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.
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
in Autism Solutions by Ronette Parker
Standardized cognitive testing is a complicated subject when it comes to assessing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their social, communication, sensory and behavior problems compound the difficulties in administering a standardized measure. The tests rely heavily on the subject’s language skills, ability to interact with others, motor planning and execution, and behavioral regulation. Typically,
in Autism Solutions by Ewa Omahen, PhD
Being a parent is challenging in its own right, and parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings its own unique challenges. All parents want what’s best for their children, and it takes time, effort, and money to develop the whole child. However, navigating systems of support for familes in the US can be
in Autism Solutions by Krystal Rogers-Nelson
Family life is a challenge for many of us these days. Even with two parents in the home, it can still become a “juggling act” to meet all the needs for each child present. Yet, within the busy framework of family life, how often are the siblings without autism encouraged to sit down and express
in Autism Solutions by Ron Malcolm, EdD
Before you shrug off mindfulness as a trendy buzzword found on supermarket tabloids or at a local yoga studio, hear me out. Mindful parenting is not complicated, nor is it something that you have to make time for; it is simply about being present. It’s an evidence-based practice that works. It’s about stopping and noticing
in Autism Solutions by Emily Daniels, MSW, RP, Med
For individuals with autism, driving may seem like a goal that will never be achieved, even though driving is both a marker to independence and adulthood. Yet, up until recently, Dr. Gary Gaffney, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine, reported that most people never thought individuals with autism
in Autism Solutions by Sharon Link, PhD
My grandson has mild autism and is doing well after going to therapy. But I wanted to know, do we have to shout at the child and scold him when doesn’t follow our instructions? His doctor said if he is not scolded he will not be corrected. Is it true? Sometimes I feel so sad
in Autism Solutions by Kelly Beins, BHSc, OTR/L
Available research and parental reports suggest there are a number of reasons to suspect that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have difficulty judging the passage of time and recalling the order of events. While there is limited research on the topic at this time, a small study found that individuals with autism demonstrated
in Autism Solutions by Monica Hudnall, MA, CCC-SLP
A trip to Disney World is supposed to be fun for the whole family, including your child or teen with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Identifying the potential trouble areas and activities and preparing in advance will make a significant difference for your whole group and allow you to navigate the parks with ease. Since the
in Autism Solutions by Samantha McNesby
In my work as a clinical child psychologist, I frequently encounter parents bewildered by their kids’ fascination with video games, social media, and other screen-based technologies. While problems with these technologies seem to be worse with kids diagnosed with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even many of the siblings of my patients would choose
in Autism Solutions by Randy Kulman, PhD
What are the best toys for autistic children? Children are so different from one another and so are their needs. Does your child like physical activity? An indoor ball pit or trampoline might help your child with autism expend some energy. What about sensory issues? Many kids benefit from soothing toys such as stress balls
in Autism Solutions, Autism Therapies and Treatments by Katherine G. Hobbs, AA
Question: My non-verbal four-year-old son started hitting people and himself and laughing. We thought he was just testing us, but the behavior has gotten worse over the past few months. We don’t know how to make him understand that he can’t do this. I think he’s frustrated because he can’t speak.—Christian Answer: This story is
in Autism Solutions by Rob Bernstein
Some children with autism and their families are known to benefit from the presence of an assistance dog. Little research has been done on ethical issues that can arise around the dogs’ welfare or methods to limit the stress on both the dog and the family. The goal of this piece is to identify and
in Autism Solutions by Rebecca Richardson
Birthdays can be hard for my family. My son has autism and with it comes difficulty connecting with others. He’s always wanted to play with other kids, but he lacked the social skills to navigate friendship and play. He doesn’t process things quickly enough due to a processing disorder, so when kids are asking him
in Autism Solutions by Calleen Petersen
I am a mother of a five-year-old autistic boy. Even though he is attending occupational therapy sessions, he is showing masturbatory behavior at times. Do you have any suggestions or tips for controlling these behaviors? — Jan Hi Jan, There’s something we need to get out of the way before going any further…these behaviors are
in Autism Solutions by Angelina M., MS, BCBA, LMFT
Returning to school can be stressful for all children, but especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. While summer activities such as visiting new places, staying with extended family, and attending school holiday care can be enjoyable, they can also be extremely disruptive for children with autism. We need to take
in Autism Solutions by Debbie Hopper
Disappointment is all around us, unfortunately. It is not something that we can avoid. How it is manifested in our lives is unique to each person. We cannot always have what we want, when we want it. As a parent, we often do things to help our children avoid experiencing disappointment, but there will be
in Autism Solutions by Sarah Kupferschmidt, MA, BCBA
Self-love is something all human beings struggle with regardless of age or ability. But when children perceive they are flawed—either from an autism label they have been given, or a negative comment from a bystander, or an expectation they cannot realistically meet—the ability to love self can be very difficult. The book, The Reason I
in Autism Solutions by Connie Hammer, MSW
Every day my oldest son, Andrew, and my daughter with autism, Lizzie, rode their scooters down the block. They would go just out of my sight to the same crack in the sidewalk where Lizzie would turn around; then they would race back to me. For months, I walked with them fearing they would go
in Autism Solutions by Julie Hornok
Are you sick of telling your kids over and over again to do their chores? Are you sick of the fighting and sibling rivalry? What if you could use this rivalry to get chores done? I call it subcontracting and have been using this tool for more than 20 years. It’s great for ADHD, ASD,
in Autism Solutions by Jim West, MA, LMHC
