Navi-Gator: A Picture-Mapping Program for Parents and Children

The Navi-Gator method is an arts-based, picture-mapping technique that is so easy and quick, it’s like throwing a switch!

Navi-Gator is an interactive book to help parents communicate with and manage behaviors of their children. The Program uses hand drawn pictures to tell stories to help effect educational and behavioral change. This method is basically used for two purposes: one is to teach a life skill or lesson (do not steal, no biting, how to share, etc.) and the other is to present a personal agenda (what does our afternoon look like, what will happen at the birthday party, what is camp, etc.).

In all cases, it is designed to help you communicate better with your child through Picture-Mapping.

If you use the Picture-Mapping technique provided in our series, your child will gain increased visual memory and working memory skills. Visual and sensory participation helps to synthesize communication between the two of you! You will have included your child in a sharing and learning activity. The idea behind the Navi-Gator technique is that you and your child will have a multi-modal communication that works! Our little Navi-Gator will help the child on a lesson or activity journey as if he/she is using a Global Navigation System.

Dale E. Seiden, Ed.D., is the founder, Executive Director and primary Educational Learning Specialist of a private pediatric practice. Having earned a Doctorate in Education in 1988, she has been dually licensed in Special Education and Art Education (Pratt Institute) for over three decades with specialization in Diagnostic Assessment and Remediation Plans for children with diverse learning and developmental needs. The unique, arts-based methodology she developed utilizes a sensory-integration approach to facilitate cognition and affective behaviors. Initial assessments followed by individualized intervention therapy programs comprise the core of Dr. Seiden's New York City practice for children.

A renowned and recognized professional educator, her cross-disciplined clinical work resulted in the creation and use of visual/picture-mapping that, widely disseminated, culminated in the Navi-Gator. Dr. Seiden continues to serve as a Professional Consultant to parents, schools, media and industry. She is a proud mother and grandmother of six who lives and works in New York City.

For further information relating to Dr. Seiden’s professional experience, therapeutic protocols, programs, ideology and initiatives, please see www.drdaleseiden.com.

Donna Geffner, Ph.D., CCC-Sp/A is a University Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in Audiology and the Speech and Hearing Center at St. John's University, Queens, New York. She is the founder of the undergraduate and graduate programs and Center. She served as the President of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and Vice President for Academic Affairs, a professional organization with over 170,000 members. She was named Fellow of that Association. Dr. Geffner has received many honors including an Honorary Doctorate from Providence College. She is the author of 3 textbooks, and two tests: The Listening Inventory, and the Auditory Skills Assessment. She has authored over 300 papers and presented nationally and internationally.

Dr. Geffner maintains a private practice in Long Island and has been a dually licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and audiologist.