As we all know, this period in time is unprecedented. We are facing the unknown, with our health, wealth, the planet, and actually our whole existence. As changes seem to be happening globally on a daily and moment to moment basis, we are being invited to work with our fear, our anxiety, and our hearts […]
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Our world has changed drastically over the past several weeks. No one could ever have imagined that our society would be closed down, and many of our neighbors befallen by a mysterious, invisible foe. Indeed, these are scary and unprecedented times for our world, and it means changing almost every aspect of our way of life. Perhaps […]
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Back on March 13, 2020, a realization started to settle over this country as to what the actual impact COVID-19 (coronavirus) was going to have on all our communities. Since that time, people have been practicing “social distancing.” Schools have shut down, the expectations of the family unit have changed (especially those with children in […]
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When you see me on the bench, do not feel sad for I am in another land. A land where I am free to do what I want. With wizards and superheroes. With laughter and action and sometimes tears. Outside my world I am quiet and shy. Inside my world it’s a wild ride. Inside […]
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Children with autism like routine and predictability, and so do their parents. With the abrupt change of school closing, both parents and children are having to adjust to staying at home. This sudden change not only affects the children but parents as well. For parents, you have now had a week or two to adjust […]
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COVID-19 has created unprecedented impacts on many of our daily functions from attending school, going to the supermarket, and almost any activity that requires gatherings of large groups of people. Perhaps, none of these changes is more impactful than the fears and anxieties that have arisen among us all as we are uncertain of what […]
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My son with autism once again changed my life last winter. It was one of those warm winter days where scarves and gloves obscured the short sleeves. On this day, I was to teach my son the grit and speed and skill of a ballplayer on the hallowed grounds of the basketball court. My son […]
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Whether we want to believe it or not, the coronavirus is here, and your child will be out of school and therapy for several weeks—possibly months. For our children with autism, this spontaneous and abrupt change is a difficult one. Trying to explain to your child why he/she can’t attend school when it’s not a […]
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Recently, the majority of news reports and conversations seem to be centered on coronavirus as it spreads around the world. Here are ten simple tips to consider when explaining coronavirus with your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) along with an excellent social story to foster understanding and help reduce anxiety. 1. Talk to Your […]
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You’d think it would have been easier. I live in California, after all, the only state with an entitlement act for developmentally disabled children and adults. Enacted in 1977, a stated purpose of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act is to provide “…an array of services and supports sufficiently complete to meet the needs and choices […]
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