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5 Considerations for Supporting Autistic Children and Special Needs in Early Education Programs

Recommended learning strategies for early childhood education and special education are sometimes in conflict. By focusing on students’ interests and curiosity, individual needs, realistic development goals, and skill levels educators can support the needs of all students in the

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.

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

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

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

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

The 2-Step Approach to Preventing Disruptive Behaviors for Children With Autism

Functions of Behavior and Antecedent Strategies

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

Romaine Calm: Getting Picky Eaters to Eat the Rainbow

How the Magic of Gardening Can Help Picky Eaters I’ll never forget my first garden. I was five and had just finished reading The Gardener by Sarah Stewart. It left me with this lasting impression of a romantic vision of giant beautiful gardens on rooftops in the city. My mom and

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

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems and can be an effective intervention for children with autism.

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

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

Moving to a New House With an Autistic Child

12 Tips for Supporting Autistic Children During a Move

Can Sign Language Help Autistic Early Learners Develop Communication Skills?

The short answer is Yes! There is strong research support for teaching sign language to all young children, autistic or non-autistic. Sign language can be used to help encourage verbal language development, but it should not be used as a replacement for teaching children to spea

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.

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…

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

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

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

May Is Physical Fitness Month!

Adapting Activities for Your Autistic Child: Silent Disco Anyone?

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.

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

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.

10 Easy Grants for Teachers for Their Autism Classrooms

...and a Quick Guide to Crowdfunding! Due to district funding problems, the pandemic, and rising student needs, teachers are often forced to fund their own classroom materials. According to the Education Week Research Center Survey, 95 percent of teachers report spending their o

Where Do I Start With My Nonverbal Autistic* Child?

First words are a milestone that many parents eagerly await for their young child to achieve. For most children, the first word is spoken around 11-13 months of age. However for some children, especially those children eventually diagnosed or currently diagnosed with autism, a d

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

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 .

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

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

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

What Disney’s Encanto Teaches Us About Families, Autism, and Managing Expectations

Let’s talk about the family Madrigal from Disney’s Encanto to see what we can learn as parents and families with both neurotypicals and members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I’ll try to be as spoiler-free as possible, but if you haven’t yet checked out Encanto , you shoul

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

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

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

Does My Autistic Child Need Occupational Therapy?

Assessing Fine and Gross Motor Skills Can Provide the Answer Motor skills are essential for children to explore, interact, and learn from their environment in order to develop cognitive and language skills. Because motor skills develop early in young children, deficits in these

The ARIS Lessons: An Insider Look

A Special Ed Teacher and New Stages Learning Staffer Takes a Peek Under the Hood of Our New ARIS Early Autism Curriculum I’m not a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), but I know “just enough to be dangerous.”

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

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

Understanding the Differences Between Receptive and Expressive Languages: Teaching Autistic Children

Understanding the differences between receptive and expressive language can be a difficult task. These words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing to the learners. More importantly, teaching language skills without a clear understanding of these two language bui

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.

Fun in the Kitchen! Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Cooking Processes to Autistic Learners

Using Task Analyses and Imitation Strategies

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

Five Songs to Teach Skip Counting to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #197, Skip Counting. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Skip counting is counting forward or

20 Best Books for Teaching the Concept of Time to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #194, Receptive Time - Analog and Lesson #195, Expressive Time - Analog, and Lesson #196, Matching Digital to Analog Time. Do

How to Teach Zero to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #175, Receptive Numbers 11+. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Teaching concepts to autisti

Teaching Patterns to Autistic Students

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #165, Color Patterns, Lesson #166, Shape Patterns, and Lesson #167, Complex Patterns. Download a free copy of lesson 165, les

The 20 Best Addition Books for Autistic Students Using Counter Objects

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #182, Adding Using Counter Objects. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Addition can be a com

The 20 Best Books to Teach Subtraction to Autistic Children Using Counter Objects

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #183, Subtracting Using Counter Objects. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about ARIS here . Subtraction is a

Using Task Analysis for Arrival and Dismissal Routines

Getting ready to go somewhere and transitioning once you arrive just might be the hardest part of the day for your autistic child or student, and in turn, for you. Fortunately, tools like task analysis (TA) can help take the stress out of coming and going, to let you and yours t

What is Echolalia?

