A Family Guide to Disney World Orlando with a Neurodivergent Child

• By: Dave Chapman Freelance Journalist
• January 9th, 2026
• anxiety management, autism travel, creating positive experiences, disability accommodations, Disney World, family vacation planning, preparation and routines, sensory challenges, theme park accessibility
• 223    0

In July, writer Dave Chapman, visiting from the UK, visited Disney World in Orlando, Florida with partner Amy and son Jamie, who has autism. Planning a trip to Disney World Orlando can feel overwhelming for any family, but when your child is autistic, the challenges—and rewards—are unique. We...

Supporting Children with Autism Through the Early Childhood to School-Age Special Education Transition

• By: Ashlee M. Brown, PhD, BCBA, LBS West Chester University Regina Rausch, MA Ed RAISE Consulting, LLC
• January 5th, 2026
• communication supports, early childhood special education, family advocacy, individualized transition plans, preschool to kindergarten transition, school-age special education, sensory challenges, Winter 2026 Issue, young children
• 196    0

The transition from Preschool to Kindergarten is a significant milestone in any child’s life. For children with disabilities, however, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be particularly complex (Marsh et al., 2017). It is a season filled with mixed emotions:...

Designing a Sensory-Friendly Workplace for Autistic Adults

• By: Heidi Hillman, PhD, BCBA-D, LMHC Eastern Washington University
• January 10th, 2024
• actually autistic, adults, collaboration areas, diverse sensory processing, employment, inclusive environments, innovative workplace design, leisure spaces, neurodiverse work environment, sensory challenges, sensory sensitivities, Winter 2024 Issue, workplace
• 5936    1

Autism is a lifelong condition, yet there is a noticeable lack of research on adults on the autism spectrum (Fairbank, 2023). Despite limited studies, challenges are emerging, one being a lack of sensory-friendly workplaces (Pryke-Hobbes et al., 2023). While the struggles of entering the workforce...

Designing Environments to Reduce Challenging Behaviors

• By: Heidi Hillman, PhD, BCBA-D, LMHC Eastern Washington University
• September 23rd, 2021
• actually autistic, challenging behaviors, children, communication, environment, Fall 2021 Issue, parenting, sensory challenges, strength-based approach
• 3390    0

Challenging behaviors - defined as abnormal behaviors that deviate from one’s culture in frequency, intensity, or duration - are common among autistics, and have the potential to cause hardships for the autistic and others (Jang, Healy, & Mannion, 2011; Matson & Minshawi, 2007; Myers...