The Cruel Double-Standard Behind Autism and Access
Recently, The Washington Post published my opinion piece My Son Has Autism. He Deserves Separate Sensory-Friendly Opportunities which focused on why sensory-friendly (SF) opportunities should be the law of the land. The swift rise of vitriol alerted me to ways in which message being misconstrued on many sides, even by select parents who themselves have […]
Continue readingHigh Functioning Autism and Other Types of Autism
What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders. It can often affect a person’s way of interacting with others. People with autism often experience the world differently than their neurotypical peers. While the term autism covers a broad spectrum of symptoms, it is typically […]
Continue readingThe Value of Living By Numbers and Not Opinions With a Special Needs Child
“I feel…” “I think…” “In my opinion…” Listen closely at your next Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting and make note of the number of times these phrases are used throughout the discussion. Now, consider the number of graphs presented. If these two figures don’t match, subjectivity may be inadvertently guiding decision-making. In navigating the […]
Continue readingWhat Role Can Faith Play in Your Autism Journey?
Have you ever wondered what role faith plays in your autism journey? As a Christian, I can only speak from that perspective, but I am aware that other faiths may have insights on this topic as well. Our faith in God gives us hope in what otherwise would seem like a hopeless situation. Faith gives […]
Continue readingWhat Are the Possible Causes of Autism?
What causes autism? To this day, scientists and researchers are still investigating the cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After years of studies and examination, it is apparent that a single factor may not cause autism. What is clear is that autism the result of a combination of physical and environmental factors that ultimately affect […]
Continue readingAutism Stimming: Causes, Management, and Types
What is stimming? Stimming or stim is a shortened term for self-stimulation and is one of the many indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A person who stims shows repetitive body movements that can involve all five senses or moving objects in a repetitive motion. It is also called “stereotypy.” Causes of stimming Although the […]
Continue readingWays ABA Therapy Can Help Improve Skills For Life
Learning that your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very difficult for family members. One of the most important things to remember is that your child is still the same child that he/she was prior to the diagnosis. As you learn about ASD and begin to use resources and find […]
Continue readingAnxiety and Autism: Best Ways to Relieve the Effects of Anxiety
Anxiety and autism disorders Approximately 40 percent of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have an anxiety disorder (Steensel, Bögels, & Perrin, 2011). Anxiety can exacerbate symptoms of ASD making communication and social interactions increasingly difficult. Helping a child with autism learn practical skills to manage his/her anxiety can improve quality of life […]
Continue readingAutism Medication Guide: Treating Autism and Its Core Symptoms
While the first clinical account of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was published more than 75 years ago by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, the precise cause of autism is still not clear to scientists. Billions of dollars have been spent on autism research over the years in an attempt to unravel the mystery that now affects […]
Continue readingFinding the Right Therapy to Help Foster Independence With Special Needs
Functional independence skills are necessary for daily living and establishing quality of life. For ‘neuro-typical’ individuals, we exercise functional independence every day without thinking much about it. We get ourselves up, bathed, dressed, fed and out the door instinctually. For children with autism, however, these functional skills are often not always innate. It’s important to […]
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