Understanding the Role Echolalia Plays in Language Development for Autistic Children

Tricks for Making Halloween Enjoyable for Your Autistic Child

Many children love Halloween, but some autistic children find Halloween to be stressful and unenjoyable. The holiday boosts traditions that may be worry-invoking for some neurodivergent children. On Halloween, children often dress up in costumes. For autistic individuals, dressi

Best Apps for Autistic Children

Certain apps are targeted to meet the needs and support autistic individuals. Children in this generation have grown up with iPads and tablets. They’re able to navigate the devices and often have favorite apps. Many families and schools will use apps to supplement learning. Chil

Teaching Multi-Step Skills Through Task Analysis for Autistic Students

Life is filled with constant multi-step directions and processes. That’s why a common elementary project is to have students write exact directions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Their peers are then told to only do exactly what the directions say. As you might imag

Using Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions to Motivate the Classroom, Promote Cooperation, and Improve Behavior

You may have heard the phrase “ABA can save the world!” While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) works well on an individual basis, I have found that those same techniques and interventions also work well in the classroom. In fact, the use of ABA interventions in the classroom can

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.

A Teachers Guide to Toilet Training Autistic Children: Five Key Steps

Toilet training autistic children can be a daunting task. It requires patience, time, and a team effort. Toilet training is a necessity to develop a more self-sufficient and independent child.

How to Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills for Autistic Children

Executive functioning is a fundamental process that each person needs to achieve goals, filter distractions, prioritize tasks, and control impulses. Deficits in executive functioning will impact a person’s ability to get through the daily tasks of the day effectively. Nearly eve

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

A Guide to Types of Visual Schedules for Autistic Individuals

Personalization Is the Key You have probably heard a lot about using "visual schedules" for autistic people. However, you may not be as familiar with the many different types of visual schedules or the different factors that need to be considered when creating one that is indivi

How To Use Shaping to Teach Autistic Children New Behaviors at Home

As children become older and begin to develop new skills, it can be overwhelming for caregivers and parents to teach more complex behaviors, such as developing new language, making requests, cleaning their room, or completing homework. When caring for a child diagnosed as autist

How to Use Chaining to Break Down Complex Tasks for Autistic Children

What Is Chaining?

Autism-Friendly Vacation Destinations: A Guide for Families

A list of best resorts and theme parks serving families with autistic children: from customized services and specialized camps for autistic children to front-of-the-line passes, vacations can be autism-friendly!

Opening My ARIS Autism Curriculum Kit for the First time

Christmas came early this year!

6 Great Autistic Characters on Children's Media

6 Great Autistic Characters in Children's Shows Teaching Us All the Language of Acceptance, Diversity, and Inclusion In recent years we have been seeing more authentic representation of autistic characters across all kinds of media, including children’s programming. Here are 6 o

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

How to Build an Autism Kit for On-the-Go

An Autism Kit, also known as a “Calm Down Kit,” “Sensory Kit” or “Autism Survival Kit” is an invaluable tool for any parent of an autistic child. If you’ve ever been away from home with your autistic child and found yourself wishing you had a magic bag of items to pull from to h

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

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

Using Sensory Solutions to Encourage Motor Skills in Autistic Children

Six sensory tools to use from an Occupational Therapist’s toolbox Autistic children often have over or under-responsive sensory systems that can impact the development of motor skills. The good news is we can use these deficits in sensory systems to help motivate autistic childr

Early Action Is Key to Getting Support for Your Autistic Child

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.

The 7 Benefits of Using Sensory Bins for Autistic Children

Has your family been introduced to sensory bins yet? They are all the rage at our house, and sometimes they keep us busy for hours! If you have not heard of sensory bins, or have not started using them yet, you may want to jump on the bandwagon, and I will tell you why!

Strategies for Teaching Autistic Children Letters

Autistic children can experience delays and challenges in learning letters, letter recognition, and writing letters. Writing and reading are powerful communication skills. Before your child begins to learn to read or write, they must first learn to recognize and identify letters

Our Top Picks for Encouraging Gross Motor Skills for Autistic Children: Let the Great Outdoors Be Your Natural Playground!

