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91 articles
ABA & Therapy Emerging Trends in Autism and Early Intervention: Effective Strategies for Positive Outcomes
Insights from the 2025 International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities (CEC), Clearwater Beach, Florida
Dr. Kari Stubbs
Oct 24, 2025 · 3 min read
Classroom Strategies Ensuring Effective IDEA Mandated Extended School Year (ESY) Programs: Strategies to Prevent Skill Regression in Your District
Extended School Year (ESY) services are essential in supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they maintain their educational achievements during breaks in the standard academic calendar. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ESY services aim
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 21, 2025 · 5 min read
About Autism Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month: 8 Ways to Support and Empower Autistic Individuals
The chirping of birds in the morning, the budding flowers on the trees, and the influx of tax forms can only mean one thing: April is on its way. There are so many reasons to look forward to April—warm weather, blossoming gardens, and celebrations of our planet, including Earth
Laura Danforth
Mar 19, 2025 · 5 min read
About Autism Fostering Autism Acceptance in School Districts: A Guide for School District Administrators
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and support autistic individuals, culminating in World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. As a school district administrator, you have the unique opportunity to champion acceptance, improve district-wide understanding, and e
Cindy Bowers
Mar 18, 2025 · 5 min read
Social & Emotional Development of 4-Year-Olds
Observing the social and emotional growth of 4-year-olds reveals a fascinating stage of development, where interactions, feelings, and self-perception evolve into more complex forms. This critical phase is marked by significant milestones that underscore a child's burgeoning emp
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 4 min read
Physical Development in 4-Year-Olds
Watching early childhood development unfold is nothing short of miraculous, with each year bringing new surprises and achievements. Among these, the developmental strides made at the age of four are particularly fascinating. This period is a pivotal chapter in a child's physical
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 5 min read
Language & Communication Cognitive Milestones in 4-Year-Olds
Watching early childhood development unfold is a captivating experience, each year brimming with new surprises and milestones. As children reach the age of four, their world becomes increasingly intricate, particularly in terms of cognitive development. This pivotal phase in a c
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 3 min read
Language & Communication in 4-Year-Olds: What to Expect
Watching the development of language and communication skills in 4-year-olds is both fascinating and critical for their growth. This age marks significant strides in their ability to express themselves and understand others, setting the foundation for future learning and social
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 4 min read
Family & Home Life Top 10 Blogs on Homeschooling Autistic or Special Needs Students
Looking for informative and helpful resources and blogs for homeschooling your autistic or special needs child? We’ve got you covered.
Samantha Russell
Oct 29, 2023 · 4 min read
ABA & Therapy Autism and Stereotypes: A Few Tips for Survival
I used to get yelled at a lot when I was younger, especially when it came to homework.
Grady Bolding
Mar 19, 2023 · 7 min read
Language & Communication It’s So Confusing: The Language of Neurodiversity and Disability
Have you ever wondered, “Should I be using the term disability ? What about neurodiversity ?” If you have, believe me, you are not alone. Having worked in the “field of disability” for nearly two decades, I ask myself this question nearly every month.
Adam R. Lalor, Ph.D.
Feb 3, 2023 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies How Autism and/or ADHD Can Destroy Motivation
Why Is Motivation Different for Autistic Individuals? Motivation is something we all struggle with, occasionally. Most people can eventually pull through and do what they need to do. For some autistic and/or ADHD kids, motivation affects them differently. At a younger age, autis
Tori Lehinger
Jan 13, 2023 · 5 min read
Autism Resources Autistic Vs. Having Autism:* The Importance of Labels
Meanings we attach to words can have a huge impact, influence, and change the attitudes and tones of conversations. “Autistic person” and “person with autism” may have the same definition theoretically, but their meanings are significantly different. Self-advocates and allies of
Tori Lehinger
Oct 23, 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
Emotions & Social Skills 4 Things I Wish Parents Knew About Autism
As a person on the autism spectrum, there are a few things I wish parents of children on the spectrum knew. Please note that I am just one individual, and other people on the spectrum may have different experiences and opinions on these topics. I hope that this article will broa
Jill Feder
Oct 15, 2022 · 5 min read
About Autism From Disorder to Divergence: Charting the Progress of Perceptions of Autism
The dramatic shifts in societal views of autism from being a moral failing to a celebrated part of neurodiversity have not been linear or binary. These views have been mixed throughout time and can be divided into three main categories: the Moral Model, the Medical Model, and th
Amairani Asmad
Sep 24, 2022 · 6 min read
Language & Communication Why Autistic/ADHD People Are Drawn to Other Autistic/ADHD People
I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends I was diagnosed when I was 28. Being late diagnosed, I started to read more about autism and ADHD and suddenly realized so many people I know fit these descriptions. Some old friends, coworkers, and family had these traits! My partner
Tori Lehinger
Sep 11, 2022 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Autism Service Disparities for People of Color
Changing Our Practices to Catch Missed Diagnoses and Gaps in Treatment How do service disparities impact neurodivergent people and what can we do to provide wider and more inclusive care?
Amairani Asmad
Sep 4, 2022 · 7 min read
ABA & Therapy What Does It Mean to Be on the Spectrum?
Explaining Autism to Neurotypical Children
Katie Vena
Sep 4, 2022 · 5 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
Emotions & Social Skills Helping Your Autistic* Child Develop Emotional Intelligence
Children with autism are often lacking in the area of emotional intelligence. The good news is that scientists now better understand the biological reasons behind why autistic individuals face challenges in this area. By understanding the science, and understanding that emotiona
Katie Vena
Jul 30, 2022 · 7 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
About Autism The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum
Time on the Spectrum Think about time. Does every task take longer if you’re on the autism spectrum, or if you have a child on the spectrum? Does your family have special rules regarding when and how things get done, based on how one particular person experiences the passage of
Signe M. Kastberg
May 28, 2022 · 5 min read
The Pros and Cons of Using Teletherapy for Autism Evaluations and Diagnoses
Using teletherapy to assess and/or diagnose autism is becoming increasingly common. In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adjusted our way of life to what we now refer to as the “new normal.” Many events, routines, structures, and normal daily activities have tr
Lauren Ciran
Apr 9, 2022 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Celebrating Pi Day: Is There a Special Connection Between Math Skills and Autism?
Happy Pi Day! (March 14 th ) Many children with autism have special skills, talents, and abilities… memorization, art and music, computer capabilities, athletics, and more! Math skills are one area where children with autism often demonstrate superior skills, but is there a spec
Chloe Fay
Mar 14, 2022 · 4 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
Language Delays: How to Rule out Hearing Loss for Autistic Children
Language delays in children can occur for many reasons including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or autism. If a child has a language delay ruling out hearing loss is an important first step, because if there is some deficit in hearing it needs to be addressed quickly
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Dec 12, 2021 · 3 min read
About Autism Pushing the Envelope: Autism Rates are Increasing
A Letter from the CEO: 1 in 44 Children are Now Being Diagnosed with Autism So Why is this Good News?
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Dec 4, 2021 · 3 min read
What Research Has Shown About School Closures Impact on Autistic Students
As schools started up again for the 2021-2022 school year, there were a lot of questions. The previous year’s fluctuations between remote, hybrid, and in-person models left everyone’s heads spinning, perhaps none more than autistic students.
Frankie Kietzman, Ed.S.
Sep 12, 2021 · 5 min read
How to Help Autistic People Who May Be Feeling Suicidal
Taking action when someone is suicidal is critical to saving a life. This article will identify warning signs and what you can do to help.
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 12, 2021 · 5 min read
Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are
What is the difference between “people-first” and “identity-first” language with regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? How do culture, identity, and statistics play a role in this question? How do you define yourself; how do you prefer to be recognized; and how do you know w
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 4, 2021 · 11 min read
School Guide to Expanding Medicaid Reimbursements for Special Education and Other Health and Behavioral Services
NOTE: New Guide Just Released to Help Schools Give Care to Children Covered by Medicaid Is your school or district doing all it can to take advantage of these new funds? Any eligible service you are not currently billing for is money lost. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Aug 27, 2021 · 13 min read
10 Myths About Autism
What are some of the myths about autism, where do these myths come from, and how do they affect children, families, teachers, and therapists? By identifying the myths, we can challenge them through accurate information and education, as well as public policy.
