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...

Posts Tagged ‘independence’

Premature Babies Are At Higher Risk For Autism

Premature Babies Are At Higher Risk For Autism

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

A recent research showed that premature babies have a different developmental behavior in their infancy than babies who reached their full term. Premature babies are at higher risk for autism, because their diagnosis comes at an older age. Explanation “The researchers were surprised to find that many of the babies who had averted their gazes

Autism Training Is Now Taking A New Dimension.

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

It seems like people’s awareness about autism is increasing, given the growing rate of the condition! This is great news! Awareness will make life easier and safer for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as for others who would encounter them. Your child with autism will eventually have to interact with

A Special ID For Drivers With Autism

A Special ID For Drivers With Autism

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

This is a brilliant idea for drivers on the autism spectrum in Alabama, which can hopefully be extended nationwide. A special identification card can now be issued for drivers who have been diagnosed with autism. It costs $10. This card explains briefly but clearly how drivers with autism can be challenged with their condition. Communication

Traveling By Plane With A Child With Autism

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

Traveling with a child with autism by plane can be very challenging. If you have decided to fly for your summer vacation, make sure you are well-prepared. Try to make the experience of traveling by airplane a positive and memorable one for your child with ASD. Airline companies are now competing and making more effort

Guidelines To Plan For Your Child’s Future

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

In the previous post “A Parent Of A Child Recently Diagnosed With Autism?” we came to the conclusion that  the most powerful thing to do to help your child right after the diagnosis is to keep her mind and body busy, to engage her brain in a mental processing mode. We also agreed that the

A Parent Of A Child Recently Diagnosed With Autism?

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

You have just been told the final word: “your child has autism”.  Now all the doubts have vanished, suspicions are confirmed, and confusion took over to rule your mind. You are probably shocked, mad, you have tens of questions chasing you, you are simply feeling lost. Now sadness, depression, and anxiety will follow in line.

Handwriting vs. Keyboarding

Handwriting vs. Keyboarding

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

When was the last time you had to turn in a handwritten assignment at school, college or at work, or even a personal letter? I don’t recall where else do we use a pen other than to write a greeting card or a birthday card? People walk around with their mobile phones, mini tablets, and

A True Success Story Of An Artist With Autism

A True Success Story Of An Artist With Autism

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, tips

Ryan Medlock, from Camberley Australia, is a talented university graduate with a Masters Degree in children’s books illustration. Thirty year old Ryan has high functioning autism. Even though he managed to successfully complete his Masters Degree, he couldn’t hold down a job in an office with a large group of people. Yet he was not

The Three Major Goals: Independence, Communication, Socialization

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

Parents and educators, there are many goals you wish you could achieve all at once, as you raise or educate a child with autism. This is a forceful positive attitude! I am not asking you to abandon your dreams and wishes. All I am saying is, prioritize your dreams and wishes. Most importantly, know that

Autism Tips For Summer School

By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting, tips

We 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