How To Help Your Toddler Talk! Hot Seat #4 with Elissa

Free Workshop

Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums

in Young Children with

Autism &/or Speech Delays

Across my online community and on previous hot seats, we have heard from families who are seeing great progress in language development through the Turn Autism Approach. For hot seat number four we are talking with Elissa, mother of 2 children, her 4-year-old Aleena and her 2 and a half year old Lexi. Lexi was recently diagnosed with ASD and Elissa has been at work with the Turn Autism Around approach, first reading the book and now completing the toddler course.

Speech Therapy for Toddlers

In this episode we go over Lexi’s assessments, strengths, and needs. The focus for Lexi’s therapy is echoics, imitation, manding, and matching. The unique style of the Turn Autism Around Approach focuses on table time as the focus for activity. Elissa has done a great job pairing this up and Lexi is loving this time. Today we talk about what is already working for Lexi such as Puzzles, Mr. Potato Head and the picture shoebox game, and how we can elevate that to create more language.

Early Intervention and ABA

When Lexi was first diagnosed, as a special education teacher, Elissa knew the importance of intervention and therapy right away. It may come as no surprise that she was met with some hurdles and outrageously long waitlists. Elissa was able to secure limited early intervention and is just about to start ABA services. I have done several podcasts about finding ABA therapy and what to look for and we talk a bit about that today. When you have an approach that is working, it is important to stick to that even if it’s not what your ABA provider typically does. Become an advocate for your child and therapy that works.

Elissa is intent on working hard with her daughter and keeping the whole family involved. Her self-care tip is to prioritize after bedtime unwinding with your spouse, as a child free time to communicate. This is a great story and I am excited to see more progress with Lexi. I hope others can gain some insight from these tips, tricks, and advice with a family that is just starting the Turn Autism Around Approach. You can access the free book resources, assessments, and the first two chapters by heading to TurnAutismAround.com.

Autism waiting list

Elissa M. on Turn Autism Around

Elissa grew up with an understanding that everyone learns differently. In 3rd grade, she was diagnosed with dyslexia and later on diagnosed with ADHD. One day, when talking with a mentor about career paths, she suggested to Elissa that she work with students like herself who struggle to learn. This is what inspired her to go into special education. In college, she met her husband, Brandon, who is a software developer. Several years after getting married, they were finally able to have children. Aleena is now 4 years old and turns 5 in May. Lexi is 2 and a half years old and as happy as can be! Late April, early May 2021 is when she noticed all Lexi’s red flags for ASD. Immediately she jumped on it, and in September, at 2 years and 1-month-old, Lexi was diagnosed with autism (level 2/3 needs), language disorder, and global developmental delays. She gets EI services, OT, PT and Speech, but she knew this wasn’t enough. She is thankful for having purchased Mary’s book and taking the Turn Autism Around toddler course. She has been seeing wonderful progress.

You’ll Learn

  • How to help your toddler talk?
  • How to help a toddler with autism speak?
  • How to get a toddler to repeat words?
  • How to include siblings and family members in intervention activities?
  • Is it worth reading the book AND taking the toddler course?
  • How to pair potty before potty training?
  • How to utilize the free book resources for Turn Autism Around?

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!