We are Manitobans, and winter is long! So a bit of cold weather shouldn’t mean we get stuck inside. There are lots of ways to get out and embrace the season, and here is a list of excellent places to visit. The best ones offer an opportunity to learn something, try something you haven’t done before, or build up skills […]
Read moreKids really love iPads. They learn a lot from them too. While you don’t want time spent on tablets to take away from other kinds of learning, there can be great benefits in developing vocabulary and other skills. Screen time can also be an opportunity for social learning, if we play with apps in collaborative ways. Here are ten very […]
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Last spring, some parents in the Winnipeg autism community participated in a study with an interesting question – how did they perceive the fit between the therapy and services offered them, and their family’s needs? The following is a summary of what the researchers found. Introduction: When working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), occupational therapists most often use […]
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I Can Shine is an organization offering the opportunity to learn how to ride a bicycle for the first time. Last summer was a tremendous success, with 41 kids and adults with disabilities participating. This summer the camp will run from July 4th to 8th, 2016 at the East End Arena in Winnipeg and is hoping to help 40 riders get up on […]
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Developmental autism therapies are all about building the ability of parents to understand, emotionally support, interact with, and guide their children. The goals and strategies in these therapies are different in focus from those used in behavioural therapies, and they are effective for the goals that they set. A Different Perspective Developmental psychology explores how children grow in areas like […]
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Once your child is in school, how do you know what you should expect? Sometimes problems arise. Where do you go for advice? There are several made-in-Manitoba documents that exist to help parents know what to expect from their child’s school, and how to effectively resolve problems that arise. A Parent’s Guide to Inclusive Education – Community Living Manitoba Community […]
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Happy World Autism Awareness Day! In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and equal participation in society for Autistic people. Many people have pointed out that the word “awareness” (used in World Autism Awareness Day) suggests concern and toleration. This is a less than positive way […]
Read moreEveryone you know and everyone you will ever meet is special and different in some way. The world would be a boring place if people were all the same. It’s our differences that make us all unique and interesting. These are the first words in The Autism Acceptance Book. Ellen Sabin wrote this affirming and positive book to help elementary […]
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Outdoor play is good for kids. It’s a natural form of exercise, it encourages kids to stretch their capabilities, physically and in their imaginations. Being outdoors helps with sensory and emotional regulation. Playgrounds provide settings that facilitate interaction and communication, as well. It’s good for parents to be outside too, providing a break in home routines and an opportunity for […]
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While there are many books about parenting children with special needs, few offer information or ideas about what parents need to take care of themselves. In order to care well for our children, we need to make time for our own well-being. Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children by Rita Eichenstein helps parents understand […]
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