Finding the right social skills group for your autistic teen starts with understanding their goals. Are they working on conversation, peer interaction, or emotional regulation? Look for groups that match your teen’s developmental level, not just age, and offer structured, evidence-based support. A...
autism
When children get frustrated, they often act out instead of asking for help—especially those with autism or communication delays. Teaching your child how to ask for help gives them a positive, effective way to express their needs and reduces challenging behaviors. Start by modeling calm behavior y...
If your child frequently repeats phrases, this behavior may be echolalia, which is common among children with autism. Rather than automatically viewing it as a barrier, echolalia often reflects that your child is trying to communicate or process language. When your child repeats a phrase, avoid disc...
Key Highlights Building friendships is a learned skill, and parents play an important role in teaching it. Strong peer relationships are crucial for a child’s mental health and social development. You can help your child by modeling how to be a good friend and fostering empathy at home. During ear...
Teaching kitchen safety to children with autism helps them gain independence while staying safe in a busy environment. Since the kitchen involves heat, sharp tools, and appliances, structured teaching and supervision are essential. Start by breaking tasks into simple, step-by-step actions. For examp...
Key Highlights Understand your legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to advocate for a free and appropriate education. Prepare for your IEP meeting by gathering essential documents, including ABA therapy progress reports and professional evaluations. Learn how App...
Key Highlights A visual schedule is a powerful tool to help children with autism manage daily routines with more confidence. The benefits of visual schedules include promoting independence, supporting emotional regulation, and reducing challenging behaviors. Creating predictability and structure wit...
Scripting is when an individual with autism repeats words, phrases, or entire dialogues—often from movies, books, or past conversations. While it may seem unusual, scripting serves important functions. It can help with language development, emotional regulation, and navigating social situations. F...
Autistic inertia refers to the difficulty some individuals with autism experience when starting, stopping, or switching tasks, even ones they want to do. It’s not laziness or defiance; it’s a neurological challenge that can affect daily routines, transitions, and independence. For example, a chi...