Never Underestimate Individuals with Autism

The Changing Landscape of Autism

In 1995 the rate of autism was about 1 in 500 individuals. However, in 2021 that number changed to 1 in 44* individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. ABA therapy was not a readily available treatment for autism back in 1995 in Michigan. But it is considered the “gold standard” today for improving language, play and social skills, while reducing negative behaviors in individuals with autism.

Our founder Jamie McGillivary was studying psychology at Eastern Michigan University in 1995. One of her professors saw something in Jamie and encouraged her to work with children with special needs. Shortly after that Jamie met Katie, a bubbly 3-year-old girl in Saline, Michigan. Katie’s mother hired Jamie to work with her daughter to support her communication, play and social skill development.

ABA therapy was not a common course of study back in 1995. However, as soon as Jamie met Katie, she knew the direction she wanted to take her career. They developed a very special bond in those early years that has continued to today. For example, Katie was in Jamie’s wedding 18 years ago, went on vacations with them and is like a member of the family.

Having High Expectations

After living in four other states over the past decade, Katie moved back to Michigan. She worked as an Office Assistant here at Healing Haven from 2019 to 2020. When she was 3 years old, Katie worked so hard to learn to put words together, but now she loves to talk! Katie received a certificate in Office Administration from Nashville State Community College. As a result, she is proficient in Microsoft Excel. She was a whiz at organizing the mountains of files we have here at Healing Haven. Katie was eager to help in any way around the clinics and is also a natural with children.

After years of hard work and support from her mom, Jamie and others, Katie is motivated to share her story to encourage parents of individuals with autism, or any disability. Because she speaks from experience, her words are so meaningful.

“Do not underestimate your child with autism. It’s important to know your child can do anything they can put their mind to,” Katie said. “People should give kids with disabilities a chance. They have a future ahead of them,” she added.

Katie’s Inspiring Message

Katie joined the staff of Healing Haven as an Administrative Assistant in January 2019. One of her dreams is to become a public speaker. She had her debut at the Open House we held in 2019, inspiring guests with her confidence!

To learn more about ABA therapy and how it supports the development of children and teens with autism, visit our What is ABA Therapy page.

Share this post with others through the buttons below.

*The original post from 2019 has been updated with 2022 figures

Communication and Autism: 4 Resources to Help

Communication and speech are common struggles for some individuals with autism. Those who do not speak or who have great difficulty speaking may be considered “nonverbal,” while those who do speak are considered “verbal.” However, “non-verbal” is not an entirely accurate term. Those who do have challenges speaking may still understand words spoken to them, or use other forms of communication. On the other hand, those who can speak verbally may still benefit from additional communication methods.

ABA teaches functional communication in a variety of ways. It’s crucial that those with autism learn to communicate their wants and needs. Through learning effective communication, individuals receive the help they need to live their best life.

Communication and Autism

In ABA therapy, BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts), RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) and ABA Therapists teach communication skills based on the behavioral and learning needs of the client. Additionally, Speech Language Pathologists target more specific communication goals and skills. BCBAs closely collaborate with speech and language pathologists to choose what will best help the client. BCBAs provide input on the client’s behaviors which determines the final decision on which communication method will be best. Additionally, BCBAs help parents learn what they can do at home to assist their child in communicating.

Building a Foundation for Communication

A common concern of parents who have a child who struggles with speech is how to teach them to communicate their wants and needs. This is typically one of the first skills that BCBAs work on for a client who is new to ABA Therapy.

We asked one of our fantastic BCBAs for input on this subject. Batoul Dekmak, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, stresses the importance of working on communication with kids. “All kids that walk through our doors are fairly communicative. However, a lot of time they communicate more with their behavior.” For example, children often get frustrated and engage in problem behavior due to difficulties in appropriately communicating with others. BCBAs take data on this behavior and apply it to the language and communication process. “As soon as a child begins therapy with us,” Batoul explains, “BCBAs, RBTs, and Speech Pathologists immediately start working on multi-modal communication including vocal language, gestures, AAC devices, and PECS® books. We want the child to express themselves as much as they can to navigate their world more independently.”

