How to Prepare Now for a Successful IEP for Your Child
Planning your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be very stressful for parents. What often causes the most stress having to sit through very long meetings and listen to educators tell you what your child can’t do, instead of focusing on what your child will be doing for the next year. This process can often […]
Continue readingEmployment Matters…Especially for Those on the Spectrum
The job of “raising” a son or daughter significantly impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) does not come to an end when your child reaches the age of majority. It just shifts to a new realm. Indeed, adulthood brings significant new worries and new challenges. Vital concerns for parents of emerging adult children with ASD […]
Continue readingAutism Warrior: Angeline Francis Khoo Luxury Designer Empowers People With Special Needs With Training And Jobs
Angeline Francis Khoo is the founder of Rosie On Fire, a fashion company dedicated to hiring people with autism into roles that play to their strengths. She said was inspired to provide these opportunities after seeing her siblings, who are on the autism spectrum, overlooked in the job market. “We do this by focusing on creating […]
Continue readingHelp: My Child With Autism Is Afraid to Go to the Dentist
Many children struggle with the idea of going to the dentist, but for children with autism, a trip to the dentist office can create anxiety and even panic. Here are some simple suggestions that may ease stress levels and make your dental visit a success. 1. Visual Schedules A visual schedule is a great way […]
Continue readingCritical Reasons to Offer Support to Autism Siblings
When you are little, it’s hard to understand why your sister seems to get upset all the time, why she is impossible to calm down, why she hits and throws things for no reason, why she doesn’t have to finish her dinner (or even sit at the table), why she won’t play with you, why […]
Continue readingFor Better or Worse: How to Overcome the Effects of Autism on Marriage
My marriage almost ended. The daily stress and energy expended to advocate for and raise my active and unusual child on the autism spectrum led to complete exhaustion and meltdown. There was simply nothing left for anyone else, including my spouse. Hyper-focus on my son’s well-being, coupled with differences between my partner and me in […]
Continue readingAn Exclusive Talk With Temple Grandin on the Benefits of ASD Conferences
Over the past few decades, Dr. Temple Grandin has become a respected speaker, author, and prominent advocate for autistic populations. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two and nonverbal until she was four years old, Grandin’s childhood was enriched by one-on-one speech therapy and the extra assistance of a caregiver. With a degree in […]
Continue reading12 Easy Steps to Creating the Most Comprehensive IEP
It’s that time of year. Your daughter comes home from school and flings her backpack at you. “Teacher says to tell you there’s a paper in there for you.” Instantly your palms start sweating, your heart starts pounding, and you feel like you want to throw up. You know what’s inside without even looking. It’s […]
Continue readingWords of Wisdom: Celebrating Lights Of Goodness
Inspirational words to bring understanding and compassion for people with special needs. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however near or far away.” — Henry David Thoreau Special needs Cherished Ones, either young or old, […]
Continue readingSelf-Esteem and Autism: Powerful Strategies You Need to Know
In my work in the autism community as an autism specialist for the past 20 years, I have seen there is no goal more important than helping your child cultivate self-esteem and an overall positive sense of self. This is important not only because it will help your child experience more confidence, happiness, and fulfillment […]
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