Linda Hodgdon

More "goodies " added to the GARAGE SALE at bargain prices. Check them out here. . . https://www.usevisualstrategies.com/garage-sale-2024/

We're having a GARAGE SALE! Lots of great games and books your students will love . . .

Classroom materials, SLP aids, autism support materials, books, plus some interesting random goodies.

All NEW items (except several that are clearly marked). Get there soon. Most are limited quantity.

GARAGE SALE 2024 Check out the great clearance sale prices on many educational items and supplies for teachers and SLP who work with autism or special needs.

April is Autism Month. Have you taken the Autism Quiz?

Do you know these Autism Facts? Do you know these autism facts? Take the autism quiz to see how you score.

Did you know "Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text?" Check out some more interesting research https://www.usevisualstrategies.com/autism-and-youtube/ and some questions about autism and YouTube. Here's another statistic: Visuals are processed 60,000X faster in the brain than text. Yes . . . visuals are important communication tools.

April is autism month, so it's a perfect time to introduce a NEW BOOK . . . Untangling Autism: How to Parent Your Neurodivergent Child in a Neurotypical World. Check it out: https://www.usevisualstrategies.com/untangling-autism/

If you are a parent, this book is for you. It will help you sort through the “noise” about ASD and focus on some key, core areas to help your child.

If you are an educator (teacher, parapro, SLP, OT or any other support positions) Untangling Autism will provide a frame for working with your students and their families.

Check it out on Kindle.

Untangling Autism Untangling Autism: How to Parent Your Neurodiverse Child in a Neurotypical World. NEW book educating parents about understanding autism.

Visual Strategies for Improving Communication 3rd Edition - NEW- 99 cent sale on Amazon KINDLE. https://amzn.to/3x6W7m7 Sale is for this week ONLY.

April is Autism Month

That means it's a perfect time for AUTISM T-SHIRT FOR KIDS
https://www.usevisualstrategies.com/autism-shirts-for-kids/

These shirts can stimulate conversation about neurodiversity, visual learning and autism.
Check them out!

I was interviewed about autism and using visual strategies. That's my topic!

See the whole interview: https://www.usevisualstrategies.com/questions-about-autism-and-visual-strategies/

Here is one of my answers.

How easy would it be for a teacher to implement visual strategies in the classroom?

It can be easy or it can be hard. It can be really easy to collect a few pictures to create a schedule or make some classroom rules or a choice board for snacks or activities.

It can be really easy to make sure you are using something visual to get a student’s attention before telling him something.

The hard part can be getting a communication partner (teacher, parent, etc) to change . . . and do something different.

One of the most common things I hear is the comment, “He understands everything I say.”

Dealing with the attitude of the communication partner can be the hardest part of this whole strategy. When teachers finally understand more about the learning style of these students and they “buy in” to using visual tools, they can become highly successful.

If a teacher has an “attitude problem” about this, they will struggle because they will miss the great benefit that can come from making some modifications in their own communication style.

They just want to change the student, not themselves. They think all the changes need to be from the student.

This is what they don’t understand. If the communication partner does something different, there is a high likelihood that the student will do something different.

The interview contains a few more topics that are not commonly covered.

Visual learning for autism is a concept that we understand quite well now.

But you might not know this story . . .

We know that the majority of autistic students, plus many other students with communication or learning challenges, benefit from the visual strategies we use as a part of their communication environment.

But we didn’t always understand it like that.

In fact, when I started working in an autism program in the 1970’s, I’ll confess . . . we were clueless.

My first visual schedule

It was all about a very difficult student and a lunch box. I won’t tell the whole story right now, but it will be imprinted in my brain forever.

For right now, just understand that I created my first simple visual schedule and IT WORKED!

More visual strategies

Well, if you know me, you’ll understand that I’m a little bit “Columbo” and a little bit creative. I quickly learned that there were other ways we could use various kinds of visual strategies with our students to help them become more successful in school.

Who uses visual tools?

