Digging Abilities with Mrs. Bradway

Let kids be bored! It is when creativity happens! Teach, model, engage, provide opportunities… limit screen time!

Only looking at observable behavior (surface behaviors), doesn't tell you anything about what's actually causing the behavior.

You start solving problems when you start diggin'!

Image Description: Title: The “Why of A Behavior”. Two holes with a man digging in each hole: First hole is shallow with subtitle “The old way of thinking”. Underneath are the words “defiant”, “escape”, “avoiding” and “attention seeking”. Second hole is very deep with the subtitle “A necessary paradigm shift” (supported by brain science). Underneath are the words: sensory processing”, “emotional regulation”, “motor challenges”, “learning disabilities”, “trauma”. The function of any behavior is much deep than phrases like attention seeking. This shallow analysis will lead to using rewards and punishments to get compliance. Want to improve behavior? Solve the problem. How do you solve the problem? Dig Deeper.
Post by Greg Santucci, Occupational Therapist.

Have you ever heard of hypotonia (low muscle tones)? Some individuals with Autism or Asperser’s Syndrome suffer from low muscle tone which can sometimes be diagnosed as Hypotonic. Muscle tone is the amount of tension or resistance to stretch in a muscle. Someone with low muscle tone may appear “floppy” and have trouble coordinating their limbs. Other signs are delayed motor skills, speech difficulties, clumsiness, poor reflexes, bad body posture, low strength, decreased attention span and resistance to physical activity.

Children and young adults with low muscle tone may appear lazy and determined to avoid physical activity which they find exhausting and difficult. However keeping active and improving tone is vitally important to improve balance, co-ordination, and confidence. Poor control of the muscles can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform everyday task. There are some activities that can help children to strengthen their muscles. It includes daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking, weight training, and vibration therapy to relax and activate muscles.

Use the strength to improve deficits instead of focusing on the deficit itself... ❤️

Autismo awareness month. Educating ourselves to provide quality services for students with ASD.
As we prepare for full in person instructional model, we must be proactive but patient following the needs of each individual student.

Expert Columns: COVID-19: Teaching a Child with Autism How to Wear a Mask or Face Covering By Jenna Garvey, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA [This column was published in The West Springfield Republican on 6/25/20.]   During COVID-19, we’ve all had to make changes to our daily routines. This includes wearing masks as a part of daily life. However, some individuals with autism may not understand why...

Expert Columns: Reemerging After Another COVID-19 Winter By Erica Kearney, M.A., LABA, BCBA                                               With the arrival of spring, and as COVID-19 cases decrease and vaccine availability increases, we are slowly preparing to get back to normal. It is important to remember tha...

Hi everyone!
Look at this amazing boy’s art! Viktor is non verbal and has autism, but his art speaks volumes. 😍
This is truly amazing artwork made by a 12-year-old boy who proves autism is no barrier to creativity.

If you want to hear the rest of Viktor's story and see more of his incredible work, check out his website: https://vichysart.com/

Just cane across this idea for Tripod grasp practice intervention. What do you all think?

I am always honored to share awareness, and help spread the word on projects like this one! I hope to see this book series soon!
Please check out this mom’s project and share this post so others can help as well!
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/health/portsmouth-mum-hopes-publish-book-series-educate-children-about-different-disabilities-2972651?fbclid=IwAR2C8ASEp4-k_nfknmspUsNeU6KzQGc_eHS_6beC7FlqsIq5H4nJjlVEUT0

https://gf.me/u/ywnq9p

Children's Book on Disability and Inclusion, organized by Adelle Spindlove One in five of us will be affected by disability at some point in our liv… Adelle Spindlove needs your support for Children's Book on Disability and Inclusion