Thankfulness and the Benefits of Gratitude

thankfulness and the benefits of gratitude

As we move into this season that places emphasis on gratitude and thankfulness, it can feel increasingly difficult to identify what we are grateful for given the ways of the world. Within the past few years, especially, it has been a time of increased stress, financial strain and even significant loss for many. We recognize that. But now more than ever it is important to stop to consider what you have to be grateful for. Whether it’s your health, your friends and family, career, your home, or something else, we hope you can identify at least one thing. So even with all the uncertainty in our world, we want to share this important information on the benefits of gratitude. 

The Benefits of Gratitude

The effects of practicing gratitude have been studied for roughly 15 years. As detailed below, practicing gratitude can directly impact our stress levels. One of our core beliefs here at Healing Haven is the importance of stress management for parents and caregivers, as well as for our staff. Whether you write thank you notes, keep a gratitude journal, or give a verbal expression of thankfulness to someone, you will experience many benefits both physically and mentally. And the practice of gratitude can have long-term benefits throughout the year. 

Sleep Better

Many research studies show that having an attitude of gratitude helps individuals have a better quality of sleep. People experience falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. So, if quality sleep is a struggle, try writing down specific things you are grateful for. Taking a few minutes to do this before bed can have a positive impact on your sleep. 

Reduce Stress

Research reveals that people who practice gratitude are better able to manage the stressors that come in life. It could be that getting more sleep helps you handle stress better. Or it could be the dopamine that is released in your brain when you express thankfulness. 

In our line of work with individuals with autism and their families, we know how hard it can seem to be thankful due to the many areas of life that are made more challenging with an autism diagnosis. However, if you’re able to recognize and be thankful for the little things, you’ll experience the impact of a grateful mindset. 

Ease Depression 

There are specific gratitude exercises that can help ease depression. Experiments asking people to take part in an exercise to list three good moments or things at the end of each day reveal improvements in depression and overall happiness. Gratitude can reduce numerous toxic emotions like envy, resentment, regret, frustration and more, leading to an improved outlook on life. 

Healthier Body 

Researchers asked people how likely they were to participate in healthy behaviors like going to the doctor, exercise and healthy eating. They also asked them to rate their levels of gratitude. As reported in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, researchers found correlations between healthy behaviors and gratitude, suggesting that expressing thanks has a connection with people taking care of their bodies.  

Additionally, self-esteem studies reveal that gratitude can strengthen self-esteem by reducing social comparisons. A contributing factor in low self-esteem is being resentful toward others who have more money or better jobs. Those who practice gratitude regularly can more easily appreciate other people’s accomplishments, while simultaneously having security in their own self-worth, as opposed to those who don’t practice gratitude. 

There are so many benefits to having a grateful way of life that we can’t possibly list them here. This article on HelpGuide.org does a great job of listing and explaining the many benefits of gratitude, and this article from Purdue University has several great resources to reference, as well!

Incorporating Gratitude Into Your Life

Are you realizing you need to practice more gratitude in your life? If you’re looking for easy ways to get started, we’ve got you covered with these tips:

  1. Start and end your day with it. Say out loud one thing you’re grateful for in the morning and one thing right before you go to sleep.
  2. Write it down. Keep a gratitude journal – note one or more things you’re grateful for on a daily basis and write down your positive thoughts throughout the day.
  3. Switch it up. If you become aware of the negative of something or someone, switch it in your brain to a positive.
  4. Share it with others. Give at least one compliment or “thank you” daily. This can either be directly to someone or simply about your surroundings (ex.: “I love how quiet the office is today.”) And if you thank a coworker for a job well done, it may spread to others to recognize great work.
  5. Spare us the drama. Commit to not complaining, criticizing or gossiping for one week. This exercise may help you to realize how much energy you were spending on negative thoughts.

We hope these ideas help spark more gratitude in your life. But if you find yourself still struggling, please reach out for help! The numbers of people experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress is on a constant increase due to what’s happening in our world. Don’t go through this alone. We always have qualified counselors on staff that may be able to help you. Alternatively, consider reaching out to a friend for support. Remember – it’s okay to ask for help! 

Top Gifts for Autistic Kids and Teens

top gifts for autistic kids and teens
top gifts for autistic kids and teens

Do you enjoy shopping for gifts for the holidays? Some relish the hunt for the “perfect gift”, while others stress over what to get their family and friends. And when you have a child or loved one on the autism spectrum, you may think finding a gift is even more challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be. We have created several gift guides over the years for those with autism (linked below), and this year we are continuing the tradition. We know parenting and caring for someone diagnosed with autism can add extra levels of stress, so we’re taking the challenge out of finding gifts for autistic kids and teens.

