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

in Visual Supports by Sharon Longo, BA

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder face challenges that can lead to frustration and anger, but is there a link between high functioning autism and anger or aggression? If so, how can parents help teach their child to regulate those angry emotions and manage them in daily life? What is high functioning autism? High functioning

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is often confused with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to the similarities and connections that exist. While the two have many similarities, SPD is often a comorbid symptom of ASD, but not all children with sensory processing disorder have autism. What is autism? Autism is a developmental disorder which, according to

in Sensory Solutions by Sharon Longo, BA

Is autism a disability? If it’s not a disability, what is autism? Is it a disorder? Or is it simply a different way of responding to people and the world around us? These are questions many parents ask, as well as people on the spectrum themselves. Unfortunately, the answers are far from straightforward.  According to

in Autism Advocacy by Sharon Longo, BA

Stimming, which is a nickname for “self-stimulatory behavior” is a repetitive behavior such as head banging, hand flapping, rocking, or making noises or sounds that helps a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to self-soothe. In the case of vocal stimming (or verbal stimming), the child might make noises such as groaning, grunting, high- pitched

in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Sharon Longo, BA

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a type of behavioral therapy based on methods used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Founded on the Denver Model, which is used to assist older children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ESDM is an early intervention program for children ranging from 12 months to 4 years.  Toddlers learn and

in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Sharon Longo, BA

History of PDA The late developmental psychologist, Elizabeth Newson, first used the term Pathological Demand Avoidance in the 1980s while serving as the director of the Child Development Research Unit at the University of Nottingham. While observing children at play and interviewing their parents, she first worked with children who were non-communicative but began to

in Autism Diagnosis by Sharon Longo, BA