My son Logan is 18 years old, soon to turn 19. I have learned over the years how important it is to Logan to have a visual schedule. The schedule must be specific as well as complete. The details of his day must be spelled out and available for him to see. Not having something…
Time to get ready for the time change
Many individuals with autism value routine. It makes them feel secure to know when and why something is happening. So when the time changes each spring and fall, some individuals may feel a loss of control and have a more difficult time adjusting than some people do. They may feel disoriented when it stays light…
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 101
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and autism often go hand in hand. ABA has been endorsed by numerous organizations and federal agencies. There is extensive empirical support for its effectiveness. This means that numerous high-quality, peer-revised published studies have demonstrated that ABA techniques produce significantly positive results. Applied Behavior Analysis has been effectively used for the…
Overcoming Sensory Challenges
I have four children with autism who have unique sensory processing challenges and needs. Over the past 11 years, my children and I have grown in our understanding of the unique way in which they process the world around them. Before my daughters were diagnosed, I could not understand why they acted certain ways in…
Do Less, So They Can Do More
Whether an individual is 2 years old or 42 years old, and wherever they lie on the autism spectrum, a simple but important strategy for encouraging communication, teaching skills, and promoting independence is ādo less, so they can do more.ā We know that individuals with autism often need repeated opportunities to master a skill. We…
Strategies to Support Students with Autism
New lunchboxes, clean tennis shoes, and crayons that are still pointy ā these are the things that so many families are thinking about as they head back to school. However, for a parent of a student with autism, the experience may be vastly different. Instead of being consumed with thoughts of back-to-school shopping and preparing…