BCBAs and Speech Pathologists simultaneously model language to promote development of robust communication skills. An example of this is when a child uses an AAC device when playing with toys. The BCBA may comment on the child’s play using their device, such as “play dinosaur,” stating what the child is doing. This shows the child that the BCBA can also communicate using the device and how to comment on something. The goal for communication is to meet a child’s needs and wants, as well as the child gaining the ability to socialize with others.

Tools for Communication

Here are several common methods used to help children with autism communicate.

PECS®

PECS® stands for Picture Exchange Communication System®. In this system, the child gives a picture or word icon to someone in exchange for what they are requesting. Consider this example within the ABA setting. If a child wants a snack, they hand an icon of a preferred food to their RBT or BCBA who would then give them the item. PECS® icons are often stored in a three-ring binder with pages of laminated icons attached with Velcro. If you stepped inside our clinics, you would see several clients walking around with these binders, often attached to a strap for easy transport.

The goal of PECS® is for non-verbal children and those who are learning to speak to communicate their needs to caregivers in a simple way. To address changing stages of communication development, PECS® consists of six phases starting with exchanging icons through constructing sentences.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device

An AAC device is a tablet or laptop that contains words and images. When a child selects a word or image, the device “speaks” the input requested. Kids with autism who use AACs gradually build skills for how to use the device. They might begin with simple one-word requests then moving to more complex sentences. Kids work on these skills in ABA therapy under supervision of BCBAs and speech pathologists. There are multiple AAC software such as LAMP™ or TouchChat, offering different layouts and ways of selecting words to meet the user’s needs.

Sign Language

Sign language uses hands and facial expressions to communicate, a common form being American Sign Language or ASL. Along with PECS®, ASL stands as one of the most frequently used methods of communication for non-verbal children on the autism spectrum.

Speech therapy

Licensed Speech Pathologists lead speech therapy. Speech Pathologists work with parents, teachers, and BCBAs to determine the best methods of communication for the child. In speech therapy sessions, the pathologist will work with the client on skills such as conversation, articulation, social cues and how to respond. If a client has an AAC device or PECS® book, the pathologist will help them use their device or icons effectively. At our clinics, our speech therapists often utilize games, toys, and fun activities to engage clients in the speech therapy process.

After reading through all this information on communication and autism, you may feel unsure of which  method is best for your child. If you are interested in any of the mentioned tools, talk with your child’s BCBA. If you want more information on our ABA Therapy and speech therapy services, please contact us here.

Addressing Sleep Issues in Children With Autism

Trouble sleeping often plagues many of us due to factors such as stress, physical health, or irregular schedules. But for those on the autism spectrum, falling asleep and staying asleep is a very common and serious challenge. Additionally, sleep issues in children with autism can affect the whole family. It is crucial to address problems sleeping in children with autism not only for the child’s health but yours as well. Sleep is one of our basic needs and if it is not met properly, health issues and poor functioning may occur.

Interestingly, sleep is one of the least studied aspects of autism. However, based on the evidence we do have, we know that poor sleep is twice as common among children with autism than neurotypical children.  According to a 2019 study, toddlers with autism are highly likely to have sleep issues by age 7. Consequently, sleep issues in children with autism are linked to negative behavior and lack of social skills. Needless to say, good sleep is critical for those with ASD, as poor sleep risks a lower quality of life and health.

Why sleep issues in individuals with autism?

Have you ever tried to fall asleep with a lawn mower outside your window, or with the lights on? Unless you’re a super heavy sleeper, it is fairly difficult. For individuals with autism, even a crack of light or creak on a floor can feel like that lawn mower or a fully lit room, therefore disrupting restful sleep. Moreover, sensory processing issues often contribute to sleep issues in children with ASD. Sensitivity to light, sound or touch prohibit full sleep cycles from occurring.

Children with autism often battle other health conditions  which is another large factor for sleep difficulties, such as:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Medications (stimulants can cause insomnia)
  • Genetics that affect melatonin production

How to improve sleep for a child with autism

So how do you improve sleep issues in children with autism? Consider trying out these five tips:

1. Sensory Input

Minimize sensory input as much as possible. Keep your child’s room dark, cool, and quiet. Take note of any potential distractors that may keep them awake, such as night lights, toys, and clutter. A white noise machine may also be helpful to block out any noises.

