While I was studying for my undergrad I was in a sorority. This sorority, about a year before I graduated, changed their philanthropy, and started supporting Autism Speaks. Before this moment I knew NOTHING of the organization. Really, until my daughter’s diagnosis I never really thought much of it. So, I do understand the many […]
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Autism has very specific traits. Many of the misconceptions around Autism have to do a lot with misunderstanding about what are Autistic traits and what are traits of comorbid conditions. That are many different conditions that are often comorbid (simultaneously present). Misunderstandings like the one I heard recently where a man was explaining that someone […]
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Person first language is taught in most health profession programs. That is why doctors, teachers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, will likely call your child or yourself a “child WITH autism.” This movement began in 1974, seeking to empower individuals by placing an emphasis on their individuality and personhood over their disability. Since this time […]
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Before becoming a mother, I admittedly did not know a lot about Autism. When I thought about Autism, I pictured the very stereotypical blunt, robotic, routine driven individual. I did not understand how many of these are misconceptions about Autism. As my oldest daughter was creeping up on her second birthday it was suggested by […]
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National Autism Awareness Month: We Don’t Need Awareness, We Need Acceptance. Many of you, whether or not you have anyone close to you who is autistic, have heard of Autism Awareness Month in April. Really, however, we do not need to be aware of Autism. So many are aware of Autism. What is needed is […]
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With most neurodiverse children, like Autistic children, the Christmas season can be very overwhelming. This overwhelm can be hard for any neurotypical child or adult to understand. There are many different ways during the holidays to make sure the Autistic child in your family is not completely left out and ignored due to their differences. […]
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Sensory play is beneficial for all kids. In daycare, preschool, school, or at home, having sensory activities for your children can… Support cognitive development Helps children develop their knowledge Aid in development Enhance memory Encourage development of fine and gross motor skills Encourage problem solving skills Encourage exploration Encourage creativity Be calming Support language development […]
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Two years ago, my daughter was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. At the time of this diagnosis, I did have some knowledge about Autism but not much. I had extensive experience working with adults with Downs Syndrome and through that experience have met many autistic adults as well through shared activities. Those shared activities were […]
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There are many things we’ve known, grown up knowing, and just thought were fact, that are social constructs. Our society works in a way that tells us one thing is just the way it is when, other societies do or see things differently. For instance, gender is a social construct because biologically there are not just two sexes but many genetic possibilities. What it means to be feminine, and masculine is a social construct because those definitions differ depending on the society and culture you’re in. This is true also for disability. What is considered a disability depends on society and is made true by the norms and practices of society.
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Potty Training, especially for a first child can be a daunting feat on its own. Naturally, you will look for guidance online, on social media, from friends and family. Likely too, you will consider potty training your autistic child before they are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Whether your child is autistic or neuro-typical my […]
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