What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?
Pathological demand avoidance in autism explained Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a contentious term. Over the past 40 years, some clinicians have used it to…
autism
Sensory Bottles DIY: How to Make Sensory Bottles
Inside: Some great sensory bottle ideas, how to make a sensory bottle or sensory bottles DIY, plus the many great benefits of sensory bottles. Sensory…
High Functioning vs Low Functioning Autism: Why These Terms should Disappear.
If you remember, when the DSM was revised several years back, the terms Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS were eliminated. I felt it was adequately explained…
Autism Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Inside: We’re talking causes and solutions to your autistic family member and their incontinence. We want our kids to have dignity and reduce bullying whenever…
15 Affordable Calm Down Corner Ideas for School or Home
Inside: Calm Down Corners are growing in popularity. So, I’ve compiled a list of Calm Down Corner Ideas for you to create one in a…
4 Best Homeschool Curriculums for ADHD and Autism
Inside: For some families, homeschooling their child with ADHD or Autism is the best option for them. Here are some curriculum options for kids who…
Educational Autism vs Medical Autism: What’s the Difference?
Inside: What’s the difference between educational autism vs medical autism? Is autism a medical diagnosis? Can schools diagnose autism? Answering all of that and more….
What is a Communication Board? A Guide to Improving Communication for Non-Speaking People
Inside: Everything you need to know about communication boards for non-verbal or non-speaking children or adults. Including how to get started with a communication board….
10 Free Apps for Emotion Regulation and Social Interactions
Did you know that there are apps that can help your child rehearse for social situations? Or help them learn to regulate their emotions? There…
What is Perseveration and How to Get ‘Unstuck’ When Perseverating on Something
Inside: Learn what perseveration is, what causes it and how to get unstuck if you are perseverating on something. Plus IEP goals if a child…
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for Autism: Goal Bank, Sample PDF
Inside: Learn how to build a robust, meaningful Autism IEP, including goals, accommodations and even a sample. For almost 10 years, readers have been asking…
Practical Solutions for Dealing with Poop Smearing in Children and Adults
One of the most unpleasant parts of parenting is the gross stuff we sometimes have to encounter. A little baby throw-up and dirty diapers–no big…
Hand Flapping, Stimming, and Autism
No, just because your child flaps their hands does not mean they are autistic. And, even if it did, we need to stop treating autism like it’s some terrible thing.
Combatting April’s Harmful Stereotypes: Addressing Autism Ableism
Inside: It’s April, so we’re going to be bombarded with Autism Awareness. Here are some awful examples of autism ableism that are a part of…
Ableism and Autism Moms
I am just steamed this morning. Nothing like waking up to see 250k special needs moms being ableists and wallowing in ableism. Have you seen…
What are Autistic Shutdowns? (adults and kids)
Learn the Differences between autistic shutdowns and autistic meltdowns, the signs of autistic shutdowns, and how to help your loved one recover from a shutdown.
What is Prompt Hierarchy? (and its many flaws!)
Prompt hierarchy is a teaching technique that involves providing prompts to help students learn new skills. Its flaws include over-dependence on prompts and limited generalization of skills.
Autism Prevalence in 2023: Latest Statistics and Trends
Autism prevalence rises again: one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a 2023 report.
10 Affordable and Quiet Fidget Toys for ADHD (pictures)
Inside: Learn the benefits of fidget toys for ADHD adults and others, and some quiet fidget toy recommendations. I recently participated in a local consignment…
School Refusal: IEP Goals and Interventions for School Avoidance
What are we doing to our kids that so many of them are either a) having breakdowns and mom has to be called to come get them b) melting down after school to the point it interferes with normal household activities or c) refusing to go to school.
What is Occupational Therapy for Kids?
OT and school-based occupational therapy help students with disabilities develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities at home and school.
What is Task Paralysis? And How to Save Yourself!
Task paralysis is the inability to start or complete tasks, affecting productivity and causing stress. It can be caused by various factors, not just ADHD.
What is Shame Spiraling? And How to Stop the Pattern.
