Continue reading “Interoception: The Eighth Sense and Autism”
Interoception: The Eighth Sense and Autism
Amy explains what interoception is and how to help children who have autism better develop interoceptive awareness.
Category: Developmental Disabilties
Podcast 04: Defining Your New Norm
In this episode, Amy shares how having a child with a developmental disability, such as ADHD or Autism, means that you more than likely will have to redefine what normal looks like for your family.
In this episode, Amy shares how having a child with a developmental disability, such as ADHD or Autism, means that you more than likely will have to redefine what normal looks like for your family.
A Christmas Meltdown Turns Into Christmas Miracle
Amy shares how a holiday meltdown turned into a holiday miracle.
Genetic Testing Using “Genesight”
Amy shares a genetic test her son with ADHD and ASD had done by his developmental pediatrician and how the results have helped shape her son’s treatment.
My son is 3 1/2 years old and diagnosed with a severe communication disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
For the last six months he has been on a roller coaster of medication trials to help get some of the ADHD symptoms under control. He’s gone from Focalin, to Dyanavel, to Guanfacine with nothing seeming to be the right fit. The Guanfacine offered the least side effects, but also the least results. He is in a full-time Applied Behavior Analysis program and was so wired during the first half of the day that therapy was becoming a challenge. He would then crash mid-morning and fall asleep which meant he was then missing several hours of therapy.
I called his developmental pediatrician and asked if we could discuss trying yet another medication. She said she first wanted me to bring him in for a test called the “Genesight“. Continue reading “Genetic Testing Using “Genesight””
Planning & Preparing for Excursions
Using real-world examples, Amy shares tips on how to prepare for a family outing with a child who has ADHD or ASD.
A few days ago we took our 3 1/2 year old son to the North Pole! Well, not really but he certainly thought we did! His current favorite movie is the Polar Express. A local train station puts on a holiday Polar Express themed event. It begins with a live action show inside the station, followed by a very entertaining train ride complete with singers, dancers, and the big man himself, Santa!
My son has ADHD and ASD. As a result, outings for our family require a lot of planning and preparation. For a long time we didn’t go out often, and that wasn’t good for any of us. It’s important for our family to be able to enjoy events in our community, going out to dinner as a family and visiting parks and zoos. If you have a child with ASD or ADHD and have had difficulty in the past with family outings, don’t give up! The following guidelines can help you and your child enjoy these special family moments again! Continue reading “Planning & Preparing for Excursions”
It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Build It From the Ground Up
Amy shares how important it is for families of special needs children to have a support system and offers practical tips on how to accomplish this.
An Apology Letter to My Former Students
Amy shares a letter she has written to her former special needs students sharing with them a heartfelt apology for not understanding how to reach their individual needs and her promise that going forward she will be an advocate for children like them.
