Tag Archives: Autism

  During Maya’s* first birthday celebration, her mother knew something was different. “We were singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and she had such a blank stare. In that moment, I knew something was off,” recalls Elizabeth Chaillou, who perhaps had special insight into typical childhood milestones given that Maya is the youngest …

    The noise, lights, smells, people and activity of holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for neurotypical children and even many adults. It is little wonder, then, that children with special needs may struggle in these environments. If you are hosting a celebration or are a parent of a child …

  Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can often exhibit sensory issues such as hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to various stimuli. As many as 70% to 96% of those diagnosed with autism can display signs of sensory dysfunction. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivity to a list …

For many families, Halloween is a holiday to unwind and have fun. But for children on the autism spectrum who rely on predictability to maintain a sense of order, the deviations from normalcy that are part of Halloween celebrations can present challenges for them. “Although it is important to remember …

When the pandemic turned the world upside down, local mom Hannah Grieco found that puzzles helped bring peace and order to her kids' lives.

The change is meant to foster inclusivity, says Tom Flis, behavioral services manager at Sheppard Pratt.

One local mom explains why autism, like race and religion, should be included in conversations about inclusion at school.

Joy Johnson, author of "Happy, Flappy and Me," says it depends on whether the behavior is regulating sensory input

ll of us remember our first job. Whether it was helping out with the family business, serving sweet treats at the local frozen yogurt shop, mowing lawns or working at a summer camp, it was an experience that, for better or for worse, you’ll always remember. While first jobs rarely …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as “a developmental disability that is caused by differences in how the brain functions. People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in different ways.” About one in 59 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum …