Blogs     Healthy Kids     Early Education     K-12     Health Guide    

Google Home Is Helping My Autistic Son To Speak



Co-Parenting With Technology

autism, speech therapy, google home, gadgets, gook mom, mom blog, parenting, technology, toddler life

Ok, before you all jump through your screen to fight against the rise of technologies in our children’s lives, I am by no means suggesting that Google Home can replace therapies or good ol’ dinner table conversations. We've had nearly three years of Speech Therapy coupled with sign language that gave my son an invaluable understanding of communication. This type of therapy cannot be replaced.


Since welcoming home our new robotic roommate, we’ve noticed one major advantage the device has over us: it is not intuitive.


To backtrack a little bit, my son didn’t talk, at all, until he was almost three. And it was through intensive therapies, follow through, and sign language that he finally understood he needed to communicate to have his needs met. Now in preschool, he’s just starting to string a few words together on his own. His receptive language is very advanced actually (he can understand what he hears), but for some reason, getting those words and phrases out is a difficult task for him.


Since I’m with him most of the time, I am very tuned into his needs so I can constantly help him find the words and model phrases for him to repeat. As a mom, I almost always know what he’s trying to say, so I can respond and ease the stress for him at home. For example, if he says “Fish”, he means “I would like to eat goldfish crackers.” Sometimes I’ll model the sentence for him to repeat before honoring his request, but sometimes (okay, a lot of times) I just get him the snack because we both know that I understand what he means. That intuition can hold him back.


And that’s the big difference between me and Google Home. Our cute little speaker can’t guess at what my son is trying to say. It can't see what he’s looking at. It can’t use his body language and events of the day to determine what he’s talking about.


autism, speech therapy, google home, gadgets, gook mom, mom blog, parenting, technology, toddler life


This lack of intuition is actually pushing my son to speak. Google Home has some pretty fun responses like making animal noises, singing the alphabet, and even playing his favorite songs, and therefore he’s highly motivated to get the device to understand. He has to be mindful of his speed, articulation, and volume when making requests. It’s empowering and reinforcing when he finally gets Google to respond correctly.


Google Home is all business too. If you don’t say the request just right, you might get some weird long-winded trivia in response or hear a song that you hate and Google doesn’t give a sh*t about what you meant. And I’m kinda in love with it for that reason.


Here’s some of the fun things Google Home will do, starting with “Ok Google….”


“Play Tom Petty” (I couldn’t be more proud of my son’s musical choices)


“Spin the Wheel of Fortune” (It totally makes the clicking wheel sound from the game show, my son’s fave new obsession)


“Sing ABCs” (not a bad rendition)


“What does an Elephant say?” (some of the other animal sounds are very questionable though)


“Tell Simon what time it is?” And Google responds “Simon, it’s time to take a nap” (Best part about this device is being able to create our own responses!)


autism, speech therapy, google home, gadgets, gook mom, mom blog, parenting, technology, toddler life


Google also helps us check the weather, set timers, add reminders and groceries to name a few.  I’m also hoping once my son hits that endless “Why” phase, I can just direct him to our speaker pal to supply endless answers and then maybe I can finish my coffee in peace.


So for now, me and the robot are working together. I’m taking care of all the life sustaining requests like food, water and clean diapers while Google Home is handling the silly songs and animals noises. The three of us are practicing reciting phrases and simple sentences and we’re all having a ton of fun.



*If you have any concerns about your child, please discuss with their pediatrician or contact your local school district or Early Intervention center for an evaluation.*



Rielly is a part-time writer and full-time mama to an adorable autistic toddler. Her favorite hobbies include naptime, drinking coffee, and trips to Target. Follow her online @riellygrey.



Other posts by this this blogger


There's No Accomplishment Too Small

Jul 26, 2018

Having a constant visual gives me the motivation I need to keep trying new things with my son, even when it seems like nothing is sinking in.

The First Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder Caught on Tape

Jul 19, 2018

This video shows our attempts at feeding my son at 10 months old, before we knew about his Sensory Processing issues, before Autism was even a notion.

Maintaining a sensory diet during the summer

Jul 12, 2018

If your ASD kiddo is like mine, they totally need a sensory diet to keep their minds and bodies feeling comfortable and regulated.

Explaining Autism (Part 2)

Jul 5, 2018

How could I possible explain what our day looked like? How could I help someone understand 'his' spectrum?

Explaining Autism (Part 1)

Jun 28, 2018

How other people view Autism affects how my son is treated, so it’s very important that I do my best to explain "his" Autism to the people in his life.