 

Let Their Interests Guide You

Here are a few things to keep in mind: Every autistic child or teen is unique, so remember to consider their individual interests. If they have an obsession with dinosaurs, trains, music, Legos or a certain super hero, then go with what they love! You can also consider supporting their development with gifts that will help them with communication, fine motor, socialization and sensory needs. And if the gift combines both their unique interest and a developmental need, then you’ve struck gold! Additionally, you don’t always have to go with the age recommendation for the toy or game. What is more important to consider is the child’s interest and where they are developmentally right now.

Creative Play and Fine Motor Development

These gift ideas are great for creative play, while also using their hands for fine motor skill development.

  • Playfoam is a foam material that can be shaped into anything, will not dry out, is non-stick and not messy! Kids can squeeze and mold it into all kids of shapes.
  • Kinetic Sand is a popular item because of it’s non-messy nature as well as all the fun ways you can build and create with it.
  • Legos are a popular toy for autistic kids. Lego groups for autistic teens and kids are used in therapy to develop communication and social skills. The limitless ways you can build and create with them, along with the way they develop fine motor dexterity and strength make these an awesome gift for all kids!
  • There are several popular magnet building toys. However, Magz-Bricks are different than the usual flat, triangle, square and rectangle magnets, providing a new way to create and use your hands!

Sensory Gift Ideas

Many kids and teens on the autism spectrum have sensory needs. The following gift ideas are wonderful resources to support their sensory needs: This Thomas and Friends Pop-Up Train Tent is a great way to provide a quiet respite for kids who may become overstimulated. And if they love trains, even better!

An Inflatable Pea Pod will help a child who benefits from pressure (being squeezed and hugged). This one is designed for children ages 6-12 and this one if for little ones ages 2-6. These pressure tools can help them calm down before bed, or if they become overly stimulated. And a pressure vest may be a great option for teenagers.

For kids who move a lot, keeping their fingers busy with fidgets is a great way to help them focus. This unique weighted glove is great for sensory input, and it also provides proprioceptive input (stimulates muscles and joints) during handwriting. Not to mention it looks cool! You could also go with a fidget bundle pack to provide a variety ways to keep their hands busy and help them focus. And if your child has trouble sitting still, an inflatable seating disc may help them with attention and focus.

Communication

Many autistic children and teens have communication delays. Our amazing team of speech pathologists put together a list of toys and books and the communication goals to target when playing with them. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Potato head provide a wide array of speech and language development from receptive and listening skills to practicing two word phrases, using pronouns and more.

National Autism Resources

For a plethora of more gift ideas for autistic teens and kids, check out the National Autism Resources website for games to develop social skills, tools to build independence, and many more incredible ideas.

Remember the Parents

Let’s face it, parents of autistic kids and teens are often under additional stress and juggle more than parents of neurotypical children. So if you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend of a child or teen on the autism spectrum, consider a gift for their parents! Something that encourages self-care, like a massage or a mani/pedi. Or even a gift card for carry out dinner takes some stress off their plate. And there is always the gift of your time to provide them the opportunity to get out of the house without kids!

Hopefully these ideas are helpful in finding a gift for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. And if you’re local to us here in Metro Detroit and want to support a local business, there’s a great option for your shopping.   Toyolgy Toys has locations in West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills, and they have website ordering available.

And for more gift ideas, here are the links to check our other gift guides: 

Great Gift Ideas for Kids with Autism

2019 Gift Guide for Kids with Autism

Gift Ideas for Kids with Autism

And if you have a gift idea for an autistic child or teen, please share it in the comments below!

Halloween and Autism: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Child

Halloween is usually a favorite holiday for kids – candy, costumes, parties at school – what’s not to love? But for a child with autism, Halloween holds the potential for anxiety and irritation – itchy costumes, anyone? Everything is “out of the norm” and most kids with autism thrive on routine. Our team here at Healing Haven incorporates the holiday into our therapy to help our kids learn to enjoy Halloween. So we’ve compiled some tips for families navigating Halloween and autism, to help you and your child  have a wonderful, and not frightful, holiday!

Make the Unknown Known

Talk to your child about Halloween for a few weeks ahead of time so when the day comes it’s not a surprise. Show pictures of kids in costumes, download social stories about Halloween, play videos of children trick-or-treating, etc. If you create a social story and have pictures of your kid(s) from past years, that can help to remind them of what this holiday is about.

Practice Wearing Costumes

By having a “dress rehearsal” you can help your child adjust to the uniqueness of wearing a costume. Costumes can make you hot, be itchy, or feel tight. If their costume has a mask, it may make it hard for them to see and hear, make them sweat or cause their head to itch. Costume practice is an element we incorporate into our therapy. We ask parents to send in their child’s costume a week ahead of time so we can work with them to tolerate it. For children with severe sensory issues, maybe make something homemade out of their clothes. For example, a black cat using black leggings with a tail attached to the back, and a black long sleeve t-shirt is super easy. But in the end, it’s also OK if your child just refuses to wear a costume at all. Get them a Halloween t-shirt and call it good!

