In this video, I share three easy to implement strategies for helping transitions with children with developmental disabilities go more smoothly. Stay tuned to the end for a special bonus tip!Continue reading Behavior Strategies: Tips for Transitions
I am excited to share my new role at the nonprofit Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children.Continue reading My New Role at Collaborative Corner For Exceptional Children
Dental visits can be very challenging for children on the autism spectrum. Here are some tips that have helped my 5 year old with ASD have his best dental visit yet!Continue reading Tips for Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum at the Dentist
The Big Red Safety Box is a free toolkit for families and caregivers of children with autism who are prone to eloping, which means wandering away from a safe and supervised environment. In this review, I share what comes in the box, information about eloping and offer strategies to help protect your loved one.Continue reading Big Red Safety Box: Autism and Eloping
In this article for Autism Parenting Magazine, Amy shares actionable steps you can take immediately if you suspect your child is on the autism spectrum or they are an early diagnosis and you are struggling to find the best resources.Continue reading Big Abilities Featured in Autism Parenting Magazine
There are so many benefits to a morning routine, but it can be hard to keep one going when you have children on the autism spectrum. Here’s how I do it.Continue reading Keeping Morning Routines Consistent for Children with Autism
Amy shares how using the BigBoxPlay system with her son who is on the autism spectrum both at home and in therapy has helped his imaginative play skills improve.Continue reading BigBoxPlay! Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum Improve Their Imagination
In this episode, Amy shares her interview with Jessica Barisano, founder of Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children.Continue reading Podcast 29: Jessica Barisano of Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children
You can’t go wrong with the Maxtrix bed from Maxwood furniture. It’s a safe, affordable, and comfortable option for your growing little one that will last through years of childhood. Here’s my review of it!Continue reading The Maxtrix Bed by Maxwood Furniture
In this post, I share my
take on the difficult decision the Stauffer family made to “rehome” their son Huxley and how our culture surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder has evolved over time.Continue reading The Evolution of the Culture of Autism
Amy shares the impact systemic racism has on children of color who are on the autism spectrum and the hope that change is coming.Continue reading How Systemic Racism Harms Children On The Autism Spectrum
Here are 8 steps parents should immediately take if they suspect their child may have a developmental delay or disability.Continue reading 8 Steps to Immediately Take if You Suspect Your Child May Have a Developmental Delay or Disability
Amy shares a letter she wrote to her family and friends while celebrating her 50th birthday during the pandemic and her optimism for the future.Continue reading To My Family and Friends on My 50th Birthday: A Letter of Optimism and Hope
In this episode, Amy shares the program her son’s behavior therapy team developed to help him tolerate wearing a face mask.Continue reading Podcast 28: Helping a Child With Autism Tolerate Wearing a Face Mask
Even children with Autism can be taught to wear a face mask amidst living with a pandemic.Continue reading Teach a Child With ASD To Wear a Face Mask
As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned that self-care must be a high priority. Early on in my special needs parenting journey, I realized that if I didn’t fill my needs first, I couldn’t fill the significant needs of my son. In my book “It Takes a Village: Get YourContinue reading Caregivers of Children With Autism: Self-Care During the Pandemic
In this episode, Amy shares why she is temporarily hitting the pause button on her blog and podcast. She also offers tips and suggestions for how you can also hit the pause button on what may be impacting your ability in filling the needs of your child while also protecting your mental health during this unique and challenging time. Continue reading Podcast 27: Hitting the Pause Button
Amy shares how she has adapted her daily schedule as she now finds herself in the role of her ASD preschool son’s home-school teacher and ABA therapist.Continue reading Mom School: When You Must Become the Teacher & the Therapist
Children with autism can be obsessed with saliva. I break down why and what to do about it.Continue reading Helping My Autistic Son Move Beyond a Saliva Obsession
Amy shares her guest appearance on the podcast “I Used to Be a Therapist” hosted by Dr. Wendy Bruton.Continue reading Podcast 26: My Guest Appearance on “I Used to Be a Therapist” with Wendy Bruton
Vacationing with children on the autism spectrum can be an overwhelming and unpredictable experience. Fortunately, several vacation destinations are now getting Certified Autism Accreditation to help make it possible for those families of autistic kids to enjoy their vacations too!
Amy shares what families of children impacted by developmental disabilities, such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, wish their friends and families knew. Continue reading Podcast 23: What Parent’s of Children With Special Needs Wish You Knew
Amy shares her guest appearance on the podcast “Thriving in the Midst of Chaos” where she talks with host Jessica Temple about the importance of building a support system and how to make it happen.Continue reading Podcast 24: Guest Appearance on “Thriving the Midst of Chaos” with Jessica Temple
In my guest appearance on the podcast “Thriving in the Midst of Chaos” I talk with host Jessica Temple about how to make your family thrive when you are parenting a child with Autism or ADHD.Continue reading Guest Appearance on “Thriving in the Midst of Chaos” with Jessica Temple
Amy shares a personal experience that illustrates how even though autism is hard, loving your child is easy.Continue reading A Positive Mindset Isn’t an Option
The world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a large list of diagnosis-specific vocabulary. Often this jargon can be confusing to those who may not know much about ASD. Understanding these words might help you better comprehend how this condition impacts loved ones on the spectrum and provide insight into their unique needs.
Amy shares how she is learning to let go, a little, to allow her son to build his functional independence.Continue reading Letting Go: A Little
“Their Stories” is a series that focuses on the strengths of children with developmental disabilities such as ADHD and autism. In this first episode, Amy interviews her husband, Brent, about their nearly 5-year-old son Barclay’s big abilities.Continue reading Podcast 22: Their Stories “Barclay”
Amy shares how she uses timers with her son who has autism and offers helpful tips and suggestions.Continue reading Using Timers For Children With Autism
In this episode, I share my research on whether using functioning labels to describe a person’s autism is helpful, harmful or even necessary.Continue reading Podcast 21: Autism and Functioning Labels
Big Abilities 