Reflections and Advice from a 20-year-old on the Spectrum
I first met Cosette and her mom when they were referred to me by their pediatric neurologist. He wondered if Cosette, then six years old, might be autistic. Our evaluation affirmed that yes, Cosette was on the autism spectrum, that she was clearly struggling, and that she needed assistance and resources. At that time, Cosette […]
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 readingIssue 77 – Achieving Better Health with ASD
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: Back to School Advice for Parents With Kids on the Spectrum The CEO of Jaden’s Voice and mother to a child with autism gives proactive tips on ways to make school transitions easier for both you and your child. Terri Matthews How to Plan a Great […]
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 readingUnderstanding 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. How do sensory issues affect children with autism? For […]
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 […]
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