How to Find the Brighter Side of the Autism Diagnosis
|

How to Find the Brighter Side of the Autism Diagnosis

ByKori
1 Comment

The days that surround the initial autism diagnosis process can be difficult. Some days are easier than others though and eventually, yes, you will find the brighter side of the autism diagnosis. Just hang in there. You’ll get there soon enough. How to Find the Brighter Side to the Autism Diagnosis If you had said to me, when my daughter was diagnosed, to look for a brighter side? I would have laughed in your face. Or, I would have been inclined to punch you, depending on my mood at the time. How could I possibly consider a brighter side of the autism diagnosis? What was I supposed to be thankful for? Honestly, at the time, I was hard pressed to find anything positive about this diagnosis. …

Why You Need to Take a Break

Why You Need to Take a Break

ByKori
29 Comments

Dear mom: Let’s talk about why you need to take a break. This is something that’s especially important for me to keep in mind, and any work at home parent or stay at home parent. If you were working at an office, you would get breaks. Perhaps a paid shorter break and a lunch break, but you would have a break. So why should working at home or being a stay at home parent be any different? It shouldn’t but in reality, we usually don’t take a break- even when we should. This is an important mental health issue for moms (and dads) to be aware of. Yes, you can take a break. What does it mean to “take a break”? Many of us are…

Sensory Calming Strategies for Autism Meltdowns (with free printable!)
|

Sensory Calming Strategies for Autism Meltdowns (with free printable!)

ByKori
0 Comments

Often, when it comes to autism meltdown strategies, we are addressing a sensory overload. So it would make sense to address like-with-like, wouldn’t it? Here are a few sensory calming strategies for autism meltdowns.  Why use sensory calming strategies for autism meltdowns? Autism meltdowns are often the result of a sensory overload. And while we have already discussed our favorite calming strategies for meltdowns, I wanted to specifically address sensory calming strategies. It makes sense when you think about it, you know? Sensory calming for sensory meltdowns. We want to look at the triggers and causes behind these meltdowns, so let’s address that sensory deficit or overload. Different Types of Sensory Calming Strategies Many of the self-calming strategies for autism are already sensory based. Extra touch,…

The Importance of Respite Services for Parents of Autistic Kids

The Importance of Respite Services for Parents of Autistic Kids

ByKori
2 Comments

As a parent, you need to take a break every so often. You cannot pour from an empty cup. That’s when you should start considering respite care for your autistic child. Trust me on this, you will be grateful.  What is respite care for autism Have you ever heard of respite services? One of the ways that parents can find some relief, is through respite services. Caregiver burn out is bound to happen to anyone. But for parents of special needs kids, it may sneak up on you faster than you realize. That’s not to say that we’re ready to just give in and call it quits; but even we reach the end of our rope from time to time. The problem? We’re all too…

Color Coded Daily Schedule Printable for Autism
|

Color Coded Daily Schedule Printable for Autism

ByKori
0 Comments

If you have an autistic child who does not need the higher level of support that comes with visual pictures, try using a system similar to this color coded daily schedule instead. You can also set this up as a master calendar to help your entire family get organized. It’s one of the many ways to set up structure and routine. Read about why routine is important for autism and find more resources throughout our site. How to Use a Color Coded Daily Schedule for Autism A daily schedule helps with setting up routine and structure. Seems simple enough and yes, it really is that simple. Having a daily schedule takes some of the guesswork out of the day-to-day and provides structure. By making things predictable, you…

8 Sensory Friendly Birthday Party Tips for Children with Autism

8 Sensory Friendly Birthday Party Tips for Children with Autism

ByKori
0 Comments

Birthday parties are usually a source of disdain when it comes to my autistic child. She hasn’t attended many, aside from parties for family members, and to be perfectly honest; I’ve never really gone out of my way to host a birthday party for her. Or at least not in the sense of: theme, inviting classmates, planning kids party activities, etc. And it’s mostly because of her birthday being in the summer (and the day before the 4th of July) and well, birthday parties are draining for this introverted mom. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t plan for a fun birthday party for your autistic child, nor should you rule it out completely. Find my birthday party planning checklist in the Autism Parenting Resources…