Modeling speech

To increase Nathan’s repertoire of speech, we have been modelling what to say for him. That was one of my biggest take away from our last Son-Rise Program Outreach and it has been helping tremendously with more spontaneous speech from Nathan.

Today, as we got to the playground, I thought he would need me to model more words for him…

All the swings were occupied with kids younger than Nathan (it’s easier asking a grown-up make way for Nathan to swing 😜)

I watched Nathan walk towards the swings to choose which swing he wanted and who we were to deal with. From all the kids, he had to pick youngest child! She probably did not even understand the concept of sharing yet.

Instead of modelling words for him, I just told him, “Why don’t you ask her?”

Nathan chose his own words and appropriately asked, “Share the swing please?”

Woohoo! He approached a child and picked his words so appropriately and spontaneously! He probably didn’t even need me to prompt him to ask.

Not bad for a child who regressed so deep into autism and had not intentional speech or even eye-contact at age 5, before we found Son-Rise.

The young girl understandably didn’t want to give up her swing. The second blessing was when her older sister on the next swing stood up and offered her swing to Nathan! I feel so blessed to have such nice neighbours!

I try not to take photos of kids in the playground because I don’t have parent’s permission to post. But here is happy Nathan on his favourite swing.

#Godisgood

#Jesusheals