Assessing a Child with Non-speaking Autism: Hot Seat #7 with Zulekha

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This is hot Seat Number 7, featuring Zulekha Williams. In this Part 1 episode, Zulekha joins me to discuss her 4-year-old autistic non-speaking son. Living in a rural area, Zulekha and her family face many barriers when it comes to receiving early intervention services. Her son currently receives 40 hours of in-home ABA a week as well and works with an AAC device.

Autism TikTok Moms

My listeners know that this spring I joined TikTok and since then I have learned about the amazing autism community on that platform. I’ve had two other guests in the last few months from TikTok and I actually met Zulekha on TikTok as well. Zulekha is a mental health professional, who has read my book and taken my courses. She uses TikTok to share her journey and support other autism families as well. She uses TikTok to collaborate and share with professionals of all kinds in the autism field, including previous Turn Autism Around guest, Doc Sarah Nicole.

Assessment for Autism

As of October 2022, I have just released a digital software version of my One Page Assessment available for FREE to the first 1000 users. Zulekha and I go over some questions and key information that you will find in the paper and digital copy of this assessment. Zulekha’s son has a severe diagnosis and at 4 years old is working on potty training, beginning to try utensils, dealing with picky eating, and participating in excessive chewing. She also notes that she has several severe safety concerns for her son as well. We refer back to some previous shows and discuss important tips for working on these important skills.

In-Home ABA

Because of Zulekha’s and her family’s mountain location, an ABA provider works with her son at home. This brings on challenges of the younger brother wanting to be involved, and herself wanting to break away and give her son independence with the provider. Zulekha also discusses activities that her son has become familiar and bored with. I provide suggestions on how to expand these activities as well as pair the provider and the child so that the mom doesn’t need to be present for services.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode where Zulekha and I dive into safety concerns for self-injurious and problem behavior.

Assessing a Child with Non-speaking Autism: Hot Seat #7 with Zulekha

Zulekha on the Turn Autism Around Podcast

Zulekha W is a mother to a 4year old autistic non speaking son. Zulekha provides support to parents of autistic children and resources through her TikTok posts. She posts TikTok videos on how she helps her autistic son gain new skills and increase his communication as an AAC learner. Zulekha has a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and has taken the courses for parents along with reading the book, Turn Autism Around.

You’ll Learn

  • The impact of the Autism TikTok Community.
  • Receiving Autism Services and ABA in Rural Area.
  • Reviewing Key Questions and information from the One Page Assessment.
  • Important Potty Training Tips for Young Boys with Autism.
  • Is your child constipated?
  • Can excessive chewing and drooling be a medical concern?
  • Expanding on basic activities like Mr. Potato Head and Inset Puzzles in ABA.
  • Handling meltdowns and pairing in home ABA providers.

Resources

Free Workshop

Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums

in Young Children with

Autism &/or Speech Delays

Start making a difference for any child with autism or signs of autism through this free 1-Hour Life-Changing Workshop!