The holidays can be a perfect time to purchase items that fill your exceptional child’s sensory needs.Continue reading Sensory Gifts for The Holidays
My Recent Conversation with Tiffany Johnson, Author of “Brave Enough Now.”
I recently had a conversation with Tiffany Johnson, author of the book “Brave Enough Now” on her “When We are Brave” podcast. To listen, check out the “When We Are Brave” podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or you can stream it from Spotify at this bottom of this page.
My Recent Conversation with The Autism Dad, Rob Gorski
Recently, I had the pleasure of a follow-up conversation with The Autism Dad, Rob Gorksi. In our discussion we talked about my family’s experience with COVID and how families impacted by autism often receive judgmental comments from others! We also discussed some new services offered through Collaborative Corner that might be beneficial for your exceptional needs child.
Continue reading My Recent Conversation with The Autism Dad, Rob Gorski
5 Tips To Promote Play For Children With Autism
In this short video, I share 5 simple activities to improve play skills in children on the autism spectrum and why this it is so important to build these play skills.Continue reading 5 Tips To Promote Play For Children With Autism
Pod 32: Designing Interiors for Autism
In this episode, I speak with interior designer, Wendy Valente, of Live Well Designs and Designing Interiors for Autism.Continue reading Pod 32: Designing Interiors for Autism
Play To Improve Speech in Kids With Autism
In this article I wrote for Speech Blubs, I explain how to help children on the autism spectrum improve imaginative play which to improve speech.Continue reading Play To Improve Speech in Kids With Autism
How to Teach Turn-Taking to a Child With Autism
Taking turns is an important developmental milestone that most children naturally develop, but children with autism may need to be taught how.Continue reading How to Teach Turn-Taking to a Child With Autism
The Prodigal Daughter
I typically write about our family’s experiences in raising a child with developmental disabilities, but not always. I wrote this piece months ago when my youngest daughter was struggling. She’s overcome so much in a short time. I am so proud of her! It is my desire that this message can give you hope if you have a child struggling to find their way. And to tell you this, never give up!Continue reading The Prodigal Daughter
4 Easy Ways of Making Your Home More Special Needs Friendly – A Collaborative Post From Autisable
Creating safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly environments can help children with autism thrive. This article, featured on Autisable, gives 4 simple suggestions to help parents get started.Continue reading 4 Easy Ways of Making Your Home More Special Needs Friendly – A Collaborative Post From Autisable
“Designing Interiors For Autism” by Wendy Valente
Wendy Valente is the owner of Live Well Designs, an interior design company that is home to Designing Interiors for Autism. Continue reading “Designing Interiors For Autism” by Wendy Valente
The Most Important Skills to Teach Your Child With Autism – Words by Liz Talton
It is an honor to feature on Big Abilities guest blogger, Liz Talton. Liz is the author and creator of Pitter Patter of Baby Feet, a website dedicated to families trying to conceive, fertility, pregnancy, mental health, and anything related to motherhood. Before starting a family, Liz received her master’s degree in forensic psychology and mental health. She is now a full-time blogger, wife, and mother to two boys, ages three and six months.Continue reading The Most Important Skills to Teach Your Child With Autism – Words by Liz Talton
Identifying Meltdown Triggers
Children on the autism spectrum can be prone to severe meltdowns. But understanding what triggers a meltdown, and minimizing or eliminating that trigger can help.Continue reading Identifying Meltdown Triggers
How to Create an “About Me” Brochure
If you have a child with special needs and they attend school, daycare, therapy, or spend time with a sitter, considering sending an “About Me” brochure.Continue reading How to Create an “About Me” Brochure
How to Take Care of the Most Important Person in Your Child’s Support System – You!
Parents and caregivers are often guilty of overlooking their own needs as they work to deal with the significant needs of their child. However, neglecting your needs can have a negative impact on your ability to handle the stress and responsibilities that having an exceptional child often entail.Continue reading How to Take Care of the Most Important Person in Your Child’s Support System – You!
