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.

Autism Parenting: Help for Stressed Relationships

Autism-parenting

Having a child with autism, Down syndrome or any other type of special needs brings all kinds of new realities into your life. Some can be amazing – like gaining a whole new community of people you may have never met before. But other things can definitely add stress to the lives of autism parents. From more doctor appointments to navigating special education and IEPs, to scheduling therapies – all of these new realities can put stress on your relationships with your spouse, your family members and your friends.

With the help of Allie Young-Rivard, LLPC, we’ve compiled some information and resources to help autism parents with relationships that may be under stress.

Marriage – The odds are NOT stacked against you

There’s an often-quoted statistic that the divorce rate among parents who have a child with autism is around 80%. Or it’s at least quoted as being higher than the general population. This outdated figure was based on older, smaller studies, which can often lead to inaccurate data.

The Interactive Autism Network, which connects the autism community and researchers, breaks down the updated research findings in their article Under a Looking Glass: What’s the Truth About Autism and Marriage?:

“Researchers in Baltimore investigated the supposed 80 percent divorce rate for parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unlike other studies, this one was particularly large – using data from almost 78,000 parents, 913 of whom had a child with autism – and included families from across the United States. The bigger the study, the less likely the results are due to chance or something unique about the pool of people studied. The researchers, from Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University, found no evidence of an 80 percent divorce rate.9 In fact, parents of children with autism split up as often as parents of children who don’t have autism, according to their research.”

We hope this new information encourages you that even though you may face some stress in your marriage due to your child’s diagnosis, it doesn’t automatically mean your marriage is doomed because of autism. If your marriage is struggling, ask for help before it’s too late.

When Divorce Does Happen

Even with this hopeful news for couples who have an autistic child, there are still a lot of marriages under stress. Deciding to divorce is complex and difficult. This life-altering course can cause intense anxiety. It can also cause worry about how the decision to separate will affect your children. For parents of children with special needs, the choice to separate and/or divorce is particularly difficult because of the added needs and responsibilities.

Support for Your Child

Many children on the autism spectrum have difficulty adapting to change. So naturally it is common for parents to worry how their child will acclimate to their new reality, routine and living situation. It is important to prepare your child for the changes that are going to happen.  Providing your child with a visual schedule that outlines the custody arrangements will help them know what to expect. Having consistency at both houses will also be helpful. Work together to have a similar calendar at both locations that shows your child’s daily routines and notes what house he or she will be at. By using tools that prepare them you can help them understand their new routine and hopefully reduce some anxiety. Additionally, talking about the schedule ahead of time to avoid surprises is beneficial for everyone involved.

Another helpful idea is to create a social story explaining the changes and what to expect. If your child receives ABA therapy, talk with their BCBA about creating a personalized social story to prepare them for their new routine and the changes in their family situation.

Lastly, depending on the age of the child and their communication ability, seeking a therapist who specializes in adjustment could be helpful. We have counselors on our team who work with children and teens on the autism spectrum. Seeing an experienced therapist can help children process their new family dynamics and adjust to the changes. Please contact us if you would like to pursue counseling for your child.

Co-parenting

It is important for a divorced couple to remember that is it about the child (or children). The definition of co-parenting is:

Verb; (especially of a separated or unmarried couple) share the duties of parenting (a child).

Keeping your focus on doing what is best for your child can help both parents stay on track and follow through on maintaining routines. Establishing and upholding proper communication with your former spouse will ensure support and success for your child. If communication with your ex is difficult, seek out family counseling and/or individual therapy if your former spouse is unwilling to join you. Counseling can help you learn how best to work together for the common interest of your child.

Family or Friends Who Don’t Understand Your Child’s Unique Needs

When your child is diagnosed with a disability it can often feel like you’re alone. Those close to you may not understand what you’re going through as you navigate therapies, doctors, support at school and situations that are difficult for your child. Some may spend less time with you and your family. This often stems from not really understanding the diagnosis. When a family member or close friend expresses criticism of your child’s behavior, or of you as a parent, it’s important to address it.

You can first try to explain what your child’s diagnosis means, how it impacts them medically, emotionally, behaviorally, etc. Explain the therapies and medical treatments they are receiving and why. Talk about what their education situation is like and how it benefits them. If your child has sensory issues, repetitive behaviors or stimming, difficulty with change, etc, it’s good to take time to explain them to your family. Being open and honest can help your loved ones understand and hopefully lead to support from them. 

Is It Time To Set Boundaries?

If, however, after explaining all of these things, they isolate you or stop talking with you, first know that it’s not you or your child. It is their inability to be sensitive and understanding of differences and supportive of those with unique needs. If you are facing criticism or lack of understanding toward your child, you may need to establish boundaries. This may mean limiting time spent at family gatherings, or not taking your kids to their grandparents’ house.

