How often are we given a new medication to “try out” and then when we attend a follow-up appointment, the doctor says, “How’s that medication working?” We say something like “Um, it seems to be helping?” Unfortunately, we parents rarely collect objective behavioral data following medication changes. This is a concern not just for people…
When Should Parents Disclose Their Child’s Diagnosis?
Once your child has a diagnosis of autism, one of your first questions may be, “So who do I tell?” The best rule of thumb: If your child will require a level of accommodation, modification, support, service, or just patience and understanding in a certain situation, then telling someone about the diagnosis can help make…
Overcoming Sensory Challenges
I have four children with autism who have unique sensory processing challenges and needs. Over the past 11 years, my children and I have grown in our understanding of the unique way in which they process the world around them. Before my daughters were diagnosed, I could not understand why they acted certain ways in…
Easing the Transition Back to School
Easing the transition back to school…it’s that time of year again! The transition from summer to fall, more specifically from summer break to the start of the school year, can be overwhelming for everyone involved. The added stressors of back-to-school shopping, meet-and-greets with teachers, and transitioning into new schools can be challenging. We have some…
It Just Feels Good!
Human behavior is complex, no doubt. There are often layers to the reasons why people behave the way they do and those reasons may fluctuate from day-to-day based on a variety of internal or external events. Everyone engages in some behaviors (e.g., scratching a mosquito bite) just because they feel good. That is, the behavior…