Speech Pathology Applied Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group of ABAI’s Post

When kids need support with language, reading/writing, and executive functioning, they often have multiple diagnoses. This makes both treatment planning, diagnosis, and determining eligibility for educational programming complicated; especially when it comes to legal guidelines as well as state and local policies. That’s why in episode 159 of De Facto Leaders, I’m sharing a Q & A session I did about comorbidities in my Language Therapy Advance Foundations member’s group. In this episode, I talk about the simple view of reading and how it aligns with the essential 5 framework. I also talk about common comorbidities, including: ✅Developmental language disorder + dyslexia ✅ADHD + dyslexia ✅Dyslexia + ADHD I wrap up by discussing clarification from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services on the use of terms like “dyslexia” and “developmental language disorder” and the difference between schools being PERMITTED to use a term vs. being REQUIRED to provide services aligned with FAPE. You can listen to the entire episode here: https://lnkd.in/g8nuWs3u

Congratulations to Dimitra Katsarou and colleagues! Katsarou, D. V., Efthymiou, E., Kougioumtzis, G. A., Sofologi, M., & Theodoratou, M. (2024). Identifying Language Development in Children with ADHD: Differential Challenges, Interventions, and Collaborative Strategies. Children, 11, 841. https://lnkd.in/diEze7-7 Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) significantly influences children’s language acquisition and usage. This theoretical study explores the multifaceted impact of ADHD on language development, specifically focusing on reading and writing challenges. Existing research reveals that approximately 30% of children with ADHD show significant delays in reading proficiency. dditionally, about 40% of these children struggle with phonological processing, which directly impacts their reading and writing skills. Interventions targeting executive function training combined with phonics-based instruction have been shown to significantly improve language outcomes. This study introduces a comprehensive framework connecting these challenges to specific interventions and collaborative strategies, emphasizing the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach. This work provides perspectives on the specific connections between ADHD symptoms and language difficulties, offering detailed potential solutions based on empirical data. Moreover, it features the necessity of adopting integrated intervention strategies to advance academic outcomes and communicative competencies for children with ADHD, providing new understandings into effective educational practices. Keywords: ADHD; language development; executive function; intervention strategies; collaborative support 

How to Use Multisensory Support to Help Your Autistic Child Learn New Information Like many autistic people, I’m a multisensory learner. This means that I don’t just learn one way; visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc., I learn best when all or most of my senses are involved. I think this is one of the reasons I need to use closed captioning when I’m watching TV. I do have auditory processing disorder, and I process auditory information much slower than I do visual. However, I think that having both auditory input and reinforcing visual input helps “bring everything into focus” in my brain, so to speak. Binoculars In Focus - My Multisensory Processing Style If you’ve ever used binoculars, you know it takes a few tries to get both lenses to work together and get a picture into focus. But, once the focus is there, you can see perfectly! For me, using the TV example, the auditory information coming from the speaker is one lens of the binocular, so, without the visual information from the closed captioning (the “other lens” of the binocular), I’m not getting the whole picture. Each reinforces the other so that my brain produces a whole picture, and I can more fully immerse myself in the story without feeling lost half the time. Simply integrating two of my senses in learning and processing has made a world of difference for me, and it might be useful in improving your communication with your autistic loved one! (Click on the link below to continue reading.) https://buff.ly/3JzsQUC #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #AutismMom #AutismDad #AutismParent #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #Disability #SpecialEducation #Paraprofessional

🌟 Unlocking Potential: Engaging ADHD Students in Language Classes 🌟 In the journey of education, inclusivity and personalized learning are paramount. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) students often face unique challenges- but with innovative teaching in language classes, this can change. Educators are finding that by engaging in language classes with interactive and multisensory learning, they not only support ADHD students- they open doors for all students! Here's how playing with language through interactive approaches not only engages the ADHD student but also creates a ripple effect out... 1️⃣ Improved Focus: These types of activities improve attentional control - assisting students with ADHD as well as their non-diagnosed classmates. 2️⃣ Stronger Executive Functioning: Language lessons rev up problem-solving and memory-retention skills, which are critical for success in other subject areas. 3️⃣ Growing Confidence: Students find success in their language classes, and this can transfer into confidence to tackle other subjects with more ease. 4️⃣ Transferable Strategies: Task breakdowns that lead to the ability to concentrate, or chunking of information for mnemonic devices, are learned in language classes and then transferred to other subjects with great success. Whether it's varied choices in activities (think video, kinesthetic, social, artistic, etc.) or finding novel ways to use the textbook, effective teaching supports all students- no matter their learning preferences. Plus...it's just more fun! 😍📚✨ #InclusiveEducation #ADHD #LanguageLearning