Signe M. Kastberg
Aug 17, 2021 · 16 min read
Twice Exceptional: Untangling the Paradox of Giftedness and Autism
Parents and teachers may wonder if their student is autistic, or is intellectually gifted, or both. “Twice Exceptional”, or “2e,” are the current descriptors for students who have both a disability and intellectual giftedness. The signs and symptoms, however, are often confusing
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 31, 2021 · 9 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
Under- and Over-diagnosis of ASD: Do Race and Social Class Matter?
Many research studies indicate that contextual factors play a role in who gets diagnosed, the type of diagnosis, who gets treatment, and the type of treatment provided. 1
Signe M. Kastberg
Jun 13, 2021 · 6 min read
About Autism Are My Child's Speech Delays a Sign of Autism?
True or False: Speech Delays = Autism? Parents become understandably anxious when a child doesn’t meet age-expected speech development milestones. There is a delicate balance between total panic at the sign of speech delays, and taking a step-by-step approach to understanding wh
Signe M. Kastberg
May 30, 2021 · 5 min read
New Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Exciting new research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is helping us all learn more about autism. Researchers are investigating causal factors in autism, identifying early biomarkers, better understanding the social, physical, and psychological implications of autism, and sugge
Preksha Singh
May 1, 2021 · 7 min read
9 Ways to Celebrate World Autism Day!
World Autism Day is celebrated each year on April 2. The United Nations member states recognize it as a day to acknowledge and advocate for the rights of autistic individuals around the world. The goal of World Autism Day is to increase awareness about Autism signs, symptoms, an
Chloe Fay
Mar 31, 2021 · 9 min read
About Autism Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for Autistic Children
What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s autism diagnosis is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are some of the questions that parents, therapists, and teachers ask about an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) d
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 5 min read
Behavior & Sensory What Is Stimming?
What is stimming?
Chloe Fay
Aug 30, 2020 · 5 min read
Girls and Autism: The Impact of Gender Bias in Research on Autism
What we know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is largely based on research on autistic boys. New studies are telling us how different autistic girls are from their male counterparts. The issue of gender bias is as antiquated as it is familiar to women around the globe. Despi
Sam Krause
Aug 8, 2020 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy A New Curriculum for All Children with Autism
The new Language Builder: ARIS (Academic Readiness Intervention System) was developed to provide a curriculum to any teacher or parent interested in helping a child with autism develop to their full potential. ARIS was designed so that even school districts that cannot afford to
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Apr 2, 2020 · 4 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Benefits and Strategies for Teaching Art to Children with Autism: Help for Art Challenged Adults Why Art?
Art therapy provides many benefits for children with autism because it promotes emotional and mental growth as well as independence and collaboration skills. As an outlet for self-expression, imagination, and creativity, art can contribute deeply to improving a child’s fine moto
Madeline Burroughs
Mar 25, 2020 · 4 min read
Strengths-based Approaches to Autism for Teachers, SLPs, and Parents
Celebrating Strengths and Shifting Away from Deficit-Based Thinking Far too often, society’s bias towards students with autism focuses on the autism, rather than the whole child. Students with autism are more often perceived as “lacking” in some area, rather than celebrated for
Madeline Burroughs
Jan 22, 2020 · 6 min read
Autism Resources Reconocer los Signos y Sintomas del Autismo
Saber qué Buscar con el Autismo ¿Alguna vez se ha preocupado de que su hijo muestre síntomas de autismo, pero no tenía a quién acudir y no entendía cómo obtener un diagnóstico y asegurarse de que su hijo reciba la ayuda que necesita? No hay necesidad de preocuparse, porque con t
Heidi Ellis
Sep 7, 2019 · 7 min read
Autism Resources Top Safety Risks for Children with Autism and How to Communicate with First Responders
Safety and preparation for emergency situations is a concern for any child, but especially for children with autism, who may be unable to communicate or respond correctly in emergency situations.
Chloe Fay
Apr 28, 2019 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies World Autism Awareness Day 2019: A Look Back and a Look Forward
Tracing the journey of improved diagnoses, treatment and educational outcomes for children with autism April 2, 2019 marks the twelfth annual observation of World Autism Awareness Day. As described by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, World Autism Awareness Day exists to
Jenna Wharff, Ed.M.
Apr 1, 2019 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies Does My Student Have Autism? A Guide for Teachers
It’s a couple months into the school year. The kids in your class know where to put unsharpened pencils, how to ask to go to the bathroom, and what to expect day to day. You have a strong sense of each child’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses. And you’ve noticed which stud
Emma Shanahan
Jul 22, 2018 · 5 min read
About Autism Celebrate Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month With STAGES® Learning!
The chirping of birds in the morning, the budding flowers on the trees, and the influx of tax forms to be completed can only mean one thing: April is on its way. There are so many reasons to look forward to April – the warm weather, the blossoming gardens, and the celebrations o
Arianna Riccio
Mar 30, 2018 · 4 min read
Family & Home Life Ten Holiday Gifts for Children with Autism
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday, finding the “perfect” gift for a child with autism can be hard, given the range of sensitivities and needs a child may have. Because autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a wide list of symptoms and affects
Sophia Chung
Dec 19, 2017 · 4 min read
Can Horseback Riding Help Children with Autism?
The Benefits of Equine Therapy What is Equine Therapy?
Sophia Chung
Sep 5, 2017 · 5 min read
ARIS & Curriculum The Research Effectiveness of the Language Builder® Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS)
The Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARISTM) is a new comprehensive early autism education curriculum based on the Language Builder® Picture Cards created over twenty years ago by STAGES® Learning and widely used in classrooms and therapeutic settings.
John Richards, Ph.D., Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed., MLIS and Angela Nelson, J.D.; M.Ed.
May 5, 2017 · 23 min read
Language & Communication School Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Parents
This article was originally published on the Speech@NYU blog . Speech@NYU is the online master ’ s program in speech-language pathology from NYU Steinhardt. 1 in 68 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is roughly 1 percent to 2 percent of students in the United St
Michelle Manno
Apr 4, 2017 · 4 min read
Language & Communication How a Child’s Special Interests Can Assist in Learning and Growing
Affinities, Avatars, and Autism: Oh My! Learning empathy from Simba. Recognizing emotions with Ariel. It may seem unconventional, but the inspiring story about Owen Suskind, an autistic child depicted in the book and adapted award-winning documentary, Life, Animated , illustrate
Kelly Sayres
Mar 17, 2017 · 4 min read
ABA & Therapy Autism Magazines and Journals
Magazines The following are some of the leading magazines geared towards families, therapists, educators and researchers interested in staying on top of the news and scientific developments in the field of autism.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Feb 8, 2017 · 3 min read
Behavior & Sensory Leveraging Special Interests to Help Children with Autism: An Autistic Person* Shares Her Experiences
Having a special interest in something is a major part of the repetitive behavior that comes with autism. In fact, researcher Tony Attwood (2003) found that special interests seem “to be a dominant characteristic, occurring in over 90% of children and adults with Asperger’s synd
Catlaina Vrana
Jan 23, 2017 · 6 min read
ABA & Therapy In the News: Autism Research
This current news release is provided by Stages Learning. Stages Learning provides award winning learning tools and other resources for children with autism for parents , teachers , and therapists .
Marina Ebert, M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D. candidate
Dec 7, 2016 · 4 min read
Work Environments, Adjustments for Autistic Employees
Advice for entering the job world It is common knowledge that people with disabilities tend to experience higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Many employers seem to be unwilling to give disabled individuals a chance when they feel that their company’s success is at
Nathan Hughes
Nov 11, 2016 · 5 min read
About Autism Parents Guide to Bullying for Children with Autism
What is bullying? Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as: “Unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children. It involves a real or perceived power imbalance and the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” There are three types of bullying: ve
Courtney Chase
Oct 30, 2016 · 3 min read
Autism Explained
An Autistic Woman Explains Common Autism Characteristics and Misconceptions Basics- What is autism? Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. It is a condition that affects every part of a person’s life. Autism is diagnosed by looking at the three ‘pillars’ of autism: Repeti
Catlaina Vrana
Oct 9, 2016 · 3 min read
Author Catlaina Vrana On Her New Book “Ella Autie”
Hi! My name is Catlaina, and I am the author of "Ella Autie". "Ella Autie" was a book made for my senior project. Here is a quick summary:
Catlaina Vrana
Oct 8, 2016 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Stages Learning Top Resources for Autism
Our favorite resources around the web Stages Learning has compiled a selective list of high quality resources and support information for parents, teachers, and families. Please contact us by filling out the form at the bottom of the page if you would like to suggest a resource
Marina Ebert, M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D. candidate
Aug 31, 2016 · 6 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Knowing What to Look for with Autism Have you ever worried that your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism, but had no one to go to and no understanding of how to acquire a diagnosis and ensure that your child will receive the help they need?
