What are the Childhood Signs of Autism?

ByKori
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Autism spectrum disorder presents early in life and it is important for parents to know what the initial signs of autism are. There are many areas to to watch, including: communication, social skills, and other areas of development. Some may be more obvious than others. So how do parents really know? How can parents be fully prepared? I’m sharing some tips on how to recognize some of the more common childhood signs of autism. Please note, however, this is not an extensive list. Common Childhood Signs of Autism At present, there is no medical or genetic test available that is specific to autism. There are diagnostic evaluations and tests, depending on the part of the world that you live in. But the actual diagnosis is determined by…

Coping Skills for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Coping Skills for Parents of Special Needs Kids

ByKori
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Parental stress is a very real thing. To help against it, we need to develop coping skills like the ones suggested in this post. From one parent to another, here are essential coping skills for parents of special needs kids. I’ve been on the journey of special needs parenting since my son was an infant. He was born three months premature and with that early birth came a few health complications. A few years later, my daughter would be diagnosed with autism as a toddler. I won’t lie and say that this has always been easy. I’m not perfect and over time, I’ve had to develop coping skills. So today I’m talking about coping as a special needs parent. This is something that I’ve touched on…

What Are the Benefits of Habilitation for Autistic Teens?

What Are the Benefits of Habilitation for Autistic Teens?

ByKori
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As your child with autism becomes a teenager with autism, in the United States, services will begin to open up that you may not have had access to before. It’s just another confusing step on this overall autism parenting journey. These services are called habilitation services. But just what are they? And are they really beneficial? I believe that absolutely yes, habilitation services are beneficial for autism when delivered in the right context and setting. What is habilitation for autism? For the next part of Autism A to Z, I’m bringing to you something that many won’t have to deal with until their child with autism is an adult with autism. For me, personally, this is something that I am already looking into (waiting lists…

How to Help an Autistic Child Who Self Injures
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How to Help an Autistic Child Who Self Injures

ByKori
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All behavior for autistic children has a purpose and function. Often that purpose is to communicate something. But when that behavior is harmful? That can be so confusing and alarming for parents. But what can we do? How do we, as parents, help an autistic child who self-injures? What is the behavior behind self-injury in autism? Many wonder why anyone would practice self-injury, as it is painful and dangerous. However, with autistic children, self-injury occurs more often than not. There are several theories as to why this practice can be prevalent in autistic children, and there are some methods you can use to help ease this distressing practice. In fact, when it comes to parenting an autistic child, this may be one of the more troubling…

Who Will Take Care of My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?

Who Will Take Care of My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?

ByKori
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For parents of autistic children, we may often ask ourselves: What will happen to my autistic child when I die? This is something that I ask myself, almost daily. It may seem like a harsh reality and I won’t lie to you and say that I’m completely at ease about this. I’m not. I do know that I can start planning and that I can do whatever I can to help her. And here’s just one thing that I’m doing to help prepare for her future. How to Plan for Future Care of Your Autistic Child As the parent of an autistic child, you take on many roles. You become their biggest champion, their biggest cheerleader, and sometimes you become their voice. You will more…

Why We Need Autism Acceptance and Not Just Autism Awareness

Why We Need Autism Acceptance and Not Just Autism Awareness

ByKori
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In 2015, I endeavored to write a series of posts called Autism A to Z.  One of those posts was written about autism acceptance. This post was created out of a frustration around autism awareness month and autism awareness day. I wondered- why. Why are we limiting this to just awareness? Why are people stopping at just creating awareness? I wish and strive for autism acceptance. Now more than ever. Beyond autism awareness and instead autism acceptance. Why is Autism Acceptance Important? April is Autism Awareness Month. But I want it to be so much more than just awareness. I wish for autism acceptance and understanding.  But how do we get to a point of autism acceptance and understanding? By continuing to raise awareness, by educating,…