Stages Connect
Tag
Emotions Social Skills
93 articles
Social Skills Deficits: Bridging the Interaction Gap
This article is the third in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help
Stages Learning
Sep 25, 2024 · 4 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
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
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
Behavior & Sensory Sensory Breaks for Your Autistic Child
Strategies for Homeschooling Are there moments during your homeschooling day when you find your autistic child is seeking a sensory break to organize their body and mind? You’re not alone. According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, up to 95% of autistic children
Samantha Russell
Oct 21, 2023 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies Homeschool Co-ops for Autistic Children: Creating Connection
Homeschool co-ops are regularly scheduled structured gatherings of families educating their children together in a group setting. The purpose of co-ops is to share the load of teaching, combine resources, and collaborate with individuals who are working towards the same goal.
Samantha Russell
Oct 1, 2023 · 7 min read
Behavior & Sensory Nurturing Autistic Children: Managing Challenging Behaviors
Parenting is a complex journey filled with both joys and difficulties. When caring for an autistic child, parents often face the task of navigating through various behaviors and searching for effective strategies to meet their child's needs. Autism presents a distinctive set of
Nicole Knicely
Aug 12, 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
Behavior & Sensory Unified Sports: Getting Autistic Children Back in the Game
How can unified sports help autistic children, parents, and communities, given the lingering developmental effects of the pandemic?
Amairani Asmad
Mar 10, 2023 · 6 min read
Emotions & Social Skills 3 Ways to Teach Social Initiations to Autistic Students
You may think social interactions come naturally for all children, but for autistic children, it brings a unique world of challenges. Learning social initiation skills can make an enormous difference for autistic children in improving their relationships with peers and family me
Sydni Pakula
Mar 5, 2023 · 5 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
ABA & Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Training: New Tools to Help Parents Support Autism Treatment
Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) is an area grounded in behavior analysis that is bringing a more compassionate, values-based approach to behavioral treatment and skill development for autistic children.
Nelly A. Dixon
Jan 6, 2023 · 6 min read
Life Skills & Transitions How to Help Your Autistic Child Cope With Their Parents’ Divorce
What can divorcing parents do to support their autistic child or teenager through these common challenge areas?
Amairani Asmad
Dec 11, 2022 · 6 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Celebrate Six Fall Holidays You Didn’t Know Existed!
...And learn ways to adapt any holiday to help your child with autism have fun!
Katie Vena
Nov 5, 2022 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies Into the Unknown: Explaining Autism Using Children’s Film and Fantasy Characters
How can parents and teachers use fiction stories to positively explain and reframe autism to neurotypical and neurodivergent youth?
Amairani Asmad
Oct 23, 2022 · 7 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
Family & Home Life Mental Health Empowerment: Providing Compassionate and Client-Centered Support for People With Autism
How can stakeholders use principles of self-determination, individuality, and compassion to support individuals with autism and their self-directed mental health care pursuits?
Amairani Asmad
Oct 10, 2022 · 7 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
About Autism Autism and Dance Therapy
Dancing is a universal language, and many on the autism spectrum can easily learn it.
Grady Bolding
Oct 1, 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
Language & Communication The Five Best Ice Breakers to Use for Autistic Students
Helping Autistic Students Connect with Other Students Autistic students can sometimes have challenges related to social interactions, communication, and lack of social reciprocity. Due to these challenges, it is sometimes difficult for children with autism to easily meet and con
Katie Vena
Sep 10, 2022 · 5 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
Behavior & Sensory Ask an Autistic*: What Do Meltdowns Feel Like?
And How Can I Help? When I was young I would lose all control if I accidentally touched a seat belt strap, if I heard certain sounds, if someone entered my room, or if my mom put sweaters on me. And tights? Completely out of the question. Meltdowns are not tantrums. An autistic
Tori Lehinger
Sep 5, 2022 · 6 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
Autism in the Workplace: Advice From the Trenches
Autism in the workplace can have its share of rewards and pitfalls. As with anyone else, one on the spectrum has a lot to navigate when trying to find the right job fit. For some, the learning process may be pretty daunting.
Grady Bolding
Aug 20, 2022 · 6 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
Support Groups for Autistic* Children, Teens, Young Adults and Parents
Support groups and social clubs for children, teens, and young adults with autism provide a safe environment for people with shared experiences to connect and participate in a supportive, understanding community. No matter what your child's or student’s needs are, there are simi
Chloe Fay
Jul 30, 2022 · 8 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
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
Language & Communication Show Love to Your Autistic Child… and Yourself!
