Supporting Communication in Nonverbal Children with Autism: 5 Practical Approaches
Introduction Communication is an essential fundamental of life. What makes us humans different from any living organism is our ability to express ourselves and reach out to others in an effective and efficient manner. But, for many nonverbal children with autism, efficient communication can prove to be more difficult than those who are neurotypical. Fortunately, there are many empirically proven methods that can be used as alternatives to better their communication and push children towards more effective ways of communicating. At Starlit, our shadow teachers and remedial teachers use these methods to support nonverbal children with autism. Picture Exchange Communication ...
5 Creative Ways to Use Play Therapy Techniques at Home
Play isn't just recreation - it is therapy incognito. Play is more than a way for children to pass the time; it is crucial for how children explore and interact with their surroundings, manage feelings, and form healthy ways to cope. Play therapy is a structured approach used by trained professionals to help children work through emotional and behavioural difficulties. Here are a few powerful techniques of play therapy that parents, shadow teachers, educators can use in their sessions. Let's dive into exploring how you can transform everyday moments into healing moments by sharing five imaginative play therapy ideas - ...
Attention Span of Children with Special Needs: Understanding and Supporting Focus
In a busy classroom or therapy setting, attention acts as a bridge between learning and success. While every child has days when it's hard to sit still or stay focused, children with special needs often face greater challenges, Shadow teachers help in bridging this gap. Diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities can significantly affect how long and how well a child can focus (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This blog explores why attention spans vary in children with special needs and what strategies can help improve their ability to concentrate. What is Attention Span? ...
Your Parenting Shapes Your Child’s Self-Esteem: Be Their Safe Space
Ever wonder why some kids are so self-assured, while others are filled with self-doubt? One of the largest factors behind that disparity is parenting. Not only does your parenting shape your child's self-esteem, but it also guides behaviour. Most importantly, when you establish a safe emotional space, your child learns to trust in themselves. In plain language: Children with confidence are made, not born. What is Self-Esteem and Why is it Important? Self-esteem is your child's inner feeling of value for how competent, worthwhile, and accepted they feel. Children with high self-esteem can: Experiment with new challenges Recover from failure ...
4 Ways to Introduce New Environments to Children with Special Needs.
Introduction: At Starlit, our shadow teachers introduce new environments to children with special needs through sensitivity, planning, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. Sudden changes or unfamiliar settings can easily become overwhelming, leading to anxiety or sensory overload. However, with the right strategies, transitions can be made smoother and more comfortable. By creating a sense of predictability and safety, caregivers, special educators, shadow teachers etc can help children with special needs explore and adapt to new spaces with greater confidence and ease. The following are four effective strategies to support this process thoughtfully and respectfully. 1.Preparing them beforehand-Before ...