Use these therapist-selected, parent and teacher-approved, and kid-tested ideas to help your autistic child continue to develop gross motor skills! Spring has sprung! Tired of being inside? Spring is a great season to step outside with your autistic children and reap all the ben

Product Review: Zigzag Wiggle Movement Car

Several years ago, on a recommendation from a colleague who works with special needs children, I purchased several of these for both my children and the children at the clinic I work for serving special needs children. Honestly, I was skeptical that the kids would be able to fig

10 Fun Activities Using Patterns to Teach Early Math Skills for Autistic Children

Red, Blue, Red, Blue: Using Patterns to Teach Early Math Skills Teaching autistic children various patterns is a key foundational skill that will support their later math development. The following activities utilize Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) strategies to provide an eng

Teaching Phonological Awareness and Decoding to Autistic Children

When children learn to read, they need to learn to make letter sounds and manipulate letter blends. For autistic children, developing this skill may be more difficult due to auditory processing difficulties and speech delays. Children must learn that words are made up of individ

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?

Product Review: Sensory Needs Therapy and Reading Lounger, Air Pump, and Repair Kit

I am a BCBA and in my clinical practice, I work with autistic children with sensory needs daily. The Special Supplies Inflatable Compression Boat Lounger has been a must-have item for me in both my in-home and in-clinic therapy. Kids love the gentle squeeze the boat provides --

Physical Therapy and Autism: Questions and Answers

Autistic children can often benefit from physical therapy. What does working with a physical therapist entail? And how can I work collaboratively with a physical therapist to best help my child?

Product Review: Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles

I have had these Cossy Kids Magnetic Building Tiles tiles for years and have seen firsthand that these magnetic tiles are a huge hit with kids ranging in age from toddlers to late school aged. They love the hands on activity of building and creating. As a parent, I enjoy seeing

10 Gross Motor Skills for Your Autistic Child

Gross Motor Skills 101 Ready, set, let’s go! Walk, run, jump, swim, climb. There are so many ways we can move our bodies. Gross motor skills are those skills that we need to move, skills that are designed to help us survive, but also to thrive. As a baby develops they learn to r

Best Games, Stories, Rhymes and Songs to Support Early Math Skills for Autistic Students

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #168, Recited Counting 1-10, Lesson #173, Receptive Numbers 1-10, Lesson #174, Expressive Numbers 1-10, Lesson #175, Receptive Numbers 1

Arts and Crafts for Autism Awareness

Arts and crafts projects can increase autism awareness and benefit your autistic child at the same time! Why do we need to increase autism awareness?

5 Ways Sesame Street’s Character Julia Teaches People About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Julia, the new character on Sesame Street can help all children better understand autism. Sesame Street is a treasured TV show that has educated children worldwide for more than 50 years. It has brought characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Abby, and Cookie Monster into children’s liv

Coping Strategies: Find What Works Best For Your Autistic Child

Use zones of regulation and occupational therapy insight to find the best coping strategies for your autistic child. The phrase “coping strategy” can be thrown around often in the autism (ASD) community. But what are they? How do we find the best ones for our children? How do ea

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and How Can It Help My Autistic Student?

Two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) explain Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how to determine the level of support needed to ensure success for each autistic child. ABA is a common practice used with Level 1 autistic individuals. The practice of ABA mainly focuses o

Tell Me a Story: How to Teach Narrative and Comprehension Strategies to Autistic Children

In K-12 education, no one disputes that developing reading skills is fundamental. Research suggests that early literacy instruction for students with and without disabilities is essential for future literacy development. 3 Teachers across the world are constantly utilizing vario

Six Proactive Solutions for Challenging Behaviors at Home: Advice from a Behavioral Counselor

These six tips will help you create a proactive environment in your home to foster task productivity and offer solutions to address undesired behaviors before they arise. By adopting a proactive approach, you are creating a structured and consistent environment that will help yo

The 12 Best Picture Books for Teaching Nouns to Autistic Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System L anguage Builder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #23 Receptive Labeling - in Books, Lesson 33 Expressive Labeling - In Books, Lesson #98 Listing Members of a Set, and Lesson

Teacher Tips: Using Expressive Labeling to Teach Autistic Children Language Skills

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Builder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #33, Expressive Labeling in Books. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . For autistic

Teacher Tips: Using Receptive Labeling to Teach Autistic Children Language Skills

This resource was created as a supplement for the ARIS® Academic Readiness Intervention System Language Bui lder complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #23, Receptive Learning in Books. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum. Beginning at a

Teaching Language Skills to Autistic Children Using 2-D and 3-D Matching

For autistic children, language skills can be taught using 2-D and 3-D matching skills. Matching is the ability to see two things and recognize that they are the same. Matching skills train and improve concentration, visual and short-term memory, attention to detail, classificat

