By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting
10- Ball Chair It is a big rubber ball seated on a four wheels base. Instead of sitting on a regular chair, fidgety agitated kids can enjoy sitting quietly and calmly on ball chairs. They are rare in special education classes because they are expensive. 11- Play Dough A great learning tool. Rolling, squeezing and
Tags: autism, communication, occupational therapy, senses, sensory, techniques, tips
Posted in autism, general advice, parenting | 6 Comments »
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting
This is a list of things you can do or use to help children with sensory disorders. I will talk in more details about each one in future articles: “Write-on wipe-off” board Weighted vest Trampoline Massager Compressions and hands massage Bubbly cushion Bouncing ball Bean bag Bean tub Ball chair Play dough Balance beam Physical
Tags: autism, occupational therapy, parenting, problems, senses, sensory, techniques, visual aids, visual timer
Posted in autism, general advice, parenting | 3 Comments »
By Nadia Shanab | autism, parenting, tips
When you tell a child — especially with special needs — “don’t“, you leave her/him with no options. When you give an alternative or a substitute, you are giving her/him an opportunity to correct or modify the inappropriate behavior or action. What should you do? Use the affirmative form instead of the negative form when you
Tags: autism, parenting, techniques, tips, visual aids
Posted in autism, parenting, tips | 40 Comments »
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting
People tend to perceive noncompliance as stubbornness or misbehavior. Autistic kids do not always perceive our directions the way neurotypical kids do. Why? Because of their sensory integration issues or their condition in general. They see, hear, smell, feel and process (think) differently. When the child doesn’t comply or conform, she/he is trying to communicate
Tags: autism, communication, discipline, organization, techniques, visual aids
Posted in autism, general advice, parenting | 6 Comments »
By Nadia Shanab | autism, general advice, parenting
Here are 31 tips for teachers, aides and instructional assistants to work more effectively with autistic children. General tips Think SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY! This is the number one priority when working with children, especially special education kids. Greet the student by saying her/his name first when she/he comes in. “Johnny! Good morning!” instead of just
Tags: autism, communication, organization, team work, techniques, visual aids
Posted in autism, general advice, parenting | 61 Comments »