Lessons Learned From Making Red Velvet Cake
Ever since my seven-year-old autistic son, Barclay, was able to stand on a chair and reach the counter, I’ve had him in the kitchen with me. He loves to collect the tools needed for whatever dish we are whipping up. He then selects the ingredients and places them on the counter in the order inContinue reading Lessons Learned From Making Red Velvet Cake
How to Create an About Me Brochure at The Autism Helper
If you have a child with exceptional needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and they attend school, daycare, therapy, or spend time with a sitter, it’s a good idea to send a personalized “About Me” brochure to those caregivers. An “About Me” brochure is a brief, tri-fold document that provides very basic yet detailed informationContinue reading How to Create an About Me Brochure at The Autism Helper
A Goodbye Letter to Our ABA Center
My husband and I always talked about moving to the West Coast of Florida someday. But nestled in Central Florida, our autistic son Barclay was in a top-rated autism charter school and his amazing ABA center was just a few miles away. We thought it would be years before we could take him out ofContinue reading A Goodbye Letter to Our ABA Center
Autism Acceptance Month Day 6: What Community Accommodations Exist for Families of an Autistic Individual?
This year to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I pledge to answer one question about autism per day. Day 6: What community accommodations exist for families of an autistic individual?Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 6: What Community Accommodations Exist for Families of an Autistic Individual?
Autism Acceptance Month Day 5: How Does a Diagnosis of Autism Impact a Family?
This year to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I pledge to answer one question about autism per day. Day 5: How does a diagnosis of autism impact a family?Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 5: How Does a Diagnosis of Autism Impact a Family?
Autism Acceptance Month Day 4: What Should a Parent Do After an Autism Diagnosis?
This year to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I pledge to answer one question per day about autism. Day 4: What should a parent do after an autism diagnosis?Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 4: What Should a Parent Do After an Autism Diagnosis?
Autism Acceptance Month Day 3: How does a parent pursue an autism diagnosis?
This year to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I plan to answer one question about autism per day. Day 3: How does a parent pursue an autism diagnosis?Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 3: How does a parent pursue an autism diagnosis?
World Autism Acceptance Day 2022
Happy World Autism Day! As the mother of an autistic son, I appreciate the world taking a day to honor what life is like for families like mine. Because, from education to the community to home, life with autism differs from life without.
Autism Acceptance Month Day 2: How would a parent know to pursue a diagnosis?
This year to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I pledge to answer one question about autism per day. Day 2: How would a parent know to pursue a diagnosis?Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 2: How would a parent know to pursue a diagnosis?
Autism Acceptance Month Day 1: What is autism?
This year, to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I pledge to answer one question about autism per day. The first question is, “What is autism spectrum disorder?”Continue reading Autism Acceptance Month Day 1: What is autism?
5 Tips for Grandparents of Autistic Children
Even though I haven’t crossed the threshold from parent to grandparent, I’ve heard it’s one of the most rewarding roles in a person’s life. But if you are the grandparent of a child with autism spectrum disorder, your role, although equally rewarding, comes with a unique set of challenges. Challenges that you probably haven’t experienced.Continue reading 5 Tips for Grandparents of Autistic Children
5 Tips To Create Consistency For Autistic Children Across All Environments
Consistency is important for all children, but for autistic children, consistency is a must. Here are 5 ways in which you can create consistency for your child across all environments, from home to school and beyond.Continue reading 5 Tips To Create Consistency For Autistic Children Across All Environments
10 Tips for Creating a Positive Childhood for Your Child
Creating your child’s childhood is an enormous responsibility. One day they will be adults looking back on the memories you helped create. Here are 10 tips you can start using today to help give your child a childhood they’ll one day cherish.Continue reading 10 Tips for Creating a Positive Childhood for Your Child
Be Careful What You Reinforce: You Just Might Get It
A few weeks ago, my husband and our 6 1/2-year-old autistic son visited our oldest daughter and her husband for an annual family get-together. They don’t have children, which means they also don’t have a verbal filter. Do you get where this is going?Continue reading Be Careful What You Reinforce: You Just Might Get It
Unlocking the Joy Within Your Exceptional Needs Family
Every family has its own set of challenges, particularly for families impacted by exceptional needs. But experiencing joy shouldn’t be one of them. Continue reading Unlocking the Joy Within Your Exceptional Needs Family
Vacationing with an Autistic Child: Before, During, and After
Vacationing with an autistic child can be incredibly challenging, but focusing on what happens before, during, and after your vacation can ensure everyone has a good time. The following tips will help!
