Posts by Alison Mooney
How to support someone with a disability to experience new things
I think, I can speak for most of us, we all like routine! Routine is predictable, so it is understandable that people with a disability and limited understanding of verbal communication, like routine. Just because someone has been doing the same thing for a long time, does not mean they enjoy it However, just because…
Read MoreWays visual supports can help with a change to routine
Visual supports are a tool, people with Autism or people with language and learning disorders, can use a way of communicating. A person can use the picture to say what they want or need and to understand what is happening around them. Visuals can help with understanding the change to routine around school holidays and…
Read MoreHow to make your own easy Social Stories
As a mother, I have made some really easy social stories or short stories over the years to explain different situations and events to my son. Short Stories are a fantastic resource to help people that have a poor understanding of oral communication, people with auditory processing impairments such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental…
Read MoreHow to develop eye contact, naturally – Autism, social anxiety
Eye contact can be difficult for some people, in particular people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, shyness, social anxiety and language disorders. It has even been stated by some people with Autism, that eye contact can in fact be painful. Other research suggests, people with Autism are sensitive to eye contact or eye gazing. Non verbal…
Read MoreBuilding skills for people to make their own choice
Building choice making skills for people with Autism, language & learning impairments People with Autism and language impairments will often choose the same thing and sometimes oppose change. Giving a person with a disability, opportunities to make their own choices, creates independence and more choice and control over their own lives. Hundreds of choices everyday…
Read MoreUseful tips supporting adults with a disability
In Australia, a generation of adults living with a disability are now being offered more supports than ever before. Some of this generation of people have not received any early intervention in the past. Women and men still living at home with their parents or in shared accommodation (group homes) are being supported to access…
Read MoreTips communicating wants – Autism Language impairments
Imagine knowing your wants and needs but not being able to verbalise it. Would you be frustrated? I know I would be. It is heartbreaking to see your child or the person you are supporting upset and crying because they want something but can’t say or do not know, how to express what they want.…
Read More5 ways to prepare for the Easter break – Autism
The Easter period is a joyous time, a time to celebrate, spend time with family and for most, fill our belly’s with lots of yummy chocolate Easter can also mean for some a time of change, change to routine, change to structure and what makes a person feel safe. For people with Autism and language…
Read MoreWhy a picture routine is a good idea in a Childcare setting
Childcare and a school environment is filled with an abundance of visual and auditory stimulation. Overload of sensory stimuli can create a lack of focus and inability to process auditory information. This overload of stimulation can make it difficult for a person who has limited language retain information. Imagine not being able to understand what…
Read MoreHow to increase interaction and develop your child’s skills
As parents and carers, we are always looking at different ways on how to increase interaction and play with our children. This can be difficult if you have a child that prefers to be on their own, has obsessions, rituals and strict routines. Some people with Autism Spectrum Disorders appear to be unable to read…
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