Articles that focus on a wide range of tools, services, programs and teaching methods that can potentially help someone on the spectrum reach their potential. Sometimes the words ‘treatment’ and ‘intervention’ are used as well.
What are visual supports? Visual supports are non-verbal ways for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to communicate their needs and make sense of the world around them. Children with autism benefit from using visual supports for a variety of reasons. A nonverbal child can use a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate his/her […]
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Do you avoid saying ‘no’? Do you only use the vacuum cleaner when your child is out of the house? Are you dreading dinnertime because the supermarket ran out of the particular brand of chicken nuggets that you usually buy? These are all questions often answered as ‘yes’ by parents of children with autism spectrum […]
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There are many different methods of therapy that can be useful for helping children cope with the symptoms of autism. Since there are different types of autism and a wide variety of environments that autistic children may be raised in, it’s a good idea to figure out which type of therapy will best suit the […]
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“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so_________.” Regardless of your age, gender or religion, I bet you said “delightful” to finish the familiar holiday tune Let It Snow. Not everyone feels this way, but I am happy those holiday songs are heard over and over again. As a specialty music instructor […]
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Functional independence skills are necessary for daily living and establishing quality of life. For ‘neuro-typical’ individuals, we exercise functional independence every day without thinking much about it. We get ourselves up, bathed, dressed, fed and out the door instinctually. For children with autism, however, these functional skills are often not always innate. It’s important to […]
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Ten years ago, I was asked by the Asperger Autism Network of New England (A.A.N.E.) to run a group for young adults who wanted to learn the basics of dating and romance. At that point in my life, I had been an attorney, a divorce mediator, a life coach, and was beginning my training as […]
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What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any product, equipment, software program and/or system that enhances learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities.The goal of assistive technology is to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities (ATIA). Think about all of the skills that your child, […]
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What are the best autism toys for 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 […]
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Ever hear someone humming a tune and the next thing you know it’s stuck in your head for the rest of the day? Music has a flow that humans innately relate to. We can’t help it. We can be focused on writing an article for a magazine, but if there’s music on in the background, […]
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Does your child only eat very specific foods? Are you concerned your child isn’t getting the right nutrition? Does your child gobble down his/her meal? A simple solution is available, and the only equipment you need is your smartphone or a tablet. The solution is video self-modeling (VSM), and it is proven to work with […]
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