
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

A Simple Question Gives Mom of Autistic Son a Platform to Spread Awareness
Marlee never imagined her Facebook post would go viral. Thousands of shares later, she’s spreading autism awareness with anyone willing to listen. It all started when one Chick-Fil-A employee asked her a simple question, “Why?”Continue reading A Simple Question Gives Mom of Autistic Son a 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. Rob and I spoke about my family’s experience with COVID, about the judgement and negative comments families impacted by autism often receive, how to address them, the danger of eloping for children on the spectrum, some of the new services being offered by Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children, and more.
It is always a pleasure speaking with Rob and I know you’ll benefit from our conversation!
Check it out!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 Live Well Designs’ Wendy Valente
Wendy Valente is the owner of Live Well Designs, an interior design company that is home to Designing Interiors for Autism. After her daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Wendy coupled her years of experience as an interior designer with what she had learned about Autism Spectrum Disorder to make a unique space her daughter would thrive in. Now she shares that knowledge with other families impacted by autism and helps them create spaces for their child’s unique needs!Continue reading “Designing Interiors For Autism” by Live Well Designs’ 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 Children – 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 Children – Part 2

How to Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to Children – 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 Children – 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
Today my sweet mother tragically lost a dear friend that, as a result of COVID-19, I never had the chance to meet. I wrote this to help to heal us both. His death reminded me that isolation may reduce the spread of COVID-19, but there are also consequences to that isolation. For me, that meant never getting the chance to meet someone who was so important to my mother.Continue 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 Featured in Autism Parenting Magazine
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

Morning Routines: A Good Day Depends on a Good Morning
Even amid a global pandemic, if you have a child on the autism spectrum, keeping their life as consistent as possible is essential in helping them function and thrive.

BigBoxPlay! Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum Improve Their Imagination
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

Podcast 29: Jessica Barisano of Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children
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

The Maxtrix Bed by Maxwood Furniture
Amy shares a review of her recent purchase for her son of a customize-able Maxtrix Bed by Maxwood Furniture. #mymaxtrix #maxtrixaffiliateContinue reading The Maxtrix Bed by Maxwood Furniture

The Evolution of the Culture of Autism
Amy shares her take on the difficult decision the Stauffer family made to “rehome” their son Huxley and how the culture surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder has evolved over time.Continue reading The Evolution of the Culture of Autism

How Systemic Racism Harms Children On The Autism Spectrum
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

8 Steps to Immediately Take if You Suspect Your Child May Have a Developmental Delay or Disability
Amy shares 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

To My Family and Friends on My 50th Birthday: A Letter of Optimism and Hope
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

Podcast 28: Helping a Child With Autism Tolerate Wearing a Face Mask
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

Teach a Child With ASD To Wear 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

Caregivers of Children With Autism: Self-Care During the Pandemic
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

Podcast 27: Hitting the Pause Button
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

Mom School: When You Must Become the Teacher & the Therapist
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

Autism and Saliva Obsession
Children with autism can be obsessed with saliva. I break down why and what to do about it.Continue reading Autism and Saliva Obsession

Podcast 26: My Guest Appearance on “I Used to Be a Therapist” with Wendy Bruton
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

Podcast 25: Vacationing With Children With Autism Featuring “The Autism Dad” Rob Gorski (including a review of DoubleTree Orlando at Sea World and Sea World)
Amy interviews “The Autism Dad” Rob Gorski about their recent shared experiences at the DoubleTree Orlando and Sea World to review both facilities’ Certified Autism Center accreditation in addition to talking about the challenges of vacationing with children with autism and how children who are prone to wondering add a layer of concern to being outside your families comfort zone.Continue reading Podcast 25: Vacationing With Children With Autism Featuring “The Autism Dad” Rob Gorski (including a review of DoubleTree Orlando at Sea World and Sea World)

Podcast 23: What Parent’s of Children With Special Needs Wish You Knew
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

Podcast 24: Guest Appearance on “Thriving the Midst of Chaos” with Jessica Temple
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

