Behavior Reinforcement for Children with Autism

Behavior Reinforcement for Children with Autism When your children or clients do something that makes you think, wow, I'd love to see that more! Did you know you could actually make that happen? Today Im going to talk all about behavior reinforcement. I once worked with a boy, I'll call him Roger, who would hit…

Autism and Anxiety

Children with autism often experience other medical issues, including anxiety.  Today, I'm discussing the different types of anxiety that you may be seeing in your child or clients and I'm also going to give you next steps that you should take if your child has autism and anxiety.  Chrissy was one of my clients at…

The Eagles Autism Foundation: Interview with Executive Director Ryan Hammond

Before talking with Ryan on this episode, I had no idea the scope of the Eagles Autism Foundation. Founded just three short years ago in 2017, today the foundation has woven a commitment to the autism community throughout everything they do. From the end zone to employment to community grants, I hope youll be as impressed as I was about the possibilities that are available.

Autism Jobs and Vocational Tasks

When my son, Lucas, celebrated his 18th birthday, he officially became an adult. He participated in some autism jobs for a few years prior to his 18th birthday through his IEP at school. The next summer as part of an Extended School Program (ESY), Lucas started volunteering at a local hotel for an hour each…

Teleheath and Autism | Interview with Telehealth Professional Dr. Ally Patterson

COVID-19 has caused all of us to pause and rethink how we do things. For the mental health community, its resulted in professionals suddenly becoming more accessible through telehealth. Dr. Ally Patterson talks about how she adapted her practice so that she could stay open during the pandemic, and she shares some tips for how to make telehealth a positive experience for professionals, parents, and patients.

Hand Flapping in Kids with Autism

Hand Flapping in Kids with Autism Hand flapping is a common self stimulatory behavior for kids with autism. Today, I'm talking all about hand flapping and giving you insight on what to do about it. Have you ever been in a lecture where the material is way too easy or completely over your head? Or…

Teaching Special Needs Swimming with Tenaya Goldsmith

Putting your child in a floatie isnt 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

Ive 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 the...

Teaching Intraverbal Questions and Answers to Kids with Autism

Knowing when a child with autism is ready to learn how to ask and answer questions is an important step in their language and learning development. Thats why I recommend Dr. Mark Sundbergs VB-MAPP assessment to help you quickly discover what a child knows and how you can build on that knowledge. In this tutorial, Ill teach you how I give an assessment, and Ill share some pointers that Ive discovered over the years.

Should You Use Chew Toys for Kids with Autism?

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…