Early Signs of Autism

Jun 21, 2018

Around 10 months, we knew something wasn’t quite right with Simon’s development. He was meeting his milestones, but just... strangely.

Happy Father's Day Joe!

Jun 17, 2018

You know who else works just as hard as me? My husband. Basically what I’m saying is, my husband is the greatest Dad!

Meltdown vs. Tantrum

Jun 7, 2018

For parents of children on the spectrum, identifying whether the situation is a tantrum or a meltdown can mean the difference between a fast recovery or an intense and exhausting situation.

My Mama Survival Bag

May 31, 2018

Like many Mamas with ASD kids (Autism Spectrum Disorder), we’re always looking for ways to help our little ones cope with sensory overload outside of the home. Here’s a few of our survival items.

Getting Peace & Quiet With Google Home (Mostly)

May 24, 2018

I showed my son how to tell Google to set a timer for 30 minutes and promised when the timer goes off, we will have playtime.

Removing My Expectation of Experience

May 17, 2018

My son constantly reminds me that his experiences are his, not my expectation of experience.

Hitting - He Didn't Learn It From Me

May 10, 2018

"Look at that unruly child hitting and the parents doing nothing." A statement I never expected someone to say to me as a parent.

Playdate In A Box Brings Back Old School Play

May 3, 2018

Superheroes, Rock Stars, and Pirates can put together their own capes, masks, cuffs, and then open a secret scroll which takes them on an imaginative adventure in their new identities.

Grounding Objects for Children on the Spectrum

Apr 26, 2018

For a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), any combination of those things could just be too much to handle, too much to process. They need a life line, a steady object to help them find their place in their environment.

I'm Not Sensory, You Are.

Apr 19, 2018

During our sensory play through Early Education, at some point I realized I may have some sensory issues too…

Mom Parody Song of Elle King's song X's and Os

Apr 18, 2018

Watch this adorable rendition of Elle King's Xs and Os about the real life struggle and motherhood.

Learning Resources® Creates Inspirational Toys for Children on the Spectrum

Apr 12, 2018

And with the specific needs of children on the spectrum in mind, many of these toys encourage imagination, socialization, while increasing the development of play and motor skills.

I Can't Do It All.

Apr 5, 2018

I’ve always prided myself on being an exceptional multitasker. I love having tons of projects going on at the same time. Even when my life becomes stressful and hectic, there’s nothing better than the feeling of relief and accomplishment when I can check off my To-Do list. I’ve always worked 2...

Using YouTube Videos to Encourage Imitation

Mar 29, 2018

Imitation was a super hard skill for us to learn. Until I found a wonderful video series on YouTube called Super Simple Songs.

Plush Julia Doll From Sesame Street Giveaway!

Mar 23, 2018

Gund has been gracious enough to gift us with a Julia doll that we would love to give one of our readers.

"Time Out" For Self-Regulation, Not Punishment

Mar 22, 2018

In the heat of the moment, when those “terrible two’s” begin to take hold of your child for the first time, it can be really hard to recognize what is actually happening versus what it “feels” like is happening.

New Paltz Dunkin Donuts is Like Family

Mar 15, 2018

This particular shop in New Paltz doesn’t have a drive-thru window which I didn’t think much of until I started seeing a really amazing thing happening….the customers, and tons of them, smiling and laughing with the staff like they were all friends. Every. Single. Morning. I felt like I was watching an episode of Cheers.

Kindness At The Park.

Feb 22, 2018

My son is not a fan of other kids. When we go to the park he likes watching the other kids run around, but he doesn’t want to play with them. And that’s okay. We’re working on helping him have fun in a social settings without getting upset at the chaos, noise, and unpredictability of other child...

Why "Self Care" Is A Bunch Of Bull For Special Needs Moms

Jan 18, 2018

I would LOVE to take time off to just relax somewhere, getting a massage, listening to peaceful sounds of the rain forest, drinking exotic teas in peace, but that’s not my life

9 Things I Promised I Would Never Do As A Parent

Jan 11, 2018

When I was pregnant I had it all figured out....but my toddler made me eat all my sanctimommy words like he inhales dinosaur chicken nuggets.

The importance Of eye contact for children with Autism

Jan 4, 2018

Our faces tell so much about who we are and how we interact with others, and if a child is not looking for those clues, they will never truly understand how to communicate.

'The Last Jedi' Is About Mistakes And Choices, Not Destiny.

Dec 21, 2017

We can debate whether this movie was awesome or awful later, but for now, this theme is resonating with me as a parent. I want so much to do the right thing for my son, to give him the best life I can, but ultimately, the person he becomes will be his choice. Just as it was my choice growing up.

