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 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

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

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

This 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

Symptoms like tantrums, irritability, self-injury, depression, and anxiety were found to have biological, mechanistic basis. Sometimes the same symptoms are attributed to autism, among the other conventional signs (like repetitive behavior, poor social, speech, and communication skills). A research done at University of North Carolina School of Medicine says that tantrums, irritability, self-injury, depression, and

Here 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

Tip Give your child the opportunity to play a musical instrument at an early age. Help your child explore and experience the practice of playing music and look for her favorite instrument. It may take time to land on the perfect instrument that matches your child’s interest and needs. Be patient don’t give up. Why

“There’s no reason to miss out on holiday gatherings” Here are some tips to help parents of special needs kids to enjoy the holiday season and be part of their community and stay connected to their family and friends. Don’t turn down any invitations. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how interesting your experience was. Read the

Family gatherings are around the corner! Most people love to celebrate traditions and keep cultures. Soon you’ll receive many invitations to join lunches, dinners, parties with your family and friends. Parents with kids on the autism spectrum, tend to decline these invitations and find an excuse to escape all kinds of gatherings. As much as