This young lady surprised all of us with her calm, attentive behavior at her recent high school graduation. Because she becomes very agitated or overly excited in the face of schedule changes, unexpected noises, and crowds, we expected her behavior to escalate out of control in reaction to the long ceremony and speeches in a [...]
My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with autism can understand sophisticated language, so please include us in the conversation. Don’t talk around us, talk to us!” Click on this Seesmic VODcast to learn more. If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on http://FAQautism.com to view the 2-minute video.
Looking for munchies for your friend with autism who loves crunchy snacks? Take 2 minutes to watch this Seesmic VODcast for some ideas – yummy, healthy snacks with lots of crunch. If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to view the video. http://FAQautism.com
Some individuals with autism are not interested in playing with others, or they lack the motor skills to enjoy playing toss and catch. Click the arrow for the 2-minute Seesmic video demonstrating the secret to encouraging everyone to join in the fun, even the most reluctant, resistant, or withdrawn person. If you are receiving this [...]
The family of a 5-year-old was trying to find a way for their youngster to enjoy free-time in their fenced back yard. She did not pay any attention to toys, but obviously enjoyed gardening. Unfortunately, she just destroyed all living things by picking flowers or pulling plants out of the ground. Click on this Seesmic [...]
Singing to celebrate our 500th podcast! If you are receiving this post via podcast or email, click on http://FAQautism.com to view a video of my friends singing and blowing bubbles at our fiesta!
WooHoo! Join the celebration of our 500th podcast on FAQautism.com. We don’t have an office or a staff or a budget. We don’t track listeners or bug subscribers. Our mission is to maximize the potential and to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all ages with autism and those around them by providing [...]
A young adult friend with autism asked for some ideas to help keep her flapping hands in check. She felt as if her rocking and flapping annoyed classmates and family members since she tended to do both when she was reading or watching television or otherwise focusing intently on something other than her behavior. Check [...]
Our friends with autism often interpret words very literally – a characteristic that can lead to MAJOR miscommunication issues. For example, a teen had a meltdown in public because he could not find any of his favorite food (ham) in his “hamburger!” Click on this Seesmic VODcast for more examples of language mix-ups. If you [...]
Just like their peers, some individuals with autism are very frightened by spring storms. We can all help the situation if we remain calm as thunderstorms approach. Help your friend relax by having them put on headphones to listen to music or a book. Help them learn to tolerate the unexpected crashes of thunder and [...]
This very silly version of Cinderella has made many of my friends with autism – princes and princesses of ALL ages – giggle and guffaw. It is an example of “Anguish Languish,” a writing technique introduced in the 1950′s by Dr. Howard Chace of Miami University in Ohio. If you are receiving this message via [...]
My buddy was basically non-verbal for many years – just making loud sounds when he wanted something. As words emerged, he just repeated the last words of sentences or questions. Then he began repeating whole sentences, but was not able to formulate phrases or sentences unless he was taught word-for-word what to say in specific [...]
This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my buddies with autism who rarely acknowledges the presence of other people, and tends to withdraw from connecting with other people – visually, verbally, or by touch. A simple song and a plain piece of paper were the magic ingredients to create a personal connection with [...]
This 3-minute Seesmic VODcast includes ideas for using simple boxes to help children, teens, and adults with autism (1) focus scattered thoughts, (2) calm agitation or frustration, and (3) occupy flailing arms or fidgety hands. Click on our website http://FAQautism.com to see some intriguing, inexpensive boxes.
Many individuals with autism of all ages enjoy having something to keep their hands and minds occupied. Paper clips are a great option because they are portable and inexpensive. Paper clips come in all sizes, colors, and even shapes, and can be stored in a small ziplock bag or a small box. Some of my [...]
No need to spend lots of money on gifts for Valentine’s Day. Many of my friends with autism – kids, teens, and adults – were enthralled this week when they saw pretty valentines emerge from a little piece of paper. Some were able to cut their own, either free hand or with a pattern. Paper [...]
Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate valentine for our friends with autism. This VODcast features some valentine treats that say “I Love You” in very special ways. If you are receiving this post via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to view the 4 minute video http://FAQautism.com.
Because of exceptional memories or math skills, many individuals with autism love to play games. Others are unable to play games because of limited language, because of poor sportsmanship, or because they don’t like hanging out with other people. Zingo! is a fun game that encourages everyone to participate. Click below to see Zingo! If [...]
Individuals of all ages with autism are often intrigued with the intricate patterns and designs that emerge when cutting paper snowflakes. These visual delights are an inexpensive, enjoyable activity when the “weather outside is frightful.” If your friend with autism tends to chew or tear paper, put snowflakes in a small ziplock bag so they [...]
Sometimes our friends with autism become very attached to their stuffed animals and depend on the security even as they fall apart after years of use. What are some ways to replace stuffed animals that are disintegrating without causing a major emotional meltdown? How can we encourage teens with autism to replace the teddy bear [...]
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