REACH

You can never hear or know too much about the need and benefits of early intervention. It helps ALL kids. This segment reviews some of the reasons why it's so important and offers some guidance on how to make it not seem so daunting.

Upwards of 63% of kids with autism experience bullying, at least that's what the statistics tell us. What about the kids who don't realize they're being taken advantage of, or who can't express themselves in order to report what they're going through? This segment shares some background on this horrible statistic and offers some suggestions on how to make change.

Animals contribute to our lives in SO many ways. This segment will expose some of them and hopefully give you some ideas on how you and your family might benefit.

More young people on the autism spectrum are attending college these days than ever before. In this episode we talk about some of the things that need to be taught before you get to college as well as the accommodations that you can expect after you get there if you understand your rights and how to advocate for yourself.

So much time is spent during the school day on academics, that there's often little time for play, movement, or the arts. Many kids go to school every day with the expectation that they will have to be still and seated for the majority of the day, which is contrary to what it is to be a kid. If we want our children to discover their gifts and their talents, especially if they are budding young art...

We all benefit from schedules. Some people need visual schedules, some people need checkoff schedules, some people need tactile schedules. In this episode we cover the importance of teaching kids how to utilize the schedule, as this is one support that can be embedded within the classroom and in the home that will help your child become as independent as possible, while still providing an incredib...

When we feel stress, we don't learn. It's nearly impossible to focus on what someone is trying to teach you while you are filled with anxieties, frustrations, and stress. It's vitally important to teach our children different ways to cope with stressful situations so that when they find themselves in the midst of one, they have an outlet to reduce those anxieties and seek out the assistance that t...

So many parents feel lost when it comes to IEPs. In this episode we talk about some of the most important parts of this plan and the things that you need to watch out for as a parent seeking the best education you can find for your child with autism.

There are incredible abilities that some people with autism have, but sadly, the system usually puts all of its focus in other areas :( This video shares some of the abilities that we should most definitely recognize and encourage.

The sooner intervention begins, the better the potentially amazing outcomes. There is no reason to delay seeking identification. None

Countless numbers of women with autism have shared that they struggled as children, never knowing why they seemed to have a harder time than most girls when it came to interacting with others. Masking who one is can not only take a tremendous effort, but can be completely debilitating. This video reflects on this and provides some guidance to obtain better outcomes.   Bark Parental Control of Soci...

IEP goals are a lot more important than parents think. If your child has IEP goals that require a separate setting (small group setting), the school will have what they need to keep your child outside of an inclusive educational environment. If you have goals that lower the bar on their achievement, you can easily experience limited growth and development. But, when a parent does know how to creat...

It's hard to say if social media is more harmful or more helpful these days. Particularly for kids, parents need to be hypervigilent in monitoring what they see and how they engage in the online world. 

All kids are guaranteed an appropriate education in the "Least Restrictive Enviroment". If you're not sure if your child is getting what they should, it's time to schedule a meeting with your school to make sure that all supports are in place within the general education classroom BEFORE removing your child to a more segregated setting. 

Hurricane season can stress us all out, but for especially for those who crave sameless and push back against change, it can be particulary harrowing. There are steps you can take NOW to make this time a little less manic. 

No parent who has lost a child to drowning ever thought it could happen to them. Drowning is silent and quick and can happen in 2 inches of water.  By knowing and practicing the layers of protection against drowning, you can save your child's life. 

19. Computer time, when use appropriately, can be a big benefit to kids. We know that while they're in school, they're being required to spend time online, whether we like that or not. Learning how to do so in a safe environment, like home, can be a big help.

Do you know WHY early diagnosis of autism is so important...even for kids who are reportedly doing well in school?   In this segment of REACH, we'll talk to renowned researcher, scientist and psychologist Dr. Christopher J Smith from SAARC about the enormous benefits of early identification and interventions.

In this episode of REACH, we hear about a form of communication that is giving nonspeakers a way to not only get their point across, but to inform and educate those who are speakers in countless ways. Expert, Dawnmarie Gaivin, shares several links with us so that you can gain a better understanding beyond what we captured during this 30 minute interview. Share this information with your schools an...

In this edition of REACH, we talk to Dr. Siobhan Timmins, author of Developing Resilience in Young People with Autism Using Successful Social Stories. Resiliency is found in successful people across the globe, but for many who have autism, it's a skill that gets left untaught. Watch this video to learn how you can help your child improve in this vital area of development.

We are honored to have author and expert, Janice Goldschmidt, with us today. Find her book, Teaching Authentic Cooking Skills to Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, anywhere you find great books.

Join us for this info-packed REACH covering the topic of guardianship.