5 Tips to Prepare an Autistic Child for a Shot
Fear of needles (needle phobia) is common for children, however it can even be worse for children with autism. These 5 Tips will give you some great ideas in helping your autistic child tolerate medical procedures involving needles. Continue reading 5 Tips to Prepare an Autistic Child for a Shot
Using Numbers to Help Your Autistic Child Remain Calm During Chaos
When things become overwhelming for an autistic child, numbers can be used as a coping mechanism.Continue reading Using Numbers to Help Your Autistic Child Remain Calm During Chaos
Virtual School Induced Meltdown
You’re a parent in 2021, so chances are your child has either been affected by or will be when this happens: COVID cases shutting down classes and leaving you scrambling to figure out how to manage both your job and help your child with virtual school for about ten days. And if your child isContinue reading Virtual School Induced Meltdown
How to Keep an Autistic Child in Their Car Seat
Are you looking for a way to keep your autistic child from unbuckling their car seat? Read on and find out how we kept our son safely in his.Continue reading How to Keep an Autistic Child in Their Car Seat
Five Tips For Moving With Your Child on the Autism Spectrum Guest Post by Tilda Moore
Moving to a new home can be stressful. Find out how you can make things easier for your autistic child by following these five tips by guest post author, Tilda Moore.Continue reading Five Tips For Moving With Your Child on the Autism Spectrum Guest Post by Tilda Moore
Neurodiversity: Awareness Isn’t Enough
“Neurodivergent” is a relatively new term to describe people with any form of neurobiological variation. It’s a more accurate term for those who don’t fit the typical mold. But awareness isn’t enough – we need action.Continue reading Neurodiversity: Awareness Isn’t Enough
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
If you’ve ever had to explain autism to a child, you know it can be very difficult. Autism is very complex. But if you have a child with autism you’ve probably had to do just that. Maybe it was explain autism to your child’s sibling, or a cousin, or a friend.
It Takes a Village: How to Build a Support System for Your Exceptional Needs Family
Raising a child with a developmental disability, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is often overwhelming for parents and caregivers. They need all the help they can get. I know I am one of them.
Mandy’s Voice: A Film About Nonverbal Autism and Finding the Right Tools to Communicate
A few months ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and ran across a post in an autism group that caught my eye. The post was a casting call for for Hear Me, later retitled Mandy’s Voice, a short film about nonverbal autism.
Having a Sibling With a Disability Changes You – For the Better
My youngest daughter and I recently attended a disability conference. Seeing her interact with the families of disabled children, as well as disabled youth really showed me the empathy and compassion she’s gained by having a sibling with special needs.Continue reading Having a Sibling With a Disability Changes You – For the Better
The Frustrating Journey Trying to Find a School for My Autistic Son
When moving to a new location, one of the first things a family with children does is check out the local school system. A school can often be a selling point (or a deterrent) to a family moving to a specific location. Unfortunately, this is understandable because public education often doesn’t look the same fromContinue reading The Frustrating Journey Trying to Find a School for My Autistic Son
5 Tips for Keeping Morning Routines Consistent for Children with Autism
Here are five tips on how to keep morning routines consistent and calm for children on the autism spectrum. Continue reading 5 Tips for Keeping Morning Routines Consistent for Children with Autism
Regressive Autism – Understanding the Causes and How to Help Your Child by Better Speech
In this guest post from Better Speech, the writers discuss the difference between autism presenting at birth versus a regression later in toddlerhood.Continue reading Regressive Autism – Understanding the Causes and How to Help Your Child by Better Speech
Minimizing a Saliva Obsession in Children With Autism
If you are the parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder obsessed with their saliva, you must be frustrated! Not only is the world still in the midst of a global pandemic transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets, but playing with saliva is also messy and socially unacceptable. My autistic son is six years old,Continue reading Minimizing a Saliva Obsession in Children With Autism
Pod 38: Leanne Page of Parenting with Science
Hey There! A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leanne Page. If you are a parent, grandparent or work with children in any capacity, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!
The Benefit of Artistic Hobbies (and How to Get Started) Words by Lillian Brooks
The arts have an incredible ability to facilitate creativity, self-expression, and personal development. Dancing, music, drawing, painting, and theatre are invaluable for healthy child development. More specifically, art-based hobbies have unique and diverse benefits for children with developmental disabilities. Artistic hobbies can help children communicate, reduce stress, and build self-confidence. If you are looking toContinue reading The Benefit of Artistic Hobbies (and How to Get Started) Words by Lillian Brooks
Being an Advocate for Your Autistic Child
An advocate can be defined as a person who pleads on behalf of another’s cause. Plead can be defined as making an emotional appeal. Lastly, a cause can be defined as a principle for which a person or group is dedicated to fighting for. So, an advocate is a person who makes emotional appeals onContinue reading Being an Advocate for Your Autistic Child
The Value of Parental Friendships Both Inside and Outside the Special Needs Community – As Featured in Exceptional Needs Today
I am honored to be featured in Exceptional Needs Today’s 3rd edition. Building and maintaining friendships both inside and outside the exceptional needs community is vital for us as parents of exceptional children. Not only to find the support we need to be the best parents possible but for our own mental health and well-being.Continue reading The Value of Parental Friendships Both Inside and Outside the Special Needs Community – As Featured in Exceptional Needs Today
Coming Soon! Caregiver Coaching For 2021
Raising a child with exceptional needs is often overwhelming for families. Even if the child receives the services and support they need outside the home, they may still struggle at home. I am excited to announce that I will soon be launching Big Abilities Caregiver Coaching.
