Attack of the Killer Banana by Shannon Thiry A new book, Attack of the Killer Banana, by Shannon Thiry, offers help and support to parents of children who are extremely fussy eaters. Lots of parents complain about their children being “fussy eaters.” But with a little bit of encouragement,1 their kids outgrow their problems. For… Continue Reading
Parents of children with special needs often fear being judged by others. It is hoped that the church will be an accepting environment; however, the reality is that the majority of church members with children who have special needs do not attend church regularly. Church holds great importance to many families, yet the thought of… Continue Reading
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: Let’s Hear It For This Year’s Special Contributors A special recognition for our Top 15 Contributors for 2016 who have helped make Autism Parenting Magazine an award-winning magazine. Amy KD Tobik The Urgent Need to Stop Criminalizing Autism A leading attorney and autism/children’s rights advocate… Continue Reading
Years later, it would make sense to me why I always kept thick curtains closed over the windows in the living room. That is where my oldest son bounced happily in his little blue bouncy baby chair. At the time, it was only a subconscious reaction to his crying when too much afternoon light streamed… Continue Reading
As a pediatric occupational therapist and a mother, I try my best to fully understand each child and his/her sensory needs, both at home and in my practice. Children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) tend to experience sensory overload or adverse reactions to sensory input more frequently than typically… Continue Reading
Working as a pediatric occupational therapist for 45 years and almost exclusively with children on the spectrum for the last 20 years, I’ve learned an important fact: children on the spectrum like deep touch. This isn’t news and it’s why parents hear about the benefits of a child wearing a tight vest, playing squishy games… Continue Reading
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is closely aligned with autism in that most individuals on the autism spectrum have significant struggles with SPD (autismspeaks.org). Children with sensory impairments find it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, resulting in challenges such as clumsiness, anxiety, and social and behavioral problems. Additionally, many of them have sensory-related sensitivities… Continue Reading
“My child with ASD and SPD started kindergarten this year and eating in the cafeteria with all the sounds and smells is a struggle for her. Do you have any ideas to help her make it through lunch?” – Lauren Hi Lauren. Elementary school cafeterias have got to be one of the nosiest, smelliest places… Continue Reading