To My Other Kids Not On The Autism Spectrum
Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder means that if you have other children, they are likely to get less of your time. While that often makes parents feel guilty, it’s an unfortunate reality. However, your other kids need to know that while they may not get an equal share of your time, they have an equal share of your love!Continue reading To My Other Kids Not On The Autism Spectrum
When Plans Need to Change Quickly
Because children with autism spectrum disorder function best in a structured routine, taking them out of that routine can cause overstimulation, dysregulation and confusion. Today I share about a recent experience we had taking our son with ASD to an aquarium and what I learned as a result.Continue reading When Plans Need to Change Quickly
Curbing Aggression in Children with Autism
Up to 50% of children with Autism are aggressive. However, understanding why and implementing some simple strategies can greatly reduce the frequency.Continue reading Curbing Aggression in Children with Autism
How to Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to a Child – Part 2
Explaining Autism Spectrum Disorder to children can be challenging as ASD is so complex. So I created a resource to help make it easier. I took the familiar story of Goldilocks, giving her characteristics that someone on the spectrum might exhibit. This free resource includes an audio version of the story, a free downloadable PDF of the story and a detailed Discussion Guide. Continue reading How to Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to a Child – Part 2
How to Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to a Child – Part 1
Explaining Autism Spectrum Disorder to children can be challenging as ASD is so complex. So I created a resource to help make it easier. I took the familiar story of Goldilocks, giving her characteristics that someone on the spectrum might exhibit. This free resource includes an audio version of the story, a free downloadable PDF of the story and a detailed Discussion Guide. Continue reading How to Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to a Child – Part 1
My Guest Appearance With Rob Gorski on The Autism Dad Podcast
Check out my guest appearance with Rob Gorksi on The Autism Dad podcast.Continue reading My Guest Appearance With Rob Gorski on The Autism Dad Podcast
Melissa and Doug Fresh Mart: a Great Tool For Teaching Life Skills
I love buying my son toys that serve a valuable function. We have had this Melissa and Doug Fresh Mart for a couple of years and we love role playing shopping at our favorite grocery store, Publix. For children on the autism spectrum, life skills can sometimes be difficult. So check out the review below and click the link for more great Melissa and Doug products!Continue reading Melissa and Doug Fresh Mart: a Great Tool For Teaching Life Skills
What Really Matters at the End of the Day
Some days need a real and raw description and this was one of those days. However, despite the challenges, at the end of the day, I am grateful for what really matters.Continue reading What Really Matters at the End of the Day
Catching COVID-19: Our Family’s Story
As quickly as you make a plan, living in a world amid a global pandemic means that plan can come to a screech halt without warning. That is precisely what happened to our family yesterday when our 5-year-old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder tested positive for COVID-19.Continue reading Catching COVID-19: Our Family’s Story
Collaborative Corner For Exceptional Children’s Get Started VPK At-Home Guide
Are you the parent of a VPK student and are not sending them to a brick and mortar campus for the upcoming school year? If so, check out this free downloadable At-Home Guide created by our team at Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children.Continue reading Collaborative Corner For Exceptional Children’s Get Started VPK At-Home Guide
Education 2020: School Choice Amid a Global Pandemic
Educational choice for children has historically been a fairly easy decision for families. But families of children with disabilities, who already faced tough choices, amid a global pandemic the decisions are even tougher.Continue reading Education 2020: School Choice Amid a Global Pandemic
Autism and Eloping: What it is, Why Children on the Spectrum Are Prone to It, and How to Minimize the Risks
Today, as my husband and I stood in the garage about to put our 5-year-old son in his stroller for a walk he did something he never had before, but something I’d been terrified he eventually might.Continue reading Autism and Eloping: What it is, Why Children on the Spectrum Are Prone to It, and How to Minimize the Risks
The Confusing Controversy Around Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a highly effective therapy for children on the autism spectrum that is based on the science of learning and behavior. As a mother of a child with autism, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of ABA therapy with my son. I have also seen the confusion in others about what ABA is and the controversy surrounding it. Hopefully this post will break it down and dispel those misconceptions.Continue reading The Confusing Controversy Around Applied Behavior Analysis
Parent’s Guide to Language Delays and Speech Disorders in Children by Baylor University
This article by the online speech pathology program from Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is an excellent read for parents who may be concerned about language delays or speech disorders.Continue reading Parent’s Guide to Language Delays and Speech Disorders in Children by Baylor University
Mourning the Loss of Someone You Never Met, But Should Have
My mother began dating a new guy a few months ago, right as the COVID-19 pandemic began to ravage the country. She and I talk almost every day, and I began to hear a lot about this guy. How he had this thick Boston accent, talked A LOT, and was already referring to my sisterContinue reading Mourning the Loss of Someone You Never Met, But Should Have
Keeping Children With Special Needs Safe at Home with Child Senior Safety
If you are the parent of a child with a physical, cognitive or developmental disability, home safety can be a concern. Fortunately, Bob from Child Senior Safety is here to help!Continue reading Keeping Children With Special Needs Safe at Home with Child Senior Safety
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