Education and Classroom

Find out how dysgraphia relates to autism and how you can help your child who may have it. Having dysgraphia can be compared to trying to write with your non-dominant hand or writing on a rough, uneven surface. It’s not just about messy handwriting.  Research shows more of a prevalence among autistic individuals, and dysgraphia

Here are some suggestions for children with PDA who may be struggling in school.  Some children with autism will present with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). When dealing directly with the behavior concerns of children with autism, it is important to understand what PDA means and what it involves. What is pathological demand avoidance? Pathological demand

What is dyscalculia, and why is it important to address this impairment? Dyscalculia is a learning disability that impacts how individuals understand and work with numbers. While many children struggle with general math difficulties, dyscalculia is a persistent, significant impairment. It affects a child’s ability to learn and apply mathematical concepts despite adequate instruction and

I recently caught myself demonstrating many of the characteristics of a so-called helicopter parent while spending time with my son, an energetic and assumingly neurotypical four-year-old. I was hovering around him, interrupting his play, and offering unsolicited advice during what was supposed to be his free time.  Like so many parents, I hoped creating boundaries

Emotionally based school absences can be tough on both children and their families. Some kids simply can’t cope with school right now, and even with alternative options, they may still struggle to attend. Parents can help their child get the right support, like one-to-one tutoring or a teaching assistant, through school or the local authority.

The first time I asked myself, “Do I have to send my autistic child to school?” I was sitting in the emergency room of a children’s hospital. It was the second day in a row that my son had been brought there by ambulance. He was terrified of middle school and had started to self-harm

Brain breaks are valuable additions to the classroom routine as they provide students with much-needed physical activity. They also help refresh young minds, allowing students to better focus and apply their knowledge during instruction time. For autistic students (including my past self), short breaks can be especially helpful. They support focus, help manage sensory input,

Autistic children see the world differently from their neurotypical peers. In some cases, children who are autistic and gifted may experience unique strengths and challenges that can be hard for us to understand. This doesn’t mean they’ll be gifted at everything, though. They might still think rigidly, have difficulties interpreting social cues, and have sensory

Extracurricular activities can be beneficial for autistic children because they allow them to develop well cognitively, emotionally, and socially. The question is: What are the best extracurricular activities for autism? A wide variety of factors may determine what activities are best suited for kids with autism spectrum disorder. It can depend on the child’s interests

Parents of children with autism are in a position to be their child’s best educational advocates. A well-crafted Individualized Education Plan (IEP) plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s learning experience. IEP goals for autism help tailor instruction, support development, and ensure meaningful progress based on each student’s unique needs. It dictates placement, transition

Assistive technology includes devices, software, or equipment that help individuals with disabilities complete tasks they might struggle with. For students with autism, it promotes independence, enhances communication, and improves daily functioning. These tools can make information more accessible, help students express their thoughts, and support participation in classroom discussions and social interactions. Assistive technology enhances

It’s human nature to want to do well in school or work, especially when we enjoy the subject matter or want to impress our family. However, depending on their symptoms, some autistic children may face barriers that make getting good grades difficult. Based on my personal experiences, here are some examples of things that may

There are loads of fun activities for identifying emotions that help children of all ages develop emotional awareness. It is crucial for our social and emotional well-being: it develops our emotional intelligence, helping us build relationships and control our emotional responses.  People learn and develop this skill throughout their lives, but some find it harder

Creating long-lasting behavioral change in special needs individuals starts with a strengths-based approach, and the key is team collaboration. After all, these are the activities and situations where the individual is already happy, calm, and successful. Starting with a discussion of a person’s strengths and interests allows the team to bond, building trust before addressing

Visual learning strategies often include using pictures, such as images, graphs, and charts, to present ideas and data. Visual learning helps young learners understand key concepts by using visual materials that suit their learning styles. These tools simplify complex ideas, making it easier to grasp main points quickly and remember them better. It is important

Individual education programs (IEPs) are legal documents that ensure that students with disabilities that negatively impact their education receive appropriate, tailored educational support and access to specialized services.  Establishing a list of student strengths and weaknesses for an IEP is crucial. The document should emphasize their strengths, highlighting them as key motivators and focal points

If your child has been in occupational therapy for sensory processing disorder (SPD), chances are you have been told that movement is very important to help regulate your child’s nervous system.  If you homeschool your child, there are non-stressful ways to include movement during your school day. After all, a healthy dose of movement will

For most of us, time concepts are second nature. But for those who struggle with the passage of time, planning, organizing, or structuring their day can be a challenge. It’s crucial to pay attention to these three concepts. By helping autistic children understand the concept of time, you’re equipping them with valuable life skills. Let’s

Structured teaching for autism is a well-researched method for enabling individuals with autism to complete tasks independently. It helps them cope with transitions and changes in school and everyday life.  People with autism have many behavioral and cognitive barriers to learning. They often struggle in unstructured and unpredictable environments, like classrooms.  Structured teaching aims to

Building vocabulary in children with autism can be challenging because of their unique language and communication difficulties. It’s important to build their vocabulary early because vocabulary knowledge is the foundation of language comprehension.  Autistic children may struggle to build their vocabulary for the following reasons: We’ll explore vocabulary-building tips by age/developmental level. 1. Understand the levels

Teaching writing skills to autistic children poses various challenges. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider individual needs, academic ability, and personal characteristics when deciding how to help an autistic child write.  Learning to write involves many complex physical and cognitive processes, which can challenge all learners, but ASD students can experience these challenges more acutely. For

Visual schedules in school aren’t just organizational tools or a way to take advantage of more resources – they’re pathways to unlocking each student’s potential, especially those with special needs. A daily schedule can support students by providing a clear visual representation of what they can expect in their routine, helping them navigate their day

Have you ever found yourself puzzled, trying to ignite that spark of motivation in your students, particularly when motivating students with autism? You’re certainly not in this alone.  The secret lies in deeply understanding what drives each child. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a wide range of needs, interests, and developmental challenges, with

Literacy skills in children impacted by autism are often delayed due to challenges with language and communication. Autistic children are able to learn and identify letters and the sounds that each letter makes, but blending them together to make words can require extra support in home and school environments. Comprehension can also be challenging for

Preparing for high school can be daunting for any teen, but for teens with autism, it can feel especially overwhelming. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your teen to receive the best education possible. High school is a time when teens are expected to start taking on more responsibility

What should you do if an autistic child is disrupting class? Like all children, those with autism may act out due to frustration, anxiety, or unmet needs. However, the intensity and frequency of disruptive behaviors can be more pronounced in autistic children who struggle with emotional regulation and communication. Common disruptive behaviors in autistic children

For many parents and educators, supporting children with autism through their school year is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. The goal is not just to figure out how to get a child with autism interested in school but also to keep them curious and engaged, opening up a world of educational opportunities

One of the most difficult early challenges of autism parents is to ensure their child will have an effective preschool program and the best education possible. Parents soon realize preschool programs for autistic children vary greatly: from being highly structured, adult-directed, and therapy-based to those that emphasize self-directed exploratory play and unstructured group interactions. Programs

As the mom of a nonverbal, autistic nine-year-old and a mentor to homeschooling families, I’ve noticed a common bond. We all share a similar story. After a couple of failed IEP meetings, families often decide to try homeschooling. They’re terrified to begin, so they start looking for some tips for homeschooling nonverbal students. Thankfully, parents

Many look for any kind of IEP support for parents, and rightfully so. As a school-based occupational therapist (OT), I found the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process overwhelming at first – and I worked there! For parents, it’s a big challenge that might seem overwhelming and difficult. Yet, in my years as an OT and