Myths about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) abound. In fact, a lot of the misconceptions about ASD emanate from these myths. The purpose of this article is to debunk some of the most common autism myths, clarify the truth about autism, and offer further resources for anyone seeking more information about ASD.

For caregivers who are curious about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, we’ve put together a quick guide to ABA therapy for parents that covers the basics. Keep reading to learn what ABA therapy is, how it works, and more of the essentials you need to know if you’re thinking of pursuing ABA therapy for your child.

Now that you’ve received the news that your child has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, you’re wondering if and how to tell them. Every instinct in your body is telling you to shield your child from harm for as long as possible, and you’re left wondering which is the greater harm — telling them or not telling them?

Maybe you’re afraid that if your child knows that they have an ASD diagnosis, they’ll feel like they are somehow different from other kids or that they are less worthy of all the great things life has to offer. You might worry that your child isn’t able to understand what autism is and will only end up confused and frustrated. What if they interpret the diagnosis as limiting them in ways that they can’t overcome? Will they become angry or depressed? If you don’t tell them, are you actually sending a message that autism is something to deny and hide out of shame or embarrassment?

This article is written for parents just like you who are facing the dilemma of if and how to explain autism to kids. This article also explores whether and to what extent you should tell others about your child’s autism, and where you can find guidance as you and your family navigate the challenges that follow an autism diagnosis.

If you are a parent or caregiver of an autistic child, the issue of how to lovingly discipline them has invariably come up. All children need guidance and boundaries, but the last thing you want to do is miscommunicate with your child and end up upsetting them, confusing them, or even frightening them.

So how do you discipline a child with autism spectrum disorder without creating more problems than you’re actually solving? This article attempts to answer that question by providing some insights into your autistic child’s behaviors and offering some tips and strategies to consider as you learn how best to communicate with your child about their behavior.

When raising an autistic child, the more autism behavior management strategies you have in your back pocket, the better.

It is perfectly normal and acceptable that a child with autism would act differently from their peers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to mitigate unwanted behaviors and overcome some of the everyday challenges that come with the disorder.

Implementing behavior strategies with children on the spectrum is beneficial for both the caregiver and the child, and can go a long way toward helping the child navigate social situations. Below, we’re sharing some of the easiest ways to manage autism behaviors, with things that parents, teachers, and caregivers can start doing right now to help autistic children thrive.

Communication is a foundational aspect of human interactions and relationships, helping to foster connection and further understanding. For autistic children who experience challenges in verbal and social communication, learning how to communicate effectively is essential to improving their social and cognitive development. That’s why it’s so important, if you’re responsible for caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), that you’re familiar with some autism communication strategies.

If you are wondering about connecting with an autistic child in a meaningful way, this article offers information that can help. Along with providing advice on how to build a relationship with an autistic child, you’ll find valuable insights into matters like autism and expressing emotion and ways you can show an autistic child how much you love them.

If you are looking for information and insights on how to talk to an autistic child, this article is for you. Whether you are a parent of an autistic child, another family member, their teacher, faith leader, coach, counselor, or friend, the following tips for how to interact with an autistic child will significantly enhance your ability to communicate with the child in your life.

Anxiety in autism is a common experience for many autistic individuals, significantly impacting their lives. In this blog, we will delve into the causes of anxiety in autism, shedding light on how changes in routine can trigger anxiety, the influence of social situations and sensory environments, and how to manage anxiety effectively.

Rewarding your child who has autism can be an effective strategy for encouraging positive behaviors and reinforcing skills. Children with autism often face unique behavioral challenges, and a well-designed reward system can be a powerful tool in promoting learning and development. This blog post will provide an overview of reward systems, discuss how to develop and implement them for children with autism, and offer reward ideas for autism that parents can use.

As a parent of a child with autism, you know first-hand that autism is more than just a developmental and neurological condition. It affects every aspect of your child's life, from their ability to interact and communicate with others to their learning and behavior. While autism is not a mental health disorder, it's important to recognize that your child may be at a higher risk for mental health conditions. This article will explore the link between autism and mental health and provide the information you need to support your child's well-being.

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we must be vigilant regarding autism and the internet. While many online dangers are the same for autistic individuals as for others, kids with ASD need more structured time on computers and devices.

