Parenting - Autism Research Institute https://autism.org/category/parenting/ Advancing Autism Research and Education Wed, 08 May 2024 21:09:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Motor Skills and Executive Function in Autism https://autism.org/motor-cognitive-development/ Wed, 08 May 2024 01:07:13 +0000 https://autism.org/?p=17943 Learn about emerging research on the relationship between the development of motor skills and executive function in autistic children. Handouts are online HERE The speakers: Megan MacDonald, PhD is a professor of kinesiology, the early childhood research core director at the Hallie E. Ford

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Learn about emerging research on the relationship between the development of motor skills and executive function in autistic children.

Handouts are online HERE

The speakers:

Megan MacDonald, PhD is a professor of kinesiology, the early childhood research core director at the Hallie E. Ford Center for Children and Families and the OSU IMPACT for Life faculty scholar – all housed within the College of Health. Her vision is that every child is active and accepted.

Megan McClelland, PhD, is the Katherine E. Smith Professor of Healthy Children and Families at Oregon State University (OSU) where she serves as Endowed Director at the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Her research focuses on optimizing children’s development, especially as it relates to children’s self-regulation, early learning, and school success. Her recent work has examined links between self-regulation and long-term outcomes from early childhood to adulthood, recent advances in measuring self-regulation, and intervention efforts to improve these skills in young children. She works with colleagues and collaborators around the world and is currently involved with a number of national and international projects to develop measures of self-regulation and improve school success in young children.

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]]> LGBTQIA+ and Autism https://autism.org/lgbtq-and-autism/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:46:20 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=15190 Contemporary research on the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender identity asserts that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the neurotypical population. Similarly, the prevalence of autism is higher among transgender people than cisgender individuals. Autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face increased discrimination in access to care,

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Contemporary research on the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender identity asserts that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the neurotypical population. Similarly, the prevalence of autism is higher among transgender people than cisgender individuals. Autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face increased discrimination in access to care, cultural stigmas, and violence. Such experiences can drive poor mental and suicidality which are already high among autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities.

 

To better support autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals, we must accept, validate, and listen to the lived experiences of this community. By doing so, we can learn how best to support and assist family, friends, and loved ones who experience this intersection. We hope these resources from across the web are helpful to LGBTQIA+ members of the autism community and those who love and support them.

Research: LGBTQ+ and Autism

Resources and Support

Sexuality and Dating

Gender Discomfort and Autism

June 16th, 2023|News|

"I think society has an expectation where you have to be male or female, or you can be somewhere in between [...]. But they don't get that, actually, there are many genders and

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]]> Holiday Considerations for Families During COVID-19 https://autism.org/preparing-for-the-holidays-during-the-pandemic/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 17:41:25 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=12103 The holidays may bring extra challenges for families this year - and particularly so for individuals on the autism spectrum. Learn tips for coping with the holiday season during the pandemic, including ideas for talking to loved ones on the spectrum about the virus and self-care tips of

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The holidays may bring extra challenges for families this year – and particularly so for individuals on the autism spectrum. Learn tips for coping with the holiday season during the pandemic, including ideas for talking to loved ones on the spectrum about the virus and self-care tips of caregivers who may be dealing with separation from loved ones.

Handouts are online HERE

About the speakers:

Ally Jordan, Ph.D. is a Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Jordan completed her graduate training at the University at Buffalo, SUNY and her pre-doctoral internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Jordan specializes in the assessment and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. She currently works in a number of DBP clinical and research programs, including facilitating caregiver-mediated interventions to address challenging behaviors, and interventions to promote social-communication and play skills in young children with ASD.

Christine Hoffkins, M.Ed., BCBA is a research interventionist and assessor in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Prior to joining URMC, she worked in public schools as a Special Education Teacher for seven years and most recently as a Behavior Specialist for three years. Her teaching experience and background in behavior analysis has helped to prepare her for her roles in ASD research related to social-communication, play skills, and teacher coaching.

Lisa Latten, MS Ed, is a health project coordinator in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and is active in the special needs parenting community.

Caitlin LeGros, CNM, MSN, is a Certified Nurse Midwife at the University of Rochester Midwifery group, and is active in the special needs parenting community.

Lisa Luxemberg, LMSW, is part of the interdisciplinary team working with providers in the physical and developmental pediatric clinic, the feeding team, and Quality Improvement projects within the division at URMC.  She has a lot of experience working with families in various aspects of Medical Social Work.

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  • autism toys

Choosing Toys for a Child with Autism

October 12th, 2020|News|

If you find yourself shopping for a child with autism spectrum disorder, you might wonder about if there are certain toys and gifts are better than others. When choosing a gift for

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]]> Preparing for Back-to-School During COVID-19 https://autism.org/back-to-school-covid19/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 20:57:29 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10791 As students prepare to return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have questions about how to help your loved ones on the spectrum cope with social distancing, distance learning, and ongoing change. About the speaker: Amanda Tami, MA, BCBA, LBA, LPC, holds

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As students prepare to return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have questions about how to help your loved ones on the spectrum cope with social distancing, distance learning, and ongoing change.

About the speaker:

Amanda Tami, MA, BCBA, LBA, LPC, holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and has completed a recertification program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In addition to being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  She has experience working with both children and adults, including those who have autism spectrum and other pervasive developmental disorders, ADD/ADHD, anxiety issues, and trauma, both as a BCBA and as a counselor. She has additional specialized training as a counselor in EMDR therapy and its applications to children.

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Back-to-School Resources

August 22nd, 2022|News|

Whether you’re a parent preparing a child for grade school or an adult transitioning into or out of college, the back-to-school season can present unique challenges for families and individuals with autism.

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]]> Support Strategies at Home During the COVID-19 Summer https://autism.org/autism-support-covid-19-summer/ Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:19:05 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10981 Many families are continuing to cope at home this summer and looking for practical strategies to support their loved ones diagnosed with ASD. Tune in to gain insight about the cognitive processes underlying behavior, and strategies for developing exercises to encourage positive change during the COVID-19 shutdown.

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Many families are continuing to cope at home this summer and looking for practical strategies to support their loved ones diagnosed with ASD. Tune in to gain insight about the cognitive processes underlying behavior, and strategies for developing exercises to encourage positive change during the COVID-19 shutdown.

About the speaker:

Rob Bernstein has over 30 years of in-depth experience working with a wide range of clients on the spectrum. He is also the author of the award-winning book “Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism,” with the foreword by Temple Grandin.

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]]> Technology Overuse and Autism Spectrum Disorders https://autism.org/technology-overuse/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 03:22:24 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10109 As screen time is so alluring, parents need to take concrete steps to create limits and structure. Learn strategies for managing screen time access for young people with ASD and their neurotypical peers. Handouts are online (.pdf format) HERE About the speaker: Ben Wahl,

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As screen time is so alluring, parents need to take concrete steps to create limits and structure. Learn strategies for managing screen time access for young people with ASD and their neurotypical peers.

Handouts are online (.pdf format) HERE

About the speaker:


Ben Wahl, MSW, manages strategic initiatives for Aspiring Youth in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with children, adolescents and young adults for more than 20 years in a variety of roles and is a cofounder of QRKON, a a unique gaming and media convention for the neurodiverse community. Ben founded Aspiring Youth, which serves children, teens and young adults with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and similar traits, in 2005, followed by the Delphi Young Adults Program in 2013.

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Social Media Use and Autism – Teens and Adults

Pamela Wisniewski, PhD, presents new research about the online and social media experiences of autistic teens and young adults. Her research findings emphasize teaching teens how to leverage technology to their

Contextual clues can trip up individuals with ASD

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have difficulty understanding other people’s emotions because they do not use contextual clues, a new study suggests. The study, by Steven Stagg and colleagues, compared

Bullying and ASD: Addressing Victimization

Ryan E. Adams, a Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center faculty member, presents the Girls and Boys Guides to End Bullying free online curricula. He notes the importance of being able to recognize

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]]> Home all Day: Exercise During Covid-19 https://autism.org/exercise-covid-19/ Tue, 19 May 2020 20:01:16 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10785 School closures, suspended recreational activities, and limited therapies due to the COVID-19 pandemic have left many families with few choices for physical activities. Learn how the need for movement and sensory integration doesn’t stop, and tips for exercises that may help fill the gap.

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School closures, suspended recreational activities, and limited therapies due to the COVID-19 pandemic have left many families with few choices for physical activities. Learn how the need for movement and sensory integration doesn’t stop, and tips for exercises that may help fill the gap.

About the speaker:

David S. Geslak, BS, ACSM EP-C, CSCS, was asked to teach exercise to a boy with autism at his first personal training job. After successfully teaching the 9-year old to skip after four sessions, David was surprised at the parents reaction, “We had been trying to get him to skip for two years; thank you!” As a former student assistant strength coach for the University of Iowa Football Program, David never felt the same “making a difference” impact.

As word spread, David began working with more children on the spectrum, and continued to witness both physical and emotional breakthroughs. He soon learned that exercise not only impacts the health of those with autism but also improves their self-confidence, social skills, and calms unwanted behaviors. To follow his passion of helping the autism community, he entrenched himself at a school for children with autism, Giant Steps, and developed their first fitness program. To transform the lives of more children, adults, and families David started Exercise Connection in 2009.

