Key Points: Why Autistic Children May Be Bullied More Often Research shows that bullying is a painful, traumatic reality for many autistic children. Differences in communication, social interaction, sensory needs, and behavior can, unfortunately, make autistic kids stand out in environments that are not always understanding or inclusive. For parents, recognizing autism bullying signs early […]
Key Points: Why Puberty Can Be More Challenging for Kids with Autism Puberty introduces rapid physical growth, hormonal fluctuations, and new social rules all at once. For autistic children, these changes often collide with a need for predictability, clear rules, and sensory stability. Hormonal changes during adolescence can intensify anxiety, irritability, and emotional dysregulation. Research […]
Key Points: Why Kids With Autism Refuse School Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that school absenteeism is a significant issue for autistic children and their families, often linked to developmental, health, and psychosocial challenges. For many autistic children, school refusal is deeply rooted in anxiety rather than defiance or lack of motivation. […]
Key Points: Why Going Back to School Can Feel Overwhelming for Kids With Autism For many children with autism, going back to school after a break can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. While the return to routine may excite some students, autistic children often face a sudden surge of sensory, social, and emotional demands that can […]
Key Points: Children with autism may show behaviors that affect learning or daily routines. A functional behavior assessment uses evidence-based ABA methods to understand why these behaviors occur, viewing behavior as communication rather than simply trying to stop it. What Is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)? A functional behavior assessment autism evaluation involves systematic data […]
Key Takeaways 1. 504 Plan Autism = Access: A 504 plan autism provides equal access to education through school accommodations autism like extended time, sensory supports, and visual schedules. It changes how a student accesses learning in general education but does not include specialized instruction. 2. IEP Autism Comparison = Instruction + Services: An IEP […]
Key Takeaways What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, sudden episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause temporary changes in movement, behavior, awareness, or sensation. Having a single seizure does not necessarily indicate epilepsy; the condition is typically diagnosed after two or more unprovoked […]
Key Takeaways Why Children with Autism Struggle With Sleep Sleep difficulties affect up to 80% of children with autism, according to the National Health Institute. Autism insomnia, sleep regression autism, and sensory sleep issues can lead to frequent night waking, difficulty falling asleep, and irregular sleep patterns. These challenges often worsen daytime irritability, hyperactivity, and […]
Key Takeaways Anxiety is Common in Autistic Individuals Anxiety is common in autistic individuals, with studies from the National Institute of Health showing up to 80% experiencing it. Anxiety in autistic kids often stems from sensory overload, unpredictable routines, social challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation, creating a world that can feel overwhelming or threatening. […]
Key Points: Communication is more than words, it’s how children share their world, connect with others, and understand daily life. For children on the autism spectrum, speech goals for autism act like a roadmap, guiding them step by step to express thoughts, understand others, and engage socially. These goals build practical skills: answering questions, joining […]