2. Limit Screens

Turn off screens an hour before bedtime, as the blue light in screens tricks the brain into thinking it is daytime and thus time to stay awake rather than sleep.

3. Schedules

Stick to a regular schedule for falling asleep and waking up to keep the body in sync. Create a routine that starts an hour before the child needs to be in bed. Set timers as reminders for transitioning to bedtime. Practice relaxing activities such as reading together, a bath, or having a light snack.

4. Try Supplements

According to research, taking low-dose supplements such as melatonin an hour to a half hour before bed can lower insomnia in children with ASD. Controlled-release melatonin can improve falling asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Please be sure to consult with your child’s Doctor to get their expert input before trying out any supplements.

5. Take Care of Yourself

As a parent, you are the one who is most likely running bedtime routines and dealing with nightly wake-ups, which is exhausting. Make sure to care for your well-being so you have energy to give during the day. However, we realize the great difficulty in helping your child to stay in bed while you and your family are trying to rest. Try incentivizing techniques for your child staying in bed all night, such as a reward chart or using visuals of them sleeping. If they need someone in the room in order to fall asleep, try gradually moving out of the room a little more each night. Additionally, ensure they are getting enough activity and exercise to burn off energy during the day, resulting in better sleep at night for both them and you.

These tips are by no means a miracle cure, but with practice and patience, they have potential to decrease sleep problems and make life a little easier for your child and family alike. Remember to consult your child’s pediatrician with any sleep issues your child is experiencing. They may recommend seeing a pediatric sleep specialist or participating in a sleep study to rule out other potential causes.

2019 Gift Guide for Kids with Autism

2019-holiday-gift-guide-2

As we enter the holiday season, we want to take some of the stress out of gift-giving, especially when it comes to kids and teens with autism. Last year we wrote a post with a variety of gift ideas from our team of BCBA’s and Occupational Therapists. So, this year we are expanding on that list and going back to our expert staff for more of their top picks. We also had a parent submit her own child-tested gift ideas! Read on for some great ideas if your holiday shopping list includes a child/teen with autism or other developmental disability.

Sensory Input

Textured sensory balls provide a variety of benefits for sensory seeking kiddos. Recommended by one of our BCBAs, textured sensory balls are great for fidgeting, tactile input, stress and anxiety relief and more!

A big favorite with the kids in our clinics – water beads! These are great fun for sensory input, fine motor, sorting, colors and more! 

This Pin Art Game is awesome for sensory seekers. It encourages creativity, while providing tactile input. And the bonus is there is no mess to clean up!

Giant Exercise Balls are great for kids who have trouble sitting still. Using these balls not only can help kids focus, but also works their core at the same time. They are available many places, but this one from National Autism Resources is guaranteed not to burst and is a popular one with OTs and therapists.

Get Moving

Called “River Stones”, these varying sizes of plastic stepping stones help children work on balance and coordination. They are a great get moving gift for indoor fun during our cold winter months here in Michigan!

Fine Motor

Our team highly recommends Magna Tiles. They are popular among many of our clients and work on fine motor, spatial and problem solving skills.

Social Skill Development

For older kids and teens who could use help in developing social skills, another one of our BCBAs recommends some social games available from National Autism Resources.  And for preschool and elementary age, Hoot Owl Hoot is an award-winning cooperative game. It’s fun while teaching colors, turn-taking, strategy, shared decision making and more!

Encouraging Academics

If you’re looking to help your child with academic skills, our team recommends the “I Can Read” books to support readers at their individual level. With a variety of subjects/character themes at various reading levels, there are plenty of options to find something your child will enjoy, while encouraging them to practice their reading skills.

Stocking Stuffers

Another one of our therapists recommends any kind of slime for great sensory input. And if your child loves playing with bubble wrap and fidgets, this Dimpl is a fun cause-and-effect, sensory toy for all ages.