You need to have an explicitly-stated plan about using the internet, one that you can clearly communicate to the children in your care. This way, you can better protect their privacy and keep them safe while they surf the internet and interact on social media. With that in mind, we’ve put together seven tips for helping teach autistic individuals to be safe online.

t’s never too early to start thinking about autism and transitions to adult life. Parents and caregivers may believe that they have plenty of time to make appropriate accommodations regarding health care, finances, higher education, and other considerations. However, once an autistic individual graduates high school or turns 21 (depending on the state), the availability of public support changes drastically. That’s why it’s best to have a plan in place. Parents and schools should also encourage autistic children to develop realistic expectations. Transitions can be less painful for them if they are prepared in advance.

Of course, all autistic individuals are different. Since they have varying levels of verbal, social, emotional, and intellectual skills, there isn’t one correct solution on how to equip them with the resources they’ll need upon entering adulthood. That’s another reason it’s good to get an early start: parents and caregivers will know which areas to focus on, whether or not ongoing assistance is necessary, and how to plan accordingly.

Gardening isn’t just a fun and rewarding activity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Helping to keep a garden also promotes the development of their functional skills. This article will examine how gardening with autism increases children’s communication and motor skills, sense of well-being, and sensory development.

A home or school garden is a safe, calming environment where children with ASD can feel comfortable exploring the outside world and learning about the growth of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other plants. It also provides an important tactile experience that engages both their senses and imaginations. And, of course, getting a daily dose of sunshine and fresh air is always a plus. Here are some reasons why gardening, especially when paired with a treatment plan such as ABA therapy, can positively impact childhood development.

Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are vital for the healthy development of all children, and kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are no exception. Outdoor play is great exercise, but it also promotes cognitive function, sensory development, social skills, attention span, and overall sense of well-being. That’s why we have put together this list of outdoor activities for autistic children. When the weather is nice, take your child out to engage in positive growth experiences and make happy childhood memories.

Every child is unique, of course, so you might find some of our suggestions more helpful than others. But we hope you can use some of the below ideas to give your child some quality time outside. And when you’re out of the house, remember to make safety a top priority: pack everything you’ll need while out, including drinks and sunscreen.

Autism eating habits, such as picky eating and the refusal of new or unfamiliar foods, challenge many parents. While these eating behaviors are common among all children, they are especially pronounced among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In fact, the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders published in 2019 that atypical eating habits affected over 70% of all children with ASD.

There are many reasons for this behavior, and since autism is a spectrum disorder, the manifestation and severity of symptoms will vary from child to child. There is, of course, the danger that undernourishment presents to proper development, and parents need to be mindful of their children’s eating habits and encourage a healthy and balanced diet.

How we address autism in the classroom is the subject of ongoing discussion and research. And while we could cite numerous studies and articles on the topic, the simple fact remains: there is no one right answer for how educators can best support their students on the spectrum. As the saying goes, “if you’ve met one autistic child, you’ve met one autistic child.” And with current research indicating that as many as 1 in 44 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by age 8, school administrators and teachers have to be prepared to aid students with these developmental differences.

Students with ASD may find classrooms and social interactions overstimulating or confusing, which can result in hyperactive behavior, anxiety, irritability, and other common symptoms. And while teachers do their best to stay compassionate and attentive to these students’ needs, they will naturally sometimes feel impatience and frustration. So how should teachers create a comfortable, nurturing environment for children with ASD?

All parents are told to track their children's developmental milestones, but autism milestones may look different or occur on a different timeline than expected. Therefore, it can be helpful to know how milestones might differ in a child with autism versus a child without autism, and how tracking milestones in children with ASD can be a bit tricky.

While it is not always possible (or even recommended) to diagnose autism in babies or toddlers, being aware of developmental nuances and delays can be key for successful early interventions. Here’s what to be aware of as you watch your own child learn and grow.

When we play, we learn, which is why games for autistic children are an excellent addition to traditional autism therapy—especially when it comes to the development of social skills.

For many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), games offer an effective method of instruction for working on social behaviors and cues. And often, the games themselves are an opportunity to practice socialization, with a wide array of board games, online games, and other fun activities that children with ASD can engage in with friends, family members, and caregivers.

Here's why games are so important for children on the autism spectrum, plus five of the best games for autistic children to play as they work on their social skills.

For caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), navigating autism and change of routine responses can seem like an incredibly difficult task. Individuals of all ages with autism tend to find comfort and stability in predictable routines and environments. And disruptions—especially unanticipated ones—can lead to stress, anxiety, aggression, and other negative outcomes.

Of course, change is inevitable. It’s important to learn how to mitigate negative responses to changes in routine, as well as to be proactive and provide children with tools that can help them better manage disruptions in their day-to-day lives. Keep reading to learn why changes in routine can be so upsetting to children with autism, plus advice for helping children cope with change when it does occur.