Posts by Michelle Ibarra
Eating out as a family with an autistic child.
Dining out at a restaurant is an enjoyable and relaxing outing for families. After all, what parent doesn’t like a night off from cooking and doing dishes? But for many parents raising kids on the autism spectrum, eating out can be an extremely challenging experience. Families must cope with stressful tantrums, picky eating, difficulties sitting…
Read MorePotty Training Tips for Children with Autism
From learning new routines to knowing when it’s time to use the toilet, to being able to manipulate clothing, the potty training process can take many years for some children with autism to become experts. Keep in mind that children with autism are all very different and master skills at different times. Some children have…
Read MoreTransition Strategies For Children With Autism
While most children struggle with transitions at some point in their lives, children with autism can find it particularly difficult to move from one activity to another. They may become visibly agitated and overwhelmed, express feelings of sadness and anger, and some may erupt into a full-blown meltdown, especially when they are expected to transition…
Read MoreHow to Discipline an Autistic Child
Is it autism or just bad behavior? Discipline is helping your child learn how to behave – as well as how not to behave. It works best when you have a warm and loving relationship with your child. Discipline and discipline strategies are positive. They’re built on talking and listening. They guide all children towards: Knowing…
Read MoreEasing School Anxiety in ASD Children
Anxiety is very common among children and teens on the autism spectrum. This may be because many people with autism struggle with social interactions, which can include eye contact, conversation, social cues, and body language. Social anxiety can present itself in a variety of ways, including avoiding social situations altogether, becoming shaky or sweaty during…
Read MoreBedtime tips for ASD children
How to Solve the Autism Sleep Problem Without Going Nuts Sleep disorders may be even more common in children with autism spectrum disorders. Researchers estimate that between 40% and 80% of children with ASD have difficulty sleeping. The biggest sleep problems among these children include: Difficulty falling asleep Inconsistent sleep routines Restlessness or poor sleep…
Read MoreTraveling to Mexico with ASD Children
Because traveling with children doesn’t have to be hard. Family travel isn’t quite as spontaneous as traveling when you’re young and free of responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be stressful. With a little bit of forward planning and these top tips to remember, taking a trip with your children will be…
Read MoreBenefits of Sleeping With Weighted Blankets
Are weighted blankets really worth the investment? Overview Weighted blankets are heavier than the kinds of blankets people usually buy. They typically weigh anywhere from 4 to 30 pounds, making them heavier than the average comforter or down quilt. For many people who have disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, or autism, weighted blankets may provide…
Read MoreTips To help Manage Parenting Stress
Preventing Parent Burnout Meeting the emotional challenges of caring for children with ASD Parenting is hard work, and parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is exponentially harder. You’re almost certainly putting in more effort than any other mom or dad you know, yet your kid may still be at risk, struggling, or making less…
Read MoreMoms Age 11 Years Faster, Says New Study. Here’s How to Stop It
If you’ve ever secretly blamed your kids for giving you gray hairs, well… you were right! A new study finds that women who have children age 11 years faster than women who don’t have kids – at least on a cellular level. Researchers from George Mason University analyzed the length of telomeres in the blood…
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