My son is seven years old and has special needs with the inability to communicate through speech. He is not diagnosed as autistic but he has sensory issues and is unable to walk and carry out his frustrations. He bites and hits himself and we have tried many things for intervention. What are your thoughts
in Autism Parenting Advice by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
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
in Autism Tools and Supports by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
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
in Autism Tools and Supports by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
Joyful traditions during the holiday season can bring a new set of challenges for children with ASD, especially those who have feeding deficits. Gatherings that include family meals bring new flavors, smells, and tastes that can be overwhelming for a child with sensory sensitivities. Involving your child in the kitchen when making holiday dishes can
in Autism Diet and Nutrition by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
At first glance, simple toys may seem less “exciting” than the complex, high-tech toys children often find fascinating. All there is to do with wooden blocks is stack them, right? Wrong! Simple toys overflow with educational potential and have such an important role in development. From addressing fine motor skills to fostering imaginative play to
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
As an occupational therapist working in an interdisciplinary program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I often am leading groups of five to six children at a time. When planning our group activities, I strive to find the optimal way to facilitate improvement of each child’s fine motor skills at once. One of my
in Autism Solutions by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
The phrase “picky eating” is often misused when describing the eating habits of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This over generalized term more accurately describes a toddler who has a strong opinion about what they want for dinner; not a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with significant food refusal. As a parent of
in Autism Diet and Nutrition by Rebecca Connick, MOT, LOTR
Page [tcb_pagination_current_page] of [tcb_pagination_total_pages]