The digital world offers unparalleled opportunities for connection, learning and entertainment. For adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the internet can be a particularly valuable resource, providing a space for exploration where there aren’t the immediate pressures of face-to-face social interaction. At the same time, this vast landscape also presents unique challenges and significant risks […]
The teenage years are a period of immense growth and transition. Navigating the shift from childhood to young adulthood involves managing increasing academic pressure, evolving social circles and a blossoming sense of independence. For teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), these developmental milestones are often accompanied by a significant increase in anxiety. When anxiety becomes […]
The teenage years are a period of profound transformation. This stage is often defined by rapid physical growth, shifting hormones and a developing sense of self for most teens. These changes can be particularly confusing and distressing for teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to challenges with body awareness. This is sometimes referred to […]
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can become overwhelmed or feel anxious. They may not be able to cope well with certain feelings or effectively communicate how they’re feeling. What often results is a meltdown or tantrum. The reasons for a child’s meltdown may vary greatly, from sensory sensitivities, to not getting enough time with […]
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often faced with challenges associated with intense emotional responses their children have when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Known as meltdowns, they can happen for a number of reasons, and they’re not always easy to prevent. Children with autism commonly experience challenges that their neurotypical peers do not. […]
For many parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sudden behavioral meltdown or a period of irritability can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Their child may look happy, content and engaged in play one moment and then become overwhelmed and frustrated the next. When this happens, parents may want to look […]
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 […]
Parental and caregiver involvement is a key driver of success in applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). The reason for this is quite simple: Parents and caregivers spend the most time with their children, so they need to know the strategies that ABA therapists use during sessions so they can best support their children outside of […]
Studying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a unique challenge to researchers, since many children with autism face deficits in social interaction and communication. In other words, unlike with other groups of people, researchers may not be able to get accurate information from children on the autism spectrum by asking them questions. Yet, advanced research has […]
