We don’t stop being parents when they become adults

This is Gavin. Gavin is my 24 year old autistic son who has recently begun building his own adult life. This past week Gavin called me from the break room at work and was incredibly upset. He was not making a great deal of sense and only after calming him down could I really understand what was going on. After a few minutes, I was able to figure out that his phone wasn’t working correctly and he was freaking out because he liked watching YouTube on his lunch break. He was frustrated because this disrupted his routine and he doesn’t like that. He was currently calling me from his watch because his phone battery had died and he didn’t know what to do. He had a few minutes before he…

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Navigating haircuts with my autistic kids

The question has been asked. How do I navigate haircuts with my 3 autistic kids. I thought since Elliott literally just walked out from getting one, we’d talk about it. In general, haircuts are easy now but it wasn’t always that way. When the boys were little, it was a sensory nightmare. I’d put off haircuts for as long as I could because I knew how difficult it would be for the kids and everyone else involved. There were times that I would have their hair cut really short just so it would take a little longer before we needed to return. The boys struggled with sitting still. The noise from the electric clippers freaked them out and the little hairs that were left behind made them itch and drove…

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Making Websites Friendly for Users with Autism

In the modern era of digital connectivity, websites have evolved into indispensable tools for communication, information dissemination, and entertainment. Yet, for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), maneuvering through these online platforms can pose significant hurdles. As designers and developers, it's paramount to acknowledge the distinct requirements of this user demographic to foster inclusivity and accessibility in our web designs. This blog post will explore effective strategies aimed at cultivating user-friendly websites tailored to individuals with autism. Understanding the Needs of Users with Autism Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by problems in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures, are common among individuals with autism. When designing websites, it's essential to minimize sensory overload and create a calming environment. This can be achieved through careful design choices, such…

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Read more about the article Is Online Speech Therapy Effective for Kids with Autism?
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Is Online Speech Therapy Effective for Kids with Autism?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a wide range of conditions characterized by issues related to non-verbal and speech communication, repetitive behaviors and social skills. Some individuals with autism may require less support in their daily lives while others with severe challenges may need a significant amount of support and treatment. SLPs  make use of various speech therapy techniques that allow them to help kids and adults improve communication. These techniques are designed to improve various speech and language disorders like stuttering, cluttering, articulation disorders, receptive disorders, resonance disorders, aphasia, dysarthria and even cognitive-communication disorders. Speech therapy is an assessment and treatment that allows speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to identify and rectify speech disorders and communication problems. Using the speech therapy program, SLPs can assess the strengths…

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A Deep Dive Into the Transformative Impact of ABA Therapy on Child Development

Ask any parent what their aspirations and dreams for their children are. You’ll realize every parent wants their child to become independent and joyous. The challenge lies in unlocking a child’s potential as they grow up. While there are many strategies out there, one scientifically proven therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA, stands out. As defined by Forbes, ABA is a scientific, data-supported study of behavior that relies on research-based interventions to change behavior. Simply put, ABA treatment focuses on encouraging a child to foster positive behavior and discourage them from practicing behaviors that affect their lives negatively. This post aims to discuss the truth about ABA therapy, including its transformative impact on child development and how it works. The Transformative Impact of ABA on Children As a parent, it’s…

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What #Selfcare Looks Like in My Life

As a father to three incredible children on the autism spectrum, my journey has been filled with unique challenges and profound learning experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the critical importance of self-care. It's not just a luxury; it's an absolute necessity for both myself and, by extension, my family. Embracing Self-Care as a Priority Self-care for me goes beyond the occasional break; it's about consistently recognizing and addressing my own physical, emotional, and mental health needs. The demanding nature of parenting, coupled with the specific needs of raising children with autism, means that without a solid self-care routine, burnout is not just a possibility; it's likely. I’ve tangled with burnout too many times over the last 23 year. My Approach to Self-Care For the longest…

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