David is now recognized as the pioneer for using exercise to improve the lives of those with autism. Nine universities have adopted his program into their Adapted Physical Education and Special Education Programs. He has become known for his dynamic presentations that he gives around the world, including, Egypt, Dubai, Barbados, Russia and Canada. Learn more

 

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Effective Coping Strategies for Sensory Differences and Executive Function

January 30th, 2024|Adults on the Spectrum, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Self Care, Sensory, Social Skills, Ways to Help, Webinar|

Drs. Greg Wallace and Goldie McQuaid share their research on strategies autistic adults develop to compensate for non-social challenges they experience, including sensory sensitivities and executive function differences. Handouts are

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]]> Emotional Support for Families during COVID-19 https://autism.org/managing-autism-stress-during-covid-19/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:53:31 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10339 The uncertainty and sudden changes caused by COVID-19 are difficult for all families, but particularly so for some families and individuals experiencing anxiety and autism. Tune in for supportive tips, mindfulness techniques, and positive ideas for managing the stress. Handouts are online HERE (PDF)

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The uncertainty and sudden changes caused by COVID-19 are difficult for all families, but particularly so for some families and individuals experiencing anxiety and autism. Tune in for supportive tips, mindfulness techniques, and positive ideas for managing the stress.

Handouts are online HERE (PDF)

About the speakers:

Suzannah Joy Iadarola, Ph.D. is a pediatric psychologist at The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), specializing in diagnostic evaluations for children for whom there is a suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Iadarola is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has experience providing and coordinating behavioral treatment for individuals with ASD. As part of this treatment, Dr. Iadarola incorporates a focus on working with families (e.g., parent training and education, sibling support).

Lisa Latten, MsED, a family navigator at The URMC supporting families , and Caitlin LeGros, MSN, a Certified Nurse Midwife with the URMC Midwifery group, are both active in the special needs parenting community.

Lisa Luxemberg, LMSW, is part of the interdisciplinary team working with providers in the physical and developmental pediatric clinic, the feeding team, and Quality Improvement projects within the division at URMC.  She has a lot of experience working with families in various aspects of Medical Social Work.

 

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Sexual Victimization in Autism

August 23rd, 2023|News|

In this article: Chronic maltreatment and sexual victimization Trauma and quality of life Risk Factors What can we do? A safer future Resources Despite evidence to the contrary, misperceptions of autistic

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]]> Coronavirus Impact – Home All Day – Basic Supports and Strategies to Get us Through and Keep us Sane https://autism.org/coronavirus-impact-home-all-day-basic-supports-and-strategies-to-get-us-through-and-keep-us-sane/ Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:32:42 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=10140 Learn strategies for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum experiencing school closures and changes in routine due to the 2020 outbreak. This video has been updated - an earlier version had an issue with slide syncing - we have corrected the issue and apologize for any inconvenience.

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Learn strategies for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum experiencing school closures and changes in routine due to the 2020 outbreak.

This video has been updated – an earlier version had an issue with slide syncing – we have corrected the issue and apologize for any inconvenience.

About the speaker:

Angela Mouzakitis, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA teaches at St. John’s University as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology department. Her research includes working with behavior support plans for children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, she has published in the areas of treatment integrity of behavior support plans in public schools for teachers working with students with high-functioning autism. Currently her focus is on the development of appropriate transition and vocational programs for adolescents with moderate disabilities.

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Sexual Victimization in Autism

August 23rd, 2023|News|

In this article: Chronic maltreatment and sexual victimization Trauma and quality of life Risk Factors What can we do? A safer future Resources Despite evidence to the contrary, misperceptions of autistic

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]]> Planning for the Holiday Season https://autism.org/holidays-planning-ahead/ Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:37:12 +0000 https://last-drum.flywheelsites.com/?p=8055 Autumn and the holiday season brings its joys - and potential challenges - for people with autism. Costumes, candy, disrupted routines, travel, house guests, and new foods and experiences abounding, it can be completely overwhelming. Tips, tricks, recipes, and activities are plentiful online; here is a list of resources from around the

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Autumn and the holiday season brings its joys – and potential challenges – for people with autism. Costumes, candy, disrupted routines, travel, house guests, and new foods and experiences abounding, it can be completely overwhelming. Tips, tricks, recipes, and activities are plentiful online; here is a list of resources from around the web that can help you plan for the festivities.

Holiday Social Stories

High Holiday visual supports from Gateways to Jewish education

Halloween Teaching Story from Autism Speaks

Trick or Treating Social Story from Communication Station

Thanksgiving Social Story from Positively Autism

Hanukkah Social Story from JTeach.org

Free Online Recipes & Candy Guide

Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Pecanbread & SCD Recipe

Gluten/Casein/Soy Free – Nourishing Meals

Coping Strategies

Psychology Today: Autism and the Holidays: 10 Tips on How to Prepare

Autism Society of America’s Holiday Tips

Blue Halloween Buckets Raise Autism Awareness

Preparing yourself and your child for Halloween

Wings for All – The ARC

Prep for Annual Physicals / Cold & Flu Season

Blood draws – video social story

Positioning for comfort and medical play – for easing anxiety during medical procedures

Compassionate medical care (video) – Temple Grandin, PhD

Resources for Covid

Preparing for the Cold and Flu Season the Johnson Center

Eating Well for Immune Health the Johnson Center

Resources for Family & Friends

Choosing a Toy for a Child with Autism

Did We Miss Something?

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