Top Ways to Use Lego Blocks for Purposeful Play With Autism
Some people believe they are not ‘good’ at playing with Lego® blocks, others prefer other toys or activities, but very few people really dislike it. Traditionally Lego has been seen as a toy, however, this is not necessarily the case anymore. Lego is increasingly being used as a tool to encourage and develop creativity, improve […]
Continue readingHELP: How Do I Stop My Son With Autism From Biting When He’s Angry?
Dear Rob, My son used to bang his head but he has stopped. For the past two months, he has been pushing and biting children in the classroom for no reason. At home, he is trying to bite us when he gets angry about not getting what he wants. Please tell me why he is […]
Continue reading19 Tips for Easing the Transition to a New School Year
As the relaxed summer days come to an end and the school start date nears, it’s only natural for an entire family to feel a bit apprehensive. From new classrooms and teachers to shifting routines, rules and expectations, heading back to school can seem overwhelming at times – especially for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). […]
Continue readingMaking the Most of Spring Break With Autism
As the end of winter inches closer, just about everyone starts counting down the days until spring break, kids and parents alike. And while there’s excitement about the vacation from school, there are also some very valid reasons why parents of kids on the autism spectrum or with various sensory issues may also have some […]
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 readingHow You Can Create a Climate Of High Expectations in the Classroom
“He doesn’t talk much. He reads at a 1st-grade level. We’re working on coloring and staying in the lines.” As a public school special education teacher, nothing upset me more than statements like these. An incoming 6th grader, the student gained three years of academic growth that year. By the end of 7th grade, he was […]
Continue reading12 Easy Steps to Creating the Most Comprehensive IEP
It’s that time of year. Your daughter comes home from school and flings her backpack at you. “Teacher says to tell you there’s a paper in there for you.” Instantly your palms start sweating, your heart starts pounding, and you feel like you want to throw up. You know what’s inside without even looking. It’s […]
Continue readingPoetry Corner: Finding Courage
I wait With bated breath. I try to prepare myself For the unknown in this moment. Fear has settled itself in my heart. These are small moments for most. Normal events in childhood. There shouldn’t be fear. Trembling. Uncertainty. But there is for me. These moments terrify me. I sit, watching the speech therapist Spoon […]
Continue readingWords of Wisdom: Celebrating Lights Of Goodness
Inspirational words to bring understanding and compassion for people with special needs. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however near or far away.” — Henry David Thoreau Special needs Cherished Ones, either young or old, […]
Continue readingWhen Special Education Fails to Be Special
Whether you call it special education or exceptional education, your expectations for its role in your child’s life are high, as well they should be. As parents of special needs students, we face decisions that parents of typical students rarely consider. Public, private, or charter school? Consider homeschooling? Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan? Standard diploma […]
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