The holidays are also a great time to restock the sensory bin with fidgets. If your child likes a variety of different items for sensory play, this Fidget Set gives you lots of options – and will definitely fill out their stocking!

Don’t Forget the Parents!

If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend of family impacted by autism, let’s not forget the parents! They juggle so much with their child’s diagnosis and are often under additional stress. Consider a gift that encourages self-care, like a mani/pedi or a massage. Many parents of autistic children and teens could use the gift of your time for a night out without the kids.

We hope these ideas help you find not only a gift that is helpful for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew, but also something they will have fun with! For our local Metro Detroit families who want to “buy local”, a great option for many of these toys and games listed above, is Toyolgy Toys. They have several locations as well as website ordering available!

If you have a gift idea for someone with autism, please share it in the comments below!

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

Preparing For Your Child’s IEP

Preparing For Your Child’s IEP

There are a ton of resources out there if you do a Google search for “IEP tools” or “preparing for an IEP”. It can be overwhelming. We want to provide some information to help you sift through all the content so that you can walk into your child’s next IEP more confident than you did the last one.

One thing is for sure: when you have a child with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, dyslexia, or any other condition that impacts their learning, becoming an expert in the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process is necessary for parents. Read on for some tips and resources to help you in preparing for your child’s IEP.

Remember the law is on your side

First, there is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act establishing the framework for what students with disabilities are entitled to in school – a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

And more recently there is the Endrew F. Decision in which the Supreme Court ruled in March 2017 that Individual Education Programs must give kids with disabilities more than a de minimis, or minimal, educational benefit. The Supreme Court ruled on the meaning of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The case involved a boy with autism and ADHD, who made almost no progress on his IEP goals because his behavioral and academic needs weren’t addressed. Understood.org created this helpful resource as a result of this decision.

You are your child’s best advocate

Even with the law being on your side, the reality is, not all school districts are created equal. Whether it’s in the arts programming they provide or the special education services they offer, philosophies and services can vary widely from district to district and state to state. Know your rights as an equal member of the IEP team and be ready to step out of your comfort zone to advocate for what your child needs.

Walk in with the mindset that this is your child’s meeting, not a district meeting or a special education department meeting. Remember, you are the expert on your child. Come to the meeting with your own data – video of your child doing things, copies of their “’work”. They may not demonstrate their full potential during a standardized assessment, so compiling your own data can reinforce what you are advocating for!

Don’t forget the Parent Concerns Letter

Most IEP forms have a very small box for “Parent Concerns”. Know that you are not limited to how many words can fit in that box. You can draft an entire letter outlining your child’s needs and the concerns you have for their progress and learning. Here’s a great resource from A Day In Our Shoes specifically about the Parent Concerns Letter. Communicate your vision for your child and don’t allow anyone to change YOUR vision.

Framing the conversation

It’s important to tailor the conversation when it comes to preparing your child’s IEP. It is difficult to hear how your child stacks up to their typical peers. That’s the reality of the standardized assessments and evaluations presented by the IEP team. You know your child struggles with communication, fine motor, reading, math, or whatever it is. But to have that data in black and white can be quite sobering. Help set the tone by flipping weakness statements into strengths and needs statements. As this Brooke’s Publishing blog post states, by changing “can’t do” statements into “the student needs…” you will end up with an effective IEP that not only establishes high expectations, but also will meet your child’s needs.

What if you don’t agree with the IEP and/or others on IEP team

It’s OK to not finish within the first meeting. You can reconvene for a second (or third, or fourth) IEP meeting if necessary. And consulting with a special education advocate can be very helpful if your emotions are running high and you’re not feeling heard by the district. An advocate can help you with talking points, legality issues, and even attend the IEP with you to assist with communication between you and the school district representatives. Additionally, a free local resource for parents is Michigan Alliance for Families.

Additional Resources

There really is a TON of information out there to help you with your child’s IEP. Instead of making this post any longer, here are a few additional resources for you to check out:

We hope these tips and resources for preparing for your child’s IEP prove to be helpful for you. And if you have any tips that you find especially helpful, please share them in the comments!

