Category Archives: Intervention

Crossing the line: The Danger of Compliance

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As Amy Sequenzia so eloquently states: “ABA is not only abusive to Autistic children, it makes ableism and abuse acceptable. “Experts” want 40 hours/week of this and parents who don’t comply can lose their children. ABA creates a culture of … Continue reading →

Posted in ABA, ableism, Autism, Behaviour, Compliance, family, Intervention, Parent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Therapy Defined: Self-Regulation

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Definition of self-regulation intervention or therapy: H is given the downtime he needs to delve into his interests and to regroup and relax when he needs it… (And you wouldn’t call this therapy if the kid were non Autistic, you’d … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, autism stigma, Autistic, Intervention, language | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Aa is for Applecus and Autism: A look back at supporting language development

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

The other day I was reading about a mother’s excitement over her daughter’s language acquisition. It had me thinking back and remembering how that felt for us. My son is now 12 and has amazing expressive language – it took … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, Behaviour, Communicate, Intervention, language, Speech and Language Therapist, visual strategies and supports | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The magic of perspective and the perspective of magic: teaching sleight of mind

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

There can be surprising effectiveness in addressing an issue from an unexpected angle or finding another way. Thus, I have been teaching H the skills of a magician and encouraging him to do ‘magic shows‘ for friends and family. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, Intervention, ToM (Theory of Mind) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“tic tacs”: a light-hearted look at autism intervention

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Today I encourage you to think about tic tac candies. Yes, I mean the teensy little mints that come in the clear plastic dispenser. As a parent of a child on the Autism spectrum, I must admit that the tiny … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Behaviour, Intervention, Parent, the box, Tic Tacs | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Easy Silence: I am still learning to communicate

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I was once working with a child on the autism spectrum… (not H) and this opportunity had me considering, I mean really considering, what it must be like to be him. He had so many challenges and did not use … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Behaviour, Communicate, Intervention, language, Neurotypical, promote social understanding, Silence, Social cognition, Special Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Messages from the fridge: dreams, strategies, and coping skills

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Sometimes our fridge almost scares me. It is like intervention central. It can feel like it’s out of control and taking over the house – but it is also the hub of the house and it keeps us moving forward. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Intervention, Journey, Social Thinking | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments