Stages Connect
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
ContributorYmkje Wideman-van der Laan is an author, public speaker, and Certified Autism Resource Specialist from the Netherlands. After working abroad as a teacher and humanitarian for 25 years, she moved to the US in 2006 and assumed the care of her then 6-month-old grandson, Logan. There were signs of autism at an early age, and the diagnosis became official in 2009. She has been his advocate and passionate about promoting autism awareness and acceptance ever since. Logan is the inspiration behind the Autism Is...? (tinyurl.com/5aj73ydd) series of children’s books she initially wrote for him and later published. Ymkje currently lives in California with her now 15-year-old grandson, and besides writing, presents autism training workshops for early childhood educators, parents, and caregivers. You can read more about her story in her newly released book, Autism on a Shoestring Budget, [Early] Intervention Made Easier (https://tinyurl.com/ysxhxbmf). For more information, you can visit www.autism-is.com, www.facebook.com/AutismIs, and/or contact her at autismisbooks@gmail.com.
Articles by Ymkje
Life Skills & Transitions When Love Is Tested: Embracing the Challenges and Triumphs of Autism
I lost it today! Really lost it! My usually happy, kind, and amazing autistic teenage grandson, whom I raised most of his life, talked rudely and loudly to me over breakfast. As I reminded him to watch his tone, he laid into me even more.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Mar 17, 2024 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Embracing Technology for Special Education Students: What Do the New Federal Guidelines Mean for Our District?
In the realm of education, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to dismantle barriers and forge pathways of learning that were once deemed impassable. The U.S. Department of Education’s latest Federal Report , in concert with the National Education Technology Plan , has iss
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Feb 20, 2024 · 6 min read
Family & Home Life Gift Ideas for Autistic Children
If you are a teacher, parent, caregiver, or family member of an autistic child in the middle of holiday gift shopping, you may wonder what are some good gifts for autistic children. Shopping for them can be tricky, as many have restricted interests, sensory- or other challenges.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Nov 19, 2022 · 5 min read
What Is MTSS and How Does It Help Struggling Students?
MTSS stands for a multi-tiered system of supports. It is a data-driven, tiered framework, also referred to as a multi-tiered process or model of supports, that is designed to help schools identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. Besides focusing on giving studen
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Nov 5, 2022 · 6 min read
About Autism ABLLS Vs. VB-MAPP Assessments: What’s the Difference?
Two of the most common assessments used to evaluate autistic children are the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) and the Verbal Behavior - Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). These assessments are very similar, but some differences may ma
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Oct 23, 2022 · 5 min read
IEP MEETINGS: What Can I Request for My Autistic Child?
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document that is developed during a meeting between parents and school staff for every child eligible for special education. This plan includes a child’s strengths and weaknesses, educational needs, goals, and the services needed to
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Oct 10, 2022 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy What Is Discrete Trial Training?
Many children with autism do not learn skills spontaneously and may need extra help and specific teaching to learn things that may come naturally to their typically developing peers. They often need highly structured, repetitive instruction that requires them to actively engage
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Oct 1, 2022 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Our Autism Journey From Special Education to Mainstream Classrooms
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every child with special needs has the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) , which is the general education classroom as a first option. Working toward a more restrictive environment
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Sep 11, 2022 · 7 min read
Classroom Strategies How to Recognize, Prevent, and Stop Bullying of Autistic* Children
Bullying of kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major problem in our schools. Recent research shows that 46% of kids with autism in middle and high school were victims of bullying, and other studies show that approximately 70% of elementary-age autistic children who we
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Aug 13, 2022 · 8 min read
ABA & Therapy Autism: It Does Get Better!
The Top 6 Interventions for Positive Progress
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jul 17, 2022 · 7 min read
Behavior & Sensory Safety Considerations for Caregivers of Autistic Children
Safety is an important topic when caring for autistic children. We covered how to keep autistic children out of harm’s way in Safety First! 8 Ways to Keep Autistic Children Safe , but there is another side to the story. Safety can also be an issue for the parents and caregivers
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jul 17, 2022 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy Air Travel with Autistic Children: 8 Ways to Prepare
Taking a plane trip can be taxing for anyone, especially when traveling with children. Adding an autistic child with unique sensory challenges into the mix can make air travel even more difficult.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jul 2, 2022 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy Happy Father's Day to All Awesome Autism Dads
And a Special Shout-Out to Five Autism Dad Heroes! In researching material for this Father’s Day article to appreciate dads of children on the autism spectrum, one thing was clear: fathers don’t get nearly as much credit as they deserve when it comes to their role in raising the
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jun 17, 2022 · 3 min read
Autism Resources Safety First! 8 Ways to Keep Autistic Children Safe
Autism can impact the safety of both autistic children and the adults caring for them. Learning to be proactive in keeping autistic children safe is no small feat. Here’s how I know…
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jun 11, 2022 · 7 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Teaching Autistic* Children About Winning and Losing
Some children with autism may find it very difficult to control their emotions when they don’t win in a game, quiz, or raffle, or when they don’t get the highest score in their class. This can lead to emotional outbursts, much to the dismay of those in charge and their fellow st
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
May 30, 2022 · 6 min read
Autism and Aggression: A Four-Step Approach