Guest Appearance on “Thriving in the Midst of Chaos” with Jessica Temple
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 Guest Appearance on “Thriving in the Midst of Chaos” with Jessica Temple

A Positive Mindset Isn’t an Option
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

20 Autism Words You Need to Know
In this post, I share 20 autism words that might help you understand the autism of someone you love.Continue reading 20 Autism Words You Need to Know

Letting Go: A Little
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

Podcast 22: Their Stories “Barclay”
“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”

Using Timers For Children With Autism
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

Podcast 21: Autism and Functioning Labels
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

Podcast 20: Guest Appearance on Dialed IN! Podcast “Big Life” Series with Bethany Clemenson
In this episode, Amy shares her guest appearance on Bethany Clemenson’s Dialed IN! Podcast.Continue reading Podcast 20: Guest Appearance on Dialed IN! Podcast “Big Life” Series with Bethany Clemenson

Using Visual Schedules For Children With Autism
Visual schedules can be very helpful for children on the autism spectrum.Continue reading Using Visual Schedules For Children With Autism

Dialed IN! Podcast “Big Life” Series Episode #35 Featuring Amy Nielsen with Betheny Clemenson
Amy was recently a featured guest for the Big Life Series on the Dialed IN! podcast which is hosted by Bethany Clemenson.Continue reading Dialed IN! Podcast “Big Life” Series Episode #35 Featuring Amy Nielsen with Betheny Clemenson

Podcast 19: Your Other Kids
In this episode, Amy shares how if you have more than one child, and one has a developmental disability, that it is important you spend quality time with your other children since the quantity of your time is most likely being spent with the child with special needs.Continue reading Podcast 19: Your Other Kids

My Son is Going to Kindergarten! A Letter of Gratitude
Amy shares a letter of gratitude to all of the people who are part of her son’s support system.Continue reading My Son is Going to Kindergarten! A Letter of Gratitude

Your Words Matter
Amy shares how important it is to keep the words you say about your child as positive as possible.Continue reading Your Words Matter

Podcast 18: How Forward-Thinking Can Impact Your Mindset
Amy shares how when you have a child with a developmental disability such as ADHD or autism forward-thinking can help you have a more positive mindset.Continue reading Podcast 18: How Forward-Thinking Can Impact Your Mindset

What To Do “After” a Meltdown
Amy shares important things to do after an autistic child has a meltdown.Continue reading What To Do “After” a Meltdown

Preparing Children with Autism for the Holidays
Amy shares how she prepares her son who has ADHD and Autism for the Holidays by year-round exposure.Continue reading Preparing Children with Autism for the Holidays

Podcast 17: Why I Wrote the Book It Takes a Village and How It Can Help You
Amy shares what inspired her to write the book It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Builds Yours From the Ground Up and how her book can help you.Continue reading Podcast 17: Why I Wrote the Book It Takes a Village and How It Can Help You

Being a Fun Parent Can Increase Compliance
Amy shares how making what you want your child to do MORE fun than what they want to do can increase compliance and decrease tantrums in children with autism.Continue reading Being a Fun Parent Can Increase Compliance

Autism & Rules: A Hand-in-Hand Pair
Amy shares how autism and rule following are strongly connected and how to use that strength to help the child overcome challenges.Continue reading Autism & Rules: A Hand-in-Hand Pair

Podcast 16: The Importance of Open-Ended, Fantasy, and Creative Play
Amy shares how a screen-free play area filled with open-ended toys can foster creativity and imagination in your child.Continue reading Podcast 16: The Importance of Open-Ended, Fantasy, and Creative Play

A Simple Drawing On a Napkin
Amy shares how drawing simple pictures on the napkin she puts in her son’s lunchbox has helped build his communications skills.Continue reading A Simple Drawing On a Napkin

Podcast 15: Your Child’s Strengths
In this episode, Amy shares how she came to realize her son needed to focus on interests and strengths as much as well as overcoming his challenges. She encourages families of children with developmental disabilities, such as ADHD and Autism, to do the same.Continue reading Podcast 15: Your Child’s Strengths

