Parenting & Family

Want to know how to get your child with autism into their fall coat? Maybe you are taking a trip, and want to know how to make it a smooth experience. Or maybe you are a parent on the spectrum. This section contains all blogs and articles dealing with the subject of autism, ASD and parenting.

Reflections About Mothers and Parenting on the Autism Spectrum

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 9th. It’s an occasion when we celebrate and recognize what mothers mean to us and the difference they have made in our lives.

The Inspirational 2010 Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics wrapped up on Sunday in Vancouver, BC. For 17 days, Canadians were the hosts to the world’s top athletes, coaches, and trainers. Spectators came from across the globe to watch the games and be part of the Olympic spirit. Volunteers in the thousands gave their time to help the games run smoothly and make the world feel welcomed.

The Elusive Perfect Child

Bravo to Edmonton resident Sue Robins for her Facts and Arguments piece on Feb. 17th in the Globe and Mail. She is the mother of a son with Down Syndrome who gets asked the question “Why didn’t you have prenatal testing?”

Dental Dilemmas

Is there anyone out there who can honestly say they like going to the dentist? Most of us dread the dentist. For the child with autism, it is a frightening experience because of sensory issues and the element of unpredictability.

Thriving, Not Just Surviving, During the Holiday Season

The Christmas holidays were something I always enjoyed throughout my childhood and young adult life. It’s that time of year to recognize people you care about by giving a gift or a card. Family and friends get together to socialize. Routines can go by the wayside for a couple of weeks.

The Death of James Delorey, Child with Autism

Our autism community was in the headlines again last week over the tragic death of James Delorey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. James, a non-verbal 7 year old with autism, ran from his house into the woods to chase the family dog. He was miraculously found alive 2 days later but had severe hypothermia from being out in the winter weather with no proper winter clothing on. He died the following day.

Making School a Success for Students with Autism: The Parent’s Role

The start of the school year is an anxious time for parents, especially if their child on the spectrum is attending a new school. Even if a child is returning to the same school there may be changes such as a new teacher, aide or classroom or program adjustments.

Taking Time For Yourself

Setting aside time just for yourself is not something any mother does readily. We know we’re supposed to look after ourselves but that usually comes after childcare, a job outside of the home, housecleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and running errands.

A Bicycle Built For Two – Cycling with Children with Autism

My husband and I have been cycling with our children since they were babies. We used the chariot carts attached to our bikes for years to take them safely riding with us. We tried for several years to get them to ride their own bikes independently.

Toileting – When To Start

I am often asked the question when is the best time to start toilet training and how does a parent know when their child is ready to be trained. Personally, I think the summer can be a great time to start because school is finished and there are fewer day to day demands on the child. The less people involved in the toileting process, the easier it is. If you are a family that stays at home for the summer or just takes a short holiday, the summer break can be an ideal time to start. Both of my children were toilet trained over the summer – Julia at age 6 and Marc at age 9.

The Scrapbook

Although the hobby of scrapbooking is very popular right now, I must thank my 91 year-old mother-in-law for the conceptualization of this item. Many years ago when my children were young and we visited her in Scotland, my mother-in-law pulled some scrapbooks out of a drawer that she had made. The pages were covered with pretty bits of ribbon and stickers, portions of greeting cards, pictures from magazines – any attractive piece of paper that came her way. She had a box where she collected these items until the “mood came on her” and she would make a scrapbook. Most of these scrapbooks she donated to hospitals for children to look at, but some she kept for little visitors and grandchildren.

Oral Motor Fun – Tips from Make & Take Workshops

Nothing causes more exasperation to an already stressed out parent of a child with special needs than the child who makes mealtimes a disaster! In my 25 tears as a pediatric occupational therapist, and a mother of three children, I know firsthand how developing socially acceptable eating and drinking skills promotes quality of life.

What About the Kids?

Politicians are failing children, especially those with special needs. IMAGINE THE STRESSES of raising an autistic child. In the most severe cases of autism, children shut out the world around them, behave in ritualistic ways and communicate through shrieks and screams.

Wisdom From a Preschool Teacher

Some of the most important skills your child needs at school come from lessons that begin at home. A mother tells me how excited she is about her toddler’s “educational” computer game. Just click the mouse and presto: One, two, three oranges bound into a bucket. Isn’t that a fabulous way to learn counting? What is my opinion, as a preschool teacher?