Top 5 Free Autism Resources in 2021
Raising a child with a developmental disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder can have a huge impact on a family’s finances. Families of children on the spectrum often have less income because one parent may need to leave the workforce to be the primary caregiver. In addition, the expenses of an ASD diagnosis can spanContinue reading Top 5 Free Autism Resources in 2021
Sally’s Room, Written and Illustrated by M.K. Brown, Narrated by Amy Nielsen
I speak with parents all the time about optimizing their home environment to help their exceptional needs family thrive. Often I use the children’s book, Sally’s Room, written by M. K. Brown, as an example of why an organized and tidy environment is so important for our children with exceptional needs.
My Conversation with Mitja Mavsar, Co-Founder of Speech Blubs
Back in 2017, when my son was first diagnosed with a speech delay, while we waited for speech therapy to begin, I searched for as many resources as possible to help him at home. One of the first resources I found was an app called Speech Blubs.
Routine Disruptions in Children With Autism
I recently read a quote, “It’s never the same day twice, but don’t dare change the routine!” If you are the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I am sure you can relate!
Pod 37: Meegan Winters of Able Eyes
In this episode, I have a conversation with Meegan Winters. CEO and Co-Founder of Able Eyes, a virtual platform that offers people with disabilities access to virtual tours, of businesses, video modeling “How-To’s”, and social stories. Continue reading Pod 37: Meegan Winters of Able Eyes
3 Simple Positive Behavior Strategies You Can Implement Today!
If you are the parent of a child with exceptional needs and are using the same techniques your parents used while raising you, or that you’ve used with your children who don’t have exceptional needs, it’s probably not working. But, here are three strategies that will!
Pod 36: My Conversation with Rosemarie Griffin of ABA Speech
Rose is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She divides her time between a public school and her own private practice- ABA SPEECH. ABA SPEECH provides specialized in person and teletherapy speech therapy services across 10 states including California, Ohio and Florida. Rose is the creator of the Autism OutreachContinue reading Pod 36: My Conversation with Rosemarie Griffin of ABA Speech
Optimizing Your Home Environment to Help Your Exceptional Needs Family Thrive
Follow my blog with Bloglovin Family’s of children with exceptional needs often spend a great deal of time looking for resources and providers outside the home, and understandably so. However, it is equally important to focus attention on what is happening inside the home as well. The following suggestions can help your exceptional needs familyContinue reading Optimizing Your Home Environment to Help Your Exceptional Needs Family Thrive
Burn Your Parenting Books: Why Traditional Parenting Won’t Work With Children With Exceptional Needs
Why traditional parenting strategies won’t work with children with exceptional needs and what to do instead.Continue reading Burn Your Parenting Books: Why Traditional Parenting Won’t Work With Children With Exceptional Needs
5 Benefits of Color-By-Number for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can struggle with following instructions, fine motor skills, creativity, color and number recognition, and task completion. Fortunately all of these skills can be improved with one simple and fun activity: coloring by number!
Autism Navigator by The Autism Institute at the Florida State University College of Medicine
Autism Navigator, created by the Autism Institute at the Florida State University College of Medicine, is for families of children between birth and age eight with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis or at risk, as well as the providers that support them. Autism Navigator provides resources such as online courses, live webinars, and more.
Former Umatilla Middle School Staff Member Working to Support Families of Children With Exceptional Needs
(previously published in The North Lake Outpost) I spent most of my childhood and professional career in Umatilla, Florida. My family moved to North Lake County in 1980, and I joined the staff at Umatilla Middle School in 2005 as Media Specialist and Television Production teacher. I left Umatilla Middle School to be a full-timeContinue reading Former Umatilla Middle School Staff Member Working to Support Families of Children With Exceptional Needs
Jessica Andrews: Opening Up the World To Families of Children with Exceptional Needs
Jessica Andrews knows firsthand how challenging raising a child with exceptional needs can be for families. She and her developmentally disabled brother, Juan, grew up in the Tampa area. Jessica saw her single mom struggle to get a break, and when she could find respite providers, they were often ill-equipped to properly care for Juan.