DYSLEXIA DIVE: Did you know that reading struggles in dyslexic individuals are often a result of auditory processing deficits? 🤔 Let's dive right in;) #Dyslexia 📖 is a #LanguageBasedDisorder that affects an individual's ability to read, write, and spell. It is not a result of poor intelligence or lack of motivation, but rather a neurological difference that makes processing language a unique challenge 🧠. Dyslexia is closely tied to #AuditoryProcessing 🎧, relying heavily on sound processing and interpretation. Weak auditory processing skills can lead to dyslexia's hallmark symptoms: struggles with language development, reading, and writing 📝. Auditory processing affects the way our brains process sound, impacting essential skills like: - Sound discrimination 🎵 - Auditory memory 📝 - Auditory sequencing 🔢 Fortunately, auditory processing skills can be tested and evaluated by professionals like: - Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) 💬 - School Psychologists 📝 - Psychologists 💼 These professionals can provide targeted strategies and interventions to support individuals with dyslexia 📝. ADHD, ASC & LD (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia) Belgium Houston Branch of the International Dyslexia Association International Dyslexia Association #SupportOurYouth #Education #K12 Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with dyslexia in the comments below! 💬📝 Your input can help create a supportive community and promote understanding!

How to Use Multisensory Support to Help Your Autistic Child Learn New Information Like many autistic people, I’m a multisensory learner. This means that I don’t just learn one way; visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc., I learn best when all or most of my senses are involved. I think this is one of the reasons I need to use closed captioning when I’m watching TV. I do have auditory processing disorder, and I process auditory information much slower than I do visual. However, I think that having both auditory input and reinforcing visual input helps “bring everything into focus” in my brain, so to speak. Binoculars In Focus - My Multisensory Processing Style If you’ve ever used binoculars, you know it takes a few tries to get both lenses to work together and get a picture into focus. But, once the focus is there, you can see perfectly! For me, using the TV example, the auditory information coming from the speaker is one lens of the binocular, so, without the visual information from the closed captioning (the “other lens” of the binocular), I’m not getting the whole picture. Each reinforces the other so that my brain produces a whole picture, and I can more fully immerse myself in the story without feeling lost half the time. Simply integrating two of my senses in learning and processing has made a world of difference for me, and it might be useful in improving your communication with your autistic loved one! (Click on the link below to continue reading.) https://buff.ly/3JzsQUC #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #AutismMom #AutismDad #AutismParent

Are you familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed by noise and struggling to focus? 🤯 For individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), this is a daily challenge 🗣. So, what is APD? 🤔 It's a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to process auditory information, making it difficult to understand and interpret sounds, speech, and music 🎵. Who can diagnose APD? 🤝 Audiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing APD through specialized assessments 💡. Collaboration with educators, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists is essential for effective support 🤝. Did you know that APD often co-occurs with learning disabilities like Dyslexia 📚, ADHD 🤯, and Language Processing Disorder 💬? Individuals with APD may struggle with phonological awareness 🗣, reading comprehension 📖, and language development 📚. Supportive strategies can make a big difference 🎉: - Multisensory instruction and learning 🎨 - Assistive technology like text-to-speech software 🖥 - Accommodations like extra time and quiet environments 🕰 - Collaboration between educators, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists 🤝 By recognizing the connection between APD and learning disabilities, we can provide comprehensive support and help individuals reach their full potential! 🔓 #AuditoryProcessingDisorder #LearningDisabilities #SupportingChildren What strategies have you found helpful in supporting individuals with APD? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! 💬

