ASL Offers New Opportunities for Communicating with Autism
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used foreign language in the United States. It ranks right behind Spanish and French, with approximately 2 million individuals in the United States utilizing it (Gallaudet University Library, 2016). How can this beautiful language be used to benefit the lives of children with autism? 1. Does Your […]
Continue readingThe Value of Nurturing Your Special Needs Child’s Hidden Talent
Our son, Himal, was only two years old when he was diagnosed with profound, non-verbal autism. Fifteen years later, despite all the unknowns and challenges ahead, we have never felt more hopeful about his future. As the parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), do you feel genuinely optimistic about your child’s future? […]
Continue readingPerception Matters: The Interesting Impact of Autism on Marriage
While a great deal of research can be found on how autism symptoms affect a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and interventions to manage these symptoms, there is far less research addressing how autism symptoms affect the marital relationship. What limited research there is on the topic primarily reports negative outcomes for married […]
Continue readingStarting the School Day Off Right on the Bus With a Special Needs Child
Many parents seem to focus on schoolteachers when preparing for the first day of school. However, the truth for many children is that the first person they encounter may not be their classroom teacher—but rather the school bus driver. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are no different. Ensuring this step goes smoothly is extremely […]
Continue reading3 Simple Tips For Implementing AAC for Better Connections
Augmentative-alternative communication has become more available to families as both they and schools access iOS technology and apps. But, sadly, what is not readily available is the knowledge of how best to teach their children how to use these systems to communicate. It’s a myth that you can give a child an AAC system, whether […]
Continue readingHow Music Can Help Those With ASD Cope With Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD ) is a wide spectrum and one that can come in a whole range of severities. However, one thing that many people with ASD have is some form of anxiety, and that can be tough to deal with. Research has shown that music is able to help mental health quite substantially, […]
Continue readingHow You Can Create a Climate Of High Expectations in the Classroom
“He doesn’t talk much. He reads at a 1st-grade level. We’re working on coloring and staying in the lines.” As a public school special education teacher, nothing upset me more than statements like these. An incoming 6th grader, the student gained three years of academic growth that year. By the end of 7th grade, he was […]
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 readingWhen Special Education Fails to Be Special
Whether you call it special education or exceptional education, your expectations for its role in your child’s life are high, as well they should be. As parents of special needs students, we face decisions that parents of typical students rarely consider. Public, private, or charter school? Consider homeschooling? Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan? Standard diploma […]
Continue readingWhat Are the Signs of Autism in Girls – Is Asperger’s in Girls Overlooked?
Girls with autism have long been misdiagnosed as their symptoms look quite different from those of their male peers on the spectrum. New research indicates that autism in girls is more common than previously thought as more is learned about the signs of autism in girls. Are there fewer girls with autism or are they […]
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