Whatever the situation you are facing, it’s important to remove yourself from unsupportive relationships and find support from others in similar situations. Setting boundaries with unsupportive family members can be tough, but putting your mental health and the child’s well being first is beneficial for everyone. Additionally, a professional counselor can help you develop coping skills to navigate strained relationships, as well as help you process your own feelings regarding your child’s diagnosis.

We hope you’ve found this information and ideas for autism parents helpful as you encounter stress in various relationships. And if you find you need some outside help and perspective, please reach out to us!

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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!

The Benefits of a MiABLE Account for Your Child with a Disability

Raising and caring for a child with a disability oftentimes comes with added expenses. Things like extra medical costs, therapies, academic tutoring, assistive technology and much more come into play. Getting help to cover these additional expenses can be difficult. This is especially so when you have an average income and don’t qualify to receive government support for your child with a disability. When thinking about your child’s future and whether they will be able to support themselves, it can become overwhelming for parents to plan for, let alone manage the here and now.

The state an individual lives in and the disability they have largely determines the financial rules and restrictions they must follow. A bill was passed in certain states that requires employees to pay disabled workers at least minimum wage. Still, many disabled people must follow intricate rules to receive the benefits they need to successfully care for themselves.

So how can a person with a disability pay for all their daily living expenses like housing, food, education, transportation, ect., if they can’t earn a living wage, or are unable to? And on top of that, they risk losing any government benefits if they have “too much” money in their name.

Enter the ABLE Act

Thankfully, Congress passed the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act in 2014. The ABLE Act amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 to create tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Here is the official description of the intent of the ABLE Act from the ABLE National Resource Center:

“By making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified disability-related expenses (including education, housing and transportation), this law aims to ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the funds contributed into these accounts will not negatively impact the person’s eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid. The funds in these accounts don’t replace benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the Supplemental Security Income program, the beneficiary’s employment and other sources. Instead, the funds supplement these benefits.”

A Powerful Tool for Michigan Families

Michigan established our MiABLE program back in 2016. We had the representative from the Michigan Department of Treasury here in our clinics to familiarize families on the benefits of having a MiABLE account for their child with a disability. Scott de Varona shared all the specifics of how the program works, how to set up an account and answered a plethora of questions from parents.

Here are a few of the highlights:

  • To be eligible, individuals must become disabled before the age of 26. They can prove their eligibility one of three ways: eligible for SSI or SSDI because of a disability (but do not have to be drawing on those benefits), have a condition listed on SSA Compassionate Allowances List, or self-certification with a physician diagnosis and documentation.
  • Qualified Disability Expenses (QDE) include much more than the original 529 College Savings Plans. MiABLE accounts can be used to pay for the expenses of everyday living for the person with the disability. QDE’s include: education, housing, transportation, employment training programs, assistive technology, personal support services, healthcare and medical costs, financial management services, legal fees, and end-of-life expenses.
  • The maximum contribution per year is $17,000. And account holders can have up to $100,000 in an ABLE account before their SSI benefits may be suspended. Once the account falls back below the $100,000, SSI benefits can resume.
  • ABLE assets are excluded for Medicaid eligibility. There is no asset threshold as there is for SSI benefits.
  • Investment options include a range of conservative to aggressive stock. Additionally, for those who want easy access to use their account now, there is a money market savings account with a debit card option.
  • If you have a Financial Advisor, you can allow them to manage your investment options. They need to complete the Agent Assisted Enrollment Form.
  • A MiABLE account doesn’t replace a Special Needs Trust. It’s another “tool in the toolbelt” to provide for an adult or child with a disability.

Tax Benefits

  • ABLE accounts are funded with after-tax contributions and can grow tax-free when used for qualifying disability expenses.
  • In addition, the State of Michigan features one of the largest tax deductions for contributions to an ABLE account. Single filers can receive a $5,000 tax deduction and a married couple filing jointly can receive a $10,000 tax deduction.
  • Many parents may have already set up a 529 College Savings Plan for their child before they were diagnosed with a disability. Those funds can be transferred to an ABLE account without penalty, and then can be used for a broad range of expenses!
  • Others can contribute to an individual’s MiABLE account to help it grow. Family members and friends can make contributions through the online portal or by mailing in a check. And if they are Michigan residents, they can take advantage of the tax deduction, too. Additionally, some states offer a deduction to ABLE account contributions in other states.

The Greatest Benefit

There are so many benefits to creating a MiABLE account for a child or young adult with a disability. But the greatest benefit has to be empowering disabled individuals to save for their future and creating a way for them to truly achieve a better life experience!

For more information, visit the MiABLE website or call them to have your questions answered: 844-656-7225. And the ABLE National Resource Center has a lot of helpful information too.

And for more information about Healing Haven and the services we provide families of children with autism and other special needs, visit Our Services page.

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!

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.