Do a Neighborhood Walk Through

You know the houses who have the large inflatable Frankenstein, or have skeletons hanging all over their porch. A walk through your neighborhood at night – or the area you plan to trick-or-treat – can be helpful to check out the decorations. Doing this helps you plan for any houses you might want to avoid if your child may find it scary. And if you’re walking in your neighborhood, ask your neighbors if they are planning to dress up and scare trick-or-treaters. You may want to avoid their house too!

Practice Trick-or-Treating

Teaching your child with autism about the rules of trick-or-treating is an important part of Halloween prep. By going through the steps of how trick-or-treating works, you will help them feel more comfortable and confident.  When you think about it, this is a strange tradition we have of knocking on someone’s door and getting candy. And some kids who are obsessed with rules may find it difficult to accept this deviation in the rule of never taking candy from strangers. If they struggle with this, you may need to focus your Halloween adventures to just the houses you know.

Be specific when you practice the steps: knock on the door, say “trick-or-treat”, say “thank you”. Also, train them to not go inside the house, but go to the next house. And if your child uses an AAC device, make sure these phrases are loaded and they know where to find them. And if you want to reduce the number of things they have to carry, there is a great resource for AAC users through Teachers Pay Teachers. They are offering free, downloadable and printable AAC trick-or-treat communication bracelets!

Practicing trick-or-treating is another element we incorporate into our ABA therapy – providing a practice session of trick-or-treating before the real event. We host a family and staff trunk-or-treat so our clients have the opportunity to practice. It is a highlight every year for the families we serve and the staff!

Pair Up With a Friend

Trying to remember all the rules and customs of Halloween can be overwhelming. If your child has neurotypical friends or family members, make plans to trick-or-treat together. This provides them an example to follow. And it helps to have another set of eyes on your child with autism in the busyness, and darkness, of Halloween. Speaking of the dark, having a glow necklace or light up tennis shoes can help you identify your child more quickly.

What To Do With All That Candy?

Creating a plan for handling the trick-or-treat haul they bring home is wise. And if your child has allergies or a restricted diet, it’s absolutely necessary. You need to know how to manage the inevitable treats that will come home. If you haven’t already heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project, it’s a great way to support those with food allergies. The project focuses on providing alternate types of non-candy treats. Also, talking about the issues with Halloween candy and allergies can help prepare your child for some items not being safe for them. If your family participates in the Teal Pumpkin project, you will have some safe non-food treats that you can swap out for the ones they can’t eat.

Even if your house has no allergies, it’s good to talk about what they can do with the candy after trick-or-treating is over. Can he eat 5 pieces or 2 pieces when he gets home? How many pieces of candy can she eat per day? Talk about these “rules” ahead of time.

Be Flexible

In the end, it’s important to remember that Halloween is supposed to be fun. So if your child is overwhelmed by all the elements of trick-or-treating, don’t force them to go. They could help pass out candy, or invite a few friends over who may feel the same way. Also look for alternate Halloween activities like the Detroit Zoo’s “Zoo Boo” and Hallowe’en at Greenfield Village.

We hope these tips are helpful and reduce some of the anxiety either you, or your child, may be feeling about Halloween!

Healing Haven Hosting Open House

Farmington Hills Gym
Healing Haven Farmington Hills Clinic Open House

We are excited to announce our first expansion to a new part of Metro Detroit. After gradually expanding over the past 9 years to four clinics on our one-of-a-kind autism therapy campus in Madison Heights, we opened a new autism therapy clinic in Farmington Hills in September. Designed for children up to 8 years old, this new clinic provides ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapies.

To celebrate our new autism therapy clinic opening, we invite you to our upcoming Open House. Join us Wednesday, October 23 from 6-7:30 PM to get an inside look at this beautiful new space and meet members of our team. 

The Need for More Therapy Space

Healing Haven has always emphasized quality of care.  Our innovative autism therapy campus in Madison Heights provides ABA Therapy, Speech & Occupational Therapies, Developmental Testing and Counseling is one-of-a-kind in Metro Detroit. We have four clinics creatively designed to support individuals ages 2 through young adulthood. We also provide developmental testing and autism evaluations.  

With families driving from all over Metro Detroit to get to Madison Heights, and the growing number of families contacting us for services, our leadership team knew it was time to find more space to reach a wider population. We staffed our new Farmington Hills clinic with senior management from our Madison Heights campus to ensure a seamless transfer of therapy quality and our Healing Haven culture. And we strategically designed the clinic to emphasize the skills necessary to be successful in a school environment. A stand-out feature of this new clinic includes several large classrooms for kids to learn and practice social, play and communication skills with their peers. Additionally, there is a beautiful playground and group spaces to further promote skills necessary for school and community activities. Our speech and occupational therapy spaces allow us to integrate our multidisciplinary approach to maximize each child’s development.  

Who Should Attend the Open House?

Parents

Parents of children up to 8 years old in search of therapy services are encouraged to attend this Open House. Additionally, parents with concerns about their child’s development are welcome to come ask questions about our evaluation process. Testing and assessments take place on our Madison Heights campus. You will leave empowered with information, which is the first step in knowing how to best support your child.

