I noticed something that comes naturally to me today with a few of my kids. I frequently say “sit safe”. We all know those kids—the ones who rock so far back that it seems they're daring gravity to take them out. Instead of instructing them to "sit still" on chairs that sometimes double as rockers (...

Have you ever walked away from a live rock concert feeling completely spent? I have. As an Autistic adult who loves the energy of rock and metal music, I know firsthand how electrifying yet exhausting these experiences can be. And it isn’t just the concerts—attending a friend’s wedding can trigger t...

Impulse control—the ability to pause, think, and act intentionally rather than reactively—is an essential skill for children to learn as they grow. For some kids, managing impulses can be especially challenging, often manifesting as difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others, or struggling t...

If you’ve spent time in the autistic community, you may have heard the term gestalt language learner. This describes individuals who acquire language in chunks or “scripts” rather than learning one word at a time. What you may not know is that gestalt processing extends beyond language. Gestalt proc...

Could you run a marathon today? I certainly can’t! For most of us, the answer is a resounding “no.” Running a marathon requires training, patience, and persistence. Interestingly, waiting shares many of these same principles. Just as running a marathon is a skill that must be developed over time, so...

Picture this: Little Emma is eagerly waiting to go to the park. When her mom says, "We'll go later," Emma bursts into tears, convinced that "later" means "never." This meltdown highlights a common issue for many children—difficulties with chronoception, or the sense of time perception.

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I remember the years when my nephew would come to my house for holiday get togethers. He would do fine until he started to get overstimulated because we had a large family. Then he would get tearful, hyper, clumsy, etc. He wasn’t being bad. But he was struggling. One time I brought my mini-trampolin...

Mornings can feel like a whirlwind, especially for children with ADHD. The key is to transform chaotic starts into calm, structured, and enjoyable beginnings. Here’s how you can do it, complete with explanations for why each strategy works and additional tips to get you started on the right foot.

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When a child swears, it can be surprising and unsettling for parents. However, understanding the reasons behind this behavior and responding thoughtfully can transform a challenging moment into a valuable teaching opportunity. Here's how to approach the situation effectively and empathetically.

 
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Does brushing your child's hair feel like trying to put a dress on an alligator? Hair care is a very common source of stress for families.

As an autistic person with fibromyalgia, there are days when brushing my hair is just too painful, or I'm too weak to lift my arms. My daughter used to struggle...

The Little Children, Big Challenges initiative by Sesame Workshop aims to help children (ages 2 to 5) develop resilience and cope with everyday challenges. It provides resources for parents and caregivers to support children through difficult situations like divorce, incarceration of a loved one, an...

Bedtime can be a challenging time for many children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. The transition from wakefulness to sleepiness can be particularly difficult, leading to meltdowns as the body and mind struggle to calm down. Here’s a neurodivergent-affirming approach to help...