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’

Have You Planned For Your Child’s Summer Break Yet? (Part 2)

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

As 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)

Have You Planned For Your Child’s Summer break Yet? (Part 1)

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

In 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, tips

There 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

10 Inspiring Temple Grandin Quotes

10 Inspiring Temple Grandin Quotes

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

Mary 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

How To Plan For Life After High School

How To Plan For Life After High School

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

You’re so proud your child is in high school and keeps progressing! Thanks to all you’ve done in cooperation with schools’ staff and the valuable services she has received. Now, what’s next? Planning should start at least two years prior to graduating high school. Continue setting goals and objectives by involving your child in the

“I Have A Dream”

By Nadia Shanab | autism

April, the autism awareness month, is back! This is a perfect opportunity to express my hopes and emotions regarding autism in our daily life. I hope one day people reach the point of accepting all individuals with autism the way they are. According to the CDC, the prelevance has jumped to one child in sixty-eight

Number of Cases of Autism Is on The Rise

By Nadia Shanab | autism

The reason of autism has not been found yet as we talk. However, the number of children diagnosed with autism is on the rise. The question will ramain: Is it because doctors can better diagnose it now? Or it is actually the real number of children born with autism is increasing? According to the CDC

Independence is The Most Important Quality to Teach

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The fundamnetal requirement for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder to be successful in life after high school is independenc. As repeatedly mentioned before, poor communication and social skills are the two most common traits of autism. Consequently, high school students with autism exhibit difficulty asking questions and expressing themselves. Additionally, their rigidity and

End-of-Year Checklist

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

This is the time of the year when most of us tend to look back and try to “evaluate” or “assess” the last twelve months’ achievements. Parents, don’t be harsh on yourself and on your child, we’re human. Before you blame yourself for not meeting all the goals you’ve set a year ago, ask yourself

Success Story

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Yesterday I ran into a former student accompanied by his family, mother, father, and sister in a shopping mall. His mom was the one who gave me a pat on the shoulder coming from behind me. She looked at me with a big smile and sparkling eyes, full of joy and excitement, wondering if I