Parenting a child with autism

drew on April 3, 2023

Parenting a child with autism can present unique challenges, as children on the autism spectrum often struggle with social communication, sensory issues, and repetitive behaviors. These difficulties can make it challenging for parents to understand and respond to their child’s needs, which can result in frustration and stress for both the child and the parents.

For instance, a child with autism may struggle with social interaction and communication, which can make it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships with others, including family members. They may have difficulty expressing themselves, understanding nonverbal cues, and making eye contact, which can lead to misunderstandings and social isolation.

Sensory issues are also common among children with autism. They may be hypersensitive to certain sounds, textures, or smells, or they may seek out certain sensory experiences, such as spinning or flapping their hands. These behaviors can be challenging for parents to manage and may interfere with the child’s ability to participate in typical activities or routines.

In addition, children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or have strong preferences for routines and sameness. They may become upset or agitated if their routines are disrupted, which can make it challenging for parents to introduce new activities or experiences.

Parents of children with autism may also face additional stressors, such as navigating the healthcare system, managing their child’s educational needs, and advocating for their child’s rights and accommodations. All of these challenges can make parenting a child with autism a complex and demanding experience.

However, with proper support and resources, parents can learn to better understand their child’s unique needs and strengths, and develop effective strategies for managing their behavior and promoting their development. This can involve working with healthcare providers, therapists, educators, and support groups to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and create a supportive and nurturing environment for the child.

9 Common Autism Tests

drew on March 18, 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction skills. Diagnosing ASD can be challenging, and several tests are available to help identify symptoms and provide a formal diagnosis. Here are ten autism tests, along with a brief synopsis of each test and what it helps people understand.

9 Autism Tests

  1. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) The AQ is a self-administered questionnaire that measures autistic traits in adults. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his team at the University of Cambridge, the AQ consists of 50 questions that cover areas such as social situations, attention to detail, and communication skills. The AQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool, and can help identify potential symptoms of autism.
  2. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) The ADOS is a formal diagnostic tool used by clinicians to assess autism in children and adults. Developed by Catherine Lord and her colleagues, the ADOS consists of structured activities that allow clinicians to observe social interaction, communication, and play skills. The ADOS is a standardized assessment and provides a detailed analysis of a person’s social and communicative abilities.
  3. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) The CARS is a diagnostic tool used to assess children with ASD. Developed by Eric Schopler and his colleagues, the CARS consists of 15 items that measure a child’s social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The CARS is a useful tool for diagnosing ASD in children and helps healthcare providers understand the severity of the symptoms.
  4. Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) The GARS is a screening test used to identify symptoms of autism in children and adolescents. Developed by Stephen Gilliam, the GARS consists of 42 items that assess communication skills, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. The GARS is a useful tool for identifying potential signs of autism and can help guide further diagnostic testing.
  5. Autism-Spectrum Quotient for Children (AQ-Child) The AQ-Child is a questionnaire designed to measure autistic traits in children aged 4-11 years. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues, the AQ-Child consists of 50 questions that assess a child’s communication skills, social interaction, and attention to detail. The AQ-Child is a screening tool and helps healthcare providers understand the symptoms of ASD in children.
  6. Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) The SCQ is a screening tool used to identify symptoms of ASD in children aged 4-18 years. Developed by Michael Rutter and his colleagues, the SCQ consists of 40 questions that assess a child’s communication skills, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. The SCQ is a useful tool for identifying potential signs of autism in children and can help guide further diagnostic testing.
  7. Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire (RBQ) The RBQ is a screening tool used to identify repetitive behaviors in children with ASD. Developed by John Constantino and his colleagues, the RBQ consists of 13 items that assess repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, and spinning. The RBQ is a useful tool for identifying potential signs of ASD and can help guide further diagnostic testing.
  8. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) The ADI-R is a diagnostic tool used by clinicians to assess autism in children and adults. Developed by Michael Rutter and his colleagues, the ADI-R consists of structured questions that assess a person’s communication skills, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. The ADI-R is a standardized assessment and provides a detailed analysis of a person’s symptoms.
  9. Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) The ASDS is a diagnostic tool used to assess Asperger Syndrome in children and adolescents. Developed by Brenda Smith Myles and her colleagues.

Get Creative With Sensory Boards for Autism

drew on March 18, 2023


When it comes to raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents are always looking for ways to help their kids explore and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. That’s why sensory boards can be such a great tool for parents of children with ASD. Not only do they allow children to use their senses in creative ways, but they also offer an opportunity to learn, play, and grow. Let’s explore what exactly sensory boards are and how you can make one for your child.

What is a Sensory Board?


A sensory board is a board that has different materials attached to it that create various tactile sensations when touched or manipulated.

