Find out what adaptive skills are, why they are necessary, and where these skills are needed. “Who needs adaptive skills? I easily adapt from one task to the next.” Parents can easily think like this, especially if they are unaware of what adaptive skills are and why they are necessary. For children on the autism

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in Autism Solutions by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

We hear it on television, in magazines, and on the radio… Everywhere people are talking about celebrating neurodiversity. But what does it mean, and are there stereotypes or misconceptions associated with it?  After all, the term was only coined in 1998 by sociologist Judy Singer, and it can refer to a diverse range of conditions,

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in Autism Advocacy by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

When autistic children are interested in something and talk about it constantly, parents and others wonder if autism and narcissism are linked. Although having a passion and discussing it with others is great, especially when they listen, but would that qualify that individual as a narcissist? It can be daunting when little Johnny or Susie

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

Change is part of life. We move from one task to the next or even move house. But many autistic children thrive on consistency and a schedule – struggle adapting to change.   This struggle can cause stress for the children, parents, teachers, and others interacting with them during these difficult transitions. Instead of reacting, parents,

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in Autism Parenting Advice by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

An autism diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty. One of the first things families learn is that it is a spectrum, hence autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But did you know there are different autism levels?  Besides being on a spectrum (low to high-functioning autism), not many parents know that the 5th edition of the

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in Autism Diagnosis by Donnesa McPherson, AAS