Non-Verbal 6 Yr Old

B. -

I noticed someone else already mentioned the UNT Speech and Hearing Center. They have a great array of programs to meet a variety of needs (after all, they have students going into every aspect of speech and language therapy). Their rates are extremely reasonable and the supervisors are terrific! My daughter is attending their preschool language program to help her with a completely different set of issues than what you describe; however, I've seen kids and adults there with a wide range of evident difficulties (let alone the ones you can't see!).

The reason I emphasize the quality of the supervisors is that, of course, the students are learning. That having been said, I've been extremely impressed with the supervision given to the students and the quality of the services provided. And the opportunity to speak with the supervisor over my daughter's program was priceless. I learned more about her situation - what's normal, what's not, what's delayed, how her mind is processing things, things I can do to help her - than I've learned anywhere else. Where else can you get input from someone with decades of experience for the price of a University student program?

Just my $.02

B.

B.,

Try Our childrens house Baylor, there is one in Dallas and Frisco and possibly other areas... they have an excellent speech and other programs that she would qualify for...

Also, keep up with the signs, she will eventually use them it will just take her longer but if you keep using them evey time you say words for her then she will eventually get it...

Good luck-
A. J

B.,

Hang in there. You have a wonderful family! You mentioned sign language as a possible method of communication but have you tried the pictoral system. I have seen it work. The pictures are simple line type drawings that your child can use to help her communicate. You can get her vocabulary up quite high with this. You might check into this with the speech therapist at school. I forgot what the pictoral system is called but I used it in my special education classroom in the past. I don't know of any speech therapist off hand, but I know that the Plano and Frisco area have lots of good ones. Good luck!

My son has attended speech at Callier for several years. He is 6 also. He is not autistic though, he is deaf. I know that the private speech therapists take kids well beyond 6 so I am not sure, maybe you were looking at a certain program. If you are still interested in their program I would call back and ask about private speech therapy. I have also heard good things about Baylors Our Children's House, there is one in Coppell. My daughter attends UNT for an articulation delay, but i am not sure i would recommend them for a more intensive communication need. Hope that helps.

M. Roberts

Try the local school district. Inquire of whom they would recommend. Also, read Jenny McCarthy's book about her child's autism, etc. I cannot remember the proper title but it is worth reading.

Hi B., try the University of North Texas Speech and Hearing Center, we're better anyway. haha. I graduated from UNT with a BA in Speech and Hearing. Long story short I decided to go into Finance but I went through the program and know it's good. I don't think they have an age limit, you can try them. Their number is ###-###-####. If they cannot help you, I'm sure that they can refer you to someone in the area that can. Hope you get some help. Good luck!

Hey! I am also a mom in Frisco with three kids, I am a SLP and my five year old daughter, Emma, is on the Autism Spectrum. She is verbal but has many sensory and behavioral issues. I would love to talk to you and see if I can help. I work poart time for ECI and also see kids prvately for therapy.

Hang in there, it has to get better!

J.

Hi B.,

I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 16 years. My philosophy is that you are certainly on the right track by seeking a speech-language pathologist's help in your efforts to address your child's communication needs. I have worked with children whom have been identified as functioning on the autism spectrum, in the public school setting (seven years), in my private practice (nine years), and through S.T.A.R. Therapy Programs (includes S.T.A.R. Music, Social Skills, and Creative Movement).

If your child attends public school, I would not be able to work with her, as I only practice until 2:00. It would, however, be my pleasure to offer you referrals. There is one speech-language pathologist with whom I would love to connect you, as she has a child with sensory integration issues and could offer you a wealth of information in that area.

If you would like to e-mail me directly, please contact me at ____@____.com luck with everything. Your child is fortunate to have a mother so determined to help her.