Pediatricians, Teachers and Therapists

We encourage professionals working with individuals with autism and pediatricians to attend. You will learn about the supports available to your patients and students. 

Job Seekers

In addition, our HR Team will also be onsite for potential job seekers. Please stop by if you want to learn more about career opportunities working with children with autism. Open positions include Behavior Technicians, BCBAs, Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.  

What to Expect?

Mark your calendars to join us at our Open House Wednesday, October 23 from 6-7:30 PM.  Attendees should arrive at our Farmington Hills Clinic at 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 180, Farmington Hills. Join us for refreshments, connect with our leadership team, and learn about our new clinic and innovative autism therapy services in a new part of Metro Detroit.

For more information contact us or call us at 248-965-3916. And please share this opportunity with your connections who would benefit from learning about our unique blend of services.

Our team is looking forward to a great evening and we hope to see you there!

Farmington Hills clinic classroom, autism therapy clinic open house
Farmington Hills clinic play area, autism therapy clinic open house
Farmington Hills Group Room, autism therapy clinic open house
Farmington Hills Gym
Farmington Hills Clinic Reading Nook
Farmington Hills Clinic Speech and OT room
Farmington Hills Clinic Playground
Farmington Hills Clinic interactive hallway activities
Farmington Hills Clinic Family Waiting Room

Autism and Co-occurring Health Conditions 

autism co-occurring health conditions
autism co-occurring health conditions

When a child receives a diagnosis of autism it can be overwhelming for parents. They must learn how autism spectrum disorder is manifesting in their child and then how to best support them. Do they have communication challenges, or are they completely non-verbal? Do they experience sensory overload? Are they struggling with learning? Is it impacting their motor skills? On top of these questions, parents may also have to navigate some common health conditions that can co-occur with autism.

Just like there are many known health conditions that co-occur with Down syndrome (congenital heart defects, thyroid issues, hearing loss, celiac disease, etc.), many additional health issues can also arise in individuals with autism. And a study once indicated that children with autism are four times as likely to have their additional health needs go untreated, especially if they have a co-occurring intellectual disability, compared to the general population.

Conditions that Co-occur with Autism

We are going to break down some of autism’s common co-occurring health conditions. Please note, this information is to only provide helpful insight for parents and caregivers and is by no means an attempt to diagnose any of these conditions in someone who has autism.

Epilepsy

The overlap between autism and epilepsy has a wide range – estimated somewhere between 5-46%. But a 2019 study indicated 44% of patients with ASD also have epilepsy, while only 1-2% of the general population have epilepsy. One reason for the variability in identifying epilepsy in individuals with autism is if they have mild seizures. Mild seizure symptoms include blank stares, inattention and tics, which individuals with autism not having a seizure may also demonstrate. Additionally, those who have both autism and epilepsy are more likely to also have intellectual disability. The seizures could be interrupting brain development and as a result causing cognitive impairment. There is research indicating that a genetic component – the deletion of chromosome 15q13.3 is the most common risk factor for epilepsy. Additionally, the deletion of this same chromosome is also linked to autism.

GI Issues

A variety of gastrointestinal conditions can co-occur in individuals with autism – from abdominal pain, reflux, constipation or diarrhea. Diet is often thought to be the underlying cause of these issues. However, one study indicated that stress is more likely the cause of gastrointestinal trouble in people with autism, rather than their diet. But in contrast, another study revealed “increasing evidence suggested that gut microbiota plays a critical role in gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral impairment in ASD patients.” Whatever the underlying cause, it’s helpful to be aware of the commonality of GI issues in individuals with autism so that possible treatments can be found.

Depression

Depression is more common in children and adults with autism than in the general population. The rates of depression increase with age and intellectual ability. A study from 2021 indicated that those with autism are “4-times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime” compared to the general population. Those individuals without an intellectual disability are more prone to depression, most likely because they are more aware of their struggles that come with their autism diagnosis. Signs to look for include: loss of interest in favorite activities, chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and noticeable change in hygiene habits.

Anxiety

Up to 42% of individuals with autism also experience anxiety, while only 3% of children and 15% of adults in the general population have anxiety issues. Social anxiety is especially common in people with autism. Social anxiety includes extreme fear of new people, crowds and social situations. Anxiety can also have physical symptoms like a increased heart rate, stomach aches, muscle tightness and the inability to move. Some individuals with autism struggle to communicate and may not be able to express how they feel. As a result, observing their behavior may be the best way to determine if they are experiencing anxiety. Treatment for anxiety can include behavioral interventions, cognitive behavior therapy, and in some cases anti-anxiety medication may also help.

OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is related to anxiety and has a strong connection with autism. People with autism are twice as likely to have OCD compared to the general population. And those diagnosed with OCD are 4-times more likely to also have autism. Repetitive behaviors and restricted interest are a common factors with both OCD and autism. However, those with OCD are often bothered by their repetitive behaviors, while those with autism are usually not. Treatments for OCD in individuals with autism typically are medication and behavior therapy.

