updated 1/2023 I stumbled upon working with my students with social communication delays in pretend play centers with a former 4K student. I had been pulling this student for small-group social skills instruction and practice. I was feeling stuck. He performed wonderfully in this structured, small group setting but his teacher reported social skills challenges during center times. … Read More
Teaching Students about Detecting Sarcasm!
A critical skill: detecting sarcasm in tone of voice. Can your students do it? updated 1/2023 Are the following statements examples of sarcasm or sincerity? Yeah,….right. Wow. Well, duh! The correct answer? You don’t know. Why? Sarcasm is typically identified by tone or voice and facial expressions, neither of which you have access to when reading a blog post! Detecting… Read More
Flying on an Airplane with Child with Autism
Flying in an airplane with a child with autism can be a huge challenge for parents. Since I love to travel, it makes my heart hurt to think that some parents will not attempt airplane travel with their child with autism. Yet, it can be done! Success can depend upon thorough planning, preparation and anticipating the needs of the child. … Read More
Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD): Social Skills Challenges
What is NVLD? updated 1/2023 Children with Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) struggle with social and spatial disabilities. There is currently no diagnosis of NVLD in the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders). Poor spatial skills combined with good verbal skills is the essential feature required for a diagnosis of NVLD. These children typically have strong verbal skills… Read More



