Imagine your reaction if every sound in your environment were filtered through a powerful microphone and echo chamber. You might try escaping the overwhelming sounds by hiding under your bed with pillows over your ears. Or you might just lose your temper and try to destroy everything making noise. Many individuals with autism find themselves [...]
Because of issues with sensory sensitivity and obsession with routines, it can be difficult for some people with autism to maintain an appropriate level of grooming. Extreme tactile defensiveness can stand in the way of showering, shaving, and tooth brushing. Some of my teen and adult friends with autism talk of their aversion to the [...]
The winter mixture of short days, inclement weather, and lack of exercise bring on the blues. One way to improve physical and emotional health at this time of year is to participate in outdoor activities. How can we encourage our friends with autism to get out and about? Listen Now:
Parents, teachers, and group home staff are always looking for creative ways to encourage individuals with autism to munch down on healthy snacks. After taking into consideration personal preferences and special dietary restrictions, gather a variety of munchies that have different textures and tastes. Most of my friends with autism particularly enjoy crunchy tidbits and [...]
Parents and teachers often comment on the on-going battle about healthy snacks. The issue can be magnified for youngsters with autism when they have food allergies or an obsessive interest in one food or certain textures in foods. What can we do to win the war against unhealthy foods? Listen Now:
The excitement of the holidays, large family gatherings, new foods and activities, and interruptions in familiar routines can cause stress levels to rise even as autumn leaves start falling. Several parents have already asked about strategies for helping smooth out family visits. This podcast features some of the tips we discussed at this time last [...]
Poor hygiene is a serious problem. Unpleasant body odor, bad breath, dirty clothes, and a messy appearance can make it difficult to make and keep friends, to get a job, and to participate in group activities of any kind. Cleanliness is important, not only for the individual’s health, but also for the comfort of people [...]
Lunchtime can be very challenging for individuals with autism for a variety of reasons. Whether dealing with sack lunches or cafeteria lines at school or work, people with autism must consider special dietary needs, food allergies and sensitivities, and the perfect match of routine and variety. It is counterproductive to use lunchtime at school or [...]
What do we do if our child with autism will only eat peanut butter? She eats it on bread or crackers, but she NEVER eats anything else. No ice cream or fruits or veggies or meats or milk or candies. Just peanut butter – morning, noon, and night! Click to watch the Seesmic video or [...]
In some cases, the peculiar food preferences can compromise health or well-being. What are some strategies for helping picky eaters with autism change harmful habits? Listen Now:
Picky eaters abound in the world of autism. Some people will only eat peanut butter on bread, no jelly. Others eat one brand of macaroni and cheese for breakfast, lunch, supper, and snack. One of my young friends with autism doesn’t like the taste of ice cream, but he will eat dog poop. Picky eaters [...]
Earlier this week, a mom called in tears because her daughter had loudly used very graphic, anatomically correct words to describe a pain while at a crowded festival in the park. Her daughter looks like a typical pre-teen, so her words were rather shocking to other people. This challenging situation, common among individuals with autism, [...]
A recent AP article highlights newly published research that takes one more step toward unraveling the mystery of autism. The Harvard study, published in the July 11, 2008 issue of Science, indicates that six genes are key pieces in the puzzle.
How do I encourage my pre-teen with autism to be more active? He likes to sit for hours on end fiddling with the remote control and watching the same video over and over. Exercise and healthy living are not on his radar screen. Listen Now:
How can I avoid my daughter’s tantrums every time I put a clean pillow slip on her pillow? Why do people with autism cling obsessively to a certain pillow? Why does my grandson hide his pillow hoping I will not wash it or change the pillow slip? Listen Now:
I think some of my friends with autism are actually fish in human bodies. They love to swim – by the hour – in a pool, river, ocean, lake, water slides, or even a sprinkler. On the other hand, some folks with autism have a great aversion to water, even the water in a bathtub [...]
Lots of folks are searching for ways to encourage individuals with autism to eat more fruits and veggies every day. The heat of summer has hit this corner of the world, so the idea of frozen fruits has really caught on with some of my friends with autism – even those who are resistant to [...]
Today we are sharing more wisdom from a parent who sent a treasure chest full of ideas for helping make summer camp a great experience for a youngster with autism as well as for his fellow campers, the camp staff, and his parents. Let’s talk about medical issues at summer residential camps. Listen Now:
We’re exploring different ways to engage individuals of all ages with autism in active and fun ball games. In the first Ball Games podcast, we talked about adapting basketball, volleyball, baseball, and kickball for folks who may not have physical coordination or visual attention or interest in playing the sports in traditional ways. Today’s podcast [...]
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