3 Simple Tips For Implementing AAC for Better Connections
Augmentative-alternative communication has become more available to families as both they and schools access iOS technology and apps. But, sadly, what is not readily available is the knowledge of how best to teach their children how to use these systems to communicate. It’s a myth that you can give a child an AAC system, whether […]
Continue readingQuick Tips on Communications for Children With Autism and Special Needs
As a pediatrician, I have been taught that the developmental progress of a three to four-year-old should include well over 500 words and a child should be able to describe things and situations in a meaningful way. This milestone is one that all parents strive for as it is an important part of a child’s […]
Continue readingSimple New App Manages the Care of Complex Disorders
The diagnosis of autism and all neurodevelopmental-related conditions are based on subjective measures. And since these patients often share overlapping symptoms, clinicians and researchers agree many are often misdiagnosed. Parents of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions are especially impacted by these challenges given the extensive overlap of medical conditions and the time factor […]
Continue readingImproving Lifestyles and Planning for Tomorrow with Special Needs
All parents want their children to live wonderful lives, and they do all they can to make that a reality. As your child with autism becomes an adult, that journey can become more and more challenging. It can become difficult to find services, to find a primary care provider who understands your adult child’s needs, […]
Continue readingInternational Provisions for Kids With Special Educational Needs
The world is constantly evolving. Technology and medicine are becoming ever more advanced, while society is constantly striving to become more understanding, compassionate, and accepting towards our fellow people. Historically speaking, this understanding and compassion have been less than giving towards those with special educational needs (SEN) requirements, fortunately as we as a population learn […]
Continue readingWhat My Brother With Autism Taught Me About Special Needs
When I was 10, my two-year-old brother was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He was nonverbal for much of his early life, unable to read or communicate effectively. He struggled to exhibit and mimic behavior that was expected of him from society, and would often find himself striking his head because of overstimulation from the […]
Continue readingHealthy Play Diets: The Best Way to Set Limits on Screen Time
In my work as a clinical child psychologist, I frequently encounter parents bewildered by their kids’ fascination with video games, social media, and other screen-based technologies. While problems with these technologies seem to be worse with kids diagnosed with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even many of the siblings of my patients would choose […]
Continue readingSensory Integration and Special Needs in the Dental Office
Most people have some degree of aversion to the sensory-rich dental experience. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and metallic instruments are literally in our faces. We can’t move or escape, while the dentist contorts our lips, sprays water while our mouths are open, and we try to breathe and communicate. It’s a challenge whether special […]
Continue readingTraining Young People With ASD to Be the Techies of Tomorrow
There’s a lot of talk about why teaching kids technology, programming in particular, is good for students in today’s educational landscape. Nearly every other week there seems to be some major news announcement around STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and CS (computer science) and even, IT (information […]
Continue readingFuture Independence for Special Needs Linked to Technology and Money
As parents guide their children through the stages of life, there comes a point where adulthood becomes ever so real. That time usually comes somewhere between 14 and 17 years old, when parents realize their child will become an adult and will no longer be attending school. For some of those young adults, they may […]
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