Author Archives: Cheryl and Mike

The A-Word Autism, Part 41: Cheryl & Mike Neet Nick Who Recovered From Autism

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: September 14, 2012

Cheryl and Mike sit down and talk with Nick, who recovered from autism in 2001 at the age of four. They discuss what he remembers from being in therapy, and what school was like for him. Nick is candid about his experience with bullying, and gives Mom and Dad some insight on what it’s like growing up with autism.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

The A-Word, Autism Part 39: Feeding Issues

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: August 20, 2012

It’s been over a year since Jack Riley was diagnosed with autism and ten months since he began ABA therapy. Cheryl and Mike discuss how feeding used to be a nightmare and how this has radically changed for the better. Jack Riley used to not feed himself and his diet was limited to apple sauce, yogurt and bananas. His diet has since expanded greatly and he is now more willing to try new foods.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

The A-Word, Autism Part 38: Potty Training

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: August 6, 2012

The big day is finally here — potty training. With the aid of Jack Riley’s parents, therapists, reinforcers, and pottylog, success is bound to happen. Watch how the principles of ABA can be applied to teach potty training.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

The A-Word, Autism Part 33: New Therapist Training with Shizue

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: May 23, 2012

Jack Riley gets a visitor today during his session. Shizue is a new therapist and must complete field work training with another therapist before she is allowed to work alone with kids in the field. Today Jessica not only teaches Jack Riley some new things like actions and manding, but Shizue as well.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

The A-word, Autism Part 32: Baby Sister Is On The Way

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: May 17, 2012
Mom

Another child is about to be added to Jack Riley’s family. Little sister is going to be born today, and with that, a lot of changes will occur that everyone will need to adjust to. .rax_tsmdwc_main { float:right; background: ; border: ; padding: 10px; margin:0px 10px 10px 10px; margin-right:0px; } .rax_tsmswc_inner { float:right; margin:0px 10px [...]

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

The A-Word, Autism Part 31: Expanding Language

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: May 10, 2012
A-Word

When Jack Riley first began services with CARD he wasn’t speaking. Now, after 9 months, he uses three word sentences to communicate, and his therapists are continually teaching him new frames of language to use. Learning takes a little longer for those on the autism spectrum, but by teaching lessons in small sections, and then connecting, and expanding, significant progress can be made.

fbshare
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The A-Word, Autism Part 30: Advancing Skills

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: May 3, 2012
Riley

Every skill he learns builds on the next to create a comprehensive skillset which will facilitate appropriate communication and interaction. Each week represents tangible progress. To witness the progress, stay tuned and check out earlier episodes as well.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The A-Word, Autsim Episode 29: Being Affectionate

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: April 26, 2012
Jack

Today Jack Riley is more interested in playing with others than his toys. Social interaction is becoming more motivating for him which is a good thing. Jack Riley’s isn’t the only one in affectionate mood, dad is also enjoying his time with him.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The A-Word, Part 28: Token Boards And Visual Schedules

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: April 19, 2012
28

Children with autism have cognitive issues such as being able to plan ahead. Having items such as token boards and visual schedules help kids like Jack Riley to anticipate what will happen next and therefore are less anxious and less likely to tantrum.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The A-Word, Autism Part 27: Providing Solutions For Noncompliance And Biting

By Cheryl and Mike | Published: March 22, 2012
JR

In this week’s episode, we learn that outings have become an issue for Cheryl and Mike as Jack Riley has been attempting to bite his therapists and his mother out of aggression. Jessica takes Jack Riley on a walk outside with the family to determine the antecedent (what happens before the behavior of biting) , and the consequence (what happens after the behavior). Once this is determined, it will allow her to modify Jack Riley’s behavior.

fbshare
Posted in The A-Word | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments