how to help autisic son

[samandkat]

Hi my ds is 20 month and im wondering how to help him advance in his development

I have seeked professional advise but i have just been judged and had it all thrown baxk in my face aswell as been under minded as a parent

Ds needs help on drinking independently (with cup on his own)
Eating independently (with spoon on his own)
Speaking (all he manages is babbles)

If any one anywhere can help me and give me hints/tips how to do this i would be most grateful i feel like i have nowhere else to turn

At 20 months you are doing really well as you've picked it up so early. I think the spoon and cup just take months of practice and time. The speech is the crucial one to start on. I am going to pm you an article I wrote (actually co-wrote with an excellent speech therapist from this board) about getting speech going.

Have you got the 'more than words' book, it has been recommended on here many times and is very useful as it gives many tips on how to engage yiour DLC and develop their speech. There are many other things you can do such as intensive interaction, floor time and ABA once you are ready, but 'more than words' will cover the basics very effectively.

Also check out 'small steps forward' by Sarah Newman, I found it a great starting point. I bought the older version on amazon with the dark green cover & it was about :£3.