How Do I Know If My Child With Autism is Depressed?
According to research, approximately 20 percent of the population will experience depression at some point in their lives—this statistic increases to almost 60 percent in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mood disorders (including depression) do tend to be more common in those with developmental disabilities compared to the more general population. However, depression in […]
Continue readingHow to Talk With Children With Autism About Death and Grief
When Benay Josselson’s husband, Steven, died suddenly at age 39, she knew she was entering uncharted territory. In the midst of dealing with her own devastating loss, she needed to help her young children, ages five and eight at the time, process the death of their father. Making matters more complicated, the older of the […]
Continue readingTop 8 Things You Should Never Say To a Person With Autism
My name is Leanne, I’m 24 years old, and have a very mild form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome. Here are some things you should not say to people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): 1. You don’t care about anybody but yourself Let me explain. Even though it may seem like people on the autism […]
Continue readingTop Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Participate in the Halloween Fun
Costumes? Candy? Frightening décor? Halloween seems like it should be fun for all, but this holiday can be stressful for families with kiddos on the autism spectrum. Here are some tips to make Halloween a little less scary for your family: Costume Concerns Let your child get used to the costume. You can practice having […]
Continue readingValuable New Guide Helps Parents Better Understand Autism and Hand Skills From Flapping to Function
From Flapping to Function: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and Hand Skills explains why many children, as well as adults with autism, do not use their hands in a functional manner. Flapping the hands and lining up small items often replace natural fine motor experiences that are important for the development of hand skills. Readers […]
Continue readingDoctor Makes Great Strides with Unique Treatment for Autism
Significant overall improvements often occur in those with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by medically treating their coexisting inner-ear/cerebellar-determined (dyslexia or learning disabilities (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety related) symptoms with inner-ear-improving medications. Despite significant scientific advances, we currently do not know the primary cause(s) and cure of autism. Thus a […]
Continue readingHow Much Practical Time Should Your Child with ASD Spend on the Screen?
Do you know how much time your child spends on the screen playing video games? Do you know which kinds of games are detrimental or valuable to young minds? These are very challenging questions for parents, especially for parents of children with autism. There is no question that videogames, some apps and online activities can […]
Continue readingSit Down and Talk – And Be Prepared to Listen
Sit down and talk to us, not at us. That is the best, most concise advice I, as both a mother to two on the autism spectrum and an undocumented autistic myself, could give to one wondering what it’s like to be inside our brains. Sit down and talk to us, not at us. And, […]
Continue readingA Message to Special Needs Parents: Dream Often and Dream Big!
This is a story that should be shared. It’s about one young man’s accomplishments and his dreams for the future. Can he get there? Absolutely! Maybe you’ve heard the old adage: plan your work and work your plan. Well, it’s our job here at home to assist Nicholas in shaping that plan and then supporting […]
Continue reading5 Simple Art Projects For a Child with Special Needs
There’s a reason children are encouraged to draw and paint at a young age. One of the most important reasons for this is to develop the critical motor skills. Interestingly, studies have also shown that exposure to art at a young age can help children develop socially and emotionally and it teaches them analytical and […]
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