Why is My Child So Disrespectful?
Have you ever enrolled your child in a great therapeutic or alternative program that offered improvements in behavior? Maybe things are cruising along, everyone’s in the flow… and then bam! Suddenly...
View ArticleIt’s All About the Sensory
Okay, not ALL… but sensory issues play a bigger role in the daily lives of children with Autism than you might think. I have always tried to explain this to the adults, teachers, caretakers, and yes,...
View ArticleProduct Review: KidCompanions SentioCHEWS
Back in May of 2011 I had a huge problem. My son came home from school each day with holes in his shirt. He destroyed countless pencils, board game coins, and “reusable” plastic straws. But the worst:...
View ArticlePuberty, Autism and Emotional Shutdowns
“The universe hates me!” My son came stomping out of his room and collapsed onto the floor, heaving a huge sigh of frustration. Unfortunately, this is not a new scene in my house, as I also have a...
View ArticleWeekly Autism Tips for Emergency Responders – Sensory Meltdown Vs. Tantrum
Hey, Spirit of Autism family! I appreciate your patience regarding the fact that I’ve not been able to keep the Blog up to date while finishing Advanced EMT school. It’s been quite a ride but I’m...
View ArticleWeekly Autism Tips for Emergency Responders – Patient Assessment
During a standard assessment in a conscious patient, we rely heavily on the patient’s communication – why EMS was called, what hurts, what happened, etc. This can become complicated when assessing a...
View ArticleAutism Tips for Emergency Responders: Temperature Regulation
It often takes an Act of Congress to get my son to wear a coat in the winter. I used to think it was stubbornness or laziness that drove him to his refusal. Eventually I started to realize that he...
View ArticleEmergency Responders: Why Address Sensory Issues First?
Sensory Processing issues play a bigger role in the daily lives of those with Autism and Asperger’s than most people realize. No matter what behavior I’m addressing with my son or what I encounter on a...
View ArticleUsing Redirection to Avert Harmful Stimming
Repetitive behaviors such as spinning objects, opening and closing things repeatedly, rocking, arm-flapping, squealing, making loud noises or even hitting are common in those on the autism spectrum....
View ArticleTop 5 Autism Sensory Items to Keep in Your Jump Bag
If you are on a chaotic scene and you’ve identified either a patient or family member as autistic, congratulations! Understanding a person’s gifts and challenges and communication style goes a long way...
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