Understanding the Gifts of Autism Can Be Wonderful for Us All
I have been working almost exclusively with children on the spectrum for the last 14 years of my 40-year career as a pediatric occupational therapist. Part of my job is to help identify which children fit the criteria of someone with autism. Although no two children are alike, and children with autism are no exception, […]
Continue readingSimple Ways to Transition Back to School With Autism
Returning to school can be stressful for all children, but especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. While summer activities such as visiting new places, staying with extended family, and attending school holiday care can be enjoyable, they can also be extremely disruptive for children with autism. We need to take […]
Continue readingSensory Weighted Blanket and Miracle Cape Created with Love
Sit down for a cup of coffee with Marna Pacheco, and she’ll tell you that grocery shopping can be tough. But it’s not the weekly scavenger hunt for this obscure ingredient or that hard-to-find brand that makes food-finding missions tough. It’s a combination of things, in fact. For starters, Pacheco’s 11-year-old daughter, Millie, often acts […]
Continue readingSensory Play Ideas and Summer Activities For Kids With Autism
Does your child with autism become overstimulated or bored easily? With the school year coming to an end, are you looking for sensory play ideas for your child? This guide will provide a variety of ideas for fun sensory play activities for children with autism. Download our FREE guide on the Sensory Play Ideas READ […]
Continue readingIssue 75 – Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: How to Help a Child with Autism Feel Good About Food Learn key ways to help a picky eater thrive at school and daycare from a registered counselor specializing in child feeding. Jo Cormack, MA, MBACP A Mom’s Loving Advice on Transitioning an ASD Child to […]
Continue readingBest Ways to Explain Your ASD Child’s Needs to Teachers
When it comes to autism, there can be many misconceptions and misunderstandings in the classroom environment. Sometimes, parents of children with autism in mainstream settings are blamed for their child’s unusual behaviors; teachers may not accept that behaviors they are seeing are typical of autism. This is probably because autism isn’t always apparent when a […]
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 readingThe Lifetime Benefits of Spending Time in the Garden with ASD
Anyone who gardens knows how good it can make you feel. Whether you’re a bit tired, had a stressful day at work, an argument or are dealing with serious depression or heartbreaking loss, I’ve heard time and time again from people how powerfully healing gardening can be. It enables us to take time out from […]
Continue readingTop Ways to Interrupt the Meltdown Cycle
Meltdowns are often caused by sensory issues. The world is often too loud, too bright, too stinky, or too silent. Even if a meltdown is triggered by something else, adrenaline will heighten our senses more. This is a natural survival instinct, but people with autism go into survival mode more often. This leads to a […]
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 […]
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