How to deal with aggressive behavior remains one of the main and most urgent questions teachers and caregivers of autistic children ask, and aggression is also among the most common challenges conveyed by parents and primary carers of children and adolescents with autism.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
May 5, 2022 · 7 min read
A Mother's Day Tribute to Autism Moms
Happy Mother’s Day! A tribute to all mothers, but especially to the mothers of children on the autism spectrum Most every mom looks forward to that one day of the year when they may get to sleep in, eat breakfast in bed, receive lovely cards and flowers from their spouse and chi
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Apr 27, 2022 · 5 min read
Conquering Negative Thoughts When Parenting Autistic* Children
Every parent thinks negatively from time to time, but the negative and often fear-filled thoughts parents of autistic children struggle with can be off the charts because they are so different from the typical worries of other parents. Conquering these negative thoughts is not e
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Apr 9, 2022 · 6 min read
Family & Home Life Parents and the Autism Diagnosis: How to Accept Your Autistic* Child
Receiving a diagnosis of any kind is difficult for parents, and an autism diagnosis can be particularly frightening. The uncertainty about how to best support your child, and the confusion that can follow conflicting treatment advice, can be very unsettling. Hearing that autism
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Apr 9, 2022 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy What Autistic* Teenagers Need to Thrive
When our autistic children grow up and enter the preteen and teen years, their needs change. They will require a new approach and different interventions to help them thrive. What may have worked for them when they were younger, may suddenly not work anymore and even annoy them.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Apr 9, 2022 · 8 min read
About Autism World Autism Acceptance Month: From Autism Awareness to Autism Action
April 2 is the start of the internationally recognized World Autism Awareness Month. In recent years, many have advocated, and some changed the name to World Autism Acceptance Month, citing that awareness is simply not enough. I could not agree more, and if it were up to me, I’d
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Apr 2, 2022 · 6 min read
Language & Communication How to Help a Talkative Autistic* Child to Talk Less and Listen More
Many children with autism develop special interests and become so entranced with them that they spend much of their time talking about them with great enthusiasm. Initially, it can be astounding to hear autistic individuals share their knowledge and expertise on topics such as d
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Mar 6, 2022 · 7 min read
Always Presume Competence (Part 2)
Teaching Language and Communication to Autistic Children This is the second part of a two-part series. Start with part 1!
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Feb 27, 2022 · 5 min read
Always Presume Competence (Part 1)
Teaching Language and Communication to Autistic Children Teaching language and communication to autistic children who are non-verbal, can be extremely challenging. When it appears that all our efforts to teach them to speak are in vain and no progress is noted, we can be tempted
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Feb 27, 2022 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies Valentine’s Day and Autism: Six Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for and Enjoy the Holiday
Download Our Free Social Narrative: Giving and Getting Valentines
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Feb 6, 2022 · 5 min read
The Power of Optimism When Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum
Without a doubt, raising an autistic child can be extremely stressful and challenging. Learning to embrace a more optimistic mindset, focusing on the strengths and abilities of your autistic child while also pursuing helpful new information and practicing self-care can make an e
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jan 25, 2022 · 5 min read
Family & Home Life Setting Meaningful and Achievable New Year's Goals for Autism Parents and Caregivers
As a grandparent and full-time caregiver of a teenager on the autism spectrum, setting personal goals for the New Year isn’t something at the top of my to-do list anymore. In years past, I used to make resolutions that focused on self-improvement, such as losing weight or gettin
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jan 10, 2022 · 5 min read
How to Help Autistic Students Who Have SENSORY Processing Disorder
It is estimated that 80% of autistic children also have sensory issues, if not Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), as a comorbid condition. However, many parents, caregivers, and educators are not aware of the struggles this can pose for autistic children.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Nov 20, 2021 · 5 min read
Family & Home Life 11 Ways to Prepare for Happy Holidays With an Autistic Child
The end-of-the-year holidays are supposed to be happy occasions, filled with joyful traditions such as family gatherings, elaborately home-cooked meals, the exchanging of gifts, parties, fireworks, and other festive activities. They’re supposed to be a time to look forward to an
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Nov 14, 2021 · 6 min read
Taking the Sting out of Discipline for Autistic Kids
The benefits of setting clear boundaries for autistic children All children need rules and boundaries to help them know how to act appropriately in different settings and situations, and autistic children are no exception. Rules and boundaries will teach them skills they will ne
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Oct 17, 2021 · 6 min read
Cut Yourself Some Slack: Parenting and Autism
The Importance of Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers of Autistic Children For parents and caregivers, and especially when caring for an autistic child, it can be very difficult to find time for self-care. The demands and needs are many, and in our desire to provide our childre
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Sep 16, 2021 · 6 min read
How Grandparents Can Support Their Autistic Grandchild
Grandparents can have a unique role in the lives of their autistic grandchild. They can be a source of support, guidance, connection, encouragement, and love.
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Sep 4, 2021 · 5 min read
The Power of Positive Reinforcement for Teaching Autistic Children
Reinforcement or bribery: Is there a difference? Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. For autistic children, the purpose of using positive reinforcement in the classroom or at home is to shape better behavior and to help them learn new skills and maintain these skills
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Aug 14, 2021 · 5 min read
10 Things a Grandmother of an Autistic Child Would Like Other Children to Know
Autism Awareness and Acceptance to Prevent Bullying There has been a lot of talk about Autism Awareness and Acceptance through the years, and while we still have a ways to go, much has improved since my grandson was first diagnosed as autistic in 2009. At that time, I knew next
Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Jul 29, 2021 · 9 min read