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 ‘tips’

Behavior Management versus Academic Achievement

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Before you ask a student to follow your directions and be compliant, you have to build a good relationship based on trust and respect between you. A child needs to know that in a case of emergency she/he can trust and rely on you to help her/him out. On a school site the child needs

Why Is Autism on The Rise?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

It is a worldwide phenomena that the diagnosis with autism is on the rise, even in underdeveloped countries. What might the reason be? Diagnostic criteria are changing Screening tools have developed Increasing research on the topic Increased health services New environmental factors (pollution of air, oceans,…) Increased awareness of the condition Social factors I believe

Should You Tell Your Child about Her Diagnosis?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

The answer to this question depends mainly on the child’s level of awareness of herself, both socially and cognitively. Some high-functioning children already know that they have autism. They know their condition very well, and are able to describe it precisely. This category of children knows its strengths as well as its weaknesses. Moreover, they

Sleep Education for Better Performance

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Some children with autism have difficulty falling asleep. Their night sleep is inadequate or fagmented. As a result, their performance during the daytime is poor. If the child doesn’t get enough sleep, she wouldn’t be able to focus and learn. A research in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders was able to help parents

Build on Strengths Not on Deficits

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Every person, whether on the autism spectrum or not, has got a set of deficits or weaknesses: mental capacities, physical capabilities or social skills, among many more. On the other hand, the set of strengths and talents a human being has been endowed with are endless. Why do most people focus on what’s not working so

Favorite Play for Kids with Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

“Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) choose to engage in play that provided strong sensory feedback, cause-and-effect results, and repetitive motions,” said Doody the assistant professor of exceptional education at SUNY Buffalo State. In a research conducted by Doody and Mertz, the most popular activity was “climbing stairs”. Children would through the ball and observe the

Mainstreaming Children with Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

Dear Parents, Here comes another school year along with lots of hopes and loads of goals for your child’s future! Over the summer break you have probably set some goals for your child and pictured her in a certain setting that would rather satisfy your dreams. Good job! This exactly what parents are here for.

iPads May Help Kids with Autism

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

It is an ongoing debate whether iPads and touch devices in general are benefitial or harmful for kids with autism. From my own experience working with children on the autism spectrum, whether with poor verbal skills or high-functioning, they all love the iPad. It is a magical device that we in schools now use it

Important Fact Sheet

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

As I mentioned in the previous post, schools are going to welcome their precious students very soon. Parents, please read the fact sheet and make sure to share it with your child’s teacher(s). Co-operation between home and school is major key to your child’s success. Communication facilitates the mission of raising and educating our children.

Parents & Educators, Are You Ready for A New School Year?

By Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized

A new school year is around the corner and about to emerge! Parents and educators are you ready? Here are some tips to help you get off on the right foot. Bear in mind, there are three main goals in raising and educating children with autism that we are working on: Independence Better Social Skills Stronger Communication