Family Matters
49 articles in this topic.
Explaining ABA Reinforcement
Explaining ABA Reinforcement Reinforcement is the most powerful force that controls our behavior. We only do things because we are seeking reinforcement…
A Sticky Situation: Masturbation Part 1
A parent's guide to understanding masturbation in children on the autism spectrum, covering why it happens and how to begin teaching boundaries.
A Sticky Situation: Masturbation Part 2
Continued guidance on teaching a child on the autism spectrum where and when masturbation is appropriate, using visual schedules and social stories.
Finding local services and/or applying for benefits for a child with developmental needs
A first-step guide for parents of a newly diagnosed child on finding local services and benefits, starting with the county board of DD.
3 Easy Steps for Making a Visual Schedule
Does your child diagnosed with autism have difficulty getting dressed in the morning, or maybe have difficulty following all of the steps for brushing his…
How to Maintain a Skill with your Child diagnosed with ASD and Promote Generalization
Has your child just learned a new skill, and are you wondering, “How do I know he will maintain it?” If so, here is what you need to know in order to…
Sibling Relationships: How do I get my children to understand each other?
As a parent with a child/adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you know how difficult it is for him/her to make friends, join in play, and most…
Does my child have Autism?
Common early signs of autism, such as limited eye contact and communication delays, to help parents decide whether to seek an evaluation.
Children diagnosed with Autism and a Physical Disability
Does your child have Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, and a physical disability? If the answer to this question is “yes”, then this blog is for you! You may…
Dealing with Challenging Behaviors: 3 Steps to Help You Figure out the “Why?”
A three-step process for figuring out why a child is engaging in a challenging behavior, starting with naming exactly what the behavior looks like.
How Do I Talk to My Soon-to-be Teen About Puberty?
How to start the puberty conversation with a child with autism who is approaching adolescence, using the format that fits how they learn best.
Some Ideas To Make Mealtime A Little Easier
Simple tips for making family mealtime less stressful when your child with autism is a picky eater, from meal planning to trying new textures.
What Pets Are Good For My Child With Autism
Practical tips for picking a pet that will be a good fit if you have a child with autism, plus ground rules to set before you bring one home.
Great Summer Activities For Teens
What to consider before sending a teen with autism to summer camp, including whether a special needs camp or a typical camp fits better.
Sports - Good for all kids! And Adults!
Why getting a child or teen with autism involved in sports builds gross motor skills, social skills, and confidence for the long term.
Keeping Your Teen Active
Ideas for helping a teen with autism stay physically active, from local sports programs to family bike rides, and why it matters.
Safety Skills: Why They are Important and Ideas About How to Teach Them
Why safety skills matter for children and teens with autism, covering stranger safety and other topics parents should start teaching early.
How To Help Your Child Being Bullied - Tips From A Parent
How to Help your Child Being Bullied- Tips from a Parent As a mom of a child with special needs, every day is difficult. My son has ADD/LD. It’s hard for…
Autism Parent Diaries: With Acceptance Comes Understanding
When I found out my daughter had autism I was devastated. So many questions went through my head, like…Will she make friends? Will she be able to keep up…
Is my toddler too young for ABA treatment?
A common worry for parents of newly diagnosed toddlers: is ABA appropriate this early? How pediatricians screen for autism at 15 and 18 months, and what comes next.
Teaching Young Children to Wait
A step-by-step method for teaching a young child to wait, starting with a few seconds and building up to a full minute using a timer.
Taking Steps Toward Unlocking your Child's Independence
Why early planning matters for helping a child with a developmental disability build independence, and how to set long-term, meaningful goals.
Should He be Eating That?
What pica is, why it is common among individuals with developmental disabilities, and what research says about effective treatment options.
