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…
Popular Now: Free IEP Data Collection Sheets
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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 rises again: one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a 2023 report.
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…
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.
OT and school-based occupational therapy help students with disabilities develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities at home and school.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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?…
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.
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…
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…
Emotional self-regulation is a necessary executive functioning skill that all kids need to develop. Some will require direct instruction.
These cool noise-cancelling headphones can help with Autism or ADHD focus issues, avoid sensory overload and reduce stress. Decibel ratings too.
Here are some reader-recommended sensory toys for adults, including those with disabilities like autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.
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 Interoceptive Skills Several years ago, I took my boys up to my Dad’s house. Kevin just walked into the room where we were,…
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Successfully Manage Daylight Savings Time in the Neurodivergent Household: Autism | ADHD | Tips for Managing this stressful week (or weeks!)
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.
Parents, you need to take ownership of the IEP transition goals and process for your child. Here’s how to start.
Kalahari Water Park and Resort in the Poconos is definitely the best indoor waterpark in Pennsylvania. Here is a sensory friendly travel review.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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 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 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…
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 Disabled People Look, I love reading to my kids. But the thing is, it is never enough for them. One book or…
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…
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 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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