Podcast 14: Using Reinforcers to Improve Behaviors
In this episode, Amy shares how using reinforcers can help encourage positive behavior. She talks about the difference between reinforcement and bribery. She then gives practical tips in how you can begin to use reinforcers to help your child overcome challenging behaviors. Continue reading Podcast 14: Using Reinforcers to Improve Behaviors

It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Build Yours From the Ground Up
Amy shares the Big Abilities first eBook that helps families with children with developmental disabilities build a support system.Continue reading It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Build Yours From the Ground Up

How to Have a Social Life When You Have a Child on the Autism Spectrum
Amy shares how her family has gone from struggling to have a social life to now adapting to a social life that works for them. Maybe her tips will help your family, too!Continue reading How to Have a Social Life When You Have a Child on the Autism Spectrum

Big Abilities is Now Featured on Feedspot
I am honored to have the Big Abilities blog now featured on Feedspot and on their Top 50 Autism blogs list. Reaching families that have children with developmental disabilities such as autism is our number one goal. Partnering with Feedspot will help us do just that!

How to Increase Compliance in Kids with Autism
Children with special needs often struggle to comply with the many requests of parents, educators, and other caregivers. Here are 3 tips to help.Continue reading How to Increase Compliance in Kids with Autism

Podcast 13: TV, Toys, and Cognitive Development (Part 1 of 2: Part 2 will be How to Use Open-Ended Toys to Foster Creative and Fantasy Play)
In this episode, Amy shares how parents can turn sedentary screen time into an interactive and engaging experience.Continue reading Podcast 13: TV, Toys, and Cognitive Development (Part 1 of 2: Part 2 will be How to Use Open-Ended Toys to Foster Creative and Fantasy Play)

Podcast 12: Autism and Rigid Routines
Amy shares some reasons why children with autism spectrum disorder can become very rigid and non-flexible with routines and then offers some strategies for helping them cope when those routines become disrupted.Continue reading Podcast 12: Autism and Rigid Routines

How Choices Can Increase Compliance
I was honored to have National Autism Resources reach out to me and ask me to write an article for their blog. If you want more information about how to effectively use choices to increase compliance click to the link below for some great tips!
How Choices Can Increase Compliance – National Autism Resources

Autism: One Bad Morning
Amy shares a story of a Sunday morning meltdown her son with autism had and how reflecting on that meltdown helped her realize he still has more good days than bad.Continue reading Autism: One Bad Morning

Helpful Tools for Families of Children with Special Needs
As a freelance writer for Playground Magazine, I do my best to write articles that reach families of children with special needs, like my own. My most recent article highlights 5 of the best resources available for families in the Central Florida area. Click below to check it out! Helpful Tools for Families of ChildrenContinue reading Helpful Tools for Families of Children with Special Needs

Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities 2019 Annual Fund Raising Event
Amy shares a summary of the Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities’ annual fundraising event.Continue reading Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities 2019 Annual Fund Raising Event

A Letter of Thanks to My Son’s Hairstylist
Children with autism can have severe sensory sensitivities that makes simple things such as a haircut very challenging. But the right hairstylist can make all the difference in the world!Continue reading A Letter of Thanks to My Son’s Hairstylist

Podcast 11: Building Your Village
Amy shares how you can build a support system for you and your child and includes a three week program to help you get started.Continue reading Podcast 11: Building Your Village

Podcast 10: 3 Tips for Increasing Compliance in Children with ADHD and ASD
Amy shares tips and strategies for decreasing noncompliance and increasing compliance in children with ADHD and ASD.Continue reading Podcast 10: 3 Tips for Increasing Compliance in Children with ADHD and ASD

Barclay Flies in an Airplane
Flying on an airplane can be an overwhelming experience for children on the autism spectrum. Hopefully this video can help your child have a successful flight!Continue reading Barclay Flies in an Airplane