Client Concierge Service at Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children
Navigating the world of raising a child expectational needs can be overwhelming. This is why Collaborative Corner is offering personalized Client Concierge Services.Continue reading Client Concierge Service at Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
A Google search of the phrase “what is autism spectrum disorder” will net you about 46,700,000 results in 0.62 seconds. Many of those results are full of complex medical jargon, paid advertisements, obsolete information, and misconstrued facts. It’s understandable that so many people both inside and outside the autism community do not have an accurateContinue reading What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The Premack Principle: How Using First/Then Can Improve Behavior
The Premack Principle, often referred to as First/Then or Grandma’s Rule, is a simple behavior modification strategy parents can easily implement to help children overcome challenging behaviors.Continue reading The Premack Principle: How Using First/Then Can Improve Behavior
Toys, Storage, and the Importance of Play with Wendy Valente
Had a great Facebook Live with Wendy Valente where we spoke about transforming screen time for sedentary to passive, to physically active and cognitively engaging.Continue reading Toys, Storage, and the Importance of Play with Wendy Valente
4 Steps To Make Screen Time Interactive Using Toys
Children love their favorite movie and TV characters. By organizing their character-themed toys into interactive bins and engaging in play with your child you can increase their verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as cognitive skills in just 4 easy steps!Continue reading 4 Steps To Make Screen Time Interactive Using Toys
Early Interventions You Can Implement Now!
In this article, posted originally on Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children, you’ll learn early intervention strategies you can implement now while waiting for therapies to begin.Continue reading Early Interventions You Can Implement Now!
Pod 35: Aaron Wright, Author of Thirteen Doors
In this episode, I have a conversation with Aaron Wright, author of the book Thirteen Doors.Continue reading Pod 35: Aaron Wright, Author of Thirteen Doors
Love What Matters
I was honored to be invited to share our family’s autism journey with our son on the Love What Matters platform. Read it now!Continue reading Love What Matters
How to Structure an Effective Parent-Teacher Conference From the Parent’s POV
Educators often schedule parent-teacher conferences regularly to discuss with parents their child’s academic progress and struggles as well as behavior and social-emotional development. For families of children with exceptional needs, the interactions between home and school are typically greater than for general education students. But what happens when a parent, rather than the teacher, requestsContinue reading How to Structure an Effective Parent-Teacher Conference From the Parent’s POV
To My Child on the Autism Spectrum
Before you were born, I had a pretty good idea of the path you’d follow. At least early on. All the baby books written by Drs. X, Y, and Z, as well as what I intuitively knew about child development, led me to believe that you’d smile before you laughed, coo before you spoke, sitContinue reading To My Child on the Autism Spectrum
Why Choosing Therapy Instead of Remote Learning Helped My Autistic Son | The Mighty
Amy Nielsen shares how choosing therapy instead of school helped her autistic son during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Read on themighty.com/2021/01/therapy-remote-learning-autism-covid-19-prnt/
Pod 34: Zafer Elcik Co-Founder of Otsimo
In this episode, I have a conversation with Zafer Elcik, co-founder of Otsimo, an award-winning educational app for children with special needs.Continue reading Pod 34: Zafer Elcik Co-Founder of Otsimo
Technology: Front and Center – Guest Blog from Otsimo
Thank you to Otsimo for this guest blog post on the role technology can play in enhancing the lives of children with special needs.Continue reading Technology: Front and Center – Guest Blog from Otsimo
The Importance of Emotional Health for Parents and Caregivers of Exceptional Children
The emotional health of parents of children with exceptional needs can be at-risk. However, there are ways to keep your emotional health balanced.Continue reading The Importance of Emotional Health for Parents and Caregivers of Exceptional Children
Pod 33: 10 Takeaways From 2020 for 2021 for Families of Children With Exceptional Needs
Listen for my top 10 takeaways, tips and tricks from 2020 to help your family thrive in 2021!Continue reading Pod 33: 10 Takeaways From 2020 for 2021 for Families of Children With Exceptional Needs
One Question Gives Mom of Autistic Son Platform to Spread Awareness
Marlee never imagined her Facebook post would go viral. Now she’s spreading autism awareness. It all started with one simple question, “Why?”Continue reading One Question Gives Mom of Autistic Son Platform to Spread Awareness
Silver Lining in 2020
This year has been challenging for people across the globe. But, there have been silver linings, especially for my son on the autism spectrum.Continue reading Silver Lining in 2020
Sensory Gifts for The Holidays
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
Behavior Strategies: Tips for Transitions
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
My New Role at Collaborative Corner For Exceptional Children
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
The Bathroom Always Smells Like Pee and Other Joys of Raising Boys
I raised girls for more than a decade before I became the mother of a son. When I was pregnant with my first son I was worried I wouldn’t know how to be a good boy mom. Now I have two sons and I realize, all I needed was love. They’d teach me everything else I needed to know!Continue reading The Bathroom Always Smells Like Pee and Other Joys of Raising Boys
Tips for Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum at the Dentist
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
Big Red Safety Box: Autism and Eloping
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
Big Abilities 