Stages Connect
Kenna McEvoy
ContributorKenna has a background working with children on the autism spectrum and enjoys supporting, encouraging, and motivating others to reach their full potential. She holds a bachelor's degree with graduate-level coursework in applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorders. During her experience as a direct therapist for children on the autism spectrum, she developed a passion for advocating for the health and well-being of those she serves in the areas of behavior change, parenting, education, and medical/mental health.
Articles by Kenna
Language & Communication Hi-Lo Books: An Innovative Option for Struggling Teen Readers
Can you imagine struggling to read in middle school? What would it feel like to find books at your reading level geared towards young children? Perhaps starting out with a basic, entry-level picture book is a good first step to begin learning how to read, but what would you do i
Kenna McEvoy
Dec 16, 2022 · 6 min read
Using Visual Supports for Autistic Children
This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System's complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #79 Following a Schedule. Download free images of classroom visual schedules to use in your classroom and learn more about
Kenna McEvoy
Nov 5, 2022 · 7 min read
Language & Communication The 2-Step Approach to Preventing Disruptive Behaviors for Children With Autism
Functions of Behavior and Antecedent Strategies
Kenna McEvoy
Sep 5, 2022 · 10 min read
Classroom Strategies 9 Tips for Helping Autistic* Children Transition to a New School
Can you imagine starting at a new school in an entirely unfamiliar environment? Coping with a schedule change and new teachers, staff members, and peers is often nerve-racking for many students, but those with autism tend to have an especially hard time making changes and adapti
Kenna McEvoy
Aug 27, 2022 · 9 min read
Family & Home Life 8 Tips for Helping Autistic* Children Prepare for a New Baby
Preparing for the arrival of a new baby often involves a significant adjustment period as the family acclimates to schedule changes and reallocates some of their time, attention, and resources to get ready for the logistical and emotional challenges that adding a new family memb
Kenna McEvoy
Aug 18, 2022 · 7 min read
ABA & Therapy 7 Strategies for Supporting Individuals With Autism During Times of Transition and Change
Providing the proper support and interventions to children and adults with ASD can be a game changer in helping successfully manage changes in routines.
Kenna McEvoy
Aug 13, 2022 · 8 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Happy International Left Handers’ Day! Is There a Connection Between Handedness and Autism?
Roughly 90% of the entire population is right-handed, and this can place an unnecessary burden on those with autism who are much less likely to be right-handed than the general population. 1&2 When it comes to fitting in with peers in an environment that is not well-suited, attu
Kenna McEvoy
Aug 13, 2022 · 5 min read
Autism Resources Autism, COVID-19, and Mental Health: Ways to Cope with Trauma and Change
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly hard on everyone, but a recent study indicates that it may disproportionately affect autistic individuals. Considering this, it is important to recognize that those with autism often face significant challenges when:
Kenna McEvoy
Jul 30, 2022 · 5 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Moving to a New House With an Autistic Child
12 Tips for Supporting Autistic Children During a Move
Kenna McEvoy
Jul 17, 2022 · 7 min read
Autism Resources How to Use Video Modeling and Video Self-Modeling to Help Your Autistic Child
Have you ever wondered how we learn new skills–or how most children seem to pick up on the natural progression of getting a haircut, going to the dentist, or brushing their teeth? While many children grasp the typical flow of these activities and automatically learn from watchin
Kenna McEvoy
Jul 2, 2022 · 6 min read
Family & Home Life Planning a Celebration for Your Child With Autism
Imagine a party with music that’s just too loud –or a concert that keeps shining the same bright spotlight directly into your eyes . What if you felt trapped inside an overcrowded venue with people you don’t know surrounding you on every side? This is how children with autism ca
Kenna McEvoy
Jun 11, 2022 · 6 min read
Benefits of Online College for Students With Autism
8 Reasons to Consider Distance Learning a nd 8 Great College Choices for Those on the Spectrum
Kenna McEvoy
May 29, 2022 · 6 min read
How to Teach Students With Autism Healthy Habits, Life Skills, and Self-Care
While establishing goals for personal hygiene, healthy habits, and effective self-care skills is important for everyone, individuals on the autism spectrum may need additional support when developing these competencies. Research suggests that teaching self-care skills can help i
Kenna McEvoy
May 29, 2022 · 6 min read
May Is Physical Fitness Month!
Adapting Activities for Your Autistic Child: Silent Disco Anyone?
Kenna McEvoy
May 8, 2022 · 7 min read
ABA & Therapy What Is the IBCCES?