Developing cognitive skills Developing cognitive skills in autistic kids involves tailored strategies that cater to their unique needs. Incorporating visual aids, structured routines, and interactive activities can enhance their attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Personalized therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can be beneficial, focusing on breaking down tasks into manageable steps. Encouraging communication through speech, sign language, or alternative communication methods supports language development. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement play crucial roles in fostering cognitive growth for autistic children. Social interaction is pivotal in honing cognitive skills for autistic kids. Facilitating peer interactions and cooperative play helps develop social cognition and emotional understanding. Group activities, whether in school or therapy settings, provide opportunities for practicing social skills. Creating a supportive environment that embraces neurodiversity fosters a sense of belonging and boosts confidence. Collaborative efforts between educators, therapists, and parents contribute significantly to the holistic development of cognitive abilities in autistic children. #RaiseAgainstAutism #PinnacleSaysItAll #PinnacleBloomsNetwork #1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork

Hey Parents 👨👩👧👦  & Educators! 👋 LET'S SHINE A LIGHT ON TWO LEARNING DISABILITIES THAT ARE OFTEN CONFUSED: #DYSLEXIA & #DYSGRAPHIA! 💫 WHAT IS DYSLEXIA? 🤓 Dyslexia comes from the Greek words "dys" (difficulty) and "lexia" (reading). Dyslexia affects READING and LANGUAGE PROCESSING 📖. Struggles include: - Phonemic awareness 🗣 - Decoding 🤯 - Fluency 📚 WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA? 📝 Dysgraphia affects WRITING and FINE MOTOR SKILLS 🖌. Dysgraphia comes from the Greek words "dys" (difficulty) and "graphia" (writing). Struggles include: - Handwriting 📝 - Spelling 🤦♀ - Composition 📄 SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR 👀 - Reversals of letters and numbers (Dyslexia) 🔄 - Illegible handwriting (Dysgraphia) 📝 - Avoidance of reading and writing tasks (both) 🙅♀ WHAT CAN YOU DO? 🤔 - Early identification and support make a HUGE difference! 🌟 - Provide accommodations and modifications 📝 - Encourage and celebrate individual strengths! 🎉 By understanding and supporting individuals with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, we can help them UNLOCK THEIR FULL POTENTIAL and achieve their dreams! 🎉💪🔝🔥 #LearningDisabilityEmpowerment #neurodiversity ADHD, ASC & LD (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia) Belgium Made By Dyslexia Child Mind Institute FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES, OR HELPFUL RESOURCES IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! 💬

September 8th is National Ampersand Day, so it’s a fantastic day to share why we use an ampersand (&) rather than the word “and” in our department’s name: Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies. Our academic department offers curricula in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); the majority of our students are in programs intending to pursue ABA credentials. We offer undergraduate degree (BA), graduate degree (MS), and postgraduate certificate options. Independent of our ABA offerings, the department also offers distinctly separate curricula in the area of Autism Studies (taught mostly by faculty with differing qualifications than our ABA faculty). We have a core 12-credit hour sequence leading to a comprehensive certificate (targeted mostly toward k12 educators and aspiring teachers) plus a couple of additional on-topic electives. We offer a master’s of education (MEd) concentration in Autism Studies, a stand-alone postgraduate certificate, and the certificate courses are built into our department’s undergraduate major, Autism Studies & ABA. The Autism Studies curriculum is not an ABA curriculum (though certainly covers the topic in brief when addressing research-based interventions in relevant coursework), and the ABA curriculum is not autism-specific; while we recognize many behavior analysts do work with autistic clients, we also acknowledge that our science has much broader applications, and our ABA courses are taught to best prepare behavior analysts who may be seeking careers to apply principles of learning and behavior across multiple domains. Our department uses the ampersand as a visual representation and reminder that the Applied Behavior Analysis offerings of our department are fully independent of, but may be complementary to, our Autism Studies offerings. The visual “break” that the ampersand places in the name, while not meeting a linguistics function, serves to demonstrate disciplinary separation, yet at the same time suggesting meaningful intersection. The ampersand is of importance to us not only in our departmental name (Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies), but also in the name of our undergraduate major, Autism Studies & ABA, for this same reason. Happy Ampersand Day!