Teaching Autistic Children to Follow Simple Directions

Teaching autistic children to follow simple directions is an important skill for them to learn. The ability to follow simple directions allows opportunities for your child to gain independence, regulation skills, communication skills, productivity in daily routine tasks, and pra

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

Best Free Resources for Homeschooling Your Autistic Child

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

A New Curriculum for Autism: ARIS

Teachers, parents and Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) have been asking for an “all in one” autism education curriculum for years. Language Builder: ARIS (Academic Readiness Intervention System) is now available to support teachers and parents helping children with autism lea

A New Homeschool Curriculum for Autistic Children: ARIS

Homeschooling is not always easy, but it can provide many benefits for children with autism. In the first two years of the pandemic, researchers found that home environments were frequently advantageous for autistic children because they reduced the amount of social and sensory

Strategies for Homeschooling Children with Autism: You Can do This!

Teaching children with autism even the most basic skills can feel daunting to a home schooling parent or even, at times, an autism professional. For instance, we may attempt to teach a child for the hundredth time to wipe her mouth with a napkin, but then… drum roll ...She goes

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

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

Recommended Children’s Books About Autism

Children’s books featuring children with autism are an easy and entertaining way to introduce the topic of autism to your children, family members, friends, and your child’s peers. Children’s books offer simple, accessible explanations and illustrations that can help children an

11 Strategies to Help Your Child with Autism Develop Fine Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skill Milestones Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements. Fine motor skills are the ability to make movements in our eyes, wrists, hands, and fingers. Many everyday tasks require strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills ne

Starting a Childcare Center for Children With Autism or other Special Needs

For countless American families, finding the right childcare provider for their little ones can be a real challenge. This is especially true for parents and guardians who are navigating available childcare options for their child with autism or other special needs. While many pa

The “Why” and the “What” Behind Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS)

ARIS was created with access and implementation in mind: intended to make the principles of ABA easily accessible and easy to implement for educators working with children with autism who may not have formal ABA training. Recent research has highlighted the lack of evidence-base

12 Popular Games Adapted for Children with Autism

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #73, Playing Games with an Adult. Download a free copy of lesson 73 and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . Play is often

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

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.

The Most Popular Action and Movement Songs for Children with Autism

FREE ARIS Lesson Plan Download: Participation in Group Songs with Action {{cta('dd592bfe-679e-4e5a-9f99-6923f3082c63')}}

Autism and Dental Care

Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it’s a very different feeling for those with autism. Patients with autism often have difficulty staying still and allowing the dentist to do what’s needed, which is why a loved one should always be present. Ever

Choosing iPad Apps for Children with Autism

The explosion of apps available on tablets like the iPad has been an exciting opportunity for children with autism. It may come as no shock to parents and educators that in general, children with autism prefer and are more engaged during app-based interventions than traditional

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

Five Research-Based Strengths Associated with Autism

Genius, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Memory, and Visual Skills All children, whether or not they are neurotypical, have unique sets of strengths and weaknesses. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often also have some unique challenges to overcome in building r

Ten Tips for Visiting Family When Your Child Has Autism

With the holiday season comes family gatherings, cozy meals, vacation plans, and yes — a dash of festive chaos. Traveling to visit family can be stressful even when everything goes as expected. However, a bit of planning and preparation can help keep your holiday season the most

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

Best Sports for Autistic Children

5 Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in Sports It is no secret that sports are a big part of most people’s lives. More than 100 million people in the United States alone tune in to watch the Super Bowl every year. However, being a sports fan and playing a sport are two complete

Interactive Bridging Books for Early Literacy: Research White Paper

This White Paper was written by Consulting Services for Education in order to better understand the learning impact of the newest Stages Learning product: Link4Fun Books. These "bridging" books are designed to support early literacy using innovative new technology and research b

Let's Build: How Playing With Blocks Benefits Children

This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #63, Block Imitation - Basic Structures. Download a free copy of the lesson and learn more about the ARIS curriculum . It’s

11 Classroom Management Strategies for Children with Special Needs

Strategies to use with your students Inclusion is a great thing. Children with special needs are no longer isolated in “Special Ed” classrooms and only seen on the playground or in the lunchroom. Kids with special needs thrive in the presence of their peers. There are so many le

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

Cool Down Spaces: Best Practices for Managing Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom or the Home

Parents and teachers can feel confused and uncomfortable when students shout, cry, or act in ways that appear developmentally or culturally inappropriate. It’s helpful to learn who you can turn to for training or advice on behavior management and it’s equally useful to learn a f

Creating Spaces that Work for Children with Autism

If you’re like me, there’s nothing more appealing than a home renovation show where a grand reveal shows furniture that is perfectly staged and pristine. As a teacher, this enthusiasm for design and decoration carried over to my classroom even though I was often tasked with maki

Building Vocabulary with U-Play Mat Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview Students will use the U-Play Mat to practice identifying, categorizing, and communicating with vocabulary words. Each part of the lesson plan can be extended or shortened depending on the needs of the child.

