Keep up with the latest news and updates
January 25, 2023
When it comes to educating children with autism and learning difficulties, the question arises whether they are one in the same. The reason for wondering this is because there seem to be challenges that an autistic child experiences in an educational setting that can look like another learning disability. Autism spectrum disorders are not the
January 19, 2023
The Masgutova Method was created by Dr. Svetlana Musgutova during the 1989 UFA train disaster that resulted in many children that were severely injured and traumatized. Dr. Musgutova figured out that these children were not responding to previously used, cognitive approaches to therapy. These children were not responding because the level of trauma they experienced
January 5, 2023
The neurodiverse world is surrounded by different stigmas, ADHD with high IQ is a topic discussed. The discussions are whether there is a connection, how does masking affect this, and are all people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) geniuses, and many others. In this article, the goal will be to help dispel some
January 4, 2023
We are so thankful at Autism Parenting Magazine (APM) to all of the contributors who share their expertise in order to provide the information that helps us help all of our families around the world. With their contribution of time and knowledge, we are able to provide up-to-date advice throughout each issue, as well as
December 28, 2022
“I’m sorry Mrs. Campbell, I am not sure what to tell you,” The doctor stated sympathetically, “Your son’s symptoms are not responding the way we had hoped. There is one treatment that we could try.”Mrs. Campbell looked up with desperate anticipation, “We would try anything to help our boy”.The doctor continued, “It is a controversial
December 27, 2022
The mom that has it “all together” is an idea pitched to us from all sides. That picture most moms have in their heads of what the “perfect mom” is a well dressed lady, works inside and outside the home, super organized, has kids who are clean and sitting at the table eating a full
December 20, 2022
Sound therapy for autism spectrum disorders uses certain sounds that are thought to help with some behavioural disorders that can be associated with autism. It is thought that children with autism can benefit the most, because when there are early interventions the brain is more adapted to learn and respond. This article is going to
December 15, 2022
Helping our children manage emotions requires understanding. The teacher’s voice broke as she relayed the events of the day that culminated in her having to evacuate the class away from my son. In addition to yelling at people, he had also been throwing chairs. “It breaks my heart because this behavior has consequences that prevent
December 14, 2022
When a child with autism needs help understanding how to behave in certain social settings, one useful tool is the social story. These stories or packets help students learn necessary skills, preparing them in advance for an event or situation that might occur. Understanding the importance of fire safety or any type of disaster training
December 7, 2022
I walked into his room. Tears poured down my cheeks against my will. I couldn’t help it. My son, whose meltdown and unkind words were the inspiration for my tears, looked at me with shock. He ran to me and put his arms around me and said he was sorry. I hugged him back and
December 6, 2022
Owen had been holding it together all day. Great day at school, amazing time at aftercare, and baseball practice? Nailed it! He was exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically. All he wanted to do was eat dinner and play on his phone. Mom’s plan for doing chores was met with as much resistance as he could
November 30, 2022
As parents and caregivers to children on the spectrum, you may find yourself wondering every now and again, why they did what they did and question the link between impulse control disorder and autism. Impulsive behaviors can go hand in hand in childhood and is a way that children test their environment and learn different
November 29, 2022
As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism over the years has increased, there has been light shown on links between multiple diagnoses for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one link being between autism and cancer. At the surface, it would seem that these two diagnoses would be unrelated. Autism symptoms can be comorbid
November 25, 2022
This article is going to discuss the Cycles Approach speech therapy for autism. The Cycles Approach for speech therapy, also known as the Cycles Phonological Remediation Approach is a widely used speech therapy that can treat severe speech sound disorders (SSD) in early childhood and elementary aged children. The Cycles Approach for speech therapy is
November 23, 2022
When seeking employment, a person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can wonder about the interview process, job training, and can you be fired for being autistic? There are times when social awkwardness and lack of eye contact and what are considered social norms can make interactions with customers and coworkers difficult and uncomfortable. There are
November 22, 2022
My son was sitting criss-cross wedged into a small space between the wall and the bookshelf, hands over his ears, screaming at the top of his lungs,”You are a horrible mother!” This had been a 45-minute meltdown that included throwing things across the room, punching and kicking me, and even a swipe at our poor
November 17, 2022
Last week my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For a long time, my focus had been on getting that “golden ticket” so that he could access the accommodations he needs, and get help finally. As much as it was a relief to have, it was just the beginning. ASD symptoms are not
November 16, 2022
Owen sat in the school psychologist office, the remnants of a torrent of tears still on his face from his recent meltdown. Ms Field held up two corks, tucked them in between her thumbs and forefingers and said, “Owen, watch this.” She then turned her hands to the sides and switched the corks to the
November 11, 2022
There is a heated debate within the autism community about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, its benefits versus negative effects with some people questioning, “Is ABA therapy harmful?” To start, it is important to know what ABA therapy is and what it looks like. ABA therapy helps people understand the behaviors associated with the autistic
November 9, 2022
“How is he?” my mother in law asked worriedly as she hugged me tight. “Not good, I don’t know how to reach him, he is here, but so far away”, I explained through the tears running down my face. My precious son had been struggling for weeks emotionally and physically. From my own personal experience
November 8, 2022
Communication skills can be difficult and having functional communication goals for autism spectrum disorder is a good step in the right direction for growth. These goals can help with communication difficulties, particularly for those autistic children that are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills. This article is going to introduce and outline: what functional communication
November 4, 2022
Lorelei placed her groceries up onto the belt as quickly as she could. So much to do today, and the added bonus of having her nine year old daughter home from school unexpectedly definitely affected her to-do list. Sarah wanted to help with everything which was adorable, but sometimes slowed things down. “Mama, what’s an
November 2, 2022
I am an information junkie; a researcher to the core, especially when it comes to something that is relevant to my life. Recently my son received an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. For me, it is important to know every single thing I can about the subject, and how I can best support him.
