About
Nancy Z. Schwartz, Ph.D.
The ER Doctor for Autism!
Hello, I'm Nancy Z. Schwartz, a dedicated professional with over 40 years of experience specializing in speech and language disorders. After completing my Ph.D. in Communication Disorders at the City University of New York, and working intensely with children as the director of the Communication Clinic of Connecticut, I have a profound understanding that speech and language skills cannot be taught in isolation from life itself.
My passion lies in helping children bridge the gap between language and life. I firmly believe that for children to succeed in life, they must actively participate in it. This belief is rooted in the expectation that every child should engage in daily life activities and assume the responsibility for their participation.
Empowering Children with Autism & Developmental Disorders
A Multilayered Approach
Learning about life cannot occur in a vacuum. To truly participate in life, a child must think about life, engage with it meaningfully, and communicate with others effectively. It's a multilayered process that demands attention to detail and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each child.
Autistic children, in particular, face diverse challenges. Some may have limited academic or cognitive skills, while others excel academically. However, the common thread is the difficulty most autistic children experience in understanding and discussing life content and interactions.
Learning to Relate and Participate
My approach involves guiding parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists to help children and students learn about life. By facilitating participation without conflict and nurturing thinking skills throughout everyday moments, we can unlock a world of potential.
Through active participation in life tasks, children and students have the opportunity to enhance a wide range of abilities:
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Observing
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Remaining engaged in interactions
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Sharing experiences
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Developing episodic memories
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Expanding language skills across communicative functions
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Building vocabulary
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Understanding task sequences
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Grasping cause and effect
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Fostering cognitive flexibility
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Problem-solving
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Comprehending functional science
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Increasing self-awareness
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Improving fine motor skills
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Mitigating sensory defensiveness
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Enhancing basic academic skills
For All Ages and Abilities
This approach to learning about life is suitable for individuals facing learning challenges of all ages. Whether you have a two-year-old, a school-age child, or an adult in your care, my techniques can be applied effectively. While my focus is primarily on teaching autistic individuals, these methods are adaptable to other developmental disorders as well.
Exploring the Website
As you explore this website, you'll gain access to both the theoretical foundations of my approach and practical techniques across a wide range of skills. Resources cover topics such as visual referencing to gain information through the eyes, fostering a sense of competence in students, promoting cognitive flexibility to reduce meltdowns, and utilizing declarative language for effective communication and thinking.
I'm here to share the knowledge I've accumulated over the years. If you have questions or seek guidance, email me. I make it a priority to respond to at least one question each week.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of teaching in life for life. Together, we can empower individuals to thrive in their unique life experiences.