The Social Life or Lack Thereof With Autism
In the summer of 2003, I had finished high school and was getting ready to start college. My best friend of more than two years was about to leave for the Marines. After I hung out with him one last time before he left, his parents dropped me off at my house. I said goodbye […]
Continue readingBest Ways to Help Kids Build Social and Verbal Skills
Children with autism spectrum disorder can sometimes find communication and social interaction difficult, and parents can feel shut out. But caregivers can make a big difference in opening the door to communication—and part of it might boil down to meat and potatoes. Why are we bringing dinner into the discussion? Keep reading! Changing the way […]
Continue readingAutism Education: Homeschooling a Child With Autism
If you’re considering the homeschooling path for your child, chances are you’re not satisfied with your child’s current educational setting. Whether it’s a public or private school, some parents or guardians discover the typical learning environment there just contains too many factors that can negatively impact their children. What works well for some children with […]
Continue readingHow 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 readingWhy You Need to Support Your ASD Child in Physical Education
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) move a lot—as a parent, family member or loved one of someone with ASD you can probably attest to that. There can be constant movement in an ASD household: circles, spinning, running in the yard, in the house, jumping off of couches (or bookcases, or coffee tables…I’m not judging, […]
Continue readingExcellent Ways to Help Your ASD Child Make Friends
Friendships have an important role to play in our overall well-being and quality of life. Unfortunately, many children with autism do not establish friendships and continue to have difficulties doing so once they get into their teen years. A recent study in the Journal of Autism, reported that teenagers and adults who have a diagnosis […]
Continue readingIn the Patterns of Shakespeare, a Method to Break Down Autism Barriers
The past 30 years have brought greater support and understanding for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with new interventions helping bridge some of the most challenging social challenges. We now know social skills can be taught through a diverse array of approaches, from group interventions and social stories to response training and problem-solving. Most […]
Continue readingAssistive Communication Devices for Children with Autism
If you are wondering, “How can assistive technology help a child with autism?” you are not alone. Using different types of alternative forms of communication for autism has been proven to improve communication outcomes in children with language delays. The benefits of assistive technology for autism are widely recognized by speech-language pathologists. This article will […]
Continue readingA Letter of Understanding and Unconditional Love
This letter is addressed to anyone who loves a person on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or wants a better understanding. Eight doctors, blood work, and a brain scan later, no one could clearly explain autism or tell us why it happened to our son. Our hope is that this letter helps to lift fears, […]
Continue readingWays Music Intervention Can Support Social Interaction
I cannot hear you When I’m in a hurry I can see when you’re not happy. I went to the airport I went on the plane I can see when you’re not happy I went to the factory Where they make lots of cheese I can see when you’re not happy This is the work […]
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