Bridging the Gap

Using a generalized imitative repertoire to facilitate language development in children with Autism.

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Children with Autism develop skills differently than their same aged peers. When children exhibit delays in  joint attention and imitation,  targeting speech-language goals can be challenging.  This can make intervention feel like a daunting task often now knowing where to begin.

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We know that children learn to communicate during everyday activities and that parents/caregivers have many more opportunities to interact with their child in meaningful everyday situations than a therapist does, therefore it makes sense that parents/caregivers undertake an active role in the therapy process. However many parents/caregivers fill ill-prepared for this undertaking. They worry about making mistakes that may negatively impact progress being made with the speech-language pathologist.

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During this course, you will gain insight into how children with autism play, how to develop appropriate play goals, as well as effective ways to coach parents/caregivers in such a way that you will boost their confidence and as such their follow-through of therapy strategies to enhance communication through play. More importantly you will have the tools so show parents that play can be fun!

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Interventions discussed will include:

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• Recipricol Imitation Training (RIT)

• Rapid Motor Imitation Antecedent (RMIA)

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This course will be offered for 3.5