Keep in mind that we were doing something that was very unusual. Today, visual strategies are common in many classrooms (for all students) but particularly for neurodiverse students including autism. But that is not what existed back then.

What is “Speech Therapy” used for?

Those of you who are “vintage” will understand that traditional Speech Therapy in that era was working on articulation which means helping students pronounce words correctly.

My work with visual strategies was definitely “outside the box” and most people didn’t understand.

So . . . I wrote the book

My first book, Visual Strategies for Improving Communication, was published in 1995. That’s a looooong time ago!

Did you know that this book has sold many hundreds of thousands of copies all over the world? It’s been translated into multiple languages including Arabic, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

And now there is something special I need to share with you!

Visual Strategies is having a BIRTHDAY!

This book has received multiple updates and revisions over the years. But this year is SPECIAL!

Visual Strategies is 29!

I know. . . I know. . . people usually celebrate the decades (20, 30, 40, etc.), but somehow 29 is the perfect time to celebrate.

There are some updates and revisions that occur in every edition. But there is one really BIG change this time . . .

The book has a new cover . . .

Surprisingly, this has been a painful process . . . not because the old cover was so wonderful . . . but because it was so well known.

I participated in a book fair for local authors at my local library recently and several people came up to me to tell me they had my book (some purchased many years ago) and they recognized it from across the room.

It’s like having an “old friend”

Especially when the information inside has been meaningful. That reminds me of another story, but I’ll wait until the next newsletter to share it.

In the meantime, just remember that visual strategies are timeless. Using visuals is not a fad or something that is “in today and out tomorrow.” That book is filled with some “CORE” information that has transformed our understanding of communication for autistic students.

There are many other students who have benefitted, too, but the needs of the autistic population are often misunderstood. Visual supports are tools to help solve those mysteries.

Visual Strategies are more than a schedule

Visual learning for autism is something we understand much better since those early days. But there’s more I’ll share soon.

The updated, 3rd Edition of Visual Strategies for Improving Communication will be available soon.

Visual learning for autism is a concept that we understand quite well now.

But you might not know this story . . .

We know that the majority of autistic students, plus many other students with communication or learning challenges, benefit from the visual strategies we use as a part of their communication environment.

But we didn’t always understand it like that.

In fact, when I started working in an autism program in the 1970’s, I’ll confess . . . we were clueless.

MY FIRST VISUAL SCHEDULE

It was all about a very difficult student and a lunch box. I won’t tell the whole story right now, but it will be imprinted in my brain forever.

For right now, just understand that I created my first simple visual schedule and IT WORKED!

MORE VISUAL STRATEGIES

Well, if you know me, you’ll understand that I’m a little bit “Columbo” and a little bit creative. I quickly learned that there were other ways we could use various kinds of visual strategies with our students to help them become more successful in school.

WHO USES VISUAL TOOLS?

Keep in mind that we were doing something that was very unusual. Today, visual strategies are common in many classrooms (for all students) but particularly for neurodiverse students including autism. But that is not what existed back then.

WHAT IS "SPEECH THERAPY"?

Those of you who are “vintage” will understand that traditional Speech Therapy in that era was working on articulation which means helping students pronounce words correctly.

My work with visual strategies was definitely “outside the box” and most people didn’t understand.

SO . . . I WROTE THE BOOK!

My first book, Visual Strategies for Improving Communication, was published in 1995. That’s a looooong time ago!

Did you know that this book has sold many hundreds of thousands of copies all over the world? It’s been translated into multiple languages including Arabic, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

And now there is something special I need to share with you!

Visual Strategies is having a BIRTHDAY!

This book has received multiple updates and revisions over the years. But this year is SPECIAL!

Visual Strategies is 29!

I know. . . I know. . . people usually celebrate the decades (20, 30, 40, etc.), but somehow 29 is the perfect time to celebrate.

There are some updates and revisions that occur in every edition. But there is one really BIG change this time . . .

THE BOOK IS GETTING A NEW COVER . . .