ADHD

An estimated 6-7% of the general population have an ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) diagnosis, while a staggering 50-70% of individuals with autism also have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD include struggling to remember things, a noticeable pattern of inattention, difficulty managing time, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Autism and ADHD often have symptoms that overlap. A 2023 study revealed children with both conditions who were diagnosed with ADHD first weren’t diagnosed with autism until later in life. This delay in diagnosis is missing critical treatment time for these children. Because of this, it’s important to find a specialist experienced in working with both conditions to ensure nothing is missed.

Sleep Issues

Ask any parent of a child with autism and you’ll likely hear about sleep issues. Statistics have proven the large percentage of children with autism who also struggle with sleep. Some research indicates 4 out of 5 children with autism have at least one sleep disorder. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, not being able to stay asleep, or waking up way too early, not getting enough sleep can exacerbate behavior and functioning during the day. As a result, it’s important to come up with solutions to help improve the quality of sleep. This post about addressing sleep issues in children with autism provides a breakdown of how sleep impacts those with autism and some possible ways to help alleviate sleep issues.

Thyroid Issues

Research several years ago identified the connection between a hypothyroid in pregnant women and their child being 4-times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. So what about a child with autism and their thyroid function? The thyroid gland secretes hormones that are critical for the body. Problems with the thyroid can impact cognitive development, behavior and the functioning of the nervous system.  Dr. Raphael Kellman, MD identified 75% of children with autism have undiagnosed thyroid issues. However, because the thyroid impacts so many areas of development, getting it working properly can have a positive impact on language, cognition, motor development, GI issues and more.

Knowledge is power

We hope this information-packed post has helped you understand some of the more common co-occurring conditions associated with autism. So whether you want to ask questions of your child’s health care provider, or you can be a resource for other parents also navigating this journey, knowledge is power.

And, if your child faces some of these health conditions, they may have to make more frequent visits to the doctor. If those visits prove challenging for your child, check out our new post: Navigating Routine Health Appointments for Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide.

Was this content helpful? Share it with your network, and stay connected with us in the social space!

Back to School Tips for Parents of Different Learners

The back-to-school season is almost here, and while it can be exciting, it can also be particularly challenging for children on the autism spectrum. The change in schedule plus the preparation and coordination needed can be stressful for both the child and their parent(s) alike. Fortunately, we have seen what it can look like and have put some tips and resources all in one place via this post. We hope you can take some of this information and use it to help make the transition to the new school year as smooth as possible. And bonus – many of these ideas can benefit typical kids in addition to those with special needs or a learning disability, as well!

Let us first address the importance of preparation for the transition back to school, especially for different learners. Many children with autism live by routine. Therefore, preparation can help ease anxieties and help set up new routines that your child can rely on. Additionally, extra preparation time can help ensure your child has the proper amount of support they need in their new classroom or school. Read on for helpful back-to-school tips that you can start on now.

Use a Back-to-School Countdown

Let’s face it, there is so much going on in the rush before school starts. You want to squeeze in the last free days of summer, while shopping for school supplies, new clothes and scheduling any needed doctor appointments. How can you cram anything else in? This Back to School Countdown from Understood.org offers some great ideas to get your child ready to go back to school. Not all of the tips may apply, but there are sure to be some that will help you, as well as your child, prepare for that first day back in the classroom.

In addition to the practical back to school tips for you, an actual countdown calendar can be helpful for your child. Create a calendar of the few weeks before school. With your child, cross off each day leading up to the first day of school. Doing so provides a visual for them to see when school starts and may help reduce some anxiety they may have.  

Use Social Stories

Social stories are a great way to communicate to your child what they can expect in a new situation, teach appropriate behavior, and much more. And thankfully there are a ton of free resources out there to help you so you don’t have to start from scratch. By creating a print social story, or using a topical video social story, you can help reduce anxiety your child may have about the new school year, new teacher, new classmates, new routine, etc.

Dyan from “And Next Comes L” has an extensive list of free back to school social stories you can download and print. She also includes some topical stories for times that may cause more stress and anxiety, like changing classes for gym, art or music. Additionally, she has a few video social stories about High School, riding the bus, listening to the teacher, how to greet people at school, and more!

Communicate With Their Teacher

Create a “get to know me” document or write a letter to your child’s teacher. By sharing your child’s diagnoses, strengths and weaknesses, dietary restrictions, sensory needs, things that interest them, and strategies that work for them, you are empowering your child’s teacher with important information for their success at school. Additionally, you are taking the first step in building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher. Here are a few templates available for introduction letters and “get to know me” documents.