Autism Resources in Michigan

aaom

Autism Resources in Michigan: Autism Alliance of Michigan

The annual Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigating Autism Today Conference is always important for us to be a part of. It’s a wonderful event that provides valuable autism resources. It also offers encouragement for families and caregivers. Consequently, we are regularly reminded of what a wonderful organization we have here in Michigan advocating for individuals and families impacted by autism.

The Navigating Autism Today Conference is free for caregivers – a unique benefit not often offered by conferences. Presentation topics range from financial / life planning and explanations of the MiABLE act, to mental health issues. There are also sessions on communication, behavior, learning and more. If you have not attended, definitely plan to check it out next year. The breadth of autism resources is invaluable.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the AAOM continues to provide “help, hope, and answers”. They do this through raising community expectations, standards of care, and access to essential services. They tirelessly advocate for important legislation, safe and inclusive environments and system reform throughout the state of Michigan.

Here are just a few of the programs and services offered by the Autism Alliance of Michigan:

MiNavigator

“MiNavigator was created to provide a professional case management service to Michigan families affected by autism. It is staffed by a team of autism specialists with expertise in many fields, including clinical, educational, insurance, vocational, public safety, policy, and legal. Our autism specialists work one-on-one with each family to help them navigate and overcome the many barriers they face when trying to access care and support for their loved one affected by autism.”

A Call to Action

The MiNavigator program has served over 5,000 families across the state of Michigan and is at risk of losing critical state funding. You can help by letting your state representative and senator know you want funding approved for this important program. Here is more information provided by the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Ask an Expert

Website visitors are able to ask one of the AAOM experts a question you or a loved one is facing in any one of four categories: legal, advocacy, clinical and education. Additionally, you can also review answers to previously submitted questions.

Employment

Advocating for better employment opportunities for individuals with autism, the AAOM provides resources for employers to better understand autism. With the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities so high, the AAOM educates employers on the value and benefits of hiring autistic workers. The AAOM’s philosophy regarding employment of individuals with autism is: “All citizens have the right to work. No perceived obstacle, prejudice or lack of awareness should deny any person that opportunity.” So whether you are an employer or a job seeker with autism, there are resources for you.

Events

From the annual Navigating Autism Today conference to the Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, to the Hero Walk at the Detroit Zoo, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and connect with others through AAOM’s events.

Neighborhood Directory

The Neighborhood Directory is an online portal to search by category and location for a variety of autism resources, therapy providers, autism friendly businesses, adult services and more. As a result, you can quickly find a lot of helpful information and providers easily and quickly.

In addition to the above, there are many more resources available on the AAOM website for both caregivers and professionals. It’s easy to see why it’s our go-to resource for all things autism in Michigan!

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

Counseling and Autism

counseling

The Value of Counseling for Families Impacted by Autism

Receiving an autism diagnosis can result in a lot of uncertainty, anxiety and stress for parents, as well as for the child diagnosed and their siblings. So appropriately, counseling and autism go together like macaroni and cheese. When Healing Haven started in 2010, our foundational programs were ABA therapy and stress management services. We later added more programs, expanding the ages we provide ABA for, and providing additional supports like Speech Therapy, Counseling, Occupational Therapy and Academic Instruction.

Stress management for parents of children with special needs is critical, as “parent well-being increases child well-being”. Research tells us that parents can be effective agents of change for their children’s behaviors. Additionally, children and teens with autism often need help addressing their emotional needs, anxiety, and social challenges.

Our counseling services cover a wide range of needs. For parents we help them navigate this autism diagnosis, manage stress, and learn behavioral modification skills. For the child with autism we help them learn skills to manage their emotions and interact in the world around them. Additionally, we help siblings process the emotions that come from having a brother or sister on the spectrum and provide them with strategies to cope.

Meet Our Counselor

Our onsite therapist, Danielle Harrison, MA, LPC, has been working with families impacted by autism and other special needs since 2012. She started as an ABA therapist while in her undergraduate psychology program. After receiving her master’s in counseling she transitioned to the role of Counselor. Her experience in ABA therapy is a valuable tool that Danielle uses often in her counseling sessions, whether it’s with children, or while providing Parent Training.