Surprisingly, this has been a painful process . . . not because the old cover was so wonderful . . . but because it was so well known.

I participated in a book fair for local authors at my local library recently and several people came up to me to tell me they had my book (some purchased many years ago) and they recognized it from across the room.

IT'S LIKE HAVING AN OLD FRIEND . . .

Especially when the information inside has been meaningful. That reminds me of another story, but I’ll wait until the next newsletter to share it.

In the meantime, just remember that visual strategies are timeless. Using visuals is not a fad or something that is “in today and out tomorrow.” That book is filled with some “CORE” information that has transformed our understanding of communication for autistic students.

There are many other students who have benefitted, too, but the needs of the autistic population are often misunderstood. Visual supports are tools to help solve those mysteries.

Visual Strategies are more than a schedule

Visual learning for autism is something we understand much better since those early days. But there’s more I’ll share soon.

The updated, 3rd Edition of Visual Strategies for Improving Communication will be available soon.

Some more great ideas for autism holiday shopping. But these gifts can work for all kids!

Gifts for Autism: What are the best toys for autism? Are you looking for best toys for autism? You may be surprised to discover that the best gifts may not be toys. Here are some different ideas.

Looking for Christmas gifts for the autistic / neurodivergent kids on your list. Here are a few ideas to stimulate your thinking . . .

Best ideas – gifts for autistic children Finding gifts for autistic children is different than shopping for other kids. Discover fun ways to meet their unique sensory needs.

I'll be at the Troy Local Author Book Fair this Saturday, November 18. Time is 10Am -1PM. Address: Event takes place at the Troy Community Center at 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083, Be sure to stop by and say HI! I'll have a display of some of the foreign language translations of my books. I'll also have some books for sale.

I'll have a table at the Woodside Church Special Needs Resource Fair on Saturday, October 28. Be sure to stop by and say HI! I'll have some "FREEBIES" AVAILABLE.

This "little book" is finally back in stock! It's a perfect "pass-out" for new parents, new teachers, new support staff or anyone who needs to learn about the visual strategies that you use. https://usevisualstrategies.com/visual-strategies-2/ Stock up now!

I talk about using video as a teaching tool. Here's a great example.
https://youtu.be/YNd2eqZgpps
Woodside Bible Church has an awesome Special Needs Ministry!

The Salad Bar and the Great Feast Woodside Bible Church - Special Needs MinistryThe Salad Bar and the Great FeastApril 2023

Historically, the approach to addressing the needs of the autistic population was to try to “fix” them with a goal to “cure” them to make them “normal.”

It's not like that now. Understanding neurodiversity has changed everything. Autism Success Secrets for Parents transforms some of that "old" thinking into new meaningful ways to meet the needs of our autistic children.
https://usevisualstrategies.com/autism-success-secrets-parents/

Families who find themselves on an autism journey generally have more questions than answers. So, what do you do? Everyone goes to Google!!!
https://usevisualstrategies.com/autism-success-secrets-parents/

Well . . . when you become a friend of Google to search for autism solutions you can uncover a lot of what I call “Swiss Cheese” information out there. . . bits and pieces. . . filled with a lot of holes, and not enough details to help you know exactly what to do.

That’s why I wrote AUTISM SUCCESS SECRETS FOR PARENTS. It’s not an encyclopedia of everything about autism.

Instead, it addresses some “CORE” topics that have surfaced over and over in the more than 40 years that I have been consulting with parents and educators of autistic children.

• Discover the go-kart analogy
• Learn an important lesson from a 2000 pound horse
• Develop the “Columbo Strategy”
• Plus much, much more . . .

This weekend there is a “pre-sale” before the official introduction next week.

We are learning a lot about autism, but it still creates confusion and misunderstanding for parents and educators.

I read a post online recently that was written by an adult on the autism spectrum. He writes frequently explaining and defending the concept of neurodiversity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The writer stated, “. . . I find that a lot of people use the word autism to describe a person with an intellectual disability. . .”

