The Learning Garden

It’s that time of year again. Many families with children with autism will be visiting family and friends this holiday season. The prospect of spending this time away from your own home can be scary for your child, especially if they have trouble with transitions, but there are ways to make it easier for everyone involved. If you’re going to visit the grandparents and relatives, try these ways to ensure your child with autism enjoys their vacation with the extended family. 1. Talk to Your Child in Advance About What to Expect Children with autism may worry about what to expect during the visit or have a difficult time communicating their feelings or needs to their parents. Try talking to your child in advance about what to expect and what they're looking forward to. Talk to them about what is happening each day, who they will be spending time with, where you'll be going, and other information that might help prepare them for the trip.  Create visual schedules of the days ah

For many families, the holidays are one of the best times of the year! It’s an exciting time when friends and family gather together to celebrate the season with laughter, food, and lots of other fun festivities. However, the holidays may be harder than usual for children on the autism spectrum; this can cause some unique challenges that can impact their ability to enjoy themselves during this time of year. If you’re wondering how to address holiday challenges for children with autism, here are some helpful tips to consider.   1. Get organized   Prepare a detailed itinerary for the holidays, especially if it involves traveling. Write down daily activities while always keeping what your child likes in mind. Include in the itinerary what to bring for each activity, and any special needs-related information or needs that may come up at each location. Consider packing an emergency bag of essentials (medications, snacks, water bottles) in case they are needed while traveling. Put all of thi

As parents, we assume a great deal of responsibility for the welfare of our children. The way we speak to them or act around them impacts their behavior and overall development. But when your child has autism, the role becomes considerably more challenging. How do you even start being a parent, when the foremost difficulties faced by the child with autism are communication and social interaction? The responsibilities of a parent are ever-evolving; each day bring with it a fresh set of difficulties and rewards. Your child may need your love, support, and direction throughout their life, in both the easy and difficult circumstances. But with the right information and your sheer determination, you can do it and provide your child with exceptional parental care. Here are three things to consider: 1. Love them unconditionally Children with autism are already exposed to self-criticism on a regular basis. They may not show it, but they know if they are being judged by other people because of