Michelle Kuras
Aug 1, 2016 · 7 min read
About Autism The Talk: Speaking with Your Child About Autism
Approaching the discussion with your child Many parents are unsure about how to speak to their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) about the diagnosis. Parents may fear a number of reactions: that their child will not understand, become angry or depressed, or use ASD as an
Grace Chen
Jun 21, 2016 · 7 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Raising Money for Autism? Find Out Where Your Dollars Go
Guidance on Raising Money for Autism Support If you are helping raise money for autism research, advocacy, or other programs related to autism, it is wise to follow the advice of Charity Navigator: Your Guide to Intelligent Giving. They recommend, at minimum, that at least 50% o
Briana Brukilacchio
Jun 8, 2016 · 6 min read
About Autism Spreading the Word in Pakistan: Global Autism Awareness Project
Stages Learning is committed to helping people with autism around the world. In 2016 we founded the Global Autism Awareness Project (GAAP) in collaboration with students from the Harvard Graduate School of Education .
Myra LalDin
May 19, 2016 · 7 min read
About Autism Syrian Refugees with Autism Are Given a Second Chance
For Our Readers: Stages Learning started a new service project in January of 2016: The Global Autism Awareness Project (GAAP). Partnering with students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education we are working to destigmatize autism around the world and provide information to h
Guest Author - Melissa Diamond (Founder/Director, A Global Voice for Autism)
May 16, 2016 · 3 min read
About Autism Autism Goes to Hollywood: Our Favorite Documentaries, Movies and TV Shows Depicting Characters with Autism
And…action! As there is growing awareness about autism, the media is also increasingly portraying characters with autism and those who are on the spectrum. How autism is portrayed in entertainment can have a significant impact on how our society understands people with au
Grace Chen
May 9, 2016 · 6 min read
Emotions & Social Skills 5 Ways We Can Make the World More Autism Friendly
What it Means to be Autism Friendly and How You Can Help An exciting and fast moving effort is under way to create “Autism Friendly” spaces so that children and adults with autism can feel more supported and families can better enjoy visits to the theater, restaurants, and even
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Apr 1, 2016 · 6 min read
About Autism Autism and Art Therapy: Four Beneficial Treatment Options
Finding the Form of Art Therapy That Works Best for Your Child For more than 70 years, creative arts therapies such as visual art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and drama therapy have been used in psychotherapy or counseling with individuals of all ages, particularly chi
Grace Chen
Feb 21, 2016 · 4 min read
ABA & Therapy The Therapeutic Power of Pets for Children with Autism
Jackson Tillman is in third grade, lives in Kentucky, and has autism. The biggest challenge Jackson’s family has is that when a situation becomes overwhelming Jackson bolts, and when Jackson is with his grandmother she can’t keep up. That’s where Jackson’s buddy Mateo comes in.
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Jan 27, 2016 · 5 min read
ABA & Therapy Grandparent's Guide to Shopping for a Grandchild who has Autism
As a grandparent it can be a struggle to find presents for a granddaughter or grandson who has autism. Sometimes traditional gifts can backfire for the child with autism.
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Dec 18, 2015 · 1 min read
Family & Home Life How to Enjoy the Holidays with a Loved One Who Has Autism
Holidays can be a time of great joy and excitement, but they can also be stressful and disruptive. For families who have children with autism, extra planning is essential to keep everyone on an even keel. Managing expectations about what a holiday “should” be like, and minimizin
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Dec 18, 2015 · 5 min read
ABA & Therapy New Tools to Help Your Child Sleep
Research [i] confirms what many parents of children with autism already know: children with autism have a higher incidence of sleep challenges, and the more severe the autism symptoms the more severe the sleep challenges. Research, [ii] as well as common sense, also tells us tha
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Nov 18, 2015 · 6 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Autism Parents: How Do You Rate on Self-Care?