The writer continued with this statement, “. . . Autistic people tend to not have intellectual disabilities.”

He is partially correct. . . . .
https://usevisualstrategies.com/misunderstanding-spectrum-autism/

Misunderstanding #1
In those two statements, this writer has uncovered Misunderstanding #1 about those with autism.

Misunderstanding the Spectrum of Autism People misunderstand the spectrum of Autism. One autistic adult wrote "people use the word autism to describe an intellectual disability. . .”

One of the best ways that a teacher or Speech Therapist can help a student is to help the parent of that student understand the power of visual strategies for managing life. Sometimes parents don't understand how essential visuals are for their home success.

Even if parents see the visual supports being used at school or in a therapy setting, they don't necessarily understand how powerful these tools can be to manage home life.

WHAT IS AN AUTISM SUCCESS TOOLBOX?
It’s a little collection of visual tools. They are easy to put into practice but they will make a huge difference in how you (THE PARENT) and your child with autism survive on a day-to-day basis. These are tools that will help you avoid many difficult situations with your child.

TEACHERS & SLPs . . . . SHARING THIS POST WITH THE PARENTS OF YOUR STUDENTS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY!
https://usevisualstrategies.com/autism-survival-toolbox-essentials-parents-must/

Autism Survival Toolbox: Essentials Parents MUST have An Autism Toolbox is a little collection of visual tools to help parents avoid difficult situations with their child. Parents need visuals.

Covid made something very clear. Many autism parents need to gain more confidence for teaching their own children. Teachers and therapists can help them learn more strategies that work for their children. https://usevisualstrategies.com/helping-autism-parents-gain-confidence/

Helping Autism Parents Gain Confidence Autism parents need to gain confidence in how to teach their own child. An important goal for teachers and therapists is to help them do that.

Neurodiversity, "high functioning" and "low functioning" are terms used to describe individuals with an ASD diagnosis. There continues to be misunderstanding about these terms and about the skills and challenges that these students have. Tell me what YOU think.
https://usevisualstrategies.com/understanding-neurodiversity/

Understanding neurodiversity is important for considering how we can help our students who have a diagnosis of autism.

Neurodiversity is a concept that has become better understood in the last few years. It embraces the range of differences in learning which lead to several diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Dyslexia.

WHAT DOES NEURODIVERSITY MEAN?
Historically, autism has been considered a disability. Those with an ASD diagnosis were considered to have a handicap becauses of their differences in communication, behavior and learning.

Advocates of neurodiversity encourage a different way of thinking. They describe the learning and thinking variations of these students as DIFFERENCES rather than labeling them as DISABILITIES.
https://usevisualstrategies.com/understanding-neurodiversity/

Understanding Neurodiversity Understanding neurodiversity is important to grasp autism and for moving forward. People commonly use terminology that is misleading.

The Woodside Special Needs Resource Fair was a perfect opportunity to talk with local parents and professionals to share more of my visual strategies message. I talked with several local clinics and services who are interested in providing in person in-service training for their staff and parents. I love to do local engagements. Connect with me if you are in the Metro Detroit region. https://usevisualstrategies.com/linda-hodgdons-visual-strategies-workshops/

Linda Hodgdon’s Visual Strategies Workshops™ Linda has been providing virtual training options for schools and conference planners so you have another way to provide essential training. Programs can be delivered in live group format or recorded so they can be viewed on group or individual time schedules. Contact Linda Hodgdon to discuss your n...

Only a few left. . . Adult Large
SLPs wear these to encourge everyone to use visual strategies. When I see it. . . then I understand https://www.ebay.com/itm/153849494405

AUTISM T-SHIRT Visual Strategies LOGO Adult Size LARGE assorted colors | eBay Visual Strategies for students with Autism or Special Learning Needs. with autism or special learning needs. Visual Strategies for Improving Communication. Excellent for those who love Linda's VISUAL STRATEGIES for working with students.

Visual strategies are for everyone!!!