Tomeika is a three-year-old girl. She was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Tomeika is able to make many vocalizations and is able to say one recognizable word. Tomeika will say “juice”, which she pronounces as “oos.” Throughout the day, Tomeika cries and falls to the floor to gain access to food, obtain a favorite toy, or when she wants to be picked up. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, would like for Tomeika to communicate her desires with words, but do not know how to help her. Tomeika recently began attending an early childhood special education classroom for learners with ASD in the County Public School System for six hours a day, four days a week. On Wednesdays, Tomeika and her peers do not go to school. Instead, on this day, Tomeika’s interventionist, Mrs. Dell, has parent conferences in her students’ homes. During the conferences, Mrs. Dell discusses educational programming, learner progress, areas of concern, and also provides training to parents.