Susan Kasdorf, Licensed Speech Pathologist

09/18/2021

I love reading posts from Cari Ebert. There are only a handful of SLPs whose information I share. This post of hers is a true gem and I hope MANY families who have children with the diagnosis of autism read it!💜🙏

https://www.facebook.com/861908940544413/posts/4234595336609073/

My son is autistic.

Yes, he has some struggles in life. But so do my neurotypical children. His struggles are different from theirs, of course, and parenting him has been a different experience for me and my husband.

When he was a toddler, I remember feeling overwhelmed because of the uncertainty that comes with the diagnosis.

People often ask me if I wish Aaron didn’t “have” autism. And the answer is no. He is autistic. It is part of his identity. If you take autism away, then who is left? Not my son.

Here’s what you should know. Aaron is so happy. He is the nicest, kindest, most thoughtful person you will ever meet. Why would I want to change that?

Do I wish he didn’t have to struggle so much? I don’t think any parent wants their children to struggle. But, every struggle is a learning experience and helps him build problem solving skills, persistence, and resiliency. So there’s that.

When Aaron was first diagnosed in 2006, autism was considered a tragic diagnosis. As my husband and I have learned, that is not the case.

Autism is a valid way of being human. My son is not broken and he does not need to be fixed. He is a blessing.

Aaron needs supports, and modifications, and accommodations in certain aspects of life. But needing help doesn’t mean he should be considered a burden to society. With acceptance, society will see what a blessing he is.

03/22/2021

I watched this last week and they’re both awesome. It would be particularly beneficial for those with children with Autism and/or motor speech disorders (apraxia). Next Thursday the topic is home strategies; I highly recommend watching😀

Join me and Laura from SLP mommy of Apraxia/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia this Thursday evening for another LIVE episode of UNCORKED!

03/14/2021

For my friends and clients who have children with autism, who are people with autism, or know a person with autism this is a great read and perspective!😀

The puzzle piece, and the 4-piece interlocking puzzle as pictured below, have historically been the visual icon associated with autism. In fact, I used to own many shirts, key chains, bags, and other...

08/22/2020

Love this and have saying this to my clients, and anyone else who would listen, for years. Here it is from one of the leading authorities in our field! I’ve seen Cari’s seminars in person a few times and love her approaches and philosophies. Hope this is helpful and feel free to share.😊

Let’s talk about FIRST REQUEST WORDS.

We want young children to be able to request the things they want. Without FIRST REQUEST WORDS, young children will rely on whining, crying, fussing, and screaming to communicate their wants and needs.

When a young child is struggling learning to talk, it is important for SLPs and parents to be thoughtful about which FIRST REQUEST WORDS are chosen as early targets.

Once introduced to the vague word “MORE,” it is common for young children to default to this as their primary request word.

⚠️ The word “MORE” is used best as a supportive word instead of as a FIRST REQUEST WORD.

“MORE” by itself is indistinct and, when habituated, leaves little room for language flexibility.

When a child desires more milk, the adult communication partner is encouraged to introduce a sign or word for “MILK” first, and then eventually build the word sequence, “MORE MILK.” The powerful word in this sequence is “MILK,” while “MORE” serves a supportive role.

Over the years, I have witnessed far too many young children walking around early childhood classrooms signing or saying “MORE” when they had nothing to begin with. These children have overgeneralized the word “MORE” to mean “I WANT...” and then expect adults to figure out exactly what it is they want. This can be frustrating for both children and adults.

When introducing FIRST REQUEST WORDS, choose powerful words such as:
• bubbles
• cracker
• banana
• book
• swing
• fruit snacks
• ball
• up

When a child is struggling learning to talk, we want to introduce powerful words that will increase the child’s ability to functionally communicate. So those FIRST REQUEST WORDS should be thoughtfully selected and be individualized based on each child’s interests and preferences.

If you would like to learn more about my pet peeves related to early target selection, they are summarized in Chapter 5 of the book I co-authored with Dave Hammer called “The SLP’s Guide to Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech.” (Link below)

https://www.cariebertseminars.com/store/p60/The_SLP%27s_Guide_to_Treating_Childhood_Apraxia_of_Speech.html

05/15/2020

Found on Google from speechbuddy.com

05/10/2020

I’m beyond blessed to work with some of the greatest moms in the world. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms but especially to my current and past clients! You rock!😀❤️

05/05/2020

This is great information anytime, but this is Apraxia Awareness month, which makes it even more pertinent. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Apraxia Quick Facts

05/01/2020

Today is May 1. Spread the word.........May is national Better Speech and Hearing Month and Apraxia Awareness Month.