Planning for Success
Prevent Holiday Meltdowns for You and Your Child
Holiday gatherings have led to some of the most humongous meltdowns we’ve experienced with my youngest son Jake, who is diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum. I can’t say I haven’t joined him a time or two either! Once the tears have cleared and the...
6 Tips to Teach How to Throw and Catch
To throw and catch a ball may seem like such a basic skill, but for a child with motor isms, it may seem more challenging than going for an Olympic gold medal! It is amazing the amount of skills involved that are typically taken for granted. For instance:...
Six Steps for Handling Aggression and Meltdowns
Do you remember the horrific story of Alex Spourdalakis with his severe aggression and meltdowns? The full story has now been made into a documentary. Alex’s story really hit home because our family has experienced a hell similar to the one they were living....
Choose to Celebrate
One of the most wonderful gifts a special child offers the world is a new level of appreciation. Learning, growth, and development are so miraculous, and yet we often do not think twice about what is happening. We take it all for granted. We assume that it is the same...
The Wonder of Words
Words are delicious! They’re the icing on the communication cupcake, aren’t they?! Why? Because human beings want to be understood. We want to understand each other. Words have the potential to make communication easier, depending on our skill level at using them....
Building Foundations for Communication
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." — Rachel Carson Reaching Out We want to make interacting easier...
The Non-Verbal Dance
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said." — Peter Drucker Language development definitely has its benefits, but non-verbal communication is the foundation. It is a foundation that is often over-looked and under-valued. A Supportive...
Deciding To Trust
When someone perceives the world differently than you, how is it possible to connect? How do you communicate with someone that does not seem to understand you? And you, in turn, do not understand him/her? A Story about Michael My very first teaching position was for...
Banish Boredom Forever!
Interaction Series - Part 2 of 12 What assumptions have you already made from the title “Banish Boredom Forever”? Maybe you’re thinking “impossible!” or “I’m too busy to be bored.” How to Drop Assumptions Curiosity sets the stage for this month’s interaction idea....
Invite Interaction!
Interaction Series - Part 1 of 12 Interaction - noun. Mutual or reciprocal action or influence. The Best Gifts in Life are Free They’re available everyday. Interaction is one of those gifts! As you ponder the interaction ideas that will be presented monthly (starting...