Is Watching TV Good for Kids with ASD?
While some studies suggest that too much screen time can negatively impact the development of young children’s language and social skills, watching television can offer valuable tools and lessons and be very beneficial for kids with ASD. For example, videos that teach...
Can Some Children Outgrow Autism?
Is it possible for a child diagnosed with autism to ‘outgrow’ it when they get older? A 2013 study of 112 children published by the National Institutes of Health suggested that 34 individuals diagnosed with ASD went on to function as well as neurotypical...
5 Tips for Making the Holidays Autism-Friendly
While the holiday season is a time to reflect on your blessings and express gratitude for all the wonderful things in life, it can also be very stressful for people with autism and their families. Here are some tips for making the holidays autism-friendly with...
ASD and Covid 19 – What Caregivers Need to Know
It’s no secret that COVID-19 caused significant disruptions in the daily lives of youth with ASD and their families, from changes in school routines to quarantines and social isolation. COVID restrictions and mask-wearing requirements were difficult enough for many...
Easing the Stress of Chronic Caregiving
Findings from a recent report published by Family Process are not surprising: nearly 50 percent of mothers of children with autism reported symptoms of depression compared to mothers with neurotypical children over the same time period. The researchers also...
Is Your Child Bullied at School? How Parents of Children with ASD Can Help
Nationally, an estimated 22 percent of students ages 12 – 18 experience bullying, which can result in negative physical, emotional, social, academic, and mental health issues. Bullying can happen on or off school grounds, and in rural, suburban, and urban areas. It...
Traveling with an Autistic Child
Changes in routine and daily structure can be challenging for children with autism. However, parents and caregivers can try these recommendations from experts and other families when planning a trip or vacation with their autistic child: A couple of weeks before you...
Making Doctor Visits Easier for Kids with Autism
Medical appointments, even routine visits, can be stressful for children and adults, and especially challenging for autistic kids. Since visits to the doctor are something we all do at one time or another, here are some tips to make the experience easier for your...
Early Diagnosis Means Better Outcomes
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 24 months of life. ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by the time children are two years old. It’s...
It’s Back to School Time! How to Make the Transition Easier for Children with ASD
The first day of school can be stressful for kids of any age, whether they’re just starting kindergarten or heading off to college. For children with autism, adjusting to a new classroom, teachers, and schedule can be especially challenging. However, with planning and...