October 31, 2022
The weather channel was blaring, as it always was when a hurricane was coming. This one was forecast as a category one. We weren’t super worried. Here in South Florida we prepare for hurricanes every year. The preparation increases closer to time, and the list of supplies and steps taken gets longer as the category
October 28, 2022
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
October 26, 2022
Supporting our children through puberty can be challenging, but there is hope! As parents, our main focus is the health and happiness of our children. For our children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the list of needs to ensure those things can be a bit longer. Milestones are one aspect of our kids with autism’s
October 21, 2022
What is so important about teaching autistic children critical thinking skills? These skills are important to everyday decisions and obstacles an individual may face, there are many neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals that have a hard time with these skills. This article is going to outline abstract and conceptual thinking skills development, practice, and use in
October 19, 2022
What’s it like to have autism? I have often found myself wondering this when out and about with my children, watching them interact with the world. I am a parent of someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and have found myself watching videos by autistic people, and reading some books written by autistic people to
October 17, 2022
Rhythm or percussion instruments are any instruments that you can shake, hit or scrape to make a noise. These instruments require force, eye-hand coordination, and motor skills, which is why investing in kids’ rhythm instruments is so important. Playing musical instruments is perfect for developing fine motor skills and developing gross motor skills. For those
October 14, 2022
Dance has always been known as a universal form of self-expression. The benefits are numerous. For kids with autism, dance can be a therapeutic resource. There are many studies exploring the benefits of dance, for both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals, and thus there are many dance programs geared towards those with special needs to encourage
October 12, 2022
As a parent of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), interactions and communication can be at the top of the lists of concerns while you wonder how to interact with an autistic child. There really isn’t an exact science that would work for all autistic children. As with any program or exercise, knowing the child
October 11, 2022
Imagine you are the owner of a company and just hired some amazing job candidates, some neurodiverse, autism being one person represented, and you want to have a happy, balanced, and comfortable work environment that also supports the work of the autistic adults. You already know that your place of work has a supportive environment
October 6, 2022
I was so happy to be home, not only because the storm was over and our house was safe again, but because it was private and quiet. Owen, who was two at the time, was running around in a diaper. “Owen, come here and let mommy put your clothes on you”, I instructed. Owen’s reply:
October 5, 2022
What is childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)? Is my child at risk? How might it affect my child? These are questions parents of children on the spectrum might ask when first seeing CDD written out in front of them, perhaps alongside the word “autism”. Being a parent and watching your children develop, wondering whether they are
September 30, 2022
Being careful not to show her sadness and distress over the loss of her cousin to her kids, Lilly sat wearily down on the sofa. She did not want to burden him with her grief. Her five year old, non verbal, autistic son, Jonas, came into the room. Not making eye contact with her, Jonas
September 28, 2022
For a long time professionals and parents alike have wondered about the possible connection between autism and chronic pain. In the past, it was assumed by some that individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) didn’t really feel pain. That the pain intensity was different for them somehow. This is a misconception and thankfully there
September 23, 2022
There are many different types of assistive technology for speech and language disorders available on the market today. With the range of needs, the technology can help with communicating with others, hearing what others are saying, and emergencies. There are many other uses for this technology ranging from non verbal autism and ranging across all
September 18, 2022
A lack of empathy is often erroneously described as a defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder, leading to speculation about children on the spectrum developing antisocial personality disorders in adulthood. “Autistic people and psychopaths are almost the opposite of each other…” This remark, made by Professor Baron-Cohen during an interview for the Autism Parenting Summit
September 15, 2022
I looked up at my grandmother from my place on the floor. I had been sitting next to a small table near the landing of the staircase that was covered in elephant figurines. “Where did you get all these elephants?” She smiled at me: “My friends gave them to me. One day I mentioned that
September 12, 2022
Autism burnout is much more than exhaustion; overwhelm does not suffice to describe the depths many autistic adults mention when describing the sensory overload, stress and most concerning, the apparent loss of skills associated with autistic burnout. The first day at a new school or job is a sure way to experience stress, uncertainty, and
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