Maureen Bennie’s blog on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Maureen is a mother of a son and a daughter ages 24 and 22 with autism. She has managed an at-home Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program for eight years for her children. She has written hundreds of articles and book reviews that have appeared in publications and on websites throughout North America and the UK. Maureen also gives presentations both live and online across Canada on various topics about autism, available books and resources and how to use them.
Body doubling is working on a task while another person is present either in person or virtually, which can help with focus, follow-through, and getting started. This supportive presence significantly boosts a person’s ability to focus and complete tasks by creating accountability, motivation, and reducing distractions. Body doubling doesn’t require the other person to actively participate, direct, instruct, or assist…
It is estimated that about 42% of autistic people engage in self-injurious behaviors. Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is when a person physically harms themselves by head banging on floors, walls or other surfaces, hand or arm biting, hair pulling, eye gouging, face or head slapping, skin picking, scratching, rubbing or pinching, or forceful head shaking. Another term you may hear is…
Prompts can be used by anyone who is teaching or showing another person a new skill or task. They are additional cues which are delivered following an instruction, designed to help a person learn what the appropriate response is in a certain situation. Prompts are teaching tools that support efficient learning and lower frustration. They also support errorless learning by…
Declarative language is a comment or a statement that shares what one knows, observes, or thinks. It emphasizes shared observations, thoughts, and experiences rather than directives or demands. A lot of communication approaches rely heavily on questions (who, what, where, when, why or how) or instructions; declarative language does the opposite. Instead of telling a person exactly what to do…
The Christmas holidays are a time of great excitement and anticipation. Holidays also mean changes in routines, visitors, crowds, line-ups, noise, bright lights, and socializing. For many autistic children and adults, the Christmas holidays can be a stressful and anxious time as well as taxing on sensory sensitivities. Meeting family demands can be especially nerve-wracking, particularly if you want to…
I first heard about the Autistic SPACE framework at the September 2025 Autism Europe Conference. Autistic Consultant Anesthetist and Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dr. Mary Doherty, co-created Autistic SPACE to meet the needs of autistic people in healthcare settings. The acronym stands for these five core domains: • Sensory needs. • Predictability. •…
Autonomy refers to the ability to make decisions independently and act on them without undue external influence. Autistic individuals are keenly aware of their own needs, strengths and preferences. They tend to make choices that reflect their individual values and interests, prioritizing being true to themselves over conformity to societal expectations and norms. Autonomy is one of three basic psychological…
Nearly 62 million people worldwide have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the exact causes of autism are not known, it’s understood there are numerous factors that can be involved. Our understanding of ASD comes from scientific research and listening to people with lived experience. Autism is a part of neurodiversity – a unique expression of humanity full of unique challenges…
I attended the Autism Europe Conference on September 11 – 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland hosted by Ireland’s autism charity AsIAm. This charity is autistic led; they are committed to a vision of an Ireland and Europe in which every autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. Their core vision is for autistic people to…
An autistic shutdown differs from a meltdown. Meltdowns are expressed externally. Often confused with tantrums, they are a reaction to intense feelings of being overwhelmed, distressed, or dysregulated. The intense response of a meltdown causes an autistic person to temporarily lose all control of their behavior. An autistic shutdown is internal, a more muted response to extreme overload or stress.…
Redefining Wellness as Felt, Not Forced What if wellness wasn’t about what you do—but how you feel? For far too long, wellness has been shaped by checklists, trends, and “shoulds.” Track your steps. Follow a 30-day challenge. Cut out gluten. Take deep breaths and think positive. These rules may work for some, but for many they can do more harm than…
Elopement refers to the act of leaving a designated area without permission, supervision, or the knowledge of those responsible for the individual. In the context of autism, elopement involves autistic individuals wandering away, running or bolting from safe and supervised environments, putting their safety at risk. The Curriculum for Autism lists the following as examples of elopement: Climbing out of…
The month of June marks Autism Awareness Centre’s (AACI) 22nd anniversary. When I co-founded this company in 2003, my children were 4 and 6 years old; I was only four years in to the autism journey. So much has changed in the autism world. We are hearing more autistic voices, improving our understanding of autistic neurology, moving away from compliance…
Exercise and physical activity have numerous benefits for autistic individuals. It builds strength, stability and motor planning skills, all of which help a person perform daily living activities. Autistic people are more likely to experience health and mental health issues; engaging in physical activity reduces these risks and improves overall well-being. Incorporating exercise, movement, and outdoor play can improve a…
I recently had a very upsetting thing happen. My adult autistic son’s daily living and medical benefits were abruptly terminated. I learned of this by hearing a brief message left on my phone. The person from the AISH benefits office said my son no longer met the eligibility criteria for his benefits because his assets amount was too high. We…