These items may include:

  • fabric
  • fur,
  • foam
  • feathers
  • interactive buttons
  • bells
  • light switches
  • locks
  • and other items that provide the user with new textures each time they interact with them.

This board serves as a way for children on the autism spectrum to explore and engage their senses without leaving the comfort of their own home.

How Can I Make a Sensory Board?

Making a sensory board is actually quite easy!

All you need is…

  • some wood (or any similar material, if you use plywood, definitely pay extra for sanded plywood) in whatever shape or size works best for your space
  • some strong glue
  • and the items you wish to attach to it. The possibilities are endless!

You could attach different fabrics or textiles like fur or velvet; plastic objects like buttons or coins; beads or marbles; small toys like blocks or figurines; magnets; bells; feathers; and many more things!

Once everything is securely attached to your board, your child will have hours of fun exploring all the different textures and shapes. It’s even more fun when you incorporate the sensory play into your routine that follows the curriculum of your therapists.

What are Some Benefits of Using Sensory Boards?

Using sensory boards can have numerous benefits for both children with ASD as well as their parents. By exposing children to different types of textures through the use of these boards, they can learn how to better regulate themselves emotionally while using all five senses at once – something which can be hard for many people on the autism spectrum due to sensory sensitivities. Additionally, these boards promote creativity and help develop fine motor skills by encouraging children to move pieces around on the board in order to interact with them in new ways. Finally, sensory boards give parents an opportunity to bond with their children by playing together on this fun activity!

Conclusion

Sensory boards offer parents of autistic children an excellent opportunity to help foster creativity while aiding in emotional regulation and fine motor skill development. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone—even those without any DIY experience—to make one right at home! So if you’re looking for something fun yet educational that you can do with your child today – try making a sensory board together and see just how much fun you can have learning together!

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drew on December 27, 2022

Famous People with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (asd) is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and understand the world around them. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including some of the most famous and successful individuals in history. The autism community is incredible! Despite the challenges that come with…

Continue Reading Famous People with Autism

The Benefits of Pop Tubes for Kids with Autism

drew on December 20, 2022

Pop tubes are a fun, engaging toy that can be used to help children with autism. These colorful, plastic tubes create a variety of sounds when the ends are connected and pulled apart. They can be used in a variety of ways to help children with autism learn sound discrimination and auditory processing skills. Let’s explore some of the benefits that pop tubes can provide for kids with autism.

Sensory Stimulation

Pop tubes provide sensory stimulation that can be beneficial for children with autism. As the child plays with the pop tube and pulls it apart, they will experience varying levels of sound, vibration, and pressure that can help them stay engaged in an activity. This is important because many children on the autism spectrum struggle to stay focused on activities for long periods of time. The sensory input from the pop tube helps keep their attention focused and their body relaxed while playing.

Auditory Processing Skills

Pop tubes allow children to practice auditory processing skills as they experiment with different sounds produced by pulling the two ends together or apart at different speeds or pressures. This helps them develop sound discrimination skills which will ultimately lead to better understanding speech patterns. Additionally, since there are several versions of pop tubes available in different colors and sizes, each producing unique sounds when pulled apart or together, kids have the ability to create their own melodies or rhythms as they play which encourages creativity while also helping them learn how to listen carefully in order to identify distinct pitches and tones.

Social Communication Skills

Playing with pop tubes is also helpful for developing social communication skills as well as language skills. When kids play together using these toys they learn how to share space and take turns using them which develops cooperative play skills. They also get a chance to practice language by discussing what type of sounds each tube makes as well as expressing their feelings about their experiences playing together through conversation or singing songs related to the various sounds produced by the toy itself . This kind of interactive play can encourage creative thinking while also teaching important social-emotional lessons such as patience, turn-taking, listening, respect for others’ ideas, etc..

Conclusion

Pop tubes are a great way for parents of kids with autism to encourage learning opportunities while providing sensory stimulation at home or in therapy settings. By helping kids develop auditory processing skills while also promoting social communication skills through interactive playtime activities, this fun toy can make a big difference in their development over time! Parents should consider investing in some pop tubes if they want an engaging way to help build these crucial life skills in their child!

A Playful Introduction to Sensory Putty for Kids with Autism

drew on December 20, 2022

Introducing sensory activities can be a great way to help children with autism explore their environment and build awareness of the world around them. One particular tool that is gaining traction among parents and educators alike is sensory putty—a fun, versatile activity that can help children learn, explore, and play. Let’s take a look at what makes this awesome putty so special!

What Is Sensory Putty?

Sensory putty is a type of silicone-based dough or clay that provides tactile stimulation through various textures, colors, scents, and temperatures. It’s often used in occupational therapy as an aid for developing fine motor skills. The most common types of sensory putty are soft and squishy like slime; others are more malleable like modelling clay. Each type has its own unique texture and feel that helps children interact with the material in different ways.

