How has our family kept life on an even keel with two children with autism? We apply the Low Arousal approach in our daily lives. Here's how.| Autism Awareness
It’s been several months now since the world was turned upside down due to COVID-19. Life has changed a great deal with social distancing, hand sanitizing, new rules in public places, and constant, unpredictable changes. As society begins to open up again, there will be new challenges to face. The “new normal” will continue to evolve and depending on how…| Autism Awareness
Teaching an autistic child can be both rewarding and challenging at times. If this is your first time teaching an autistic person, it can feel overwhelming figuring out what to do or how to best support that child in order to set the stage for optimal learning. Educators must teach to children’s strengths, create a predictable environment, and be aware…| Autism Awareness
Executive function is a term that is widely used in autism circles to describe a broad array of skills that have to do with an individual’s cognitive function . Some sources say that up to 80% of those with autism suffer from executive function disorder, leading to difficulties managing time, completing tasks, and making what for many of us would be…| Autism Awareness
Motivation is a key factor when working with autism, and the key to what motivates can often be found in a person’s special interest.| Autism Awareness
Elopement refers to the act of leaving a designated area without permission, supervision, or the knowledge of those responsible for the individual. In the context of autism, elopement involves autistic individuals wandering away, running or bolting from safe and supervised environments, putting their safety at risk. The Curriculum for Autism lists the following as examples of elopement: Climbing out of…| Autism Awareness
Video technology can be a powerful teaching tool for autistic people. The use of visual supports is a well-established and commonly used strategy with families and professionals. Using video technology for modeling takes visuals to the next level by combining the visual supports strategy with technology to create an even more effective teaching tool. Video technology is readily accessible through…| Autism Awareness
Both my children with ASD are categorical and systematic thinkers .After watching Marie Kondo's show, I wondered– could this method of organization help my two young adults with autism gain further independence?| Autism Awareness
I recently participated in a UK study on using the Low Arousal Approach at home. Answering the research questions and talking about the positive impact that the low arousal approach has had on our family got me thinking about how we’ve adopted this practice and made it work for us. I also hope by writing about it answers some of…| Autism Awareness
The arrival of summer can mean a change in routine because of the school break, summer camps and activities, a family vacation, visitors, longer lighter days, and more free time. Change can be upsetting for autistic people because it makes things feel new and unpredictable. Changes in routine may require some additional support to make them less upsetting. Some transitions…| Autism Awareness
Back in 1996, Martha Leary and David Hill began doing research on the types of challenges that autistic individuals have in regards to communication, challenging behaviors, and in the inability to control one’s movements. They called these challenges movement differences. Their definition: Movement difference is a difference, interference, or shift in efficient and effective use of movement. A disruption in…| Autism Awareness