Mary Valentic
"Hear me, now... Parent and professional, alike...
as if shouting from the highest mountain-top
after nine years studying autism:
That Autism is a Failure of Memory; That Recovery is Possible."
-Mary L. Valentic, 2013
as if shouting from the highest mountain-top
after nine years studying autism:
That Autism is a Failure of Memory; That Recovery is Possible."
-Mary L. Valentic, 2013
• What is Autism? The Missing Puzzle Piece, Found...
• Free Lesson: Click here to teach your child to point and self-advocate.
"Promote Understanding
Ask,Why?"
-Mary L. Valentic
One in 50 Children have autism.
and counting...
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
March 20, 2013
What if, the children you know with
symptoms of autism could:
• Look into your eyes and smile?
• Point to a desired object?
• Respond to their name, when called?
• Sit still for a given length of time?
• Resist temper tantrums?
• Talk in a meaningful way?
• Participate in activities with family, friends and peers?
• Understand and follow instructions?
• Answer your questions?
• Ask their own questions?
• Learn in a typical way?
• Say, "I love you" and mean it?
They CAN!
Call: 313-421-8108
E-Mail
Ask,Why?"
-Mary L. Valentic
One in 50 Children have autism.
and counting...
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
March 20, 2013
What if, the children you know with
symptoms of autism could:
• Look into your eyes and smile?
• Point to a desired object?
• Respond to their name, when called?
• Sit still for a given length of time?
• Resist temper tantrums?
• Talk in a meaningful way?
• Participate in activities with family, friends and peers?
• Understand and follow instructions?
• Answer your questions?
• Ask their own questions?
• Learn in a typical way?
• Say, "I love you" and mean it?
They CAN!
Call: 313-421-8108
A "Practical" Approach to Autism
Autism: Where to Begin?
Your pediatrician/psychologist will diagnose autism. A child development specialist can help you understand your child's level of development in relation to peers. But beyond diagnosis, you need to know that intervention is a "must" for your child. What does this mean? It means, engage your child and continue to engage your child. Do not accept that there is
"nothing you can do" with a diagnosis of autism. Quite the contrary, there is everything you can and must do because your child depends upon it.
Beyond the professional evaluations of your child, as a practical matter, make your own evaluation. You know from the pit of your own stomach or the bottom of your heart, as a parent, the things your child should be doing but is not, or is doing but should not. Make a list of these things, a "wish" list. Prioritize the items on the list in order of importance to both you and your child. Now you have a list of goals that will empower you. How will you accomplish these goals? How many steps should the goals be broken into to achieve them? This is what is required of you...bite-sized portions your child can digest. The sooner, the better. This is "intervention."
You may choose a professional to handle your child's intervention. In fact, many may be required. Your child may need a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a behavioral therapist....But make no mistake. YOU are your child's best TEACHER. Because there is no one else your child wants to please more than YOU and that motivation is the most powerful tool that you possess in reversing autism on a practical, day to day basis.
Caution: If your pediatrician hesitates in the diagnosis of autism or wants to "wait" to see if your child "outgrows" the symptoms or you are put on a "waiting list" for intervention, begin intervention on your own, immediately! Engage your child and continue to engage your child constantly. Have goals and expectations for your child to meet, routinely. Waiting for intervention makes little sense for the well-being of your child if autism is indeed present as intervention is required
to turn autism on its ear. Therefore, a suspicion of autism must become the criteria for intervention.
"nothing you can do" with a diagnosis of autism. Quite the contrary, there is everything you can and must do because your child depends upon it.
Beyond the professional evaluations of your child, as a practical matter, make your own evaluation. You know from the pit of your own stomach or the bottom of your heart, as a parent, the things your child should be doing but is not, or is doing but should not. Make a list of these things, a "wish" list. Prioritize the items on the list in order of importance to both you and your child. Now you have a list of goals that will empower you. How will you accomplish these goals? How many steps should the goals be broken into to achieve them? This is what is required of you...bite-sized portions your child can digest. The sooner, the better. This is "intervention."
You may choose a professional to handle your child's intervention. In fact, many may be required. Your child may need a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a behavioral therapist....But make no mistake. YOU are your child's best TEACHER. Because there is no one else your child wants to please more than YOU and that motivation is the most powerful tool that you possess in reversing autism on a practical, day to day basis.
Caution: If your pediatrician hesitates in the diagnosis of autism or wants to "wait" to see if your child "outgrows" the symptoms or you are put on a "waiting list" for intervention, begin intervention on your own, immediately! Engage your child and continue to engage your child constantly. Have goals and expectations for your child to meet, routinely. Waiting for intervention makes little sense for the well-being of your child if autism is indeed present as intervention is required
to turn autism on its ear. Therefore, a suspicion of autism must become the criteria for intervention.
Contact: Mary@TrainsofThoughtForAutism.com
313-421-8108