Every parent can relate to the momentary helplessness that sets in when a child won’t stop crying or fussing. It can feel instinctual to step in and calmly soothe or do what you can to distract your upset child. As a parent, it’s natural to want to stop your child from experiencing uncomfortable emotions. You want your little one to be happy and carefree.  However, there is often far more power in pausing in these moments. Instead of frantically trying to comfort your child, you could pause and remain calm, encouraging them to do the same.  In this article, we’ll discuss the invaluab ..read more

Almost all children love having birthday parties, but creating them might take some thinking. For parents of a loved one diagnosed with autism, coming up with inclusive birthday party ideas can be challenging. Creating something that celebrates your child while accommodating their needs requires careful planning. With the right activities and communication, you can create a birthday party they won’t forget.  Whether you’re looking for a few ideas or support planning the whole birthday party, we’ve got some autism-friendly event tips to help you out. Just remember: you want your child to h ..read more

A solid hygiene routine is critical for gaining independence as a child. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though, learning how to take care of themselves can be more challenging than it is for their neurotypical peers. If you’re a parent, caregiver or educator beginning the special needs hygiene education journey, you might be unsure where to start. This guide will provide helpful tips and tricks for communicating personal hygiene skills to your child so you can take your first steps with confidence. The Challenges of Autism and Self-Care Skills Parents and caregivers often fi ..read more

Play therapy can be incredibly beneficial for children diagnosed with autism, and it could help them reduce anxiety. Play therapy works to improve a child’s confidence, emotional intelligence, communication and social skills. Through self-paced play and guiding support, kids can increase their independence, learn problem-solving skills and develop a sense of emotional well-being. What Is Play Therapy for Children? Play is an important part of child development because it affects all of the brain’s functions and areas. The purpose of play therapy is to help children engage in play in ..read more

Everyone struggles with challenges at work. For some, being around others for a long time is exhausting. Others may have difficulty getting to work on time, managing their energy throughout the day or focusing when tired. For individuals with autism, workplace environments can present many additional challenges.  As many as 85% of U.S. college grads with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unemployed. This disturbing figure is stark evidence of the barriers people with ASD experience when it comes to finding and maintaining employment and the struggles those with a ..read more

Have you noticed that you feel better when you keep your body moving? Physical activity improves blood flow, strengthens your heart, and can help clear your mind. Another incredible benefit of exercise is reduced anxiety. Unlike many other treatments for anxiety, exercise has little to no negative side effects — it’s noninvasive and free.  Exercise is an incredible and fun way to help reduce anxiety naturally in all children, including those with autism. Physical activity also improves other skills like coordination and social confidence — and it can even improve sleep. Learn more about t ..read more

Autism and anxiety can impact a child’s brain and behavior in similar ways — overstimulation, understimulation or uncertainty about their environment can lead to a breakdown of social skills as children struggle to maintain a sense of internal calm and control.  Teaching emotional regulation is one way to help children with autism or anxiety handle unexpected events and experience inner calm. External factors feel less threatening and disruptive when children can better manage their internal environment. Let’s review more about emotional regulation and ways to teach it to children who hav ..read more

Around 40% of children with autism spectrum disorder also have an anxiety disorder, which can further impact their daily functioning and overall well-being. For instance, anxiety can interfere with your child’s ability to participate in social interactions, attend school, engage in daily activities and manage transitions. The signs of anxiety may appear similar to those of autism, causing symptoms like difficulty sleeping, emotional outbursts, and avoiding social situations. Many parents of children with autism seek animal-assisted and pet therapies as an effective form of anxiety tr ..read more

The holiday season is quickly approaching! With so many fun activities, festive cheer and snowy adventures to participate in this winter, it is essential to consider ways that your loved one with autism can also make the most of the holiday months ahead. In a few simple steps, the whole family can have a memorable winter season together and even create new traditions to celebrate each year ahead. Keep reading to find a fun holiday routine for your child with autism that you can make during the winter.  Keep a Consistent Routine for the Holidays A regular schedule of daily activities acts ..read more

If you are interested in mental health and want a career that can positively impact people’s lives, becoming a board-certified behavior analyst could be right for you. A career as a BCBA is fulfilling, since you’re working to improve children’s lives and help your community. BCBAs obtain the proper education, experience and licensure to make a difference in the community. Continue reading to learn more about BCBAs, how you can become certified and what you can expect from working in the field. What Is a BCBA? A board-certified behavior analyst is someone with a certification in applied behavio ..read more