“Mindfulness is the process of actively noticing new things,” according to Ellen Langer, who has researched mindfulness for four decades.[1] But, when it comes to parenting, it is much more than that. Mindfulness is the capacity to be fully aware and present in the moment. [2] Giving our children our full attention is one of… Continue Reading
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 5 children aged 6-19 years old is obese¹. This means that they have excess body fat, putting their body mass index (BMI) scores above the 95th percentile. While there are a number of factors that may contribute to these statistics, the reality is that… Continue Reading
Anyone who’s ever filed a health insurance claim or received a medical bill knows how difficult and frustrating the payment process can be. Now, try doing it for patients diagnosed with autism. Roughly, 1 in 68 American children has been diagnosed on the spectrum of autism (ASD) and, with that, comes an array of special… Continue Reading
So to begin…what is yoga? More than just postures, yoga originated in India as an ancient science to enhance the well-being of the body, mind, and soul. It is about providing holistic health through physical exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and philosophical practices. The wonderful thing about yoga is that it is accessible and beneficial to… Continue Reading
Physical activity is an important part of everyone’s life and well-being. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, children under 18 should have a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Adults should have 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Recent studies have revealed, however, people are… Continue Reading
Taking a child to the dentist can be a very stressful experience for both parents and children. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities who have difficulties with sensory stimuli, communication, and increased levels of anxiety, the stress is even greater. From the time spent in the waiting room combined with… Continue Reading
Labels are a necessary evil, I realize that. Even within the autism community, distinctions can be divisive. Ever since the term Asperger’s was swallowed up by the broader ASD umbrella in the latest version of the DSM, those distinctions have become more marked, and the effect on parents can be polarizing. As a mom to… Continue Reading
Many autism experts claim that several types of foods and diets can effectively treat or help children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some autism researchers also believe there is a strong link between the functioning of the brain and the gut. But with the very large number of foods and recommended diets out… Continue Reading
Great strides have been made in the past few years towards embracing the inherent challenges and discoveries made about the different degrees of autism. Targeted diets, advanced educator training, multitudes of periodical resources and specialized mainstream community mentor programs are all available to lend support. However, it is technology in the classroom that has propelled… Continue Reading
Your 2-year-old son has tantrums all the time. Just moving his favorite chair can trigger a meltdown. He grunts and points when he wants something. He rarely looks you in the eye and often doesn’t respond to his name. Family and friends are reassuring. “Kids develop at different paces.” “He’s just quiet.” “My co-worker’s child… Continue Reading