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 […]
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Service dogs are fast becoming an accepted and recognized support for children and adults with autism. In addition to helping with safety concerns such as wandering, service dogs also provide social-emotional and sensory support that can help children cope with a sometimes chaotic world, give them opportunities to interact and play, and even help them sleep well. Here is one […]
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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Originally published on RDI Connect. Those of us raising children in Canada are keenly aware of and attuned to the seasons and their impact on the flow of our daily lives. There is nothing like living through a harsh, bitterly cold winter, then being able to throw off our winter boots and mitts on the first warm, sweet spring day. […]
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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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Autism isn’t always diagnosed in the preschool years. But if problems become evident after children are in the school system, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis. Here is one parent’s story of the challenges when a child’s struggles are misunderstood…. His struggle began in earnest that first day of Kindergarten, but I am his mother. I know it […]
Read moreEducational assistants are important members of a school team. However, there can be some questions about the best way to use their time in an inclusive classroom. This is an important question that a lot of people, including school staff, are uncertain about. Before we answer it, we should take a quick look at what we hope that school should […]
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Summer has finally come, and many of us are thinking about how to make the summer days both fun and productive. Here are three principles that will guide our family’s summertime choices: 1. Build on Interests When our kids are interested in something, they’re often really interested. This can either be a problem or an opportunity. Paula Kluth’s book Just […]
Read moreHow can we help our children flourish? And what is required for them to reach their full potential as human beings? On May 29 in Winnipeg, Gordon Neufeld spoke about how we can help all children grow to be the best people they can be. Much of what he had to say speaks to addressing the needs of children with […]
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