Collaboration between school representatives and parents is the foremost approach to accurate educational planning for children with special needs. This process rests primarily on the principle that parental participation is mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All parents can and should contribute meaningfully to their child’s education; as such involvement is integral
in Education and Classroom by Laurie Wellner, EdD
It’s a sad fact that school shootings have become quite common. 2018 is already on track to be a deadlier year than 2017. Last year 25 students or teachers were killed in school shootings. So far, in 2018, there has been a 63% increase in deaths from school shootings. As a result, most schools now
in Autism Safety by Sandy Fields, BAPSY
Knowing and understanding your procedural safeguards (parental rights) is very important when seeking the appropriate special education services for your child. Since the majority of students with disabilities receive special education services in the general education setting, being aware of laws and regulations with inclusion will point you in the right direction. Federal law does
in Autism Advocacy by Nicole Bovell, MSE
As a former Special Education teacher and a mother to two boys on the Autism Spectrum, the best thing you can do for your child with autism is to be their voice. The path to a successful life for your child depends greatly on you, their parent. I understand completely how everything that comes with
in Education and Classroom by Angela Conrad
This is the question of the month as featured in Issue Number 10 Question: Can bullying being put into an IEP? Answer: In the USA and the UK bullying can be addressed in the IEP (Individualized Education Program). In the USA, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requires public schools to provide FAPE (Free Appropriate
in Bullying by Leslie Burby
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in by Joan Echem
A reminder that there is so much more to communication than speech—your child may be speaking to you in his/her own unique way. For over 35 years, I’ve engaged with children on the autism spectrum, children who were labeled nonverbal. As a speech and language therapist, I am here to tell you, they all communicated
in Communication Skills by Karen Kaplan, MS
As students prepare to go back to school following the summer, the question is: how can we ensure they feel safe post-pandemic? Some are saying: “What could schools look like for those with severe autism, post-pandemic?” Those students who are unable to wear a mask, stay a reasonable distance from another, follow directions without physical
in Education and Classroom by Karen Kaplan, MS
Parents can spend hours looking for support for their children with autism, accommodations that can make learning and the environment a little easier. Some of the learning challenges that autistic children can face, along with sensory processing difficulties, and others that are specific to the student can make learning much more difficult. It doesn’t have
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
When it comes to educating children with autism and learning difficulties, the question arises whether they are one in the same. The reason for wondering this is because there seem to be challenges that an autistic child experiences in an educational setting that can look like another learning disability. Autism spectrum disorders are not the
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism over the years has increased, there has been light shown on links between multiple diagnoses for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one link being between autism and cancer. At the surface, it would seem that these two diagnoses would be unrelated. Autism symptoms can be comorbid
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
Last week my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For a long time, my focus had been on getting that “golden ticket” so that he could access the accommodations he needs, and get help finally. As much as it was a relief to have, it was just the beginning. ASD symptoms are not
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
Communication skills can be difficult and having functional communication goals for autism spectrum disorder is a good step in the right direction for growth. These goals can help with communication difficulties, particularly for those autistic children that are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills. This article is going to introduce and outline: what functional communication
in Communication Skills by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
The weather channel was blaring, as it always was when a hurricane was coming. This one was forecast as a category one. We weren’t super worried. Here in South Florida we prepare for hurricanes every year. The preparation increases closer to time, and the list of supplies and steps taken gets longer as the category
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Rachel Andersen
What is so important about teaching autistic children critical thinking skills? These skills are important to everyday decisions and obstacles an individual may face, there are many neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals that have a hard time with these skills. This article is going to outline abstract and conceptual thinking skills development, practice, and use in
in Autism Parenting Advice by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
I was so happy to be home, not only because the storm was over and our house was safe again, but because it was private and quiet. Owen, who was two at the time, was running around in a diaper. “Owen, come here and let mommy put your clothes on you”, I instructed. Owen’s reply:
in Communication Skills by Rachel Andersen
Autism guardianship is a decision with major repercussions; for some parents, however, it may seem like the only choice offering maximum protection for their almost adult child with developmental disabilities. In most countries around the world a child becomes a legal adult on their 18th birthday; this is a fact most parents find terrifying. Thinking
in Autism Parenting Advice by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
Jenny sat facing the ocean and, as the waves rolled in and out, so did her anxiety. That morning, at her daughter’s Well-Child Visit, she’d heard the pediatrician’s recommendation for a formal evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but she couldn’t quite process it yet. “I don’t even know how to get my child tested
in Autism Diagnosis by Rachel Andersen
A detailed overview of the different educational options available for children on the spectrum. It has often been said that if you’ve met one child with autism, then you have met one child with autism. Parents can easily become overwhelmed with trying to address all the needs of their child with autism. Anxious parents often
in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD
Autism Parenting Magazine provides information on a number of subjects to help parents and educators. You can see a list of our subject categories below Autism Activities for Kids Therapeutic activities, playground, travel, summer camps, art projects, puzzles, board games, indoor/outdoor games Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) Changing behavior using positive reinforcement; applied behavior analysis (ABA) is
in by Dul
HOME BACK ISSUES FREE ISSUE ABOUT CONTACT LOGIN subscribe Home Back issues Free Issue About Contact Login Subscribe Autism Parenting Magazine – Issue 135 BUY SINGLE ISSUE FOR $5.99 Buy Single Issue SAVE 50% BY SUBSCRIBING Subscribe today and save 50%Features:Social Behavior and Autism: Can Social Skills Be Taught?A
in by Joan Echem
The traditional summer camp experience is something a lot of people look forward to attending, but what about a summer camp for autism? There are plenty of questions to ask and qualifications to check out when considering a camp for your child on the spectrum. When the school year ends, how do you know if
in Autism Activities for Kids by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
Last June, my oldest son graduated from high school. All parents who can say that about their children are proud, but for parents of children with autism, and learning challenges, it has an elevated meaning. My son graduating meant that he accomplished something we didn’t think was going to be possible for a long time.