Shame spiraling is a distressing experience that can lead to self-criticism and negative self-talk. Learn how to recognize and break the cycle here.
After School Restraint Collapse and How To Get your IEP Team on Board.
The After School Meltdown, we’ve all seen it. Here’s what to know about after school restraint collapse, and getting your IEP team on board to support your child.
What is an Executive Functioning Coach and What do they Do?
Learn what an Executive Functioning Coach is, what an EF coach does and how to become an executive function coach. Plus, video tips from an Executive Function Coach.
7 Popular AAC Devices for Autism and Communication
AAC devices can be liberating for autistic children and others who lack verbal communication. A list of the best, and how to get an AAC device for your child.
What is a Sensory Bin? 50 Sensory Bin Ideas
Inside: What is a sensory bin? Are there benefits to using sensory bins? What are they used for, and for what ages? Plus, we’re sharing…
Legal Guardianship for Adults with Disabilities: A Beginner’s Guide
This article provides a comprehensive guide to legal guardianship for adults with disabilities, including the benefits and considerations for families and caregivers. Learn how to navigate the process and ensure the best possible care for your loved one.
Autism and Trans: What’s the Correlation?
The largest study to date confirms an overlap between autism and gender diversity People who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at…
Sensory Overload: How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms.
Is Sensory Overload really a ‘thing?’ YES. It happens to people with anxiety, autism, ADHD, and other conditions. How to help and prevent sensory overload.
Does your Child have Hyperlexia, Autism, or Gestalt Language Processing? How to Know.
When your child is diagnosed with a specific learning disability, or you suspect a disability of some kind, many words are thrown at you. Until…
The Autism Epilepsy Connection: My Son’s Brain Surgery
Can preventing seizures alter the course of autism? Delicate lines dance across a screen mounted on the wall of the operating room. Their peaks and…
What are Echolalia and Autistic Scripting?
Does your child repeat back words to you, often? Are they repeating words and phrases over and over? Or maybe reciting movie and TV lines?…
10 Best Visual Timers for Kids with Autism or ADHD
Does your child benefit from a visual reinforcer? Then take a look at these online and other visual timers for kids who have sensory needs.
What is Hyperfixation? How do You Stop Being Hyperfixated on things?
Hyperfixation Lots of teens love video games. Everyone knows that. And many teens, autistic or neurotypical, play video games too often, which can interfere with…
What are Age-Appropriate Interests for a Developmentally Disabled or Autistic Adult?
Autism and Age-Appropriate Interests “Who gets to decide what is an age-appropriate interest for a disabled or autistic child?” This is an issue that has…
What is Self Regulation? 18 IEP Goals and Accommodations for Self-Regulation Skills
Emotional self-regulation is a necessary executive functioning skill that all kids need to develop. Some will require direct instruction.
7 Audiologist-Recommended Noise Cancelling Headphones for Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety
These cool noise-cancelling headphones can help with Autism or ADHD focus issues, avoid sensory overload and reduce stress. Decibel ratings too.
15 Best Sensory Toys for Adults
Here are some reader-recommended sensory toys for adults, including those with disabilities like autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.
50 Best Teacher and OT Recommended Toys for Autism
A Special Education Teacher, OT, and others share their recommendations for the best toys for autistic and disabled children; plus how to use them effectively.
Interoception and your IEP: How to Improve Interoceptive Skills
Interoception and Interoceptive Skills Several years ago, I took my boys up to my Dad’s house. Kevin just walked into the room where we were,…
What is a Sensory Diet? (Examples)
A sensory diet may help a child improve their self-regulation skills. Read how, why, and getting a sensory diet added to your child’s IEP.
15 Popular Fiction Books with Autistic or Disabled Main Characters
Great list of fiction books for kids with a character with autism, disabilities or just plain quirky. There are a few suggestions for each age group and ability.
How to Find a Dentist for Kids with Autism
Just because a dentist says they serve the disability population doesn’t mean that they serve all kids. Questions to ask and what to know about restraints.
Autism and Haircuts: How to Find the Perfect Autism Barber
My autistic child LOVES going to the barber. Yours can too. Here’s what to look for to find that perfect autism barber or autism haircut.
