The most typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are deficits with communication and social interaction, coupled with sensory sensitivities, restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors. Some children on the autism spectrum may additionally exhibit other challenging behaviors as a result of their neurodevelopmental disorder. Common examples include self-stimulatory behaviors — with some being self-harmful — and hoarding. […]
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) thrive on structure. Generally speaking, they do much better when things are in order — whether that’s following a predictable daily routine or having everything in its place in their room. Organization is great for any child, as it helps them find what they’re looking for and teaches them important […]
Turn taking is an important skill that children first start to learn when they are young. While the skill may seem trivial, it’s an important building block for lifelong learning, social relationships and professional opportunities. It’s not easy to teach children how to take turns, as they are often impatient and have trouble sharing. Doing […]
The arrival of a new child is a wonderful event for families. A new baby in the household brings a lot of joy, but also a lot of change and challenges, especially if you have another child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So much of daily life needs to be altered when a new […]
Learning patience and how to wait is hard for any child, yet they are essential skills for daily life. Not only are these skills vital for social interactions, they can affect a child’s safety as well. There are many times when children will have to wait and be quiet and behave appropriately while doing so. […]
Family support is critical in raising a child, no matter what that child’s development abilities are. It becomes even more critical, though, when a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of children with autism may need more help and support — both physical and emotional — than those of neurotypical children. This is because […]
When parents first hear that their child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they likely experience a wide range of emotions all at once. This can range from shock and surprise, to sadness, anger and everything in between. It can be quite overwhelming to receive an autism diagnosis, even for those who were […]
Holistic approaches to well-being have become commonplace today, as the benefits of an all-encompassing plan are immense. The same is true of children who have developmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is considered the leading treatment for children on the autism spectrum, but it doesn’t just treat patients […]
The holidays are an exciting time of year. Extended families and friends get together, celebrating traditions that have been passed down for generations. With so much being different during these celebrations, though, holidays can prove to be very challenging for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The change in routine, the noisy environments and the […]
