Autism Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals & Therapy Dogs | Interview with Caitlin Bird
With so many different names for service dogs, it can be hard to decide which one, if any, might be right for your family. Caitlin Bird teaches parents how to train their own service dogs, and she explains to me when a family might decide to invest the time and energy into inviting these animals into their homes.
Autism Living Facilities and Out of Home Placement | Interview with Lisa C
How do you know when it’s time to explore an out of home placement for a young adult with autism? Lisa C, a fellow autism mom of three, had to make this difficult decision for her 19-year-old son Ethan recently, and she shares her story with me today. Just making the initial decision was hard, but navigating insurance concerns and potential homes hours away made the decision even more daunting. Lisa’s story is one of hope, and I think you’ll appreciate her thoughtful perspective.
Teaching Special Needs Swimming with Tenaya Goldsmith
Putting your child in a floatie isn’t always the best way to keep them safe in the water. Being truly water safe means that a child should be able to demonstrate the 8 basic water safety skills. Tenaya Goldsmith, a swimming instructor for over 12 years, shares how you can teach your child, no matter their age or ability, how to be safe in the water.
The Big Three Skills for Autism
I’ve been consulting with children and a few adults with autism for many years now. I had a revelation soon after I published my book The Verbal Behavior Approach. I now believe that there are three main skills every child and adult with autism needs to be successful. These skills for autism, I believe, are […]
Should You Use Chew Toys for Kids with Autism?
Most infants chew on various toys and blankets, especially while they’re teething. Some kids with autism – or signs of autism – continue to chew well beyond infancy. Whether they are chewing on their hand, shirts, sleeves of their shirts, or any nonfood items, it can be a real problem. A common intervention that is […]