While many happily anticipate the coming holiday season, families of people on the autism spectrum also understand the special challenges that may occur when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Our hope is that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessen the stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The following tips were developed with input from the Autism Society, the Indiana Resource Center for […]
Thanksgiving dinner is one of America’s biggest traditions and memories spent with friends and family can last a lifetime. The big meal is a lot to plan in itself, especially for families of children with special needs. Planning in advance is key. Below are some tips to help your child with special needs feel comfortable and part of the family Thanksgiving tradition. Fun and Engaging Thanksgiving Activities Try involving your child in some these Thanksgiving […]
The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, but it also can be stressful for kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Preparing and planning early for the holidays can help you relieve some of the holiday stress. Before a Holiday Event Practice sitting at the table with the plates, lighting and music before the holiday gathering. Draw pictures about the holiday to help your child prepare for the events. Eat holiday foods in […]
by Elizabeth Hlavinka, Staff Writer, MedPage Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in pregnancy was tied to increased risk of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a prospective cohort study, researchers said. Among 996 mother-child pairs, those with higher levels of acetaminophen exposure — measured through biomarkers in cord blood at delivery — the chances that offspring would be diagnosed later with ADHD or ASD were significantly greater, reported Xiaobin Wang, MD, MPH, of Johns […]
A mom looking to make her son’s Halloween a better experience has made an impact on tens of thousands of people. Omairis Taylor posted about her 3-year-old son on Facebook, explaining that he has nonverbal autism and trick-or-treating has been difficult for them in the past. Last year, she said, she had to explain at every house for five blocks that her son was not going to say “trick or treat” because he is nonverbal. […]