Danielle working with her
Social Skills Group

Danielle uses techniques of applied behavior analysis to shape behaviors in children with autism. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help them work through the emotions that may be causing them trouble. She also provides Parent Training to help families understand the concepts of reinforcement and discipline in an effort to help them set up reinforcement systems at home.

Some clients may not have an official autism diagnosis, but struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD or other issues. She is not only able to work with the child, but also able to equip parents to manage emotions and reduce disruptive behaviors.

Navigating the Diagnosis

Danielle enjoys helping parents work through their emotions to help them accept their child’s diagnosis. Once a parent is able to come to terms with their child’s deficits and appreciates their strengths, their stress often lessens and their relationship with their child strengthens.

Another aspect of Danielle’s work is helping teens with autism who struggle with belonging, finding friends at school, and relating with their peers.

The Role of Advocate

Danielle says the most fulfilling aspect of her job is being an advocate for her children and teens. She enjoys using her skill set to collaborate with families and schools to help her clients reach their maximum potential.

A Front Seat to Growth

We have observed first hand the growth in so many of Danielle’s clients. For example, she has a client for which she has worked with over the past seven years. When she started, the child was only 3 years old and unable to communicate her emotions, often leading to meltdowns. Now at the age of 10 she is able to effectively communicate her wants and needs. If she becomes upset, she now has the skills to calm down in under 10 minutes verses two to three hours. Witnessing that kind of growth is so motivating for Danielle.

Another incubator for personal growth is the social skills group Danielle leads. The group of elementary age clients has been together for two years. When they first started they worked on basic social skills. Now they have formed real friendships. They support each other when one of them is upset. The skills they have learned here have helped them in their everyday environments at home and at school. Danielle hopes to see this group stay together as they move into their teen years.

In Need of Help?

As you can see, counseling has broad benefits in the autism world. If you are a parent in need of help for yourself, or your child is struggling with autism, ADHD, depression or anxiety, we are here to help! Just fill out the Contact Us form and we will get back with you!

How to Explain Autism to Neurotypical Children

explaining-autism

Explaining Autism to Neurotypical Children

As the rate of autism diagnoses increases, children and teens undoubtedly know, or have encountered, someone with autism in their schools, in their neighborhoods, or in their own family. As a result, kids most likely have noticed some differences. They may have wondered: “Why is he covering his ears?” “Why won’t he talk to me?” “Why does she move her hands like that?”

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition that many adults have difficulty understanding. So how can children learn to comprehend the many facets of this condition when they see it in their siblings or peers? We have put together some helpful tips and resources to aid you in explaining autism to neurotypical children in your family, your classroom and your community.

Be Honest

If your child, neighbor or student in your classroom asks some of these questions, it’s important to answer them. When questions go unanswered or they are told not to ask things like that, not only do we squelch their innate curiosity of the world around them, but it can lead to inaccurate or negative assumptions. They may think their friend is crazy or their sister doesn’t like them. By answering their questions you pave the way to understanding autism instead of allowing misconceptions or fear to take root in the unknown.

What is Autism?

As explained by Mary L Gavin, MD on KidsHealth.org, “Autism spectrum disorder is a difference in the way a kid’s brain develops. Kids with autism may have trouble understanding the world around them.” One of the most common questions from kids is “Can I catch autism?” So it’s important to explain that autism can’t be caught like the flu.

Use simple terminology to describe autism to neurotypical children. A classmate or friend with autism might have trouble talking and learning the meaning of words. They may struggle making friends or fitting in. They may not handle changes easily, like trying new foods or having a substitute teacher. Additionally, they may have trouble dealing with loud noises, bright lights, or busy hallways.

Some kids with autism might move in an unusual way (like flapping their hands, or rocking back and forth) or do the same thing over and over (like saying the same word).

And because autism is a spectrum or range, some autistic kids may have a few struggles, or they may have a lot of these struggles. As a result, some kids need a little bit of help, and others might need a lot of help with learning and doing everyday activities.

Important Reminders

When you have conversations with students or siblings, here are a few recommendations to keep in mind.

