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Parent-Led Strategies to Support Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
When Mukri Yilma noticed her son Kibur’s use of words and gestures starting to fade at 22 months, she knew something was wrong. Suddenly, he was not waving “hi” or pointing at airplanes anymore, and he stopped using words that had been part of his vocabulary. Concerned, Mukri took Kibur to...
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How to Create a Safe and Engaging Sensory Experience at the Pool
The pool is a great tool to use to cool down and engage individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the summer. Not only can water exploration in the pool provide socialization opportunities in a natural environment, but water can meet essential sensory needs as it provides deep pressure...
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What Families With Autism Should Consider When Evaluating School Programs
One of the greatest challenges parents of children with disabilities face is finding the most appropriate educational program. When searching for a school for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the task can be complex. Understanding instructional and social variables can help parents make...
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Expert Tips and Strategies for Navigating Potty Training Challenges for Autistic Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one in every 54 children in the U.S. has been identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Issues with sensory processing, eating, digestion, and incontinence are not uncommon symptoms for children with ASD to...
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The Silent Roadblock: Understanding the Ripple Effects of Feeding Difficulties on the Spectrum
While it’s widely documented that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, there is a less spotlighted, yet pivotal, piece to these neurodivergent children: feeding difficulties. It’s estimated that up to 80% of autistic children have some form of...
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Setting Students Up for Success: Balancing Sensory Needs in the Classroom
Sensory considerations play a key role in developing a classroom environment conducive to learning. When classrooms are arranged with sensory needs in mind, teachers will often see increased levels of social participation and task engagement. Some students face challenges finding their voice in a...
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New Therapeutic Puppet Aids in Tele-Delivered Autism Therapy
A talking blue stuffed toy is not what comes to mind when most people think of an autism therapist. However, as therapy has found itself transformed in the last several years with the pandemic and rise of telehealth options, a therapist now can come in all shapes and sizes - including, in...
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Advocating for Sensory-Inclusive Education: IEPs, Classrooms, and Schools
There are many lists and suggestions for sensory-inclusive education for autistic students. Gaining a sense of your student’s unique sensory profile – what causes distress or helps them stay regulated – is important. They may be impacted differently at school than at home. How can a caregiver...
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Harnessing the Power of Nature: Outdoor Sensory Activities for Autistic Children
Holistic health improves when children spend time playing outdoors (Dankiw et al., 2020; Gill, 2015; McQuay et al., 2020; McCormick, 2017). Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate increased world connections with outdoor sensory activities, as the natural environment affords more...
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Sensory-Friendly Hospital Experiences for Children with Autism
Going to the hospital is typically accompanied by fear and stress, which is never easy for any family. For parents of children with autism, it can be even more overwhelming to think about going to the doctor’s office or the hospital. 95% of children with autism also have sensory processing...
