…and what you can do about it! Why are social skills so important? Because the ability to socially interact can enable learning. We live in a social environment, and our kids are missing out on key educational opportunities if they struggle with social skills. Identifying social skills your child may be missing (early on) can
Five social skills your child may be missing Read More »
“Look at me when I’m talking to you.” How many times do we say this sentence as parents, hoping our child will retain the information we’re giving them? This is true, certainly, with typically-developing kids, but eye contact and autism are equally, if not more, important. Importance of eye contact and face attention: To develop
Eye contact and autism: the importance of face attention Read More »
Whether your kid already has a diagnosis, or you’re just starting down this road, therapy options for teens and kids can seem endless, but at the same time, also nearly impossible to find! How is that possible? Well, put on your mom or dad superperson cape, because seeking therapy for your teen or child is
Seeking therapy options for teens and kids: what you need to know Read More »
At your wit’s end and ready to take away a toy or privilege? Taking things away is an effective discipline strategy…sometimes. To understand when to take away a toy, it’s necessary to first talk about when it is NOT that effective. The answer lies in equal parts behavior science and cognitive development, and operator error.
when to take away a toy or Privilege: six steps to success Read More »
I’m a very organized person. I love a schedule and sticking to it! My teen with ADHD also flourishes with a schedule, but on his own, he often lacks the organizational skills to succeed with one. I’ve discovered that it takes active practice (and some instruction from mom and dad) for my teen to learn
Five Study strategies for ADHD Read More »
“Why are you doing that?!?!?” I ask myself, as I watch my kids do something at least 147 times a day. If you think that number is an exaggeration, remember, I have four BOYS. Now you understand. When I think about why my kids are doing something, I am asking about the functions of behavior.
When it comes to parenting, the tools you choose to implement can mean the difference between a melt-down and a successful parenting moment. Rewards that work are key…as you’ll see in the example below: I could see his little body getting rigid and his eyes were dropping. A stand-off was imminent, and I had no
Choosing parenting rewards that work Read More »
I try not to bring up the trauma of the Jump Park Fiasco of 2019, but I learned some pretty great lessons about what happens when you think you have a great reward to encourage behavior, but it ends up not working AT ALL, so I am willing to share my trauma in hopes that
Parenting tip: what to do When rewards stop working Read More »
When should you give in to your kids? Ever? Never? Here’s the scenario: It’s five minutes past the drop-dead moment for getting in the car and getting everyone to the right place at the right time. I’m running on fumes fueled by the insanity of needing to bring a show-and-tell item that starts with the
the one thing you should absolutely always give into as a parent Read More »
“People are looking at you.” I said this in a hushed tone and without even the hint of judgment, but in the hope of recognition. My son, in his interest in keeping things predictable and exactly the same as before, had escalated at the large family gathering. The result was behavior that was not at
the one thing you need to know about autism Read More »