What Happens When Your Toddler Has Autism

What Happens When Your Toddler Has Autism

ByKori
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I want to tell you about my firsthand experience regarding autism in toddlers. My middle child is non-verbal, severely autistic. She has autism. The A word that I never wanted to think about before she got her diagnosis and the A word that I still sometimes don’t want to hear. It doesn’t matter how I word it, there are times that I still don’t want to hear it. I say this not because I’m ashamed of her, far from it. I say that because it’s just a part of who she is. Her autism does not define her, but it does explain some of her quirks. Her autism will not got away, there is no cure- and I’m okay with that. Autism is a part…

How to Get SSI Benefits For Your Autistic Child

How to Get SSI Benefits For Your Autistic Child

ByKori
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While this could have been for a multitude of other things I’m sure (and once I get my index page together, I’ll have additions as I think of them) for the Autism A to Z series, today S is for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and how to get SSI benefits for your autistic child. I also want to talk about the differences between SSI and Social Security. SSI has been a huge help for us when it comes to getting things for Sweet B that aren’t otherwise covered elsewhere. I think, at some point, every parent of an autistic child should look into this. What does SSI stand for and what is it? SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. The program is run by the…

The One Thing I Wish Someone had Told Me After My Daughter’s Diagnosis
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The One Thing I Wish Someone had Told Me After My Daughter’s Diagnosis

ByKori
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Following my daughter’s autism diagnosis in 2003, I was a mess. So much had changed, and yet hadn’t changed, after receiving the official statements from her developmental pediatrician. And as much as I could have been in denial, instead I went into some sort of action. Granted, I still didn’t deal with it as best as I could have. There were still things that I could have done better. Looking back, there were a few things that I wish someone would have told me after my daughter’s autism diagnosis. The words I needed to hear after my daughter’s autism diagnosis It’s so simple really, but would have meant so much in the grand scheme of things. Nothing has changed. And yet, it seemed that everything…

Why Use Sensory Boxes or Sensory Bins for Special Needs?

Why Use Sensory Boxes or Sensory Bins for Special Needs?

ByKori
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Sensory bins, or sensory boxes, can be quite beneficial for children with special needs. But why is that? Whether you are using them at home or in school, here’s how to incorporate sensory bins for special education needs and purposes. And honestly? If a craft challenged, mess fearing mom like me can embrace the idea of sensory boxes and sensory bins? Anyone can. I hate the mess and honestly, I’m not a huge fan of creating or touching slime. I may have a few sensory issues myself that need to be addressed. Why Use Sensory Bins for Special Education Needs? Sweet B uses sensory bins quite a bit at school. They provide her with a unique opportunity to experience play without having to be fully…

Free Printable Daily Schedule for Children on the Autism Spectrum
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Free Printable Daily Schedule for Children on the Autism Spectrum

ByKori
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Many children on the autism spectrum benefit from routines and structure. But how do we, as parents, provide this structure for them? It’s really easier than you think when you use free visual printables for autism. In fact, all it takes is a little bit of repetition and you’ll have created a functional daily routine and schedule for your child in no time at all. Still confused as to the how and the why? Or maybe you just want to start simple? I’ve got you covered there too with my free printable daily schedule for autism– designed to help you with setting up a functional routine at home. Why use a daily routine schedule printable? Sweet B, because of her autism, is a very visual…

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…