The Activity Kit for Babies and Toddlers at Risk How to Use Everyday Routines to Build Social and Communication Skills

Suspecting that your baby or toddler may have autism spectrum disorder or another developmental delay can be scary and overwhelming. But there is a lot you can do to help, even while waiting for an evaluation or early intervention. With the right tools, everyday tasks can be terrific opportunities for building critical social and communication skills. Start at the kitchen table, bathtub, or shopping cart! In this easy-to-navigate guide, leading experts present more than 100 games and activities designed to support development in children from birth to age 3. Your child's daily routines are transformed into learning opportunities that promote crucial abilities, like how to imitate others or use simple hand gestures to convey wants and needs. As a parent, you are the most important person in your child's life. Now you can be the best teacher, too. Winner (First Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Child Health Category

Introduction: Is This Book for You? I. Helping Babies and Toddlers Learn and Develop 1. What Is a Developmental Delay and How Can Games in Routine Activities Help? 2. Keystones: Attachment and Behavioral Teaching 3. 12 Rules to Play By 4. Language, Eye Contact, and Imagination: Important Targets of Learning II. Games and Activities for Toddlers at Risk 5. Waking Up and Going to Sleep 6. Dressing, Undressing, and Diaper Changing 7. Mealtime 8. Bathtime 9. Chores 10. Errands 11. Indoor Play 12. Outdoor Play III. Games and Activities for Babies at Risk 13.03 Months 14. 36 Months 15. 69 Months 16. 912 Months IV. More Tips and Tools 17. Specific Words, Phrases, Gestures, and Signs to Work On 18. Preventing Problem Behavior Appendix: Activity Lists

Deborah Fein, PhD, is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut. Molly Helt, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity College, and the parent of a child with autism. Lynn Brennan, EdD, BCBA-D, is a board-certified behavior analyst, based in Massachusetts, who has worked with children with autism spectrum disorders for more than 20 years. Marianne Barton, PhD, is Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Connecticut, where she is also Director of the Psychological Services Clinic.