Focus on the positive

Talk about the child’s strengths, abilities and interests, not just on their struggles. Using people-first language puts the focus on the individual and not their diagnosis. This also helps them view autism through a more positive lens. If possible, identify a common interest to demonstrate ways they can connect with their classmate or sibling.

Encourage questions

A child’s curiosity and questions are not rude. When you answer a child’s questions in a straightforward manner, they will learn from your example to be open and accepting. Also be sure to communicate that autism is not something to fear and it doesn’t need to be kept a secret.

We all are unique

Every one of us looks different and has our own unique strengths and weaknesses. And with autism being a spectrum, there are no two kids with autism that are alike. So it’s important to not lump them all together. Rather, get to know the individual, and as mentioned above, find things you may have common with them.

The Gaming System Analogy

A mom spoke with her son’s 3rd grade class about autism and used an analogy that has become quite popular over the years since. Essentially, she talked about how video game devices have different operating systems. You can’t play an Xbox game on a Nintendo because it can’t process the information. So just like video game systems, people with autism can’t process information in the same way a neurotypical person does. It’s not bad, just different. You can read the full account on her blog here.

Explaining a Sensory Meltdown to a Child

Witnessing a sensory meltdown can be confusing and even upsetting for adults, let alone kids. So explaining what a sensory meltdown is can help a child process what they’ve seen. It’s not a temper tantrum when they aren’t getting their way. A sensory meltdown is a feeling of being overwhelmed – by sounds, smells, lights, spaces. There is too much happening around them and their brain can’t process it. Sometimes our brains need a break from what’s going on around us. But as the sibling or friend gets to know what stimuli the person with autism reacts too, they can become an ally in helping them if they become overwhelmed.  

Using Stories to Explain Autism

A story can be a powerful way to communicate ideas and messages to children. Thankfully, there are many books created to explain autism and help kids understand it. Here are just a few:

Professional Help

Even after you explain autism to siblings of autistic children, they can benefit from being able to process their emotions with a professional. We have programs that serve the entire family including counseling for siblings of autistic children. For more information, fill out the Contact Us form and a member of our team will get back with you.

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

Gift Ideas for Kids with Autism

The holiday season also means gift-giving season for many. And for families who have someone with autism, finding a great gift may seem daunting. So we’ve asked our expert staff for their top picks of gift ideas for kids and teens with autism. We’ve compiled quite a varied list, so hopefully there’s at least one item that will fit your loved one!

Get Moving Gifts

A mini-trampoline with a handlebar is on our Occupational Therapist’s list because it provides a great way to improve your child’s motor skills, coordination and sensory processing. The repetitive bouncing motion helps children learn over time how to read impulses from their different sensory systems. It can be used inside during the cold winter months and outside during the summer.

One of our BCBA’s picks for a great holiday gift is a body sock. Often used by Occupational Therapists, they can also be a wonderful toy and tool at home. A body sock provides resistance and calming deep pressure input to the proprioceptive and tactile systems. They are used for sensory regulation, calming kids who may be overwhelmed or overstimulated. It’s also great for helping kids with spatial awareness – where their body is in space. Check out this blog post from The Inspired Tree House for some ideas on how you can use a body sock with your child.

A lightweight tunnel for kids to crawl through helps develop arm and leg muscles and gross motor skills. It also collapses down for easy storage at home.

Calming/Sensory Gifts

Weighted blankets have become quite popular in recent years. One of our OT’s recommends them because of the deep touch pressure they provide. Weighted blankets can help kids with anxiety, autism, sensory processing disorder, stress and poor sleep. Choose a blanket weight corresponding with your child’s weight – 8-12% of total body weight. So a 5lb. blanket is recommended for a 42-63lb child. And this example is easily machine washable while providing soft, tactile input.

One of our former ABA Therapists turned counselor recommends this 3D printed moon design light for the calming light it provides for your child’s bedroom.

Clothes are always a useful and practical gift. When shopping for kids and teens with autism, another one of our BCBA’s recommends choosing cotton clothes that have no tags. And some companies, like Target and Tommy Hilfiger, are coming out with adaptive clothing lines designed for those with sensory and fine motor needs.

