Podcast

In our continued discussion with Pat Pulice, M.A., L.P., Vice President of Integrated Health Care at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN, we will look at different settings a child might be in who has an autism diagnosis and how to build a beneficial environment for children we serve. What kinds of supports are present in the therapeutic setting which help a child as they develop skills and when does an inclusive setting with typical developing peers offer other benefits to the child? Early educators can examine their environment for structure, routines, stimulation, and visual supports. Again, each child is an individual and their needs will vary but we will discuss some general strategies for inclusion.

In the first of this series of podcasts, Cindy and Priscilla interview Pat Pulice, M.A., L.P., Vice President of Integrated Health Care at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN, on what the major characteristics of autism can look like in a young child, how early we might identify a child, and what the identification process includes for young children who may have development red flags for autism. As with all children, the important attitude is seeing who the whole child is and what can support their special needs as they grow and develop.

In the final session in this series, Priscilla Weigel and Cindy Croft will offer insights into some of the responses that may come from a family when they are told there are red flags in their child’s development. As parents grapple with developmental information, they will need ongoing support and understanding from the early educator and program staff. We can be an important partner in a journey that is just beginning.

In part 3 of our series on Sharing Concerns with Families, Priscilla Weigel and Cindy Croft discuss the sensitive topic of talking to a family about their child’s development. This is often one of the hardest jobs an early educator will undertake but it is critically important for the child for whom early intervention can make a world of difference. We will talk about ways to share developmental information and continue building the important relationship between parent and caregiver.

Once we have gathered our information to share about a developmental concern, we need to set the stage for our conversation with the family. The ongoing partnership between the early educator, family, and child will rely on trust, confidentiality, and compassion. In this podcast, we will share some fundamental tips that will help us as we prepare to talk with the family, including when and how to hold the meeting.

In this podcast, we will begin a series on the sensitive topic of how to share developmental concerns with families. The first steps in talking to families about a developmental red flag is to have objective, nonjudgmental observations and recordings that can give them an accurate developmental picture. This is foundational to a successful conversation and will help allay some of your anxiousness as you approach families with your concerns.