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) leads the way in professional training and continuing education for autism Continuing education and professional training are two crucial components necessary for remaining up-to-date on the bes
Kenna McEvoy
May 4, 2022 · 7 min read
Top Ten Outdoor Learning Strategies for Students With Autism
Outdoor learning can be a powerful and valuable aspect of the educational experience for all children–especially those with autism. Given adequate opportunities to explore, develop an imagination, acquire fine motor skills, and engage in sensory play, children can achieve physic
Kenna McEvoy
Apr 28, 2022 · 6 min read
Start Planning Your Summer Vacation Today!
6 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for a Successful Vacation Summer can be a fun time to plan vacations, but – for many on the autism spectrum – new environments, different locations, and sensory sensitivities can present a challenge when making travel plans.
Kenna McEvoy
Apr 17, 2022 · 6 min read
Language & Communication What Is Theory of Mind?
...And How Do You Teach an Autistic Child to Develop This Crucial Skill? Most of us have a theory of mind in that we can guess what others are thinking and how that might differ from what we are thinking. [However, many] with autism can be thought of as mindblind in that they ca
Kenna McEvoy
Mar 13, 2022 · 5 min read
Language & Communication What Are the Three Levels of Autism?
We often hear people reference "high-functioning autism" and "low-functioning autism." But in fact, those who work with children with autism tend not to rely on labels such as "high functioning" and "low functioning." While it is recognized that autism occurs on a spectrum and a
Kenna McEvoy
Mar 7, 2022 · 6 min read
About Autism Recognizing Signs of Autism in Girls
Autism in Girls Can Look Different than in Boys: Support for Girls Sometimes Needs to Look Different Too Check out our free handout on this topic, Specific Support Strategies for Girls With Autism .
Kenna McEvoy
Feb 27, 2022 · 5 min read
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for Autism
What It Is and Why It Is Important for Students With Autism Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is really about implementing a new kind of school-wide culture. Positive behavior strategies and social-emotional learning (SEL) are becoming more common in schools
Kenna McEvoy
Feb 21, 2022 · 6 min read
About Autism Top Strategies for Supporting Time Management for Those With Autism
Time management is an important concept to consider when supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Because time management and executive functioning skills (e.g., emotional regulation, impulse control, self-monitoring, working memory, organization, planning, initiating, and
Kenna McEvoy
Feb 6, 2022 · 7 min read
Autism and the Transition to Adulthood (Part 2)
Building Social Skills and Maintaining Relationships (This article is part 2 of a 2-part series. Check out part 1 on helping young people with autism build a career and develop independent living skills! ) While emphasis is often placed on awareness of the signs and symptoms of
Kenna McEvoy
Jan 31, 2022 · 6 min read
Autism and the Transition to Adulthood (Part 1)
Helping Young People With Autism Build a Career and Develop Independent Living Skills (This article is part 1 of a 2-part series. Check out part 2 on building social skills and maintaining relationships! ) As young adults on the autism spectrum transition to adulthood, they may
Kenna McEvoy
Jan 22, 2022 · 6 min read
Using Verbal Operants to Encourage Language Development in Autistic Children
Verbal operants are foundational in the development of language and communication skills. Autistic children vary a great deal in their ability to use different verbal operants. Learning skills within one verbal operant can promote growth in other verbal operants. Specialists wor
Kenna McEvoy
Dec 19, 2021 · 6 min read
Top 3 Strategies for Improving Social Interactions for Autistic Children
Many autistic individuals struggle with developing appropriate perspective-taking, self-awareness, and self-monitoring skills. They may also have difficulty modifying false beliefs about themselves and others. As a result, interventions supporting these areas can provide meaning
Kenna McEvoy
Dec 18, 2021 · 8 min read
Integrated Play Groups and FloorTime
The Top Two Interventions for Improving Developmentally-Beneficial Play in Autistic Children While group play is an important component of child development, autistic children may not develop social interaction and play skills in the same way that their peers do. As a result, it
Kenna McEvoy
Dec 4, 2021 · 8 min read
Supporting Play in Early Childhood: Specific Strategies for Autistic Children
Without a doubt, play is an essential foundation for a child’s development, especially throughout the early elementary years. Engaging in fun, enjoyable, and imaginary play is often a natural part of life for typically developing children; however, for autistic children, the acq
Kenna McEvoy
Nov 30, 2021 · 7 min read
What is Echolalia?
Understanding the Role Echolalia Plays in Language Development for Autistic Children
Kenna McEvoy
Oct 24, 2021 · 6 min read
What Makes a Special Education Teacher Effective?
10 Characteristics That Matter Most A special education teacher who works with autistic students needs to have an array of interpersonal skills, ranging from competency and consistency to adaptability and discernment. Throughout the school year, special educators must wear a var
Kenna McEvoy
Oct 3, 2021 · 6 min read