An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, is used to help non-verbal or minimally verbal people communicate. Augmentative means to add on to speech, while alternative means to be used instead of speech.
This piece aims to shed some light on a key stereotype and stigma on autism - stims! There are interventions which aim to stop stims, linking it to behavioural issues thus defining autism as a behavioural disorder. When behaviour is assumed as a “problem” interventions focus on “fixing” the undesired behaviour.
The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) recently organised a talk by Raun K Kaufman, where he shared insights into “Autism Meltdown Turnaround.” The one and half hour session with international author, speaker and trainer left attendees wanting to learn more about the insightful techniques he shared which is part of the Autism Crisis Turnaround (ACT) Protocol.
When I was asked by Project Haans to write a piece about myths related to Down’s syndrome in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day celebrations on the 21st of March, lines from the Serenity Prayer popped into my mind. This is because one of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent to a child with Down’s syndrome is to have the “serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
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