Offering life experiences is important to increase your child's vocabulary. Remember that socialization and independence need to be the focus. Talk about the trip ahead of time - use a picture schedule or story if it is helpful. Then, talk during the trip to explain what is going on. During the trip, take pictures. Encourage your child to make choices about what to do next, talk to the other children at the event, and do as much on his/her own as possible. After, make a social story about the trip using the pictures and read it with your child to work on recall and shared experiences. Each child is unique and parents know which experiences are right for their child. Below are links to web sites for businesses/activities in our community that some families find helpful. Feel free to visit the web sites to see if those places have something to offer that your child or family would enjoy. http://mi.easterseals.com/ - Easter Seals on Michigan offers speech therapy, sensory integration, occupational therapy, PLAY project, and more. Click on the link, then Services and Locations on the left side of the web site to learn more. ![]() http://childrenstherapycorner.com/ - Children's Therapy Corner in Midland offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, therapeutic listening, PLAY Level II, and parent workshops. ![]() http://www.gymjesters.com/ - Gym Jesters offers a variety of classes for gross motor coordination and skill. https://www.celighthouse.org/saginaw/ - The Community Education department through STCS offers classes such as swimming, dance, and art. http://www.saginawymca.org/contactus.html - Saginaw YMCA offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sports, and summer day camps. http://www.saginawlibrary.org/ - Visit the local library to borrow books/movies, play on the computer, or listen to story hour. Also, parents can do a search to see what parenting and special needs books are available to check out. http://www.saginawzoo.com/ - Children' s Zoo at Celebration Square ![]() http://www.delta.edu/fitness/Pool.html - Delta College has a fun pool with various open swim times. It also offers family locker rooms and has lifeguards. ![]() http://www.mcfta.org/ - The Midland Center for the Arts offers plays, exhibits, and other special events. The Museum of Science and Art has many hands-on and interactive items for children to enjoy while learning. People often ask for local professionals who help students with ASD. Below is a list of professionals for a family to consider for local support. Dr. Sandra Pfander, Psychologist 4901 Towne Centre Ste 205, Saginaw, 48604 989-921-5715 Dr. Kathleen Regan, Psychiatrist 400 Orchard Dr. Ste. 3015 - Mid Michigan Hospital Midland, 48640 989-839-3385 Sarah Culbertson, ABA Therapist Great Lakes Bay Autism Center (GLBAC) glbac.org |
|
|
|




