Tag - Autism

20
May

Finding Peace

As I was wandering around the Minneapolis airport recently, I found a store with a variety of posters, cards, and wall hangings with quotes and sayings on them. As I perused the options, I found one that I had to purchase and bring back to the office. Here is the quote: Peace. It does not …

16
Apr

Communication is Dynamic

Communication is a dynamic process. It goes way beyond the words we say. Many people interchange the words communication, language, and speech; but these terms are not synonymous. Speech refers to the actual words or sounds that are coming from your mouth. Language is the grammar, meaning and ability to use the words you have. …

10
Apr

Perspectives on Behavior

All children exhibit less-than-desirable behaviors at one time or another.  Sometimes children exhibit many of these behaviors throughout the day, especially in the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.  The behaviors can take over everyone’s lives and become the focus of our interactions with these children.  Too often we blame the child, when what we …

18
Sep

Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: 4 Essential Components of Treatment

Whether your child has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental disorder (or you suspect that your child has some atypical developmental characteristics), you may feel confused and overwhelmed regarding treatment options. There are many different approaches that can be beneficial depending on your child’s specific symptoms and needs. It can …

17
Aug

Ask the Horizons Team: Understand Your Child’s Special Education Evaluation

Question: My son has been eligible for special education as a student with autism for 3 years (since he was 6), and was eligible with an early childhood developmental delay prior to that.  He is now due (actually overdue) for his 3-year re-evaluation for special education.  When I looked at the plan the school gave …

17
Jul

“Not Now” Doesn’t Mean “Never”: Expectations for Children with Autism and Related Disorders

My husband and I had three sons when our daughter joined our family.  I was thrilled with the idea of finally being able to put one of my children in dresses, buy cute little shoes, and do her hair.  After three boys, it was time for me to have another female in the house to …

2
Jul

How Do I Know if My Child is Anxious?

When thinking about autism and all that is involved with it and other similar neurodevelopmental disorders, we sometimes overlook the possibility of co-occurring conditions like anxiety. All too often I hear responses about a child’s odd behaviors in relation to him or her “being naughty,” or that “it is just his or her autism”; but, …

13
Jun

Prioritizing Needs and Treatments for Children with Autism

I recently had a parent refer to the many needs of her daughter in this way: “It’s like there are three floors of the house burning! Where do we start and which level do we fight the fire on first?” This provides an excellent visual metaphor for determining priorities in treatment. When a child has …

11
Apr

Go With Your Gut: Five Tips for Parents Making School-Related Decisions

School-related decisions seem to be an ever-present issue for all families, but especially for families with a child with unique learning needs. Here are some tips I find myself frequently providing parents in regards to their child’s education: Do not buy into the idea that there is a certain place out there that is a …

20
Mar

The Importance of Small Victories: Reflections on Treatment for Autism, ADHD, and Related Disorders

I was conducting a seminar recently when a member of the audience asked me if I believe that treatment for autism can lead to “recovery”, or if I believe autism and related disorders can be “cured”.  These types of questions are asked often by parents and professionals and are worth addressing.  While it may be …

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