Tips for Making the Holidays Joyful and Inclusive for Children with Autism and their Families The holiday season often comes with bright lights, loud music, and busy crowds, which can all be potential sensory triggers for children with autism. It can be a challenge navigating sensory sensitivities, family gatherings, and winter activities for both the […]
As summer break winds down, transitioning back to school can be challenging, particularly for children with autism who thrive on consistency. During the summer, our routines drift, and we tend to stay up later, sleep in more, and stray from our regular routines. By August, it’s important to begin preparing for a smooth transition back […]
Language is a powerful mechanism that we use when understanding the world around us. The words that we use in everyday conversations have an impact on individuals, and some terms can negatively impact others. There are certain word and language choices that you can consider using when speaking about autism. This blog includes key considerations […]
February is Psychology Month in Canada. Did you know that up to 70% of children and youth with autism also experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression? Often times, children with autism are misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because their mental health symptoms are attributed to their developmental disability. It is important to address mental […]
The winter break and holiday season is around the corner! With the transition from school to home, some children with autism may find this change in routine difficult. It’s important to explain the changes as early as possible to help prepare your child for a new routine. How to support a smooth transition into the winter […]
Back to school is here! For children with autism, it is common that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies are used within their special education program to support learning. In May 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced Policy/Program Memoranda number 140 (PPM 140). PPM 140 is a directive that incorporates methods of ABA into programs […]
Transitioning back to school after summer can be challenging for both children with autism and their parents and caregivers. Since many children with autism thrive in consistency and routine, this type of transition can often lead to feelings of worry. This blog post shares five important tips suggested by our team that can help support […]
Summer is here! As the summer brings warm weather, it is the perfect time to get outside as a family and enjoy outdoor activities. While having fun in the sun, there are important safety tips to practice with your child so they can enjoy the warm weather safely. Essential safety skills are important in all […]
Summer is often a time of fun and relaxation for children and their family! As your child with autism shifts from days in school to days at home, the importance of consistency and routine is crucial. When you forgo routines for your child who thrives in consistency, it can cause them to lose interest in […]
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) offers support to families of children and youth with a diagnosis of autism, including funding for families when purchasing services, supports, and tools. But did you know that there are additional funding sources available for your child outside of the OAP? If you are unsure of where to start, below […]
Summertime can be tough for parents, and it can be especially challenging for parents of children with autism. It can be a full-time job filling summer days with fun and excitement along with meaningful activities! This can be especially difficult for parents who work full-time and have a limited amount of time off during the […]
Spring is here! This means warmer weather, longer days, rain and lots of sunshine! With a new season, comes a lot of change. These changes may include the temperature, clothing, smells and even critters crawling around. Change can be difficult for some people, and even more challenging for children with autism who may thrive on […]
Have you ever wondered what you can do to help prevent escalations in challenging behaviour from your child with autism? Or, how you can make meltdowns from your child less likely to occur? Did you know that some behaviours can be addressed by making simple modifications to your child’s day? Proactive strategies, also known as […]
Transition strategies are techniques used to support children with autism during changes or disruptions to activities, settings or routines. These techniques can be used before, during and after a transition, and can be presented verbally (such as telling your child what they need to do) or visually (such as showing your child a picture of […]
Winter break is coming and finding a balance between keeping your child occupied while also enjoying a bit of down time can be stressful. Some families may need a structured break that includes routines similar to those when in school, while others might want a more unstructured break. Whatever your needs are, preparing early can […]
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a written plan developed to support your child in school. It is a working document that describes the strengths and needs of an individual student, the special education program and services established to meet that students’ needs, and how the program and services will be delivered to best support them. It describes the students’ progress and includes a […]
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