Poetry 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 […]
Continue readingExcellent Strategies You Need to Know for Handling Challenging ASD Behavior
Do you avoid saying ‘no’? Do you only use the vacuum cleaner when your child is out of the house? Are you dreading dinnertime because the supermarket ran out of the particular brand of chicken nuggets that you usually buy? These are all questions often answered as ‘yes’ by parents of children with autism spectrum […]
Continue readingHow Do You Respond When You Suspect a Loved One Is On the Spectrum?
Question: Hi, I wonder if you can offer advice on how to deal with an adult son who, although undiagnosed, I am sure is on the spectrum. He does not do small talk, doesn’t understand why anyone should be interested in what he is doing, and has no interest in anyone else. Conversations are very […]
Continue readingAll For You
When you were born, I didn’t know you or how much you’d change my life but knew I loved you. It was natural for things to be different, hard, and challenging but all was still beautiful because it was you. You grew, and I grew with you. Together, we sprouted a bond that fed off […]
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 […]
Continue readingLearning Life’s Important Lessons from a Kindergartner
“I’m Olivia and I’m five,” the young girl announces to everyone she meets. I’m her kindergarten teacher, and just in case I’ve forgotten, she introduces herself to me that way almost every day. I haven’t forgotten Olivia, and I never will. I’ve learned to look at the world through her eyes, and in doing so I’ve learned […]
Continue readingDo You Need to Be a Special Ed Teacher to Homeschool a Child with ASD?
Dear Rob… I sure hope you are able to give me some advice. My eight-year-old son has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, stress, and anxiety. The school will listen, but does nothing to help as far as changing his Individualized Education Program (IEP) for behavior issues. I am doubting myself […]
Continue readingIssue 69 – The Gift of Calm This Season
Buy Single Issue Subscribe today and save 50% Features: Expert Advice On How To Manage Anxiety In Children With Autism A consultant psychiatrist with 20 years of clinical experience shares ways to ease your child’s anxiety and encourage stress management. Andrés Fonseca, MD, MSc, MRCPsych, FRSA Easy Ways To Create Some Calm For A […]
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