Non-Tech Gift Ideas

 We can't deny that technology plays a huge role in our everyday lives.  It has an impact on social interactions as well as language development. Keeping that in mind and with Christmas approaching fast, here are some great non-tech holiday gifts ideas for friends and family! 

http://blog.asha.org/2016/11/29/10-non-tech-holiday-gift-ideas-to-promote-kids-language-learning/

Happy Holidays, everyone!

--Megan

Coming soon!

Elizabeth is having a baby boy at the start of December and we can't wait to meet the little guy!  We had a baby shower yesterday in their honor.  We are going to miss her while she is gone on maternity leave!  I will be at the Mercer Island office while she is away being a new mom.  I am excited to get to know all of the Mercer Island families. 🙂

You might also see someone new in our picture, Dana, our graduate student.  She has done an amazing job over the past few months and will be leaving us soon.  We are going to miss her and all of the great work she provides.

In other news, it is Thanksgiving next week.  Everyone enjoy all of the good food and time with family and friends.

-Cassee

Executive what?

Paige and I have the privilege of attending a professional development conference this week all about executive functioning.  What exactly is executive functioning?  Here's an overview:

Executive function skills cover a lot of ground, including abilities necessary for both school and adult life.  When a kid or adult has a language disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or a variety of other related diagnoses, they often struggle with executive functioning as well.  People without any known diagnosis often struggle with some of these skills, at least some of the time.  (Task initiation is a personal weakness of mine... -- what's yours??)

We look forward to learning some strategies and techniques to strengthen these skills in our clients, but in the meantime, here are some resources about what you can do at home to improve your children's (or your own!) executive functioning skills in a fun and meaningful way:

• How Family Game Night Makes Kids Into Better Students
• Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills
• Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence
• The Science of Smart: A Surprising Way To Improve Executive Function
• Strategies to Strengthen Executive Function

--Sarah

It's on the tip of my tongue!

Have you ever had a word stuck on the tip of your tongue?

You might assume that if you think about it long enough and finally remember the word that you will be more likely to recall that same word in the future.  In fact the opposite may be true!  Time spent in a "tip-of-the tongue state" reinforces the pattern that caused you to forget the word in the first place.

A study which appeared in The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology suggests that the next time you have a word on the tip of your tongue you should immediately look it up or ask someone.  Then say it to yourself therefore creating a new memory regarding the word!

Trick or Treat Cards!

Halloween can be a tough holiday for many children on the spectrum or with special needs, so here are some free “Trick or Treat” cards to make this holiday a little easier for your child. All you need to do is print these out and fill in your child’s name. When they go to each house on Halloween, just have them pass out a card to encourage their independence and promote understanding and awareness in your community. 

Trick or Treat Cards 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

Megan