Summertime can be a great time to get those necessary appointments, such as a teeth cleaning, out of the way before going back to school. I don’t know any children that like going to the dentist, but it can be particularly tough for a child with autism. If there is a trip to the dentist in your future and you’re worried about how to handle it with your child, I’ve included some tips and things to... Source ..read more

As a parent of a child with autism, I’m sure you want your child to be able to experience all of the fun that you once did and have the same opportunities as other children. Outings alone can be difficult, so theme parks are often daunting. With so much noise, stimulation, and waiting, they’re primed for a struggle with a child with autism. Fortunately, many theme parks have stepped up and made... Source ..read more

Many parents of children with autism are concerned about improving social skills for their child, as this is a common struggle for kids on the spectrum. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons I hear for wanting to start school as early as possible, as the other children create social opportunities. When facilitated well, school can be a great way to encourage social engagement for your child. Source ..read more

Keeping your child occupied is a key element of smooth travel. With summer on its way, I wanted to share some great ideas for travel activities. In case you missed it, you can also read our blog on travel tips for children with autism here. Below are ideas for specific activities and ways to pack them that are great for travel. Binders can be a great way to keep activities portable and compact. Source ..read more

Summertime often means fun activities, new experiences, and vacation, which usually also includes travel. I always have mixed feelings about travel. It can be so liberating, educational, and just plain fun, but the process of getting places or finding your way around new places can be stressful and children don’t make it any easier. Traveling with any child can be difficult. Source ..read more

Summer breaks are often times when parents of children with autism see challenging behaviors start to increase. While many kids may be excited about not having school, the lack of routine and structure can really throw off a child with autism. With all of the activities children have now, I understand parents feeling sensitive to over-scheduling their kids, but children with autism can really... Source ..read more

Today we’re covering part 2 of how to prevent challenging behavior from occurring. This is a follow up to our blog post How to Prevent Challenging Behavior: Part 1. In Part 1, we covered an important first step in preventing difficult behaviors. In order to know how to prevent the behavior, it’s important to think about why the behavior is happening. Is your child trying to get something? (a toy... Source ..read more

I think all parents have been there: your child starts melting down in public and you need it to stop, so you may give in to whatever your child is wanting in that moment. Even at home, I’m sure all parents have experienced times when they just can’t handle the behavior getting bigger than it already is. You probably know that giving in is not the best idea. Though it may stop the behavior in the... Source ..read more

Most parents recognize when a child with ASD may have some deficits in social skills. Hosting playdates or participating in activities where your child can be around other children is a great start, but, unfortunately, simply being around other children often isn’t enough. This is because children on the autism spectrum don’t typically learn by observation, the way many other children do. Source ..read more

When it comes to children, safety is number 1. For parents of children with autism, this can be an even bigger worry, as many children with autism may lack the skills required to protect themselves. This is particularly true if your child doesn’t talk, understand safe boundaries with people, or is a “runner”. Though it can be scary to think about, there are several things you can do to help keep... Source ..read more