  • This Card to Help Teachers Get to Know Your Child is from Understood.org. Older kids who are able to write and communicate could complete it on their own, which will help them develop self-advocacy skills.
  • Understood.org also has two different Back-to-School Introduction Letters for elementary and middle school students. They are fairly basic, but may be just what you need to communicate important information with your child’s teacher.
  • For younger students, or those starting at a new school, a more robust document may be warranted. The Fairy Printsess has a printable “About Me” page you can fill out to help the teacher learn about a variety of important information like your contact info, family member details, photos, your dreams for your child, their learning style and so much more!
  • You can always type up a letter detailing the above things for the teacher and email it to them before school starts. Reframing Autism also has a printable packet of “About Me” documents you could edit to create a “get to know me” compilation that fits your child’s unique information and needs.

And don’t forget to make or send copies of whichever version you choose to your child’s aides, the school therapists, principal, “specials” teachers – basically anyone who will be working with your child.

Using Technology

If your child uses an AAC to communicate – an Alternative and Augmentative Communication device – ask if your child’s teacher(s) and aides are familiar with using them. There are several different programs available, so some training may be needed. Work with your child’s speech therapist to help ensure those working with your child know how to utilize this tool to facilitate communication with your child.

In addition to communication, there are apps that can help students with a variety of learning and back-to-school challenges. Here’s a list of different apps to look through from supporting academics, executive functioning skills, managing anxiety and more.

A few more reminders….

If your child has gotten used to sleeping in, be sure to start easing them back into the earlier wake up schedule a few weeks before school starts. Getting them to bed a little earlier each day and waking up a bit earlier each day will help them get the rest they need, and hopefully help reduce the stress that comes with rushing out the door because they slept too late.

If your child seeks sensory input or is upset by loud sounds, prepare a sensory kit for school with their favorite fidgets, chewy necklaces, noise-reducing headphones, etc.

Also, Michigan Alliance for Families offers some great resources and webinars for transitioning back to school, IEPs and more! Check out their latest online events here.

Do you have some other back-to-school tips or routines that have helped you prepare? If so, let us know! We wish you a smooth and successful new school year!

And if you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends.

Befriending an Autistic Person

*This post was written by a guest contributor, Grace McGillivary.

Befriending an autistic person is just like making friends with any average Joe. However, there are some things you want to keep in mind when hanging out with them. Check out these three helpful tips if you are unsure how to befriend a person with autism. 

Actively Listen 

It can be exciting and different to have an autistic friend with whom you share a similar interest, and maybe it is the reason why the two of you are friends. If your friend is fixated on said interest, you could talk with them for hours on end without them getting tired. Sometimes, they might be particularly passionate about a completely different subject, too. Regardless, take time to listen to your friend and to hear them out. Even if it does not mean much to you, actively listening could really make an impact and allow them to feel heard.

Be Flexible 

When befriending someone with autism, it is important to remember that just like anyone else, sometimes they need space. If they say they need some time alone, let them have some. Keep in mind that, depending on the person, they might not be able to do some of the activities you can, so plan accordingly. Make sure it is something that your friend wants to do or will enjoy before going through with your plans. 

Sometimes you will find that it is easier to follow your friends’ lead. If they want to go about doing things a certain way, let them. It will make it more interesting for both of you. Perhaps you’ll learn something new from them.    

A personal example of this would be when one of my friends played Pokemon Shield with me for the first time. None of my other friends own that game, so it was a fun experience to let her show me the ropes.  

Treat Them the Same 

This is by far the most important of the three tips. A person with autism is no different from you, or anyone else you might know. They have their own interests and personality, too. The diagnosis does not define them, and you should not let it define how you act toward them. Treating them as you would other friends is the best way to make them feel included. But remember to keep the two earlier points in mind.  By simply showing kindness you can be a great friend. 

A Note to Parents

Additionally, if you’re a parent, it’s great to teach your kids how to befriend autistic kids. Perhaps your child has a classmate with autism. Helping your child learn about differences in others and teaching the value of friendliness is so important.

Now that you have some tips, you are better equipped to befriend an autistic person.  Please remember to keep these ideas in mind when hanging out with them. You just might develop a wonderful new friendship!  

Meet the Author 

Grace McGillivary is a freshly graduated high school student who has been regularly writing as a hobby. She is relatively new to writing blogs, and occasionally partakes in other activities such as drawing, taking long walks, and playing piano. Art, music, and writing are her pastimes. She also has several friends with autism, as she has served as a peer model at Healing Haven since its inception. 

Water Safety Tips for Children with Autism

It’s summertime, which usually equates to a lot of time outside. And with pools open and all the lakes here in Michigan, that often means time in and around water. While swimming and playing in water are fun and great exercise, it can also be very dangerous. In fact, just last year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued a new flag warning level for the Great Lakes. Because of the increased danger lakes and pools have, water safety for children with autism, or any child, is extremely critical. 

Why water safety is so important for children with autism

Children with autism, as well as Down syndrome, often wander, which can obviously be very unsafe if they get close to water unsupervised. Additionally, drowning can occur without making any sound. Children may also be unaware of things such as water depth, water temperature, water currents, or slippery surfaces. Not every child likes to be in the water, especially children that struggle with sensory issues. However, all children should still be aware of water safety in case of accidental slips or falls into a pool or lake. 

