“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

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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

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How to Create an “About Me” Brochure for Your Exceptional Needs Child’s Teacher or Other Caregivers

If you have a child with exceptional needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and they are attending school, daycare, therapy, or spend time with a sitter, it’s a good idea to send a personalized “About Me” brochure to those caregivers. Continue reading How to Create an “About Me” Brochure for Your Exceptional Needs Child’s Teacher or Other Caregivers

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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!

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X Means No: Curbing Aggressive Behaviors in Children on the Autism Spectrum

Up to 50% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder engage in aggressive behavior. This can be emotionally draining on families and impact the child’s educational, social, community and family life. However, understanding why they engage in aggression and implementing some simple strategies can greatly reduce the frequency.Continue reading X Means No: Curbing Aggressive Behaviors in Children on the Autism Spectrum

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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

by bigabilities

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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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! 

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3 Tips for Increasing Compliance in Children on the Autism Spectrum

Children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, often struggle to comply with the many requests of parents, educators, and other caregivers.  This can make everyday activities and routines challenging.  Fortunately, there are simple strategies that will significantly improve the child’s ability and willingness to comply.

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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

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