Best Regards,
S.
www.startherapyprograms.com

Hi B.,
I am an Autism Specialist (behavior) who practices privately. In almost every case, the children on the spectrum who have little or no language are in need of behavioral therapy with the addition of speech therapy. Reason being, children with Autism do not speak for behavioral reasons, and this must be addressed in order to make a change. Then, a speech therapist can be effective. Our Children's House at Baylor is also for only younger children. I would recommend using someone with experience working with children on the spectrum, as the ways that they will motivate the child will be different. I'd be happy to give you recommendations, based on the area that you live. Really, more than anything, I encourage you to look into Behavioral Therapy. Because Autism is a behavioral diagnosis (meaning it is diagnosed through a set of behaviors rather than a medical test) this is the way to make huge strides. I have worked with and seen many who have gone on to live successful, independent lives as adults. Good luck, and blessings to you and your family!

B., I am in the exact same situation as you. I mean EXACT. I have used Star Therapy and I was very happy with their program. I also use Sandy Taylor at East Side Speech and Language and LOVE her as well. She got for us through the state, free of charge, an augmentive communication device - basically a touch screen computer that has thousands of pictures for her to touch and the box tells us what she wants. Within 3 months, we found out our 4y knew shapes, colors, rooms, people, animals, etc. We had no idea she knew any of this. Feel free to contact me privately if you need more information. Good luck!

My son is 3 and also on the Autism Spectrum as well as has sensory issues. He has been going to Sandra White for only 2-3 months and I have seem tremedous results, she is AWESOME. She is in N. Dallas which she has her private practice.
Please let me know if you would like more info.
Good Luck and I hope this helps.
M.

Hi
I would join this yahoo group, and ask this group of moms that same question. There is a wealth of information from these moms that are trying to recover their children. I found out about them through a client,and I have to tell you, it's been the best place for information. Once you join, ask the moms that same question.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DFW-MAFEA/

If a child has T. Five to get into the program and your child is Six then what is the problem? Maybe I am not understanding...

If you are open to alternative medicine I can put you in touch with a friend of mine who had great results with her autistic son who was 12 at the time. Her MD said it was too late for any improvement because of his age but he had DRAMATIC improvement.

B.,
I will help you all I can. First of all is she in any therapy? If so what kind? COuld you email me and let me know what therapys she has had? MEantime go to www.autismspot.com They have many resources and films you can watch with different therapys. Is she on a special diet? Does she see a developmental pediatrician? If you could email me off list at ____@____.com I can get started on a direction to help you.
L.

In my opinion ADHD is just one of the symptoms of autism. I'd try changing her diet to gluten and casein free to determine if that makes a difference. It does make a difference for many kids. Did you read Jenny McCarthy's book Louder Than Words? Dr. Kenneth Bock's book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics:Autism, Asthma,ADHD, and Allergies is also a good book. www.tacanow.org is helpful. If you need speech, have your ped give you a referral for a speech evaluation. Look into Brent Woodall Foundation as it offers low cost ABA and speech services. N.

B.,

I'm a speech therapist (SLP), but I've mainly worked with adult neuro my whole career. I am somewhat familiar with Callier, as I've supervised students from UTD. They should've at least have been able to give you some leads on other options. I've taken even adults there for testing.

Your options in the summer may be limited, unless you do some private searches for therapy. Many school based SLPs do private therapy in the summer.

Has she been evulated by an SLP in the past? and if so given you referrals for therapy programs. Your school SLP may be a good start. Unfornunately, many school SLP caseloads are high and the therapists can only see students in groups, and work with them if they're 1-2 yrs. developmental delayed. If you dtr is nonverbal at 6, she may qualify. But, in the school she may only get limited therapy for her needs.\

K. M

Anne Bramlett at Speech and Language Services of North Texas is awesome. We do not use her, but I know many of her patients that do, and I have witnessed remarkable outcomes. I do not know her number, but she does have a website. They also go by Eastside Clinic. If she can't help, she will direct you to someone who can. She's very reasonable, too. I wish you the best!