Autism, ADHD and Daylight Savings Time: Small Time Change, Huge Disruption
How to Successfully Manage Daylight Savings Time in the Neurodivergent Household: Autism | ADHD | Tips for Managing this stressful week (or weeks!)
Crossing Midline: 12 Crossing the Midline Activities for Older Kids
Crossing midline is often a skill that teams stop working on once the child hits tween years. But if your teen or adult needs the skill, here are some activities to practice crossing midline.
IEP Transition Goals Bank: Developing Meaningful Goals beyond “Food, Filth and Flowers.”
Parents, you need to take ownership of the IEP transition goals and process for your child. Here’s how to start.
Best Indoor Water Park in Pennsylvania: Travel Tips for Kalahari Resort in Poconos
Kalahari Water Park and Resort in the Poconos is definitely the best indoor waterpark in Pennsylvania. Here is a sensory friendly travel review.
How to Get Your Autistic Child to Try New Foods (written by an autistic person!)
A dangerous, yet common, misconception in regard to autistic kids is that they will eat if they’re hungry enough. The reality is that hunger, appetite…
5 Popular Stim Toys for Autism or ADHD | Cheap | DIY | Chew
Stim Toys Quality stim toys can be hard to find, since fidget toys and chewy jewelry, or chewelry, is trendy. Even the higher priced ones…
How to Redirect Self Injurious Behavior | Autism
Self Injurious Behavior and Autism Self-injurious autistic behaviors do not illustrate why stimming, or self-regulatory behaviors, are bad. Stimming is harmless by default and crucial…
10 Outdoors Activities for Autism | How to Get Autistic Kids and Adults Outside More Often
Outdoor Activities for Autistics Today really reiterated to me that I need to get back to the outdoors and get my kids outside. I had…
Liar
When your Child Lies As I often begin many articles, I state “this has been coming up in the Facebook group a lot lately.” And,…
Sample IEP Goals for Autism Elopement
Autism and Elopement One concept or behavior that you may be exposed to as an IEP parent is elopement. Unfortunately, I am not talking about…
Free Visual Schedule Templates for Autism | Picture Schedules for Home Activities | PDF
Visual Schedules and Autism How stressed out are you by daily routines? What about your kids? I mean, it’s something that we do, as a…
The Many Flaws of School FBAs and Behavior Plans
FBAs and Behavior Plans FBAs and Behavior Plans are a common component of IEPs. And, after 12 years of advocacy, I’m seeing the same issues…
ADHD and Sleep Issues | Best Tips for Everyone to Get a Good Night’s Rest
ADHD and Sleep Have you ever walked into your child’s room to find them sleeping on the floor? I mean, you put them in bed,…
Following Directions and Learning Disabilities | Accommodations and Strategies for School and Home
Following Directions Many people — kids and adults — have trouble following directions. They don’t seem to “listen” when they’re asked to do a task, whether it’s…
For Parents: Receptive Language vs Expressive Language Disorder | Receptive vs Express Language Skills and Strategies | IEP Goals
Receptive vs Expressive Language If your child is being evaluated for Early Intervention or Special Education Services, you may be introduced to the terms ‘receptive…
Amazon Echo for Disabilities | 8 Alexa Uses for Disabled People | Autism
Amazon Echo for Disabled People Look, I love reading to my kids. But the thing is, it is never enough for them. One book or…
23 Books about Siblings with Disabilities | Autism | Down Syndrome
Books About Siblings of Special Needs Children Yesterday was not a great day. It wasn’t terrible, just not great. I picked B up from preschool…
25 Amazingly Awesome Dolls with Disabilities | Disability Awareness | Action Figures
Dolls with Disabilities Kids need dolls and toys that resemble them. Sure, it’s great to have toys that you aspire to be, like an astronaut…
{Autism Safety} Products, Kits and Tips to Keep Your Child Safe.
Autism Safety I want my son to increase his fine motor skills. I do not, however, want him to be able to unbuckle a seatbelt….
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