Diana Gomez

Holiday cooking with children with ASD

A Guide to Holiday Cooking with Children With ASD

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and shared traditions—many of which center around food. But for families with children on the autism spectrum, holiday meals and cooking can bring unique challenges. Sensory sensitivities, picky eating, or a reluctance to try new activities might make parents feel unsure about involving their child in these festivities. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, holiday cooking with children with autism can become a fun, meaningful way to bond as a family while teaching valuable skills.

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Play in Autism

The Power of Play in Autism: A 6-Step Guide for Parents

Play is a vital tool for all children, but for children with autism, it plays an even more significant role. Beyond just fun, play in autism helps children explore the world, develop communication skills, and learn how to connect with others. However, play may not always come naturally or easily to them, which can sometimes lead to frustration or concern.

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Routines in Autism

Routines in Autism: 5 Recommendations for Parents in Virginia

Are you someone who needs to plan your day? Do you make lists to keep track of your tasks or even create a meal plan? If so, you’re part of the group of people who maintain greater control and organization through routines. Having an established routine can save us from a lot of stress when faced with the unexpected. Now, if you have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may have noticed just how crucial consistency is in their day-to-day life. But why are routines so important? How do routines in autism work?

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Water Safety

Why Water Safety Skills Are Crucial for Children with Autism

As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you already navigate a world entirely of unique struggles, including challenging behavior, social interaction, learning, etc. Among these, one that might not immediately come to mind is water safety. Water, with its natural charm, holds benefits, especially for kids. The splash, the coolness on a hot day, the sheer joy of swimming—these experiences are universal. But for children with autism, the dangers that water presents are far too real and often overlooked.

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Sports for children with autism

Sports for Children with Autism: 4 Autism-Friendly Sport Programs in Virginia

Enrolling children in sports is a common consideration for many parents, not only to fill their time but also to enhance their well-being and physical condition and provide opportunities to make new friends or even discover a potential career. However, sports for children with autism can present additional challenges that may require careful consideration and adaptation.

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Potty Training in Autism

Potty Training in Autism: 5 Tips to Teach New Habits

Every child embarks on a unique journey of growth and development, marked by significant milestones that pave the way toward independence. From learning to brush their teeth and dress themselves to mastering basic hygiene tasks, each step is a triumph. Among these milestones, toilet training stands out as a crucial skill, signifying a child’s growing autonomy. However, potty training in autism can present unique challenges that require tailored approaches and additional patience.

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Celebrities on the spectrum

Celebrities on the Spectrum: Breaking Stereotypes

In the past, society misunderstood autism, often misinterpreting it as dementia or other conditions that stigmatized those experiencing it; for instance, in 1911, Eugen Bleuler introduced the term “autism” to describe patients with schizophrenia who had isolated themselves in their world. However, nowadays, perceptions are changing. Celebrities on the spectrum are actively breaking down stereotypes and showing the world that this condition is not a barrier to achieving success.

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Elopement in Autism

4 Common Causes of Elopement in Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. One lesser-known aspect of ASD is elopement, also referred to as wandering, bolting, or running off. Elopement in autism can be a distressing experience for both individuals with autism and their caregivers, often leading to safety concerns and heightened anxiety.

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