20 Ways to Calm or Alert the Sensory System With ASD
Children on the autism spectrum often require support to process sensory input. Some children display strong reactions to stimuli, while others tend to show little response to input. This may vary from day to day or even hour to hour. Children who have a strong reaction to sensory stimuli may avoid the bathroom because of […]
Continue readingBenefits of Weighted Pencils for Autism
Several reports from parents, teachers, and therapists of children with autism have noted they have minor difficulties with handwriting skills. Some children on the spectrum are not able to write as well as their neurotypical peers. It is for this reason that weighted pencils were introduced and became popular among parents and occupational therapists. When […]
Continue readingAn Exclusive Look at AUTISM With Julie Polanco
Encouragement speaker Derrick Hayes gives an AUTISM Interview by asking six questions through each letter in the word AUTISM to give readers an insightful perspective from parents, experts, entrepreneurs, and other leaders in the field. Today’s AUTISM Interview is with Julie Polanco who is the author of God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn. […]
Continue readingHELP: Why Does My Child With Autism Flap His Hands?
Is it better to let a child with autism flap his hands or should you stop it?– Jane Dear Jane, This a good question an one I’ve been asked many times about as an occupational therapist because many people consider it to be “self-stimming” and “sensory” in nature. This is possible, but as with any […]
Continue readingAutism in Teens: Puberty, Expectations, Symptoms, and Treatments
Signs of Autism in Teens Autism in teens can be recognized during regular interaction with others at school and at home. Verbal signs of autism in a teen might include: Not knowing how to engage in a two-way conversation; Usually talking about a single topic without allowing the other person to talk or respond Only […]
Continue readingBenefits and Uses of Weighted Vest for Autism
What is a weighted vest? A weighted vest is a garment worn over clothing with extra weight added within the vest. This is done either by using heavy fabric or filling the vest’s pockets with weighted objects such as steel bars or sandbags. It is designed to add between five to ten percent of a […]
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 readingAre IQ Tests Really Useful When Evaluating A Child With Autism?
Standardized cognitive testing is a complicated subject when it comes to assessing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their social, communication, sensory and behavior problems compound the difficulties in administering a standardized measure. The tests rely heavily on the subject’s language skills, ability to interact with others, motor planning and execution, and behavioral regulation. Typically, […]
Continue readingHelp: How Can I Stop a Child From Headbanging?
Headbanging may be a scary and upsetting thing to watch your child do. It is considered a self-injurious behavior (SIB), but SIB’s and/or headbanging are NOT considered a core symptom of autism, although children with autism are at greater risk of SIB’s such as head-banging. It is also important to note that just because your […]
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, […]
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