Autism Tips For Summer School
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsWe cannot plan for the summer break without considering summer school. This is an option that some kids are eligible for upon parents’ request. It is usually a half day four-week period shortly after summer break starts. Depending on the school staff, it is a mix of academic work and fun activities, almost 50-50. In
Have You Planned For Your Child’s Summer Break Yet? (Part 2)
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsAs discussed in Have You Planned For Your Child’s Summer Break Yet? Part 1, having a daily schedule is pivotal to maintain a balanced life for your child and yourself. The only difference now is, that you are privileged to be the master and designer of this schedule. Tips By now, your child has come
Have You Planned For Your Child’s Summer break Yet? (Part 1)
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsIn the two posts Home-Schooling and A Special Interest Is Power I talked about the importance of encouraging individuals with autism, and special needs in general, to practice and develop their special interests and talents. The summer break, in particular, is a great time to do so. First, it is the longest break of the
10 Tips For An Enjoyable Summer Vacation
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsThere are some important factors to be considered in order to assure a successful summer vaction for the entire family. Sensory integration issues can probably cause the most serious inconvenience. A sensory overload can needlessly ruin the vacation. Noises, smells/odors, incessent objects and people in motion, high temperature, brightness, lack of personal space, major change
Animals’ Presence Eases Anxiety In Children With ASD
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsThis is a new research showing how the presence of animals eases the anxiety of kids with ASD in a social interaction context. Kids with autism have shown a drop in their anxiety level during social interactions in the presence of guinea pigs, compared to social interactions while playing with toys, or silent reading, or
10 Inspiring Temple Grandin Quotes
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsMary Temple Grandin (born August 29, 1947) is an American professor of animal science in Colorado State University, a best-selling author, an autistic activist, and a consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior. She also invented the “hug box”, a device to calm those on the autism spectrum. The subject on an award-wininning, 2010
Equine Therapy
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsHere is another “natural” therapy for children with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Equine therapy helps them improve their social and communication skills, as well as getting over some of the anxiety and stress imposed from the sensory overload of the environment they suffer from. The rhythmic movement of a horse has a calming and relaxing
Dance Therapy
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsHumans don’t necessarily need a language to communicate. Luckily, nonvocal and nonverbal communication come with numerous presentations. As you may have seen in the last few posts, art is one of the most effective ways to communicate, like painting, drawing, and playing a musical instrument. Having a pet, is another way to express feelings and
Iris Grace, A 5-Year Old Gifted Painter
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tipsOnce again, children with autism continue to surprise us every day with their incredible artistic talents! Iris Grace Halmshaw is a five year old girl from England U.K. diagnosed with autism at an early age. She has very poor speech and social skills. Her talent was discovered when her parents used painting to help her