04/01/2025
April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to grow in understanding, celebrate neurodiversity, and create inclusive spaces for all children.
To support this, I’ll be sharing one short, helpful flyer and email each week this month. These are designed to educate and empower you with simple, effective ways to support children with autism in your classroom or home — especially in the areas of communication, social connection, sensory needs, and therapy.
Did you know?
Children with autism may communicate in many different ways: through gestures, sounds, visuals, technology, or behavior — not always spoken words. Communication isn’t about how it’s done — it’s about connection.
How You Can Help:
• Pause and wait. Give extra time (5–10 seconds) for the child to process and respond.
• Use visuals. Point to pictures, symbols, or objects to support your words.
• Celebrate all communication. Whether it’s a gesture, a vocal sound, or a glance — respond with warmth and encouragement.
• Model, don’t quiz. Instead of asking a bunch of questions, describe what you or the child is doing:
“You’re stacking blocks — red, blue, red!”
Quote to Remember:
“Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say.” – Rosemary Crossley
Next week, we’ll dive into:
“Supporting Social Communication in Autism” — with simple strategies to help kids build social skills and connect with others.