Prolonged use of digital devices is unhealthy for children, but is there a connection between autism and screen time? Recent studies have shown that screen time can cause “virtual autism.” For children with ASD, however, the use of social media can provide a buffer enabling them to process information in the real world easily. As
Do you know how much time your child spends on the screen playing video games? Do you know which kinds of games are detrimental or valuable to young minds? These are very challenging questions for parents, especially for parents of children with autism. There is no question that videogames, some apps and online activities can
One of the keyways I have been supporting learners during my time as a special needs school teaching assistant and as an LSA at a local college, and now with my own daughter, who I am home educating, is by providing learning that is interest based. This means that the activities and tasks I provide
Some may say that time does not exist, that it’s an illusion, a human construct existing only in our minds. For many parents with autistic children, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Watching a ticking clock after you’ve sent your child upstairs to brush their teeth, school starting in mere minutes, makes time feel
A child with autism is sometimes hard to please. There is only so much a child can do in the backyard, and even planned activities, such as an afternoon at the movies, can end in disaster. Organized sports can offer a little excitement if your kid is able to follow along and process the concept
A pediatric occupational therapist shares tips to make cutting your child’s nails easier on everyone involved. Kerry and Jordan decided it was time to try trimming their son’s fingernails again. Kyle had been accidentally scratching his face while sleeping. It was getting harder to convince him to cooperate with a weekly trim. They waited until
A mom and pharmacist shares her top tips for improving reading and comprehension in children with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many individuals with ADHD have some form of learning disability, especially in their early childhood, which may stem from brain fog and other neurological issues. This, in turn, can cause memory
A psychologist and a behavior therapist share their top tips for parents looking to improve their autistic children’s motor and cognitive skills. As a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, you might constantly worry about current goals and targets. You may worry about your child missing a milestone (or even a few!), leading to
Practical tips to maximize your child’s use of their iPad by utilizing the accessibility features. Many children utilize technology daily at school and at home, as well as for remote learning and therapy. They have an abundance of apps at their disposal for such purposes, but while technology can be fun, it can also be
You’ve celebrated things most parents overlook: a clean face, a bite eaten without help, fastening a button for the first time. In your world, these “small” self-help skills aren’t small at all. They’re breakthroughs. Self-help skills for autism, like brushing teeth, zipping a jacket, or pouring a drink, may seem simple to others. However, for
Social media can be a great way to connect with others and explore interests, but it can also come with risks—especially for autistic individuals. This guide shares practical tips for staying safe online while enjoying social and other electronic media. 1. Limit your time online Refraining from using social media altogether is the safest technique
Has a loved one ever started thrashing and screaming with fear and panic while sleeping? They may be experiencing night terrors. They may wake up sweating, confused, and disoriented and have a hard time catching their breath due to the night terrors. Unfortunately, night terrors and autism often go hand in hand. People on the
HOME BACK ISSUES FREE ISSUE ABOUT CONTACT LOGIN subscribe Autism Parenting Magazine – Issue 171 BUY SINGLE ISSUE FOR $6.71 Buy Single Issue SAVE 50% BY SUBSCRIBING Subscribe today and save 50%Features:Connections With Karen: We’ve Come a Long WayHere are ways resources and tools for autism have changed over
My son, Joey, runs up to his mother and me and often grabs our faces and pulls them close to his. It’s one of many attention-seeking behaviors he demonstrates daily. While sometimes it can happen at times that aren’t great, like our hands are full holding something heavy, it still brings us joy when he
When you get nervous or anxious, have you ever bitten your nails? It’s a common behavior for many people, depending on the circumstances they are facing. Nail biting in autism is often observed. It is often one of many stimming behaviors exhibited by autistic children. These repetitive behaviors can help fulfill a need for oral
Navigating life’s challenges can be tough for everyone, but for children on the autism spectrum, the journey comes with its own set of difficulties. From struggling to fit in and make friends at school to feeling overwhelmed in social situations, the journey for these kids can often feel isolating. As a parent of two autistic
Do you ever watch your child with autism begin to blink excessively? Well, you’re not alone. Many parents are puzzled by this behavior. Understanding the nature of autism blinking is crucial in providing support and assistance. Excessive blinking can manifest in various forms and intensities among individuals on the spectrum, making it a complex issue.
Have you ever struggled with setting up appointments for doctors, therapists, or insurance for your child on the autism spectrum? Does that leave you concerned about what will happen to them when you can no longer advocate for them? That’s where an autism social worker comes into play. Whether it’s making sure those with an
Life is filled with transitions — be it changing schools, moving to a new home, shifting careers, or experiencing the loss of a parent. These shifts are inherent in our journey, shaping our experiences and guiding us through various stages of life. However, for people with autism, transitions can be a lot harder to manage.
An autism diagnosis can cause many parents and family members to experience various emotions — from anger and frustration to sadness and confusion. They might scour the internet and ask questions like “What causes autism?” or “How can autism be managed?”. One common question many parents ask at the beginning of this journey is: “Can
There are parents of autistic children who wonder if there is a connection between autism and bedwetting. They have probably noticed that their children have some sleep problems, like: These and other nighttime issues can cause anxiety in both parents and children. This article is going to discuss whether there is a connection between autism
Many children with ADHD struggle to stay focused on chores, homework, or daily routines, which can lead to frustration, meltdowns, or feeling overwhelmed. Games for ADHD can be a powerful way to support focus, teach new skills, and turn difficult tasks into more enjoyable experiences. Whether it’s learning to follow directions, practicing patience, or building
This article will highlight the discussion surrounding the association between obesity and ADHD symptoms. Could symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as inattention and compulsions, be a risk factor for obesity in adults and children? The scientific links between obesity and ADHD will be highlighted in this article. We will also define and
More parents are coming across the phrase “virtual autism” while researching their child’s behavior. Virtual autism describes autism-like symptoms in young children that may be linked to too much screen time and not enough real-world interaction. It can be confusing and even scary to hear, especially if it’s your first time learning about it. Understanding
Finding the best sleep aid for an autistic child can feel overwhelming, especially when sleep struggles affect your child’s well-being and your entire household. Many autistic children have difficulty falling asleep, wake frequently during the night, or rise very early. Poor sleep doesn’t just cause tiredness; it disrupts brain functions tied to sensory processing, language
Ask any occupational therapist, and they could point to a moment that inspired them in a way they cannot forget. A few years ago, I worked with a little boy who was nonverbal. One day, while assessing his fine motor skills, he was clearly getting frustrated but did not yet have a way to effectively
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to significant changes in daily life for children, youth, and their families. According to the BMC Public Health, children in the United States performed less physical behavior and increased their sedentary behavior. The pandemic has changed how children access their education. Different options for school now exist: remote models (students
Life is hard at the moment, most of us will do just about anything to make it a little bit easier. Autistic children doing what they’re supposed to be doing, when they’re supposed to be doing it? I think most parents are willing to chuck a jackpot type amount at a reward system for disciplining
Many parents of children with autism have come to me as an occupational therapist asking about their child’s device usage. The common theme is they recognize their child is happy, calm, and loves time with the iPad or tablet, yet are wary about the amount of screen time their child is getting. Rest easy, parents—the
Does the idea of holiday travel as an autism parent fill you with dread? Check out these top tips tried and tested by a busy mom. In the autism world of parenting, the worries that accompany holiday travel can be overwhelming; I mean, just traveling in general is stressful, but when you tackle on the
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