This statistic is scary and sobering, but every parent of an autistic child needs to know – drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism. We’ve compiled some tips and ideas to teach water safety to your child with autism to help you prepare for this season. 

Get your child in swimming lessons 

Every child should learn to swim, and for children with special needs, it’s important the skill is taught in a way that resonates with them. Make sure the teaching environment is not too distracting or overwhelming for your child. 

There are many programs that provide adaptive swimming lessons for children with special needs. You can start by contacting your local YMCA. And the National Autism Association’s Big Red Safety Toolkit for caregivers provides an excellent guide and resources for managing wandering, as well as how to find swim lessons in your area. 

Provide reinforcers

Have reinforcers and preferred items available when your child performs important or difficult tasks related to water safety. This could include tolerating getting into the water, using appropriate safety gear, getting out when a whistle is blown for “adult swim time,” or leaving the pool when instructed. 

Visual learning of water safety

Use video narratives, social stories, or visual routines to teach water safety. The Swim Angelfish channel on YouTube, for example, is a great resource which provides a variety of videos that can be utilized to teach water safety to kids with disabilities. 

Many children with autism spectrum disorder are rules-driven, so use that to your advantage. Set specific rules for how they are to behave around water. Then practice those rules in real world situations. And if you have a pool at home, or live on/near a lake, consider placing “STOP” or “DO NOT ENTER” signs on doors that open to the outside, or gates to the pool. 

Use appropriate swim gear

Even if your child knows how to swim, it’s still a great precaution to use a life jacket or flotation device around water, whether they are planning on swimming or not. It can also offer reassurance when attempting a new skill and teaching independence. The especialneeds website is a great place to purchase special needs and sensory-friendly water gear, if needed.  

Teach key information

Because of the high percentage of wandering in kids with autism – nearly 50% – make sure your child knows his or her name, address, and phone number in the event he or she is separated from you. If your child does not speak, make sure they wear a bracelet, tag, tattoo, etc. with their name and your name and phone number. 

Set up your environment vigilantly 

Even if you feel confident that your child thoroughly understands the rules of water safety, accidents can still happen. It’s important to prepare for the worst so that nothing slips through the cracks. When preparing your environment near water, consider installing fences or gates with alarms around the body of water, if applicable. Additionally, you should also think about placing alarms or chimes on doors that open to bodies of water and keep toys of interest away from the water when not in use. Taking these measures will ensure that life-threatening wandering doesn’t take place.  

Communicate with others

Talk with your neighbors, whether at home or on vacation. Ask them to contact you immediately if they see your child wandering alone outside your home or property. Even if you don’t own a pool, but your neighbors do, ask them to be particularly aware of your child wandering near their property. 

We hope these ideas help you implement water safety for your child with autism. And for more general recommendations for pools, beaches, lakes, etc., check out this swimming safety guide. We want everyone to have a less stressful and more enjoyable summer! 

If you found this information helpful, we’d love it if you’d share it with others!

Traveling with a Child with Autism: Tips for a Smoother Ride

family on a roadtrip
traveling with child with autism

Whether it’s summer or the end-of-the-year holidays, most people equate these seasons with time off for vacation and road trips. But the idea of traveling with a child with autism can be overwhelming for both the parents and for the child! They thrive in structured, familiar routines, so hitting the road or the sky to a new destination has the potential to be stressful and create an environment for meltdowns and other negative behaviors. But even with the possible challenges, there are many benefits to experiencing new things. So here are tips for a smoother ride when traveling with a child with autism.

1. Plan Day Trips Before Week-Long Adventures

If you have never traveled away from home with your child with autism, start with a few day trips to help prepare them for a bigger event. Brainstorm some activities your child enjoys – maybe a new zoo, an aquarium, a water park or the beach (we have plenty of lakes here in Michigan) that are a short drive away. But plan the trip so you can stay overnight in a hotel. This will give them the hotel experience while still close enough to home if things go sideways. Having a few day trips as “practice,” you and your child will be more prepared for possible issues that may arise on a longer trip.

2. Pick A Destination That Will Interest Your Child

For many kids, they will just go with the flow of most any vacation. But for a child with autism it is important to choose a place that fits with your child’s personality, interests and strengths. Do they love the sensory stimulation of the sand on the beach and the water? Maybe they enjoy museums, monuments and a busy city? Or possibly they are at home in the woods, exploring trails and the calmness of nature? By selecting your vacation spot that matches their interests and sensory processing abilities, you will help your child be more successful in this new experience. If you’re looking for a destination that is also recognized as autism-friendly, check out our blog post Top 5 Autism-Friendly Vacation Spots.