Work Smarter, Not Harder Did you know that we all have primary ways in which we tend to show love and affection to others around us? We also have preferences on how we like to have others reciprocate and show their love to us. However, autistic children may struggle with social
Katie Vena
Jul 30, 2022 · 6 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
Making Friends: The Ups and Downs of Friendship on the Spectrum
As someone who grew up on the autistic spectrum, friends were hard to make and even harder to keep.
Grady Bolding
Jul 11, 2022 · 6 min read
Behavior & Sensory Celebrating the Failures (and Successes) on the Autism Journey
Setback. Failure. Mishap .
Sara Bailey
Jun 25, 2022 · 6 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
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
Language & Communication Autism & Drama Therapy: A View From the Spectrum
My journey to the stage (and, lately, behind the camera) was a long one.
Grady Bolding
Jun 1, 2022 · 6 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
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
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
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
Autism Resources Applying Brene Brown’s Rising Strong to Autism
Building Awareness and Theory of Mind Brene Brown’s illuminating 2015 book, Rising Strong , shows how part of life is handling unexpected situations and dealing with expectations, failures, or disappointments—and finding ways to adjust and cope in spite of struggles. But the goa
Frankie Kietzman, Ed.S.
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
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
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
Emotions & Social Skills Teaching Tools for Making Friends and Developing Online Relationships for Autistic Individuals
Learning social media skills and dating etiquette can be especially challenging for young autistic adults. This article provides tools for helping to learn new digital social skills for autistic individuals.
Frankie Kietzman, Ed.S.
Nov 19, 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
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
Using Antecedent Strategies to Minimize Challenging Behaviors With Autistic Students
An antecedent is an event, action, or circumstance that occurs directly before a behavior. Using antecedent strategies involves modifying an environment to reduce undesirable behaviors among autistic learners before they occur.
Marianne Coppola
Sep 6, 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
About Autism Autism and Substance Use Disorders: Is There a Connection?
A review of the research, risks, protective factors, and components of addiction, and a preview of treatment options for autistic individuals who struggle with the disease of addiction. 1
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 18, 2021 · 9 min read
8 Tantrum Taming Skills for Helping Autistic Children
As I enter the house, she’s screaming. A 3-year-old with a full-blown meltdown meets me at the door. Well, her mom meets me with the I’m-going-to-pull-my-hair-out look with her sweet, beautiful, screaming child rolling on the floor behind her. A little background. We had ordered
Ilana Danneman, PT
Jun 14, 2021 · 7 min read
Classroom Strategies 3 Gifts of Grief from the COVID-19 Pandemic
A Special Education Teacher Reflects on a Challenging Time It has been over three years since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down school districts nationwide. The U.S. shifted into a state of loss and then grief. Loss of what we thought was stable, including income, job security, an
Erin Beach
May 30, 2021 · 4 min read
Proactive Strategies for Reducing Problem Behaviors Before They Happen
Using Routines and Pre-Correction in the Classroom for Autistic Students What is the best way to address a problem behavior? Before it happens! Procedures and routines paired with pre-correction strategies are evidence-based interventions for supporting autistic students. Instea
Frankie Kietzman, Ed.S.
May 30, 2021 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Building a Social Network for Autistic Students
How to Create a Peer-Mediated Intervention to Support Social Skills for Autistic Children We all need a social network; a group of people who are there for us in good times and in bad. But how can we help autistic children develop their network?
Frankie Kietzman, Ed.S.
May 9, 2021 · 5 min read
Delaying Gratification: An Essential Skill for Autistic Children to Learn
Delaying gratification is an essential skill for autistic children to learn in order to help them learn new skills.
Ilana Danneman, PT
May 1, 2021 · 6 min read
Positive Identity Development in the Autistic Child
What can parents, teachers, and therapists do to encourage a positive sense of self in autistic children and teens? What can we do to avoid the obstacles to healthy and positive identity development?
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 7, 2021 · 6 min read
My Autistic Child is Thinking of Dating and--Gasp!--Sex?!!
