In a previous entry I explained the importance of a daily schedule. Now I will show you how to build your own magnetic schedule, which will look like this: Before I explain how to make a physical magnetic schedule (the most effective I’ve ever used), here are some rules that I would like to talk … Read more
A new study is showing how some children lost their symptoms and diagnosis with autism. The children’s social impairment was resolved and their cognitive functioning (IQ) has improved. But even after the ASD diagnosis was lost, these children still struggle with some remaining learning and/or emotional/behavioral problems. These lingering problems, however, can be handled by … Read more
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 … Read more
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. … Read more
When was the last time you had to turn in a handwritten assignment at school, college or at work, or even a personal letter? I don’t recall where else do we use a pen other than to write a greeting card or a birthday card? People walk around with their mobile phones, mini tablets, and … Read more
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 … Read more
A recent research by the Vanderbilt University, October 2013, has released a new intervention program to help improve the social deficits in adolesents with autism. Researchers used the theater to teach reciprocal communication skills. The program is called Social Emotional Neuroscience & Endocrinology (SENSE). Techniques used in this program are: role-play, improvisation, and it culminates in … Read more
You may have noticed that most of my articles are about trying to help parents and educators raise and educate kids with autism. So, most of the tips I suggest are usually targeting the kids. But, how about parents and educators themselves? Can they always be in their greatest shape, best mood, and ready to provide … Read more
The following tips can be applied in classrooms as well as at home. Be positive in scanning the environment for possible behavioral precipitants. Reduce or eleminate stressors, to the extent possible. Read the student’s cue and signals and react before inapporopriate behavior occurs. “Plug in” activities designed to reduce stress and anxiety before behavioral disruptions … Read more
The Autism File U.S.A is a free digital magazine offering resources, information and support. You can download it here. The Autism File magazine is a bi-monthly publication. Its first issue appeared in 1999. Enjoy! nadia shanab
