The Amazing Ways Nature Helped Me Reconnect With My Son
I have always been at odds with the world. I had my first counselor at age 15. My first breakdown in my mid- to late-twenties. Then again 10 years later. At the age of 36, I had a baby with my long-term partner. I was not prepared for the vast confusion a birth precipitates. The […]
Continue readingFrom Chaos to Peace – Using Mindfulness in Special Education
Close your eyes and imagine walking into a classroom and seeing what can only be explained as pure chaos. You can see students arguing with paraprofessionals, a student laying on the floor and kicking his feet while he yells, a student sitting in the corner with his hood on (no doubt trying to cancel out […]
Continue readingAutism Stimming: Causes, Management, and Types
What is stimming? Stimming or stim is a shortened term for self-stimulation and is one of the many indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A person who stims shows repetitive body movements that can involve all five senses or moving objects in a repetitive motion. It is also called “stereotypy.” Causes of stimming Although the […]
Continue readingWhat I Wish People Understood About Autism
Growing up, I always knew he was different, different from other people around us. But I still could never understand why, why him? When we went out in public, people would just stare at us for such long periods of time it was almost uncomfortable—it was as though they were judging us and him just […]
Continue readingThe 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 […]
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