Most parents are understandably anxious about the thought of their child eventually dating and becoming sexually active. That anxiety may be even greater for the parents of an autistic child. What’s a parent to do? The goal is to support every young person in healthy, optimal hu
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 31, 2021 · 7 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Six Strategies for Strengthening Your Marriage for Parents of Autistic Children
My Marriage Is Floundering! Help! Often couples look towards parenthood with great joy and love. Shockingly, that same bundle of joy can create problems in the marital (or other committed) relationship that may lead to divorce or at the very least, tremendous dissatisfaction. Ma
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 6 min read
Behavior & Sensory Social Camouflaging in Autistic Girls and Women
Social camouflaging means hiding behavior that may be less socially acceptable and putting extra effort into appearing neurotypical: It has negative consequences in terms of recognizing and diagnosing autistic girls. It is not uncommon for adolescents to want to fit in with thei
Madeline Burroughs
Dec 20, 2020 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Teaching Kindness: The Kindness Rock Project
How to Teach Your Autistic Child the Art of Caring and Kindness Teaching caring and kindness to autistic children is an important part of social-emotional development. Having empathy and kindness towards others improves the quality of everyone's life. It also allows us to unders
Chloe Fay
Nov 15, 2020 · 4 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Autism, Gaming, and Building Social Skills
10 Ways to Build Social Skills Using Online Gaming for Autistic Teenagers Online gaming has been shown to improve social skills in autistic teenagers. It is estimated that more than 41% of autistic adolescents spend the majority of their leisure time playing video games, versus
Chloe Fay
Nov 1, 2020 · 5 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Social Narratives: Helping Autistic Children Understand Social Situations
This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder complete early autism curriculum. Learn more about the ARIS curriculum . Social narratives (often referred to as Social Stories TM ) are carefully designed short stori
Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.
Oct 4, 2020 · 7 min read
How to Spot and Prevent Cyberbullying Against Autistic Students
In the digital age, there are many opportunities for online bullying to occur, especially for autistic children
Madeline Burroughs
Oct 4, 2020 · 5 min read
Behavior & Sensory What Is Stimming?
What is stimming?
Chloe Fay
Aug 30, 2020 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills 4 Activities and 3 Tips to Help Support Emotional Awareness for Your Autistic Child
Recognizing and understanding emotions is a key part of development. Emotional awareness allows individuals to identify what they are feeling and why. This is a critical step towards building emotional intelligence, a key life skill. Being able to identify our emotions and under
Madeline Burroughs
Apr 20, 2020 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Cabin Fever? 5 Effective Activities for Students with Autism During Social Isolation or Quarantine
Note: These 5 activities can be done every day, and we recommend that parents create a schedule so that each of these activities takes place at the same time very day when possible. Having a schedule helps keep children with autism feel more secure and reduces anxiety. We also r
Madeline Burroughs
Mar 24, 2020 · 4 min read
Emotions & Social Skills 8 Ways to Promote Socialization Skills in Students with Autism
Socialization is an important skill for all children to learn and develop. Research suggests that by supporting a child’s socialization, children are more likely to develop self-confidence, problem solving skills, and key language skills, all of which are vital skills that they
Madeline Burroughs
Feb 22, 2020 · 6 min read
Autism and Anxiety: 10 Strategies to Help Your Child
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the prevalence of anxiety is shown to be greater than for their peers. Some studies indicate that anxiety disorders are present 40% of the time for children with autism. The good news about taking this into consideration is that
Arielle Doochin
Oct 1, 2019 · 6 min read
Creating a Yoga Practice for Children With Autism
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, is today a term familiar across most of the world. Those who’ve experienced the practice may be familiar with its benefits of relaxation and overall improved physical health. Did you know, however, that exploring yoga with a ch
Arielle Doochin
May 27, 2019 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Inclusion Toolkit: Top Ten Products to Accommodate Students with Autism in the Classroom
The beginning of a new school year can be a difficult time for some children with autism. Shifting from the comfort of home to an environment packed with loud voices, stiff chairs, slamming doors, and a new structure can trigger anything from distraction and discomfort to full m
Emma Shanahan
Aug 19, 2018 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies Positive Pedagogy: How to Bring Positive Psychology into Special Education and Inclusive Classrooms for Students with Autism
