“What do you want to be when you grow up?” For any child, especially those with autism, it’s never too early to explore their abilities and apply them to their interests. This holiday season provides the perfect opportunity for you to help your child begin to identify his or her unique talents needed for future […]

I was so proud when one of my recently-graduated students with autism got a job at his family-run jewelry store.  When I visited him there, he was the only one working, and a few customers were browsing. I was interested in purchasing a necklace, so he took out a few large trays of jewelry which […]

While it’s true that any birthday girl or boy can open gifts and blow out candles, this very special event deserves special attention for your child with autism which may otherwise be overlooked. Age and Time Although they are usually able to tell you how old they are, some children with autism tend to be […]

Terrorism, school shootings, disastrous weather — these are just a few sobering reminders of the sometimes unpredictable world we live in.  In times of distress, children with autism especially need our help to navigate such confusing and scary moments.  If warranted, assistance from a qualified professional such as a psychologist, social worker, or counselor should […]

Passing by a playground, you’ll sometimes hear bullying remarks like, “Hey, Fatty—the ocean isn’t even big enough for a whale like you!” So painful! Most of us have experienced the physical and/or emotional pain of bullying in our lifetime, the negative effects of which sadly can last a lifetime. Even as adults, we aren’t free […]

If your child with autism is verbal, have you ever experienced these kinds of situations? Your son hasn’t been starting conversations with others about his recent summer vacation, so you instruct him, “Tell Grandma about your vacation.”  When he responds with unimportant or unexciting details, you find yourself guiding him, “Tell Grandma about the big […]