By: Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP According to the American Heritage Desk Dictionary, the word apprentice is defined as “one learning a trade under a skilled master; or a beginner.” I find both of these definitions to be relevant to the work I do each day, as well as the way I think about apprenticeship in …
As I was wandering around the Minneapolis airport recently, I found a store with a variety of posters, cards, and wall hangings with quotes and sayings on them. As I perused the options, I found one that I had to purchase and bring back to the office. Here is the quote: Peace. It does not …
I’ll never forget my first job. I started working at a very small restaurant, about 20 tables, with only one other waitress. The first day on the job I was handed an apron, a pad of paper, and a pen; and told to get to work. I was given no guidance on how to wait …
I’ve been thinking about dysregulation and developmental “growth spurts” lately, as my 9-month old daughter has had a weeklong stretch of frustrating behavior. Normally she is a very easy baby; content to hang out with us and do whatever. She generally likes to be held, likes to play with toys on the floor, sleeps through …
Winter is well underway here in Michigan, and the snow sure has been falling. It is such a wonderful sight to see children, young and old, out and about enjoying the wonderful scenery. My young son has become increasingly aware of the seasons, and it has been amazing for me to watch him make discoveries …
What is a food jag? Children with feeding difficulties tend to eat the same foods every day, even at every meal. Typically they require that the foods be prepared in the same way each time. For example, your child may only eat a hot dog for lunch every day. S/he will only eat the hot …
One of the thing adults often struggle with when trying to engage a child with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental issues in playing a game is helping the child stay oriented to them and not just the activity itself. When an adult gets out a game the child may immediately become focused on looking at …
The title of this article, “Why is this important?” has been the subject of many conversations in the office lately. I have had this discussion with parents and with a few of the teenagers that I see. People, no matter their age, need a reason or a purpose for doing the things they do. We …
It began last fall when I sat in a conference with my older daughter’s teachers and was told “she has a hard time focusing in school, and is at the help desk all the time.” I heard other words like “testing for ADD” and “the other kids already get these concepts” (which were expectations for …
Question: I have a 7-year-old son with autism who is not yet toilet trained. My husband and I feel that he is showing signs of readiness to toilet train, but so far it’s been a challenge to catch him at the right times to take him to the bathroom. We have heard that there are …