For several years I’ve worked with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When my son was diagnosed as being on the spectrum, I became a mother in denial. I knew that there was something else or something more to him and his challenges. I began researching and eventually I came across an article written by
in Autism Solutions by Shernette Julal
“Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” – Plato Each child has the ability to learn, regardless of any label. If we can
in Autism Solutions by Lindsay Wieand
I didn’t ever see myself creating the best solution for children learning to tie their shoes. During my final year in college I began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. I didn’t have much knowledge in the field nor did I completely understand all of the different areas of special needs but I
in Autism Solutions by Matthew Aguirre
I’m often asked if it’s hard for people with autism to find love. The answer…Yes! Finding love is challenging for ALL of us; so, naturally, having hard wired social difficulties exponentially raises the bar for dating dilemmas. Some of the core Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic deficits contribute to this challenge: rigid thinking and behaviors,
in Autism Solutions by Debra Sloane, PSYD, BCBA, CGP, MSCP
Dr. Debra Moore, a psychologist who has worked extensively with children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum, talks with Dr. Temple Grandin about how to provide ‘loving pushes’ so kids with autism can become successful adults. Dr. Moore (D ): As a psychologist, I ran into lots of spectrum teens and young adults who
in Autism Solutions by Debra Moore, PhD
For many people, the New Year brings with it a renewed sense of opportunity. It is a time when many people are setting new goals for personal growth. Setting goals is also a significant part of any good treatment program that is based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We set goals when we are deciding
in Autism Solutions by Sarah Kupferschmidt, MA, BCBA
Teaching social skills can be a tricky endeavor because it is a good idea to practice the skills with other kids and in a variety of environments. Unfortunately, many of the families that I have worked with, and that I have read about, do not have many opportunities that are safe and comfortable for them
in Autism Solutions by Sarah Kupferschmidt, MA, BCBA
Look Ma! I’m Riding! Bike riding is an important physical and social milestone for all kids to master. Our kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can learn too. My son has severe autism and is nonverbal. When he was eight years old, he mastered riding a bicycle in two weeks. We taught the “preliminary” skills
in Autism Solutions by Martha Gabler
Storytelling is at the core of the human experience. Personal stories are what ground us; they give us a sense of purpose and identity. Storytelling helps children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) master language skills, improve listening skills, increase attention span, develop curiosity and creativity, and better understand nonverbal communication.[1] Storytelling is both an inbred
in Autism Solutions by Susan Taylor, JD, BS
It was not going to be an easy journey seated next to a tired, overstimulated child who needed constant reassurance and who repetitively pushed buttons, opened and closed tray tables, was anxious about flying, and didn’t like crowds. The problems began when we boarded the plane and realized we had been seated in a different
in Autism Solutions by Anna Harford
Most of us are familiar with reward or incentive charts. Maybe we first came across them as a child, hoping to receive a star for our chart on the kitchen fridge. Or perhaps we learned about them when studying to be a teacher. Whether you call them sticker charts, star charts, or behavior modification or
in Autism Solutions by Sheila Rogers DeMare, MS
Finding the best method for treating autism is often a challenge for the loved ones of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because no two people with ASD are exactly the same, it’s vital to choose a method of treatment and therapy and an intervention plan that is tailored to address specific needs.
in Autism Solutions, Autism Therapies and Treatments by Amy KD Tobik
Autism knows no boundaries. It pays no attention to skin color, language, or nationality. In Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, a puppet maker discovered that some children who had never talked before could talk to his puppets. For 30 years, José Octavio Azcona y Juárez has been creating monos de calenda for festive occasions, which are
in Autism Solutions by Geri Anderson
Parents of children with special needs often fear being judged by others. It is hoped that the church will be an accepting environment; however, the reality is that the majority of church members with children who have special needs do not attend church regularly. Church holds great importance to many families, yet the thought of
in Autism Solutions by Cara Koscinski, MOT
“But it’s not time for lunch!” I could see Calib beginning to go into hysterics. He began to pace and flap his arms as he continued to tell me it was, in fact, not time for lunch. First grade always went to lunch at 11:30am. “Calib,” I gently took his shoulders so he would stand
in Autism Solutions by Brittany Fichter
I am not fond of intelligence testing for my son with autism, but it is required by the school district since he receives services. These tests rely on strong verbal communication and auditory processing skills, which are a challenge for Jack and many others with autism. Jack had not been tested for years, so our
in Autism Solutions by Andrea Libutti, MD
Many families with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not look forward to mealtimes. A child might only eat a specific brand of each food in their diet or might just chew crunchy solids. Or, the child may only eat if he/she can move around the mealtime table. Because parents have a
in Autism Solutions by Maureen Flanagan, CCC-SLP
Growing up with autism can be a challenge for everyone: for the child whose view of the world differs from those around them, for the parents who go the extra mile to look after and keep their child with autism happy, and even for the brothers and sisters who struggle to connect with their sibling.
in Autism Solutions by Liz Burton
A child with autism is sometimes hard to please. There is only so much a child can do in the backyard, and even planned activities, such as an afternoon at the movies, can end in disaster. Organized sports can offer a little excitement if your kid is able to follow along and process the concept
in Autism Solutions by Grant Fieldgrove
Play is crucial for young children. It helps them learn how to work their brains and move their bodies, expands their social skills, promotes problem solving and the ability to focus, and, best of all, helps them feel happy with themselves. We’re seeing now what happens when children don’t have time to play. In the
in Autism Solutions by Barbara Sher
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