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 ‘schedule’

8 Tips For Moving A Child With Autism To A New Home

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

Moving during summer breaks is very common!  Summer is the longest break from school. It is actually great for transitions. Kids move from one classroom to another and move from one grade to another. That implies having new neighbors, classmates, teachers, transportation system, maybe weather, and many more… So, if parents have to move, it

Traveling Tips

Traveling Tips

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

Make sure your child has some interest in the destination you have decided to spend your vacation at. Museums and scientific sites can be too boring for your 3 or 4 years old. Choose age appropriate activities. Sensory integration issues and allergies are very important factors to be taken into consideration. Too hot, too humid,

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.

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

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

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