One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was learn how to communicate with my nonverbal child. Joey is as smart as they come, but he’s unable to communicate through speech. This is a constant problem for parents of nonverbal children.  Spoken language may be the most common form of communication, but we have to learn to meet our children in the middle. There are many different methods of communication available for nonverbal children. Let’s look at some of the unique ways we can communicate with them to ensure understanding. Unique ways nonverbal kids communicate There are many diffe ..read more

When a child has been diagnosed with autism, it may feel like every behavior is being closely observed and documented. We track every move and follow the recommendations from the pediatrician and therapists, and it can be exhausting. Let’s take some time to focus on the strengths of autistic individuals. Here are the top five strengths I admire most in my clients.  1. Their attention to detail Yes, a professional might ask about a “red flag,” such as lining up toys, but if we consider the exact detail a child looks at while lining up toys, we might understand its beauty. Perhaps the child ..read more

Pets are a wonderful addition to any home. They provide us with hours of enjoyment, comfort, and love. For families who have an autistic child, there are even more benefits to be had from the addition of a furry friend to the family. But what are the best pets for autistic children? While there’s no one right answer to that question, it’s certainly true that some pets provide kids on the spectrum with additional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best types of animals to introduce to the home. Dogs  Dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They’re loyal, un ..read more

When we look at persons with autism, we tend to focus on the social challenges they bravely face daily.  What is less looked upon is that many of those with ASD tend to have significant and unusual fears that can impact their daily functioning. But is there a connection between autism and paranoia?  In studies, it is noted that up to 64% of youth with ASD experience what can be described as intense fears. At times, irrational fears can cross boundaries to that of paranoia, in which a person develops false beliefs that others are planning to harm or conspire against them. Understandin ..read more

Navigating life’s challenges can be tough for everyone, but for children on the autism spectrum, the journey comes with its own set of difficulties. From struggling to fit in and make friends at school to feeling overwhelmed in social situations, the journey for these kids can often feel isolating. As a parent of two autistic children, I’ve witnessed firsthand the difficulties they face in finding acceptance and inclusion in their communities. Because of that, supporting children with autism is crucial to helping them feel valued and included. Let’s explore some things you can do to help autis ..read more

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized annual event celebrated on April 2, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about individuals with autism throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in council on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. Let’s learn more about autism and how you can support families affected by it on World Autism Awareness Day. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) CDC statistics reveal that autism spect ..read more

If it weren’t difficult enough to make naps happen at home, many parents and providers struggle with how to get an autistic child to nap at daycare. Parents worry about the environment at nap time. Will the staff try long enough, or will the nap happen at all? If the nap doesn’t happen, will their child fall asleep on the way home, making bedtime a late-night struggle? Daycare providers might not have much experience working with children on the spectrum. They might not know how to support a child to make sure they are getting the rest they need. Regardless if you’re reading this as a professi ..read more

Preparing for high school can be daunting for any teen, but for teens with autism, it can feel especially overwhelming. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your teen succeed in this new environment. High school is a time when teens are expected to start taking on more responsibility for their own lives, and for autistic teens, this can be a challenge.  It can also be hard for parents to know how to best support their autistic teen during this time. You want to give them more independence, but you also don’t want to leave them feeling unsupported. It’s important to find ..read more

What should you do if an autistic child is disrupting class? Like all children, those with autism may act out due to frustration, anxiety, or unmet needs. However, the intensity and frequency of disruptive behaviors can be more pronounced in autistic children who struggle with emotional regulation and communication. Common disruptive behaviors in autistic children may include aggression toward others, self-injurious actions, severe tantrums, hyperactivity, property destruction, and attempts to run away or hide. But how do you deal with an autistic child disrupting class? Let’s learn all about ..read more

As parents, it can be very difficult to get your children to do something you ask them to do. When you add in an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, that difficulty tends to skyrocket. This can create problems both at school and at home. So, what do you do when your autistic child refuses to do anything you ask? Let’s look at the challenges caused by autistic children refusing to do anything. What might cause these challenges, and what are some ways to encourage the child to do what is asked and required of them? Reasons why an autistic child might refuse to do something Why does your autistic ..read more