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?

“What Happens Next?”: Strategies for Teaching Your Child Sequencing Skills

Sequencing is the ability to logically order events, images, thoughts, and actions. Why is sequencing important for children? FREE Download: Sequencing Cards Lesson Plan {{cta('b8f89277-aabd-4cc7-8dc3-58a90e65d5bd')}}

Building Language: What Does the Research Say?

Understanding the research on language development Think of a weekend visit to a park swarming with children. Kids playing soccer, kids swinging on the monkey bars, kids talking a mile a minute, kids climbing the jungle gym. Chances are a few of those kids have autism, a conditi

Animal Cards Dance Party

Lesson Overview Students will make an animal that they would most like to be or admire in some way. Students will then choose a song that their animal likes and move their animal to the rhythm of the music. Students will then listen to various types of music and choose other ani

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

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.

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

Using Sensory Tools to Help Kids Focus and Concentrate

Using sensory tools in your practice can provide a more focused, content and alert individual. Whether you are a specialist using ABA, speech and language techniques, occupational therapy interventions or teaching lessons, keeping the sensory needs of your children in mind while

A Closer Look: Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

Overview Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a variation of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) type therapy. It focuses on more comprehensive “pivotal” areas such as increasing a child’s motivation to learn, initiate communication, and monitor their own behaviors. This focus on mo

A Closer Look: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

Overview EIBI is a type of Applied Behavioral Analysis focused on children under five years of age. New research has shown that while intensive behavioral interventions work well with all children, children starting before the age of two were likely to make the most significant

Picture ID Lesson Plan

Lesson Overview: Students will learn picture identification based on word association. Skills practiced include receptive language and photo discrimination.

Flash Cards vs. iPad Apps: Which is Best?

All over the news, we see stories about kids with autism and their iPads. Rookie reporters tout the devices as The Next Big Thing, even going so far as to refer to them as cures. I’m sure we would all agree that the touch screen tablets are amazing, for little and big kids alike

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

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

Part 3 of 4: From Basic Vocabulary to Building Sentences

The most popular use of the Language Builder Picture Card Series is to build vocabulary. The realistic and current photos help students to learn the name of various nouns, occupations, and emotions. In the beginning, this task can be very repetitive and basic, focusing only on l

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

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

Eating Healthy at an Early Age

Our first experiences with food have a large effect on our eating habits for the rest of our lives, so the best time to teach good dietary habits is during the early years. Think about some of your best and worst food habits... don't you wish you had started better habits at age

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

Blending Hands-On and Digital Learning Part 3

Are you still on the fence about letting your child use an iPad or other mobile technologies? The latest survey by Common Sense Media shows that even since their last survey two years ago, media habits of children have changed significantly. One large difference includes the ave

Language Milestones

How many professionals have been asked: “How do I know if my child is behind in language development?” How many parents have asked the question, or at l east w ondered to themselves? Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal”

Why Real Photo Games in Early Childhood Education?

A growing trend in Early Childhood Education is the focus on using materials with real photo images rather than illustrations. Teaching ideologies such as Montessori have long understood the importance of focusing on fact rather than fiction in the materials used for teaching yo

Why Real Photos? What about Cartoons?

Iconicity refers to the degree of resemblance between a picture and the object that it depicts. A cartoon image, for example, would have a low degree of iconicity, while a photograph would have a higher degree of iconicity.

Not Just Why... How? - Get them Engaged!

Just using realistic pictures to interact with and teach children is not enough. The key is in the specific ways that you use the pictures to build vocabulary, communication, literacy and critical thinking skills. The following chapters will introduce many techniques and teachin

Background on Teaching Children with Autism Language Using Pictures

When very young children first begin to learn language skills, they learn new words by hearing the spoken word tied to the actual object (Richards & Goldfarb, 1986). For example, if parents repeat the word car every time they take their child to the car, the child will quickly l