Benefits of Sensory Putty

One of the biggest benefits of sensory putty is its versatility; it can be used in almost any setting, from classrooms to homes. It’s also perfect for use during occupational therapy sessions because it encourages exploration, concentration, and relaxation. By playing with the putty, kids can develop fine motor skills while working on cognitive development tasks such as counting or spelling words. It also helps kids become aware of their bodies by allowing them to focus on how they move their hands and fingers while manipulating the material. Finally, sensory putty encourages creativity since there are so many different ways to play with it!

Conclusion

Sensory putty is an incredibly versatile tool that can be used in countless ways to help children with autism explore their environment and develop new skills. From building fine motor skills to encouraging creativity, it offers a number of tangible benefits for both parents and therapists alike. So why not give your child a chance to explore this awesome material today? You might be surprised by just how much it can help!

Proprioception and Autism: What You Need to Know

drew on December 20, 2022

Proprioception is the sense of knowing where your body is in space. It’s the “sixth sense” that helps our bodies coordinate movement, balance, and posture. For those with autism, proprioception can be significantly affected. If you or your child have autism and experience issues with movement coordination, balance, or posture, it could be due to a dysfunction in proprioception. Here’s what you need to know about proprioception and autism.

What is Proprioception?

Proprioception is the sense of knowing where our body parts are located without looking at them. It’s an unconscious awareness of where each part of our body is in relation to other parts of our body at any given moment. This helps us coordinate movement and control posture and balance. Dysfunction in this area can lead to issues with coordination, balance, and posture.

How Does Proprioception Affect Those With Autism?

Research suggests that those with autism may have difficulty processing proprioceptive information accurately or may not process it at all. As a result, those with autism often struggle with motor coordination tasks as well as tasks involving balance and posture control. This can lead to difficulties engaging in everyday activities such as walking up stairs or even dressing oneself. Additionally, some research suggests that those with autism may have an increased sensitivity to touch which can further disrupt their ability to integrate proprioceptive information accurately into their daily lives.

What Can I Do To Help?


Fortunately, there are a number of interventions available for those who are having difficulty processing proprioceptive information due to autism. Occupational therapy is one option that can help improve motor coordination skills by using activities such as weighted vests or by focusing on sensory integration techniques such as brushing therapy or compression garments which provide input that many individuals on the spectrum find calming and helpful when it comes to integrating sensory information more effectively into their everyday life. Additionally, physical therapy can also be helpful for improving balance and postural control through exercises designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum.

Conclusion

Proprioception plays an important role in the day-to-day functioning of individuals on the spectrum who experience difficulty coordinating movements, balancing themselves, or controlling their posture due to dysfunction in this area . While there are no quick fixes for these issues , occupational therapy and physical therapy interventions can help provide strategies for managing dysfunctions related to proprioception , allowing individuals on the spectrum greater independence when it comes to performing everyday tasks . Understanding how proprioception affects those with autism will help parents better understand their child’s needs so they can seek out appropriate treatments that will give them greater control over their lives .

Sensory Activities: A Fun Way to Help Your Autistic Child

drew on December 18, 2022

Finding activities that will help your autistic child engage with their environment can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we have the perfect solution for you! Introducing sensory activities, which can provide your autistic child with a fun way to explore the world around them while also helping them develop valuable skills. Let’s take a closer look at what sensory activities are and how they can help your child.

What are Sensory Activities?


Sensory activities are activities that focus on engaging all of the senses, including sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. They allow children to interact with their environment in ways that stimulate their senses and improve sensory processing. These activities can range from simple tasks like playing with sand or clay to more complicated ones such as exploring different textures or sounds. Regardless of the activity chosen, these exercises are designed to encourage problem-solving and exploration – both essential skills for children on the autism spectrum.

How Can Sensory Activities Help My Autistic Child?


Because autistic children have difficulty processing information in their environment due to sensory overload or underload issues, sensory activities provide an outlet for them to learn and explore in a safe and controlled setting. This helps build confidence while teaching important life skills such as communication, self-regulation, social interaction, and motor coordination. In addition, sensory activities provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to bond with their autistic children while also helping strengthen relationships within families who may have been strained by stress or uncertainty related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).


Why Should You Try Sensory Activities With Your Autistic Child?


Sensory activities offer a low-pressure way for your child to practice interacting with their environment without feeling overwhelmed or anxious about potential consequences if they make mistakes or fail at something. Additionally, these types of activities provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to reinforce positive behaviors while also providing much-needed structure and order into an otherwise chaotic world for many autistic children. They also help build connections between family members by allowing everyone involved to participate in something together that is both enjoyable and beneficial for everyone involved. Finally, they provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers alike to gain insight into how their autistic child processes stimuli from the world around them which can then be used when creating strategies that best meet those needs moving forward.

