Outdoor play is good for kids. It’s a natural form of exercise, it encourages kids to stretch their capabilities, physically and in their imaginations. Being outdoors helps with sensory and emotional regulation. Playgrounds provide settings that facilitate interaction and communication, as well. It’s good for parents to be outside too, providing a break in home routines and an opportunity for […]
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When our daughter was four and in ABA, like any other preschooler, she would get upset sometimes about having tasks to complete. So her behavioural consultant came up with a plan: when she was distracted or uncooperative (which really, I think, meant she was trying to avoid having to do things that weren’t important to her for fairly long periods of […]
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Originally published on RDI Connect. Those of us raising children in Canada are keenly aware of and attuned to the seasons and their impact on the flow of our daily lives. There is nothing like living through a harsh, bitterly cold winter, then being able to throw off our winter boots and mitts on the first warm, sweet spring day. When the temperatures […]
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“The truth of this book and the truth of your journey from diagnosis to acceptance is that unless you acknowledge your own vulnerability and develop your ability for self-compassion, your growth as a parent will not fully be complete. Guilt and self-blame are heavy stones in your boat as you row down this river. Compassion for yourself is wind in […]
Read moreThere’s a lot yet to learn about autism, and research is important for developing a fuller understanding of how families can support their kids. Here’s an opportunity for dads of all kinds (step, grand, regular…) to share what they know about interacting with their kids with autism. Please help if you can!
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Autism isn’t always diagnosed in the preschool years. But if problems become evident after children are in the school system, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis. Here is one parent’s story of the difficulties that can come from misunderstanding the reason for a child’s struggles….
Read moreHappy Autism Acceptance Day! This is a day to reflect on what autism means to us, and what we would like the world to know about people who have autism. I see autism as just another facet of human nature. We are still parenting children who have many things to learn. Some things are more difficult, but some are more […]
Read moreFor the last two years, ADAPT’s goal has been to raise awareness that children with autism and their families are diverse. When children are diagnosed, they are put on a wait list for access to a family services worker (who acts as a guide to services), and occupational, speech, and physical therapy. They are also offered a choice of autism-specific […]
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This morning, I came across a mother wishing she could have an IEP for herself. Her reason? There is so much to manage and to learn for parents, especially when your children need support to meet their potential. She says: How does one set goals for, say, the next six months, and then, gulp, work towards them? In a family […]
Read moreWe’re almost a third of the way into the school year, and it’s the season for IEP meetings, first report cards, and parent-teacher interviews. It’s a great time to encourage one another. What’s going right? How is your child’s school and teacher working to make sure that your child feels that they belong, are safe, and are valued in their […]
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