FAQautism: Episodes
There are few experiences more enjoyable than watching the flames of a campfire leap up from the logs, cooking s’mores with family and friends, singing some silly songs, then watching the embers glow and fade. Here are some hints for helping your friends with autism enjoy this traditional summer experience. ...
A sweet pre-teen diagnosed with autism did not seem to be aware of her bad habit of standing very close to people and touching their face or hair. Nagging, pleading, and fussing did not make any impact on the inappropriate behavior. Because she was rather obsessively interested in rhyming words, this ...
One parent asks for ideas for encouraging her son to keep shoes on his feet, especially when outside in the winter. Another asks for thoughts about dealing with his son’s obsession with wearing boots morning, noon, and night, even to bed. The contrasting questions illustrate the disparities of autism.
Listen ...
Listen ...
How can I break the monotony of the summer days? I am a single parent with two kids, one of whom has significant issues related to autism. Although I would love to take the kids on fantastic summer adventures every day, I never have enough money nor enough time to do so. HELP!
Listen Now:
or
continue [...]
Listen Now:
or
continue [...]
We finally think we can manage a road trip with our daughter with autism. We need some ideas to help make the ride in the car smooth sailing. What steps can we take to make the trip more worry-free and fun for the whole family?
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Some families use the “road trip bag ...
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Some families use the “road trip bag ...
How can I encourage youngsters with autism in my class to answer questions? Some of the kids with echolalic speech only repeat the question. And several youngsters are unable to answer either-or questions. For example, when we ask if they want to swing or to jump on the trampoline, they respond by saying ...
After playing with a new toy, book, DVD, or other free-time gadget for just one or two days, our eight-year-old daughter with autism loses interest in the item. Short of buying her new items every day, how can we decrease her boredom and increase her interest and enjoyment of items?
Listen Now:
or
continue ...
Listen Now:
or
continue ...
How can families help youngsters with autism join the fun of summer sleepovers with friends or campouts? How can a pre-teen girl with autism enjoy slumber parties with her peers if she is extremely averse to sleeping any place other than her own bed?
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Some of my friends ...
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Some of my friends ...
My daughter with autism is echolalic and has started repeating her grandmother’s complaints about the hot weather. What are some ways we can change the focus for both generations and add some zip to these dog days?
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
A brainstorming session with some folks resulted in ...
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
A brainstorming session with some folks resulted in ...
How can we help our son enjoy the fun and excitement of fireworks displays? He reacts to random, loud noises by screaming, scratching anyone close, and biting his arm. But we think he would love the colorful visual patterns and brilliant bursts of light in a fireworks display. Any ideas?
Listen Now:
or
continue ...
Listen Now:
or
continue ...
Last week I was talking with an informal gathering of parents - a circumstantial meeting outside the grocery store. Because of the wide age ranges of their youngsters, most of these parents had not met. It was neat to hear the conversation unfold. Although their life circumstances are vastly different, ...
A teen friend diagnosed with autism sent an e-mail with her thoughts about summer heat and sensitivities to air temperature. She shares some insights that some of our friends with autism might not be able to express.
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
So, my high school friend wrote these words: “Here ...
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
So, my high school friend wrote these words: “Here ...
Helping some individuals with autism stay on an even keel with behavior can feel like a downward spiral. Some family members, teachers, and job coaches have described the circular feeling of getting one problem ironed out only to have another bigger challenge come barreling around the corner.
Listen ...
Listen ...
Family members, teachers, therapists, and others interested in the well-being of individuals with autism often come to the conclusion that effective behavior management is an elusive goal. We often find ourselves making decisions throughout the day, consciously or unconsciously, about the most effective ...
How do I encourage my pre-teen with autism to be more active? He likes to sit for hours on end fiddling with the remote control and watching the same video over and over. Exercise and healthy living are not on his radar screen.
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Sometimes we have to be a bit sneaky to impact [...]
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Sometimes we have to be a bit sneaky to impact [...]
How can I avoid my daughter’s tantrums every time I put a clean pillow slip on her pillow? Why do people with autism cling obsessively to a certain pillow? Why does my grandson hide his pillow hoping I will not wash it or change the pillow slip?
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Many individuals with ...
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Many individuals with ...
How do I talk to a person who is non-verbal? Or to a friend with autism who echoes every word I say? Is it necessary to talk to an individual who is not able to talk back? How can I carry on a casual one-way conversation?
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
It is certainly challenging to converse with a [...]
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
It is certainly challenging to converse with a [...]
A number of parents, teachers, and other caregivers responded to our first video podcast – a VODcast – about the challenges public bathrooms present to those assisting teens and adults with autism with their personal needs. In today’s podcast, we are sharing just a few of the comments submitted. ...
I think some of my friends with autism are actually fish in human bodies. They love to swim – by the hour - in a pool, river, ocean, lake, water slides, or even a sprinkler. On the other hand, some folks with autism have a great aversion to water, even the water in a bathtub [...]
In keeping with their inclination to interpret words literally, some of my friends with autism struggle with the meaning of the quips we all share when greeting people or making casual conversation. Most of us say “How are you doing?” as a casual greeting. Except for unusual circumstances, we are ...