The Need to Understand Irregular Sensory Regulation
Ian*, one of my regular patients, usually starts his Shiatsu session with significant delay. He walks slowly and often stands for minutes, weaving his body, before going through every door. Before we get to the room where the Shiatsu sessions are held, several minutes have typically passed. The Shiatsu mat is ready on the floor […]
Continue readingThe Radiant Smile That Changed Our Lives
Earlier this week, my husband Andy and I sat around the kitchen counter eating dinner delving into the details of our day as usual. Leo, enjoying a rare night off from therapy, switched focus between playing with his beloved Toy Story figures, and gathering his fill of tickles, and scratches from us when needed. We […]
Continue readingWhat Are the Signs of Autism in Girls – Is Asperger’s in Girls Overlooked?
Autism in girls has long been misdiagnosed as their symptoms look quite different from those of their male peers on the spectrum. Are there fewer girls with autism or are they not being diagnosed? When most people think of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or high functioning autism, often called Asperger’s syndrome, boys and men often […]
Continue readingWinning Ways to Share the Love With All Your Children
As special needs parents, we understand the importance of date nights with our spouses. They help us reconnect as a couple, reduce stress, and nurture the love between two people whose children drain their physical, emotional, and mental resources daily. Let’s face it, special needs parenting involves being caretakers on levels parents of neurotypical children […]
Continue readingIssue 76 – Raising A Child with Autism
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: The Road to Independence with Special Needs Begins with a Single Step An autism advocate and mother to a young man with autism shares their tender journey together as she teaches him essential life skills. Kimberly Reeves, MEd Seven Heartfelt Father’s Day Gifts For Special Needs […]
Continue readingA Meaningful Day at the Salon
I’ll admit it started out as me needing a massage after the school carnival planning was finally over but massages are expensive and there isn’t an in-house babysitting option—although wouldn’t that be great? A pedicure, however, offers a massage chair and limeade for the mom while the child is stuck in a chair with wet […]
Continue readingBest Sensory Toys for Kids with Sensory Processing Issues and Autism
Does your child with autism have issues with sensory input? Perhaps he/she would benefit from sensory-based intervention tools such as sensory toys. Take a look at some of the top sensory toys for autism recommended by many occupational therapists to include fidget spinners, hand toys, chew toys, cubes, and sensory rings for children with autism. […]
Continue readingCan DIR Floortime Help Kids With Autism Develop Communication Skills?
Is your child with autism passive or sensory seeking? Are there developmental delays? Floortime therapy, an evidence-based intervention for autism, may strengthen basic communication skills and relationship skills for your child. Download our FREE guide on the DIR Floortime READ IT NOW! What is DIR Floortime? Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR) Floortime was developed by […]
Continue readingThe Exciting Ways an Assistance Dog Can Help an Autistic in the Hospital
Characteristically, a person diagnosed with autism has fixed routines in their everyday life. Any change to this routine can be very distressing, which can mean staying over in a hospital will result in panic attacks or even meltdowns. The strange environment on top of an illness can be extremely difficult for the autistic brain to […]
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