Transitioning Your Child into a New Classroom or School
As your child is starting back to school, you may find that there are new challenges. If your student has a new teacher or a new school, it may be even…
Small Victories: A Parent’s Reflection
I just asked my six-year old son to get a diaper for my thirteen year old. I will never get used to this strange life. With autism, so many things are…
Being an Autism Parent: Finding Support in Others
When you have a child with autism, you need a different kind of support system. I have the most wonderful family in the world and two best friends since…
Planning a summer of educational, therapeutic activities for children with ASD
Why children with Autism Spectrum Disorder need structure over summer break, and how to build a predictable, educational summer schedule.
Back to school tips for educators and parents of children with ASD
It’s that time of year again: the one with all of the hustle and bustle to make sure the school supplies are bought, the lesson plans are finalized and…
4 Ways For Parents To Cope with Stress
Meeting the needs of any child can be nerve-racking at times and parents of children with Autism are especially at risk of feeling stress and anxiety. A…
Intervention Strategies for Aggression: Hitting
Practical ABA strategies for responding to hitting and aggression in children with autism, including the neutral redirection technique used in therapy.
How to Advocate For Your Child’s Treatment Needs and Services
Practical steps for parents preparing to advocate for their child's treatment and services, including how to walk into a meeting fully prepared.
Advocate for your Child’s Treatment Needs by Coordinating Care
Why service providers who don't talk to each other can leave gaps in your child's treatment, and how coordinating care between agencies helps.
What is “Chronic Sorrow?”
Many people are familiar with the Five Stages of Grief as first defined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her often referenced book On Death and…
Purge the Urge: Starting the Puberty Talk With Your Special Needs Child
How to know when to start talking about puberty with a special needs child, based on their ability to understand and communicate, not just age.
How Do I Get My Child or Teen Involved in Sports?
Tips for finding autism-friendly sports leagues and teams for your child or teen, including where to search and who to contact locally.
Finding a Good Social Skills Group for My Teen With Autism
All teens need to be able to socialize to be successful. Much of teen life revolves around friends and social life so it is a good idea to get your teen…
Some ideas to Make Mealtimes a little Easier
Ways to turn family mealtime into a positive routine when your child with autism struggles with new foods or textures at the table.
5 Ways to Support Your Teen as He or She Begins a Job Search
Five practical ways parents can help a teen with autism through a first job search, from making a list of interests to visiting local employers.
What Are All of These Terms? 6 Terms To Make You More Familiar with "a Behaviorist's language"
Six common behavior-analyst terms explained in plain language, so ABA jargon feels less overwhelming for parents new to their child's therapy.
What is a Social Story?
A social story is just like it sounds… it’s a very short story (usually only a few pages) that teaches a child what to expect in a social situation and…
What are soft skills, why does my teen/young adult need to learn them and how can I teach them?
What soft skills are, why they matter for a teen or young adult entering the workforce, and specific ways to teach skills like asking for help.
Puberty: What’s Going on with My Body?
A parent's guide to talking about puberty with a child who has autism, covering the physical changes both boys and girls will go through.
What is an HCBS Waiver? How do I get one? What services are available?
Looking for help in your home and with community events or outings for a loved one with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and/or physical…
Going to Bed
A few simple bedtime steps, including a consistent routine, to help a child with autism settle and fall asleep more easily.
What’s for Dinner? 3 Easy Tips for Mealtime Success
Three tips for making mealtime less of a struggle when your child with autism is a picky eater, including following a consistent routine.
5 Ways to Increase Spontaneous Communication with Your Child
Is your child able to communicate but you want them to communicate more? Do you find yourself always having to ask your child what they want? …
Siblings of Children with Autism: How to Meet Their Needs
Many families of children with Autism will say that the majority of their attention and time is focused on their child with special needs. It isn’t…
The Power of Choice
Why giving individuals with developmental disabilities simple choices is an evidence-based way to reduce challenging behavior and build engagement.
The Stigma of Mental Illness in Jamaica – Part 1
A look at why mental illness carries a strong stigma in Jamaica, and how that stigma continues to block people from getting treatment.
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