As a parent our needs are often the first to be postponed or set aside. Sometimes there is no choice: we have to attend to the immediate needs of our children. But in the long run we could be doing significant damage to our physical and emotional health by not attending to our o
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Oct 2, 2015 · 7 min read
Talking about Puberty with Children with Autism
All bodies go through puberty, regardless of the developmental "age" of a child or the level of their cognitive or academic skills. It can be startling for parents to see their child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begin to develop an adult body and characteristics when t
Jenna Wharff, Ed.M.
Jun 30, 2015 · 11 min read
Teaching Stranger Safety to Kids with Autism
Teaching young children about safety around strangers is nothing new. In fact, most adults can remember their own parents and teachers talking to them about the dangers of “taking candy from a stranger” or “getting in a car with someone you don’t know” at an early age. For today
Jenna Wharff, Ed.M.
May 30, 2015 · 10 min read
About Autism Autism is on the Rise
Autism – you see it on the news and hear about it from advocacy campaigns and you likely know someone whose life is affected by someone with the diagnosis. Undoubtedly, there are students with autism in your local public schools. Simply put, autism is more prevalent than ever, a
Jenna Wharff, Ed.M.
Feb 18, 2015 · 4 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Part 2 of 4: Building Vocabulary
Building Expressive Vocabulary This is the step where your child learns to actually say the words out loud. All of the tasks we just described in the previous Autism and Language article come into play when building your child’s expressive vocabulary. Picture cards are a useful
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 29, 2014 · 2 min read
Language & Communication Part 1 of 4: Encouraging Emerging Language and Receptive Vocabulary
Emerging Language and Building Vocabulary Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal” language development in young children. If you have specific concerns about the pace of your child’s language development, you should definit
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 18, 2014 · 4 min read
Life Skills & Transitions How to Modify Chores for your Child with Autism
When you have a child with autism or other special needs, chores are often overlooked or parents don’t consider it a possibility for their child. Just as modifications are needed in the classroom, small modification or supports can be developed to not only make chores a possibil
Lindsey Dunn, Ed.M.
Apr 18, 2014 · 4 min read
Autism Resources Favorite Autism Stories of 2013
As 2013 comes to a close, we look back at some of the news articles that had the biggest impact on our thinking this year. Telling your child about autism should not be the “Big Talk.” Saying that it's big makes it seem like it's bad. Read more of Brenda Rothman’s article at Huf
Lindsey Dunn, Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 3 min read
Classroom Strategies Importance of Categorization
Learning to categorize items is a basic task for young children. Close your eyes for a moment and picture a typical pre-school classroom: children are sorting little plastic bears, red bears in one tub, blue in another, and green in a third; another group of children arranges pi
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read
Behavior & Sensory Teaching Kids with Autism about Emotions
Parents and educators often struggle to help children with autism communicate their feelings. When children with autism have trouble recognizing and communicating how they feel, it may contribute to inappropriate behaviors such as tantruming and aggression, or even increased soc
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Community Helpers and Occupation Flash Cards for Autism
There are so many people our children need to interact with on a weekly basis – teachers, doctors, bus drivers, dentists, janitors, crossing guards, store clerks, mail carriers…. Meeting new people can be difficult for any child, but children with autism often have a particularl
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 16, 2014 · 2 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Basic Matching Activities
Why Matching Activities for Children with Autism? Note: These activities are excerpted from the Language Builder® ARIS Full Autism Curriculum developed by Stages Learning Materials. What does matching teach a child? How can this be a step toward developing language? Matching ski
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 7 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Using Picture Flashcards for Language Development for Autistic* Children
Flashcards with real photo images are an essential tool for children with autism to aid them in learning language skills. A common challenge for children and adults with autism is their ability to communicate. Therapists recommend Picture Flash Cards as one of the best tools to
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 3 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Using Games to Promote Peer Interaction
This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #74, Playing Games with a Peer and Lesson #126, Playing Games with Multiple Peers. Download a free copy of lesson 74 and les
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 2 min read
About Autism What is Autism?
Rise in Autism Diagnosis 20 years ago most people had never heard the term autism, much less met anyone who had a child with autism. Today the Center for Disease Control estimates that rates of autism are as high as 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys (Center for Disease Control,
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 2 min read
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