How can you help your students discover stillness? joy? authenticity? Positive psychology is the science of well-being, which applied, can bring more positivity and happiness into your classroom. Try investing in these easy “rituals,” or habits, to transform your classroom into
Arianna Riccio
May 10, 2018 · 5 min read
Parent Strategies for Helping Children with Autism Cope with Transitions and Changing Routines
Transitions from one activity to the next can be difficult for any child, especially if they are being asked to leave a preferred activity to instead do something they need to do. While some behaviors in response to transitions may look similar between neurotypical children and
Lauren Panzano
May 8, 2018 · 5 min read
Family & Home Life Parent Strategies to Help Children with Autism Cope with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
In this article, we explore Sensory Processing Disorder (also called sensory integration or sensory sensitivity), and how these issues can be alleviated and treated, and strategies parents and caregivers can use at home and school to help ease day to day life. Stages Learning Ma
Lauren Panzano
May 5, 2018 · 5 min read
5 Positive Play Therapies to Help Your Child with Autism
Despite being riddled with its own challenges and stressors, childhood can often be idealized as a time of magic and freedom. What often makes childhood so uniquely sacred is the acceptance and endorsement of play. While play can often seem like a time of rest and rejuvenation u
Arianna Riccio
Apr 16, 2018 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Helping Children with Autism Develop Friendships
5 guidelines for the class or the home Friendships can have a major impact on wellbeing and personal growth, yet building new relationships can be anxiety provoking for adults and children alike. So, imagine how hard it can be for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), w
Grace Chen
Sep 11, 2017 · 5 min read
Family & Home Life Wandering and Autism: 6 Strategies to Prevent Wandering Behavior
Wandering or “elopement,” a common behavioral occurrence among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to the tendency to leave a safe, supervised space or caregiver and subsequently expose oneself to potential danger. Wandering is both tragic and terrifying for par
Krupa Patel
Apr 8, 2017 · 4 min read
Language & Communication Helping Children with Autism to Communicate & Recognize Emotions
Recognizing, Showing, and Regulating Emotions Think about the different ways that you recognize the emotions of others in your daily life. Do you focus on their facial expression? Their body language? Or their tone of voice? While some of us may do these things in our daily live
Kasey Salvatore
Apr 2, 2017 · 8 min read
How to Help Young Children with Autism Avoid Behavior Problems
Linda Hodgdon has been a long-time friend of Stages Learning and is author of the best-selling book, " Visual Strategies for Improving Communication ." We have invited her to impart some of her wisdom and experience in a guest blog and she discusses an important topic that comes
Linda Hodgdon, CCC-SLP
Mar 17, 2017 · 3 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
5 Ways to Help Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism
Download FREE Autism Behavior Intervention Technique {{cta('4be34b8e-fbdf-462d-b166-928e9953dd40','justifycenter')}} It’s likely that we all know someone who experiences anxiety, and there’s no doubt that anxiety can be exhausting and can interfere with daily life. For children
Kasey Salvatore
Mar 7, 2017 · 6 min read
Language & Communication Social Thinking: 6 Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism
What is Social Thinking? Social Thinking is a flexible teaching framework that is designed to help individuals ages four and up with autism spectrum disorder and other social and communication difficulties. The framework helps these individuals better understand the process by w
Courtney Chase
Feb 1, 2017 · 4 min read
Emotions & Social Skills How to Foster Social Skills Development at School: A Guide for Teachers and School Counselors
Social Skills & Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. This can include challenges in social-emotional reciprocity and non-verbal communication used in social interactions. This can often lead to children with autism
Courtney Chase
Dec 8, 2016 · 4 min read
Behavior & Sensory Strategies for Responding to Rude Comments About Your Child’s Behavior
* Print out our Free Card to give to a stranger when your child is having a difficult time in public. The “Five W’s”: Choosing when to be an ambassador for autism and when to walk away Children with autism and their families often find themselves in uncomfortable situations duri
Marina Ebert, M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D. candidate
Sep 26, 2016 · 7 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Emotion Card Holiday Stories
Lesson Overview Students will match December holiday vocabulary words with emotion cards by creating a holiday sentence.
Marysa Sheren, M.Ed. Technology, Innovation, and Education
Dec 18, 2015 · 3 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Grief and Loss: Helping Children with Autism Cope
Coping with the death of a loved one is difficult for everyone. The idea of death can be particularly scary for kids, and the thought of not being able to see or talk to a loved one again may be confusing and overwhelming. Download FREE Language Builder Emotion Cards! {{cta('c5b
Jenna Wharff, Ed.M.
Mar 25, 2015 · 6 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
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