How To Get The Social Skills Class Your Family Wants and Needs
Seriously, what child really wants to sign up for social skills class? In my storied career, I’ve actually only heard one child bemoan, “But Mom, I really need social skills!” The rest of my clients have been coaxed, cajoled, and bribed into attending the initial session, generally to discover that the class wasn’t that harrowing, […]
Continue readingState Medicaid Waiver Programs Can Pay for a Lifetime of Needs
Question: How do state Medicaid waiver programs play a role in the planning for my son, especially with the long waiting list? State Medicaid Waiver programs can play a significant role in providing care for your son’s lifetime need for support. While many families can be discouraged by the waiting lists that exist in most […]
Continue readingAutism Warrior: Stephanie McMahon Inclusion Coordinator Inspires Others to Be That ‘Bright Light’ in the Autism World
Autism Warrior: Stephanie McMahon, accessibility and inclusion coordinator at Space Center Houston in Webster, Texas. Location: Headquarters is located in Austin, Texas with satellite locations located all over North America and Europe and new programs starting in South America and Southern Africa. Accomplishments: Stephanie said Space Center Houston has always been welcoming to guests with special needs, […]
Continue readingWays Emotionally Supporting Special Needs Parents Leads to Success
There is an endless array of articles, advice and information on the internet about autism and its impact on families. Much of the available information includes costs of raising a child with autism. Many articles are geared towards parent experiences with applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech, and occupational therapy (OT), while other online information […]
Continue readingTeaching Kids With Autism How To Be Strong and Ways To Shine
In the crowded and cobblestoned streets of Dumbo, NY there is a light shining out of Gleason’s Gym. This light is not from the boxing timer or the punch from a fighter but rather from the confidence and voices of people on the spectrum who attend the Spectrum Bout. The Spectrum Bout is a boxing […]
Continue readingFinding a Winning Special Needs Exercise Program
Whether in the gym, residential, or outdoor setting, engagement in routine exercise can help individuals on the autism spectrum to dramatically improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. As time spent in the fitness setting creates opportunities to develop communication skills, facilitate sensory processing, and enhance social awareness, exercise task demands gradually transform into […]
Continue readingTop Ways Occupational Therapy Can Help Kids With Autism Every Day
There are many different methods of therapy that can be useful for helping children cope with the symptoms of autism. Since there are different types of autism and a wide variety of environments that autistic children may be raised in, it’s a good idea to figure out which type of therapy will best suit the […]
Continue readingSimple Ways Parents and Professionals Can Help Children With ASD
As a professional working extensively in the area of special education needs I saw a pattern as I interacted with different professionals and parents. The interesting part is that this pattern is unintentional as we don’t know whether what we are doing is right or wrong which leads to a lot of anxiety and confusion […]
Continue readingTop Tips on How to Prepare for College with Autism
David Petrovic, my son, is a 24-year-old middle school teacher with autism and Tourette syndrome who graduated cum laude and loved his college experience. He and I joined forces and found what worked for him. Seeking to help others in their same quest, David and I have co-authored our life journey and have evolved to […]
Continue readingPeople with Autism Are Filling a Void in the Workplace
The future job market is looking bright for many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Large companies such as Microsoft, EY, and Utah-based Chargeback have piloted neurodiversity programs that aim to employ adults who are on the spectrum. The main objective of the program is to explore the possible benefits of hiring employees with varying […]
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