Archive: Posts

Executive function is an umbrella term used to describe a set of cognitive skills we use to successfully navigate everyday life. We rely on them to learn, achieve goals, manage emotions, pay attention, organize, plan,…

Functional life skills are the everyday tasks we all need to lead independent lives. Mastering these skills builds self-esteem and confidence while gaining autonomy. Many people learn life skills through passive watching, imitation, or practicing…

Friendship is an important part of life. A good friend can provide a feeling of connection, happiness, and self-worth. However, children with autism often have deficits in social skills and communication making it more difficult…

Social skills are a person’s ability to effectively interact and communicate with others through our words, actions, and body language. Thus, how we adapt to social situations and interactions rely on social skills. Social skills…

Sometimes children receive therapies in their home environment instead of a therapy center, office, or school. Interventions that occur in this type of setting are called “in-home” therapy programs. In this article, we will discuss…

There are times when parents may not be able to come to an agreement about what is needed for their child’s IEP with the school district. Because of this, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act…

Imagine a child in math class, at a time when the students are expected to work independently. With a shout, the child sweeps papers, textbook, and pencils off the desk, drawing stares from peers and…

Students with autism may display challenging behaviors that interfere with their education or another student’s education. When this happens, schools should address behavior issues by conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to create a Behavior…

One of the core objectives of IDEA is to prepare students for life after high school. Specifically, further education, employment, and independent living. IEP transition services fulfill this objective, and the law requires them to…

Inclusion is a philosophy based on the belief that ALL students belong to their school community. Inclusion gives all students–regardless of label–access to equal opportunities for meaningful participation. To clarify, access to meaningful participation is not limited…