To Tree Or Not To Tree

Dec 14, 2017

A Christmas tree is always our biggest concern. They can be climbed, pulled down, and of course bare treacherous terrain with broken bulbs and sharp-edged ornaments.

No Man Ever Steps In The Same River Twice.

Dec 7, 2017

A few weeks or months after we have worked through a challenge, it would suddenly reappear. We learned that although this appears to be the same situation, it’s not.

What Is A Sensory Diet

Nov 30, 2017

Sometimes asking a child to “Be Quiet”, “Sit Still”, or “Pay Attention” can be an impossible request. They don’t yet understand how to. A Sensory Diet will help them transition their energy throughout the day.

"But He Doesn't Look Autistic"

Nov 21, 2017

These five words could have several meanings so I’ve decided to explore each one in hopes to break my emotional ties.

You Don't Have To Eat That

Nov 16, 2017

Although he can’t express why he likes or doesn’t like different foods, I understand that my son does have a reason and that reason is valid. I was the same way growing up!

Create An Activity Photo Library

Nov 9, 2017

So what do with do with bins of rice and play-doh and beans and kinetic sand? We stored all of these bins in a closet and created an activity photo library.

That's Right, I Let My Kid Watch TV

Nov 2, 2017

My son is Autistic, with or without technology. Here's how we've used TV and his tablet as tools for learning.

Bridging The Communication Gap With Signs

Oct 26, 2017

We started practicing signs with our son around 9 months and it has made all the difference in our relationship, his communication development, and his overall behavior.

That Time Mommy Brain Made Me Shoplift

Oct 19, 2017

Everyone told me I would be more tired than I’ve ever been and have crazy “mommy brain,” but I didn’t truly understand the gravity of that term until my first week home with my newborn.

Flexibility 101: Reading

Oct 12, 2017

One of the hardest things I’ve had to do in Early Intervention is teach my son flexibility, but it’s so very important for us both, to learn how to cope when things aren’t the same. If your child, like mine, is rigid with reading time, here’s a few ways to broaden their reading experience.

My Sensory Son's Top 10 Favorite Things At The Zoo

Oct 5, 2017

What’s the point in going to the zoo if not to check out the cool animals? Well, to Simon, there were other attractions that he really enjoyed, we just weren’t listening.

When You Hold My Hand

Sep 28, 2017

My little boy, you are growing up so fast. I want you to know, that no matter what, you are safe and I will always be here for you, so I hold you hand. I wish I could hold onto these moment forever.

Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Defensive

Sep 21, 2017

Children with SPD struggle with regulating their senses. In an effort to normalize what they are feeling, children will modify their play and actions depending on how much or how little sensory input they need.

Who Am I Without EI?

Sep 15, 2017

My son is moving on and transitioning well into his first week of Preschool, but there’s no transition for parents. What am I supposed to do now?

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sep 14, 2017

SPD is so much more than just an “over sensitivity”. For some children on the spectrum, it can also mean that their bodies aren’t sensitive enough and may even get hurt because they don’t feel pain. Sensory Processing Disorder, in the very basic of terms, really means that there’s a breakdown of how the person is receiving and filtering stimulation.

Teaching Feelings To Children On The Spectrum

Sep 8, 2017

Children on the spectrum often have challenges expressing and understanding emotions. The subtle social cues, that we take for granted, can be met with confusion or missed entirely. Using multiple reinforcements through play and social stories is the approach that helped my son.

Learning Play & Socialization Through Musical Munchkins

Aug 28, 2017

Music class has such a positive impact on a child's mental, social and emotional growth in so many ways.

Reducing Barrier Stims

Aug 17, 2017

Through Early Intervention, we learned lots of techniques that have helped reduce barrier Stims while giving Simon more appropriate activities to address his sensory needs.

Keeping Perspective And Humor

Aug 10, 2017

Despite all of our daily struggles and tears, my son always makes me laugh and reminds me to take it easy. Simon never lets me forget to just chill and laugh, especially at the most inopportune times.

Not All Stims Are Created Equal (Part 2)

Jul 21, 2017

Stims can also develop as a means of escape and further prevent development.

Not All Stims Are Created Equal (Part 1)

Jul 20, 2017

Based on portrayals of Autistic children on TV and in movies, I thought stims were always either hand flapping or spinning in circles.

Autism Used To Mean "We Can't," Now It Means "We Adjust."

Jul 12, 2017

Even before my son received the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis, life was very challenging. Way more challenging than it should be for first time parents and a new baby.