Articles for parents and/carers that focus on ways to help make positive change; can include advice on finding answers to issues that affect people with autism, such as ways to master skills, ways to cope and handle certain situations.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. An individual with autism might have difficulty with communication and interaction with other people. They may have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and can often struggle with motor planning. What is motor planning? Motor planning, also called Praxis, is the planning and
in Autism Solutions by Emily Ransom
As children become older, they begin to develop a sense of self. This is known in psychology as metacognition: becoming aware of yourself, your thoughts, and how you relate to others. Research suggests metacognition is responsible for much of an individual’s responses in social situations and behaviors (e.g., (Nelson & Narens, 1990) (Grainger, Catherine, and
in Autism Solutions by Louis Carter
The brain of a child on the spectrum can be a noisy place; peace is a calm we hope for them to develop in their heart. We know that anxiety is common among children, and particularly common among children on the Autism Spectrum, which reflects an internal tension that may manifest in a variety of
in Autism Solutions by Lorna Hecker
Ever wonder why your son or daughter always has a hard time holding on to directions you give? Or, ever wonder why when you give the direction “Clean your room,” it never looks exactly how you pictured it in your head? Sure, children, adolescents, and young adults, at times, choose to listen to certain things.
It is hard to imagine adulthood or even begin thinking about it when we have so much on our plate daily. However, we do need to start thinking long-term and at the bigger picture. One thing we can count on is that our children are going to grow up. According to the research on autism
in Autism Solutions by Tara Regan
“What?” said Heidi, the mother of a severely disabled child on the spectrum, when I was hesitant to share good news about my son who is also on the spectrum because we had both tried the same supplement and I knew she had seen no change. “Are you suffering survivor’s guilt or something?” Our friendship
in Autism Solutions by Rita Roem
With summer break fast approaching, many of us have fond memories of our parents loading us into the car with the dog, camping equipment, and supplies and setting off on a family road trip, singing all the way. But for many of us, these fond recollections remain firmly in the past, never to be repeated.
I think farming has evolved over time, not just as a career opportunity or way of living, but also as a form of therapy. It’s been shown to provide so many areas of education and help children and adults with their emotions. It can become a coping mechanism when people are struggling. For me it’s been
There comes a time as parents and carers where we will have to support our autistic child to live in a changing environment that is not always constant and regulated within our control. While children with autism have a fundamental need for routine, it is also important that we push the boundaries of routineness and
in Autism Solutions by May Ng
Childhood is a wonderful time of growth, development, experimentation, and learning about ourselves and the world around us. Unfortunately, as adults, we often work against this natural time of development for our children. To help set the course in the right direction, here are five things every autism spectrum disorder (ASD) child needs. 1. Every
in Autism Solutions by Jim Poole
The beautiful thing about autism is that oftentimes children and adults become hyper focused on one subject. Their interests can range from reciting lines from movies, to remembering stats of sports teams, to playing video games, to being gifted in art, to playing an instrument. The list of interests goes on and on. The number
When I was younger, I would never use public transport. The thought of getting a train or bus, especially on my own, would have just scared me. During my years at secondary school, I would travel by taxi with others from my local area. Once I had left the school my parents decided it would
in Autism Solutions by Alex Manners
Self-regulation is the ability to manage your emotions and behaviour when in situations that may evoke stress, anxiety, anger, and frustration. This includes being able to identify your feelings and channel them appropriately when presented with challenging circumstances. These skills, which are developed over time, enable children to reflect on the consequences of their actions
All too often there is too much to do and too little time to do it all. For students, time management can be a real struggle. They have school work, chores, planning (next school year, independent living, college, jobs), extracurricular activities, and sometimes pressures from peers and society—the elephant gets bigger as the list grows!