Fine Motor

A great way to help your child work independently at home, while also working on fine motor and visual integration are jigsaw puzzles. One of our BCBAs recommends choosing puzzles with a favorite character to keep their interest – like this Marvel Comics puzzle, or this Disney set. And puzzles are also a great way to encourage social interaction when they work with a peer.

Kinetic sand (or moon sand) sticks to itself, but not to your hands or other things. Recommended by one of our Occupational Therapists, this is a great tactile activity – kids can squeeze it, shape it and create things without making a huge mess. And unlike Playdough, this Kinetic sand is gluten free, which is helpful for the many individuals with autism who adhere to specific diets.

Stocking Stuffers

  • The ultimate fidget spinner – this Atesson spinner has stainless steel bearings and can spin for 4-10 minutes!
  • Therapy putty is a go-to choice for occupational and behavior therapists for the fine motor building and tactile input it provides.
  • Many kids with autism seek oral motor input. These chew brick necklaces are both popular and functional.

We hope these ideas help you find not only a gift that is helpful for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew, but also something they will have fun with! And if you have a gift idea for someone with autism, please share it in the comments below!

Six Great Books for Parents of Autistic Children

Books-for-Parents
books for parents

We meet with families every week who just received a diagnosis of autism for their child. We also work with parents of autistic children who are further along in their journey of raising their child. But no matter where you’re at, we see the need for new and helpful resources. So we’ve compiled this list of diverse books that can help parents at various stages with their kids. And three of the books feature authors who happen to have autism. How cool is that?!

Six Great Books for Parents of Autistic Children

10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

This award-winning book is often one of the first resources recommended to read after your child receives an autism diagnosis. As Ellen is the parent of a children with autism and ADHD, she understands. In the latest edition of this book, she expands upon topics of communication behavior issues, as well as social processing skills. This book helps readers understand the needs and the potential of every autistic child. It is available on Amazon in several formats.

Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child by Jessie Hewitson

Written by a personal finance writer for The Times and mother of an autistic son, this guide provides powerful information for anyone raising a child with autism. With many great reviews from parents and publications alike, it is unique in that it utilizes information and tips from various perspectives, such as other parents, autistic adults, professionals, and academics. This book is everything you need and more – especially if you’re a parent new to the world of raising an autistic child and aren’t sure where to start. The Kindle or Paperback copy can be found on Amazon.

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Pam & Pete Wright

In addition to navigating your child’s autism diagnosis, you will also be entering the world of special education and IEP’s. But where do you start to learn in the ins-and-outs of special ed law?  What do FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) actually mean? This book, from the founders of Wrightslaw, will help empower you to enter meetings with your child’s school ready to advocate for what they need, as well as what they are legally entitled to.

Autistic Authors

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

Named one of the best books of the year by NPR, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Business, The Reason I Jump is written by a thirteen-year-old boy with autism. Naoki shares with honesty his unique point of view on autism  and life itself. As a result, the book provides an incredible lens into how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives and responds to the world around him. The Reason I Jump is available on Amazon.

Six-Word Lessons On Growing Up Autistic by Trevor Pacelli

Trevor is a young adult who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5. He is aware that “growing up autistic” was challenging for himself and his family. For that reason he wrote a book to help others. Trevor provides 100 short, practical tips to help understand the autistic person in your life. He addresses 5 topics: sensitivity, loneliness, sudden changes, disciplining and not underestimating capabilities. You can learn more about Trevor through his website growingupautistic.com, as well as purchase his book from Amazon.

A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Jeremy Sicile-Kira

Parents of an autistic child often wonder: Will my child have friends? How will my child communicate? Will my child be able to work? And is living independently an option when they grow up? This book by a mother-son duo shares what it takes to raise your child and transition them to adulthood. Most noteworthy is the authors have lived this, as co-author Jeremy is on the autism spectrum. Copies are available from Amazon.

We hope you found this list of books helpful as you navigate raising your autistic child. If you have any other books you recommend, please let us know in the comments!

And here some more resources you may find helpful.