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…
Inclusion is Often Just an Ask Away
Living in the Tampa Bay area, one of our favorite “stay-cations” is Clearwater. And one of our favorite restaurants in Clearwater is Backwaters. It’s ocean-front casual dining with a local feel that we love. When we started going, an “approved by my autistic son” mac and cheese was on the menu. Due to his limited…
It Takes a Village: How to Build a Support System For Your Exceptional Needs Family
Hi Friends, I just wanted to share my new book trailer for It Takes a Village. Please share with any families of children with exceptional needs that could use extra support. It can be purchased at Amazon or AAPC Publishing. With an authentic and conversational tone, It Takes A Village is an inspiring book that seeks to…
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Book Trailer
Hi Friends! I just wanted to share my new book trailer for Goldilocks. Please share with your child’s teachers, school librarians, neighbors, and friends. This is how we assemble allies for autistic family members. Thanks! Amy You can purchase Goldilocks at AAPC Publishing or at Amazon
How to Assemble Allies For Your Autistic Child
My seven-year-old autistic son is new to public school. Due to COVID, I homeschooled him for Kindergarten, and he went to an amazing autism charter school for first grade. The summer before second grade we moved and public school was the only option. To say I was terrified would be an understatement. But, here we…
5 Tips For Raising Good Humans
Raising children is both rewarding and terrifying. Rewarding because you are shaping a child into an adult. Terrifying because—well you are shaping a child into an adult. When my three adult children were growing up, my goal as their parent was only one thing. It wasn’t to give them everything they wanted. It wasn’t to…
A Day in My Autistic Life: If My Mom Could Read My Mind
Thirty seconds remain on the countdown clock. I sprint through the Mushroom Kingdom. I must save Princess Peach. I smash Goombas and Koopas. I pound bricks and hoard coins. Resurrection comes at a price and I’m short. The ground rumbles. Bowser’s closing in. Behind two white clouds, a castle appears. I’m so close. A bridge.…
A Brown, Fuzzy Head on a Baby Monitor
Last night I tossed and turn through sleep stages. At one point, I was conscious enough to hear my son’s sound machine through the speakers of his baby monitor. But, the relaxing ocean waves lulled me awake rather than back to sleep. As per ritual, I felt around on the nightstand for my glasses. Then…
How My Autistic Son Nailed 2022
As I write this, my seven-year-old autistic son sits next to me at a little table. He’s watching a YouTube video tutorial on his iPad while he follows along on a Roblox game on my old laptop. We just finished a family game of baseball so both of us are having some downtime. Since today…
Reducing Fiction Barriers for Autistic Readers
Teachers know the best way to help students become better readers is for them to practice. At nearly every grade level they require students to read fiction. And the more students interact with books, the more likely they’ll grow into pleasure readers. But reading fiction can be problematic for autistic readers. Autistic individuals may not…
The Bystander, The Mother, and The Son
This is the story of an autistic boys’ meltdown shown from the points of view of a bystander, the mother, and her son.
How My Autistic Son is Thriving in General Education and the Steps We Took to Get Him There
All parents have felt that knot in their stomach at the start of the school year. Trusting someone else to love and protect your child is scary. But for parents of an autistic child, the fear is more like a throat clench. Autistic students are more at risk than their non-autistic peers for bullying, abuse,…
How Bendy Helped My Autistic Son Cope With Hurricane Ian
Florida offers its residents hundreds of miles of warm sandy beaches, an abundance of oceans, lakes, and swimming pools to keep cool and thrilling theme parks. But there is a tradeoff to this lush, tropical paradise—hurricanes. And while hurricanes are stressful for anyone living within the cone of trajectory, for individuals with autism, the disruptions…
The Barclay Show Episode One
Barclay has been watching YouTubers for years, so when he asked me to help him record his first video, I was happy to help. While we have lots to learn about quality, I’m confident we will get here in time. Barclay wants all children with autism to know they can do ANYTHING!
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 in…
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 information…
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 of…
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?”
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.…
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 is…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 from…
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.
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.
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,…
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 to…
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 on…
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.…
Coming Soon! Caregiver Coaching For 2023
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 span…
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.
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 Outreach…
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 family…
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.
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-time…
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.
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 accurate…
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.
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.
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!
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.
Pod 35: Aaron Wright, Author of Thirteen Doors
In this episode, I have a conversation with Aaron Wright, author of the book 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!
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, requests…
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, sit…
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?”
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.
Sensory Gifts for The Holidays
The holidays can be a perfect time to purchase items that fill your exceptional child’s sensory needs.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
“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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
My Guest Appearance With Rob Gorski on The Autism Dad Podcast
Check out my guest appearance with Rob Gorksi 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…
Big Abilities 