Children with autism are no different than other children when it comes to the possibility of needing to get glasses. Many parents are aware of the possible behaviors associated with autism and their own children. Such behaviors as: poor eye contact, side viewing, photosensitivity, or even hand flapping are often viewed as part of having
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
If you have a child with autism or ADHD or other developmental disabilities, or if you suspect they do, you cannot wait for resources to come to you. Each day that goes by is valuable time you can’t get back. Each day that goes by is a day of intervention or therapy your child isn’t
in Autism Solutions by Amy Nielsen
Who were we before we were carers for our autistic children, and who have we become after? How do we want to be, and what have we given up and gained on the deep path of raising them? I would not change my kids. I love and adore them for who they are. I appreciate
Your parenting style: helicopter, snowplow, or what is actually needed? You know what it takes to parent a child on the spectrum. You do this parenting gig every day. You know it is a bigger role than most parents will ever face and includes extra encouragement, extra reminders, extra appointments, less sleep, less personal time,
Many of us have fallen in love with someone on the autism spectrum. We may only realize later, when we share children who become diagnosed as being on the spectrum, that our partner’s idiosyncrasies, amazing abilities, and literal interpretations actually are spectrum traits. Many adults who live regular lives, excelling in areas of math, science,
in Autism Solutions by Lorna Hecker
For those with spectrum issues, dating is one that has to be met with sensitivity and tact. But, because of a level of discomfort, this life lesson is sometimes glossed over despite good intentions. As a counselor who has worked with those with those with developmental disabilities of all ages, the concept of dating comes
It’s hard, folks. We all know the struggle and time consumption of caring for a child on the spectrum. It is a 24/7 lifestyle with what might seem like more downs than ups sometimes. I know for me it is a constant struggle, and when I say constant, I mean every single second is a
Changing the things we can and letting go of things we cannot… If you have an atypically developing child, particularly one with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you have seen the glances, stares, and report outs to you from school. Every judgement feels like a punch in your jaw. There are three mainstream theories to help
in Autism Solutions by Louis Carter
Each child has his/her own story which unfolds in an intimate juncture and impacts their life well before an autism diagnosis is given. How do you prepare for a journey that takes a left turn when straight is the only paved road and your head is drowning in more questions than answers? My son hit
in Autism Solutions by JC Ellinger
“What’s the car gonna look like when I do my driving for driver’s education?” “How will I tell the teacher if I’m not ready for the highway?” “What if the teacher puts on loud music?” “What if a bunch of kids are in the car with me?” These are the questions I dealt with recently
Preparing for the holiday season is difficult for any family. We spend a lot of time trying to answer questions like “Is it my turn to host?”, “What do I get him that he doesn’t already have?”, or “I hope my sister-in law remembers my kid’s allergies!” We can all relate to these questions to
Parents often worry that friends and extended family don’t spend time getting to know their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and tend to overlook them at gatherings and parties. Many adults aren’t sure how to engage with a child who isn’t verbal or doesn’t respond to social cues. They might be uncomfortable when a
Our ability to self-regulate or exercise control over our emotions and behaviors is a critical skill that evolves as we mature and get older. The goal of self-regulation is to gain control over our emotions and behavior in order to act in our long-term best interest. It helps us get through everyday life and cope
Raising a child with autism is a reality for many parents, and it presents a number of regular challenges. Yet there are a number of practical approaches which can assist on the journey of bringing up a child who is on the autism spectrum, although it must be stated immediately that no two autistic children
Some families feel relief after an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Other families are hesitant to accept the diagnosis. Almost all families feel overwhelmed and ask, “What is the cure for autism?” There is no cure for autism, but there are treatments that can reduce some symptoms. Early intervention is key to making sure your
As a parent, nothing can be more exhausting, or frustrating, than the specter of a full-fledged tantrum with a child. It can leave both the parent and child tired, anxious, and upset regarding the momentary lapse on an uncontrolled emotional rollercoaster. With children who have challenges with communication, these outbursts can be compounded as moods
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face difficulty in understanding and navigating the world around them. A slight trigger can cause children who have ASD to become hyperactive. Furthermore, autistic children are prone to repeating specific patterns of behavior, which makes it difficult to interact with others. This is why digital devices provide an
in Autism Solutions by Kenly Kiezer
Many parents seem to focus on schoolteachers when preparing for the first day of school. However, the truth for many children is that the first person they encounter may not be their classroom teacher—but rather the school bus driver. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are no different. Ensuring this step goes smoothly is extremely
Several reports from parents, teachers, and therapists of children with autism have noted they have minor difficulties with handwriting skills. Some children on the spectrum are not able to write as well as their neurotypical peers. It is for this reason that weighted pencils were introduced and became popular among parents and occupational therapists. When
in Autism Solutions by Kim Barloso
Perspective taking is the ability to understand another person’s thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. Have you ever wondered how to begin helping your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) understand the perspective of others? Theory of Mind deficits in individuals with autism is extensively documented in research but where do we start? How do we
The stressors of a typical school day are only compounded for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They often struggle with emotional self-regulation, or the ability to moderate feelings in situations that provoke intense reactions. Traversing a crowded lunchroom can flood heightened senses, and difficulty understanding social dynamics during group projects can spark panic. To
in Autism Solutions by Sam Keller
When it comes to dental hygiene, it can be challenging for children with autism to regularly brush their teeth. They might experience discomfort when cleaning for the first time, making them dislike performing this important task. If you are a parent or a caregiver, you must be creative and consistent in finding ways to establish
in Autism Solutions by Kim Barloso
Is it better to let a child with autism flap his hands or should you stop it?– Jane Dear Jane, This a good question an one I’ve been asked many times about as an occupational therapist because many people consider it to be “self-stimming” and “sensory” in nature. This is possible, but as with any
in Autism Solutions by Kelly Beins
Dear Rob, Hello I have a seven-year-old with autism and he has bad tantrums and curses. I’m a single mom, what can I do to stop this and help him grow out of it? — Brissa Dear Brissa, Along with the many well-intentioned efforts to understand, manage and treat the special needs child, there have
Close your eyes and imagine walking into a classroom and seeing what can only be explained as pure chaos. You can see students arguing with paraprofessionals, a student laying on the floor and kicking his feet while he yells, a student sitting in the corner with his hood on (no doubt trying to cancel out
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