Exercise is an important component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for all children. In the United States, over 16% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 years of age are considered overweight or obese.1 For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this percentage is even higher with 19% of children with ASD classified as
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I feel pretty certain that my brother is autistic. Was autistic…? I am not sure how I would define it and I know 42 years ago they didn’t have nearly the clues they have now for diagnoses. He is officially diagnosed as bipolar/schizophrenic with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some people have commented on my
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The chaos of packing, airport crowds and security, lengthy car rides and yes, even overexposure to family and friends is enough to erode any holiday traveler’s festive spirit. Add traveling with children into the equation, especially when special needs are involved, and some parents might wish they could just stay home. But a few preparations,
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Do you know how I feel? The ability to identify with other people’s emotions can elude children who struggle to process verbal and non-verbal cues. How can parents and teachers coach kids to develop empathy, a key to successful relationships at every stage of life? We asked Lauren Zimet, a leading speech pathologist who works with
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One of the best ways to work on balance, coordination and motor planning skills for young children is to create and navigate an obstacle course. Obstacle courses can be designed to capture a wide variety of motor and cognitive skills. Various ability levels can be accommodated in the design of an obstacle course with activities
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Here are the week’s headlines in Special Needs and Autism. As always, no commentary from us – you decide! US Researchers Identify Two Different Strains of Autism Scientists search for more autism clues New hope for early autism diagnosis via brain maps Field Trips Help Prepare Autistic Adults for Air Travel Downey woman with autism
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We have a new Featured Parent to introduce you to! Fun and Function: Who are you and your kids? Stephanie Stoltenburg: I’m Stephanie Stoltenburg. I have two children; Thomas, 9, and Jada, 6. FF: What is the nature of their special needs? SS: Thomas has Autism. FF: What would you say is your biggest challenge
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Here are the week’s headlines in Special Needs and Autism. As always, no commentary from us – You decide! MRI Shows Differences in Autistic Brain Autism more likely in kids of older dads? What study says Can my taking medication during pregnancy cause autism in my baby? Tweet
