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The Other Side of Autism: Intense World Theory
Social difficulties in autism are usually attributed to poor theory of mind. That’s not always the case. In my early thirties, I was diagnosed with what was then known as Asperger’s syndrome. Like many on the spectrum who receive a diagnosis late in life, this was something of a revelation,...
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The Trauma of Relocation: Understanding the Autistic Experience
My military family moved house seven to eight times by the time I turned 8, and 11 times before I was 18. I didn’t yet have a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD, but I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and related learning disabilities at age 7 and had started special education. Then we moved. I don’t...
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When the Going Gets Tough: How to Foster Safety and Stability During Challenging Situations
The journey through autism and disabilities is certainly complex – filled with excitement and achievements, as well as challenges and uncertainty. Some challenges may relate directly to the disabilities themselves, such as navigating insurance denials for essential therapies or medications,...
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Beyond Fun: How Summer Programs Build Executive Function, Social Confidence, and Independence
Summertime has so much potential. With more flexible schedules and a break from traditional classes, your student can focus on what matters most in their season of development. Autistic elementary age children and middle schoolers may benefit from additional focus on building or practicing social...
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We Can Get Through This – How Autistic Individuals Can Cope with Massive Burnout
It is not surprising that burnout is one of the toughest things that autistics face in their lives. Granted, each autistic suffers from burnout differently, but it is a difficult situation nonetheless. Burnout can affect the ability to cope with sensory sensitivities, manage executive...
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Calm Minds, Ready to Learn: Empowering Children with Relaxation Training
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of challenges, particularly in social communication, sensory integration, and self-regulation. Children with ASD struggle to regulate sensory input: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, vestibular, and proprioceptive input. They also struggle to...
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The Importance of Outdoor Recreation: A Pathway to Wellness and Skill Development
Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician.” In our work with young adults on the autism spectrum to help them develop the skills to live independently, we follow the ancient Greek physician's advice and ensure that nature plays a crucial role in their growth and...
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Autism and Gambling: Understanding Risks and Interventions
Gambling Disorder can pose unique challenges for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Their traits and challenges associated with ASD can increase susceptibility to developing a gambling problem. These include difficulty with impulse control, repetitive behaviors, obsessive interests,...
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Exploring the Overlooked Connections: Sensory Processing Impairments and Communication Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorders
(Note: “Aspie” is my preferred term for people on the Autism Spectrum) Effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships and personal growth. Sensory and emotional processing disorders affect children on the Autism Spectrum and may persist into adulthood, affecting all...
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Can Being Denied Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Cause Lifelong Trauma?
Complex trauma happens when someone feels they are trapped and alone in continuing threatening or unsafe circumstances, like child abuse, war, or racism (World Health Organization, 2019). In situations where a person experiences threats every day, changes occur to the part of the nervous system...
