A Message to Parents

Dear Parents, I am finally back after a long silence for almost two years. It is very hard to disengage myself from thinking and writing about...

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Why Is Autism on The Rise?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

It is a worldwide phenomena that the diagnosis with autism is on the rise, even in underdeveloped countries. What might the reason be? Diagnostic criteria are changing Screening tools have developed Increasing research on the topic Increased health services New environmental factors (pollution of air, oceans,…) Increased awareness of the condition Social factors I believe

Should You Tell Your Child about Her Diagnosis?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The answer to this question depends mainly on the child’s level of awareness of herself, both socially and cognitively. Some high-functioning children already know that they have autism. They know their condition very well, and are able to describe it precisely. This category of children knows its strengths as well as its weaknesses. Moreover, they

Sleep Education for Better Performance

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Some children with autism have difficulty falling asleep. Their night sleep is inadequate or fagmented. As a result, their performance during the daytime is poor. If the child doesn’t get enough sleep, she wouldn’t be able to focus and learn. A research in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders was able to help parents

Make The Doctor’s Visit A Successful Experience

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Dear Parents, Here are six tips to make your child have a positive and successful experience in the doctor’s office. Preaparedness is always a key to get a better outcome when dealing with kids on the autism spectrum (ASD). Let your child consider the doctor’s visit a game that she is part of. Get her

My Article in The “San José Mercury News”

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

You can read my new article about meanstreaming in the online edition of the San José Mercury News or in the Cupertino Courier local news edition. Click here. nadia

What Is Autism? Watch The Video

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

You have probably been reading in books, magazines and the Internet to learn about autism. Here is shortcut for you. I chose this video from the CDC for you. Watch the video. You need more details? Watch this video about Autism Spectrum Disorders. nadia shanab

The Importance of Art for Autistic Kids

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Q: What does practicing art do to anybody? A: It expresses a person’s feelings, thinking, talents and wants. Children with autism are most of the time stuck inside their own mind. They have poor communication abilities, it is hard for them to initiate any conversation, therefore, they avoid talking to others. Their social skills are

Build on Strengths Not on Deficits

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Every person, whether on the autism spectrum or not, has got a set of deficits or weaknesses: mental capacities, physical capabilities or social skills, among many more. On the other hand, the set of strengths and talents a human being has been endowed with are endless. Why do most people focus on what’s not working so

TOBY Playpad: A Unique iPad App for Parents, Educators and Therapists

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

TOBY playpad: TOBY Playpad is a unique, therapist-and-parent designed Early Intervention application for children with Autism. TOBY’s iPad tasks co-ordinate with off-iPad tasks to help your child learn skills in the real world. TOBY stands for Therapy Outcomes By You, because it aims to empower parents to commence early intervention to maximize your child’s development.

Favorite Play for Kids with Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

“Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) choose to engage in play that provided strong sensory feedback, cause-and-effect results, and repetitive motions,” said Doody the assistant professor of exceptional education at SUNY Buffalo State. In a research conducted by Doody and Mertz, the most popular activity was “climbing stairs”. Children would through the ball and observe the