3. Important Items To Pack

Different beds, foods, smells and sounds can create sensory overload for those sensitive to them. Remember to bring items your child uses to cope during times they become overloaded. Here are a few helpful items to consider bringing along: fidgets, a weighted blanket, sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones, or any other soothers that help them. In addition, be sure to pack a few of their favorite toys/snuggles, DVD’s, books. It’s also good to include them by asking what they want to take along.

There are also a few added safety precautions for those who are nonverbal or have difficulty communicating. If you don’t have any of these, consider purchasing an autism necklace, a Medical bracelet, or a zipper pull, which provide an easy way to share your child’s diagnosis in case of an emergency. Another great tool is to create temporary tattoos with emergency contact info for their arm just in case they wander away from you. There are also a variety of GPS tracking devices if your child is more prone to wandering.

4. Build A Vacation Music Play List

Create a list of songs your child (and entire family) will enjoy – from movie soundtracks, popular music and sing-along songs. A road trip playlist can not only entertain, but comfort your child when they are in a new setting. If your child really loves music, involve them in the selection of songs. Also use the time to talk about your upcoming trip to help prepare them for what is to come.

5. Visuals & Role Playing Are Powerful Tools

Showing your child what will happen and when through a personalized picture schedule can relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Creating a visual support allows your child to process what’s ahead without being bombarded all at once. Consider making a picture schedule that’s designed sequentially to cover various portions of your trip. A chronological version that shows daily plans to review each morning can help, as well. This way, it can also double as a pre-alert device. Include pictures of the car/highway/airport, hotel, pull pictures off your destination’s website, etc. You could also use short captions to turn it into a story. Creating a calendar to count down the days leading up to your trip can also help prepare your child for your actual departure.

Additionally, transitions – changing from one situation to another – are common while on vacation. Children with autism can find these unfamiliar transitions difficult. Along with visuals, role playing a few weeks before a trip will allow your child time to process what he or she might expect on vacation.

We hope these tips will be helpful as you prepare to travel with your child with autism. And please let us know if you have any tips that you already have used to make your trips successful.

Summer Break: 5 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Thrive

summer break fun for kids with autism

Many kids love the break summer brings – a relaxed schedule, sleeping in, a variety of activities like the pool, summer camps, and vacation. But for a child with autism (and their parents) the lack of the regulated school schedule can cause major struggles over summer break.

Having a predictable schedule helps kids on the autism spectrum make sense of their world. Knowing what to expect from day to day and even hour to hour helps reduce anxiety. So as a parent, how do you facilitate a summer break that provides the structure your child with autism needs, while also incorporating fun summer activities we love?

5 Ways to Help Your Child With Autism Thrive Over Summer Break

Create a Summer Schedule

Use visuals to show what your child’s “typical” weekdays, weekends, vacations and holidays will be on a calendar. Another great tool is to make a “typical day” schedule to show when they should get up, get dressed and eat meals. Also include activities and outings for the day. So if you plan to go to the pool or library on certain days – put them in the schedule to show them what to expect. And for days at home, read on for how to have a schedule on those days too. 

Review the schedule each day, or the night before, so they know what is coming up. Doing so will help to reduce the anxiety involved with the unknown. Here is one example from the Reading Mama that’s available for download. And a quick Google or Pinterest search will offer a variety of options.

Create a Back Up Plan

Work on teaching your child about a back up plan or “Option A” and “Option B”. If your schedule is to go to the pool tomorrow but thunderstorms are in the forecast, talk with them about a back up plan. Reviewing with them what you will do if they can’t do what’s on the schedule will help reduce behaviors associated with a “change in plans”.

Be Disciplined

If you stay home with your child in the summer it’s easy to get too relaxed and let go of any set schedule. But the more you can stick to a routine for meals, bed time and wake up time, and limiting screen time (see the next tip for more on this), the more well-regulated your child will hopefully be.

Create a Summer Vacation Rules Chart

The never-ending requests for the iPad, video games and TV are exhausting. Manage these requests – to a degree – with a Summer Vacation Rules list. The chart spells out a list of things they need to do BEFORE they get to use any technology. Some “rule” options include tasks like getting dressed and brushing teeth. Or include chores like making their bed, cleaning their room, and more advanced chores for older kids. You can also have a rule for playing – inside and outside for specific amounts of time. Additionally, include some academic work that is age appropriate – reading for 30 minutes, math work, or coloring for 20 minutes. Here’s one example from Thirty Handmade Days.

Also check out our post 5 Ways to Manage Screen Time for Children with Autism for more helpful ideas on ways to help manage screen time.

Start An Annual Tradition

Celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer. Plan an activity or treat that you can repeat every year. Make their favorite dinner (or go to their favorite restaurant if that is an option for your family), or go out for ice cream. Or plan a fun activity like a trip to the zoo, visiting their favorite playground or making a picnic lunch to have at a special park or beach. Do something that you can repeat each year on the last day of school/first day of summer break. This creates a positive rhythm to the start of summer.

We hope these ideas help you create some structure AND fun for you and your family this summer! What are some ways you survive the summer months with your child with autism? We’d love to hear them!