in Education and Classroom by Rachel Andersen
The joys of parenthood include the sheer delight that comes with finding something that helps our children through a particular struggle. For many children with autism, the challenges can be fierce, and often include sensory difficulties. Choosing autism noise canceling headphones can result in relief for our children, and also excitement of finding something that
in Sensory Solutions by Rachel Andersen
It was March 2020 and the world had just shut down. My five-year-old had just been admitted into the gifted program at school but had not started in his new classes yet. Suddenly, I was supposed to homeschool a not-yet-diagnosed child on the autism spectrum who was smarter than me already. My ever-moving, always talking,
in Sensory Solutions by Rachel Andersen
If you have questions pertaining to guardianship, this article will guide you along. What is Guardianship? Guardianship needs to be considered in two scenarios: 1. When the parents die 2. While the parents are still alive First scenario: when the parents die Let’s consider the scenario of parents passing away when the child still needs
in Financial Planning by Ryan Platt, MBA, ChFC, ChSNC
Home Back issues Free Issue About Contact Login Subscribe Surge In Cannabidiol For ASD KidsAutism Parenting Magazine – Issue 130 BUY SINGLE ISSUE FOR $5.99 Buy Single Issue SAVE 50% BY SUBSCRIBING Subscribe today and save 50%What’s in this issue?It’s officially the holiday season! This magical time of year includes festive jingles, multi-course meals, and
in by Joan Echem
As a parent, it is important to make connections with other parents who relate to your stage of life. Realizing someone else truly understands your child’s hardships and triumphs can bring so much encouragement. For many parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), these connections are often few and far between. Sharing your child’s
in Potty Training by Rachel Andersen
Parents of children with autism are inundated with questions while trying to provide the best care for their children. Many options exist for therapies, advocation, medical assistance, physicians, and the list goes on. Knowing which options will be best for their autistic children, and if they will have the financial resources to pay for them,
in Financial Planning by Rachel Andersen
HOME BACK ISSUES FREE ISSUE ABOUT CONTACT LOGIN subscribe Home Back issues Free Issue About Contact Login Subscribe Autism Parenting Magazine – Issue 129 BUY SINGLE ISSUE FOR $5.99 Buy Single Issue SAVE 50% BY SUBSCRIBING Subscribe today and save 50%Features:How Music Therapy Can Help Your Child on the
in by Joshua Zeelie
A letter for every mom raising an autistic child: the journey may not be perfect, but it’s worth it. Hi there, fellow mom, I, too, have an autistic child, except he’s not a child anymore. His name’s Diego and he’s 26. You’ll go through various stages when it comes to how you view your child
in Autism Parenting Advice by Daniella Mini, MA
An autism expert offers advice on what steps to take if you discover your child has difficulty hearing. So, you have just discovered your child with autism also has hearing loss. Now, you are left wondering what more could possibly be added to your plate? Take a breath and realize that this is just another
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD
An autism mom shares advice for raising a daughter on the spectrum, told from her own family’s perspective. It’s been four years since my daughter Chloe was diagnosed with autism. It was a dreary March day and I remember it like it was yesterday. We lived on an Air Force base in rural California and
in Autism Parenting Advice by Caitlyn Viviano-Knoll, MEd
Functional behavior analysis can be used in special education or in Applied Behavior Analysis, also known as ABA, to allow the observer to learn what triggers and leads to challenging behaviors. This type of intervention helps us learn the function of difficult behaviors as well as environmental factors that may impact or interfere with Behavior
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Carol Tatom, RBT
Executive dysfunction in children with autism is a key issue. Executive function itself refers to planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition, initiation, and monitoring of tasks or actions. All of these elements can be impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Executive functioning is mediated by the frontal lobe, meaning any developmental delay that implicates the
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
How do we think about movement? Are the differences between healthy movement patterns and deficits easy to spot? How much do individual movement skills vary? Families of children with autism spectrum disorder are often confronted with technical terms and diagnoses related to physical abilities; “low tone”,“motor planning delays”,and “trunk stability deficits”. Physical therapy can provide
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Eric Chessen, MS
An autism mom shares her son’s journey to adulthood and provides suggestions for other parents of children on the spectrum. When my son, John, was diagnosed with autism at age three, all my focus was on early intervention and educational goals that would hopefully prepare him for a regular school setting. Once he entered the
in Transitioning to Adulthood by Dottie Davis
A look at whether the mainstream education system is doing the best it can for children with autism. To decide if our schools are using the best model for our children, we need to think of the environment, the interventions, and the impact of both on our children. Most school interventions in the US are
in Education and Classroom by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
When your child is the target of bullying, your first response is often an emotional one, followed by wanting to act in the most effective, action-oriented way. This article offers a few helpful suggestions. When you discover your child is being bullied, you may be angry, fearful, or sad. These emotional responses are natural for
in Bullying by Julie Hertzog
Many parents are currently having to make critical decisions on the education of their children with autism. Some students will be going to school full-time. Others will be staying home until parents feel it is safe for them to return to the classroom. Finally, some parents will be selecting a hybrid model for their child
in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD
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