Autism services Content

At Little Dumplings, I use identity first language ("autistic child"). I feel that using identity first language cultivates a positive sense of self identity. It helps me teach autistic children about what they are going to experience not only having autism but their experience in their environment and their world. 

I provide a play based program with developmental awareness, that encourages self advocacy, independence, routine, regulation, fine motor skills,  and daily life skills, while gently challenging the autistic child with tender loving sabotage.  I meet the child where they are at in their development and expand their skills by utilizing their strengths. I offer supports to both autistic child and their families, that are meaningful and fits into their home lives.

I recognize there are potential challenges autistic children face. Some examples are auditory processing, trouble changing routines once they are formed, being misunderstood by non-autistic people and possibly having fewer interests in activities than their peers. Autistic children may also have difficulty with the concept of finished, taking the perspective of non-autistic people, and with executive functioning. 

In contrast, at Little Dumplings Learning Centre, I focus and build on the child's strengths. 

We see potential strengths as:

• relationships to their autistic peers
• attention to detail, attends to present moment
• humor
• recognizes patterns
• empathy
• learns to saturation
• perceives  sensory environment
• forms and sticks to routine
• attends to visual instructions
• honesty
• focus without multitasking

Recognizing the strengths of every child, helps me build on positive traits through play to gain success in their daily lives.