A Good Life for Autistic People Starts with Well-Being
I receive many emails from overwhelmed parents and caregivers about not knowing what to focus on to help the autistic children and adults in their care. Concerns can encompass troubling behaviors,...
View ArticleBuilding Resilience – An Important Life Skill
Throughout life, every person faces challenges, obstacles and difficulties that they must overcome. The ability to bounce back through adversity is called resilience. Resilience involves working...
View ArticleIf at First You Don’t Succeed, Wait, Wait and Try Again
I had an eye opening experience with my daughter, Julia, last month. She had a doctor’s appointment for a physical assessment that was required in order to enroll in a fitness course. Her doctor told...
View ArticleCommunity Inclusion for Autistic People – Ideas and Options
Community inclusion is best described as when there is an opportunity within a community for all its members to live, work, contribute and participate without barriers or obstacles to do so. In an...
View ArticleTeaching Flexibility – An Important Skill
Not everything in life goes according to plan – when change happens, we need to be able to adapt. While autistic people need predictable and consistent routines, it’s still important to be able to cope...
View ArticleCoping with Changes in Routines
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...
View ArticleBreaking Down Tasks into Manageable Steps for Autistic Individuals
Tasks that might look simple to do or appear self-explanatory may not be so for autistic individuals. Every day activities like taking a bath, getting dressed, doing laundry, washing hands or brushing...
View ArticleTransitioning from the Family Home
Leaving the family home to a place of one’s own is a major life transition. It requires planning, preparation, supports, and guidance. This process can’t be rushed as there are many aspects to...
View ArticleMaking the Most of the Summer Camp Experience for Autistic Children
Summer camps offer a safe and support environment for autistic children to learn, have fun, gain independence, and make new friends. Camps provide an opportunity for outdoor adventure, physical...
View ArticleMaking Choices
From the moment we get up in the morning, we begin making choices: shower or brush teeth first, coffee or tea, what to eat for breakfast, what to wear, and what’s on the agenda for the day. Not only do...
View Article