Children with Language Impairments Learn Two Languages?

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There is very little research dedicated to the study of second language learning in children with specific language impairment (SLI).  The Hanen Centre provides a review of the literature to date:
http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Can-children-with-language-impairments-learn-two-l.aspx