Conclusion


Sensory activities are a great way to help teach your autistic child vital life skills while also providing much needed structure into their lives. Not only do these kinds of exercises give parents insight into how their autistic child processes stimuli but they also provide an enjoyable outlet where everyone in the family can come together over something fun yet beneficial. So why not give it a try today? You may just find yourself pleasantly surprised by how quickly your child begins thriving from this type of activity!

Sensory Pop Tubes: The Ultimate On-the-Go Sensory Solution

drew on December 17, 2022

Have you ever been out and about with your child and they start to feel overwhelmed or overstimulated? It can be hard to find a solution that both calms them down and keeps them entertained. Enter sensory pop tubes! These handy little tubes are filled with beads and other materials that are designed to stimulate the senses while also providing calming tactile feedback. They’re great for use at home or on-the-go, so let’s take a look at why they’re such an ideal sensory solution!

What Are Sensory Pop Tubes?

Sensory pop tubes are small, handheld tubes filled with various sensory materials like rice, beads, feathers, glitter, etc. Each material provides different tactile sensations when touched; for example, the rice provides a soft texture while the beads offer a more bumpy texture. Some of the more popular styles of pop tubes also include bells for added auditory stimulation.
These pop tubes can be used in various ways depending on the user’s needs. For some, it may be enough to just hold one of the tubes in their hand and focus on the sensation it provides; for others, shaking the tube or running it through their fingers may provide additional comfort.

Benefits of Using Sensory Pop Tubes

It goes without saying that sensory pop tubes are incredibly beneficial for those with autism who need additional sensory input in order to stay calm and focused. But they can also be used by anyone who needs a bit of calming tactile feedback throughout their day. Studies have shown that using objects like these can help reduce stress levels and increase focus – especially if they are used during moments of anxiety or stress. Additionally, because these pop tubes are small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, they make an ideal travel companion!

Plus, these pop tubes come in a variety of colors and styles; so no matter what type of design you’re looking for – from traditional shapes like stars and circles to more complex designs like animals – there’s sure to be something out there that will suit your needs perfectly!

Conclusion:

Sensory pop tubes are an excellent way to provide calming tactile feedback on-the-go. Not only do they provide comfort when needed but they also come in fun shapes and sizes; making them a great toy option as well! So whether you’re looking for something to keep your child calm during stressful moments or simply want something fun for them to play with – sensory pop tubes might just be the perfect solution!

Sensory Brushes: The Best Way to Make Grooming Fun for Everyone!

drew on December 17, 2022

For parents of children with autism, finding activities that engage their children can be a challenge. One popular activity is sensory brushing, which has been shown to reduce stress and help improve focus. And it doesn’t have to be boring! With the right tools, it can even be fun for both you and your child. Let’s explore why sensory brushes are a great choice for helping kids with autism enjoy grooming activities.

What Are Sensory Brushes?

Sensory brushes are tools specifically designed to help promote relaxation and provide gentle stimulation during grooming activities. They come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them feature soft bristles that are designed to provide a calming sensation when rubbed against the skin. Many sensory brushes also come with handles or straps so they can be easy to hold and maneuver while brushing.

Benefits of Using Sensory Brushes for Autism

Autism can make everyday tasks like brushing difficult since children may find certain textures uncomfortable or overwhelming. By using a sensory brush, kids can enjoy the experience of being brushed in a way that is comfortable and safe for them. This helps promote positive associations with grooming activities, which makes it more likely that they will participate in them voluntarily in the future. Additionally, using sensory brushes helps create a sense of routine that some autistic children respond positively too.

How To Use Sensory Brushes

When using sensory brushes, it’s important to start out slow and gradually increase the intensity as your child becomes more comfortable with the process. Start by lightly brushing your child’s arms or legs first before moving on to other body parts like the back or stomach area if needed. You can also use different types of brushes to vary the sensations they experience while brushing such as soft-bristled brushes versus harder-bristled ones depending on what works best for your child. Be sure to use soothing words and talk calmly throughout the process so your child feels secure and safe during their grooming session.  And don’t forget about rewards afterwards! Treats are always useful when trying new activities with kids—especially those who struggle communicating verbally!

Conclusion

Using sensory brushes is an effective way for kids with autism to enjoy grooming activities in a way that is comfortable and safe for them. Sensory brushes provide tactile stimulation as well as create positive associations with grooming tasks that make them more likely to participate in them willingly in the future. Plus, they make it easier for parents who may struggle getting their children involved in these kinds of activities because of communication difficulties or other issues related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So if you’re looking for an easy way to make grooming fun again, try out sensory brushes today!