Meltdowns and shutdowns are two types of intense responses that many autistic individuals experience when they become overwhelmed, but they are quite different in how they look and feel. A **meltdown** is an outward, often intense reaction to feeling overwhelmed…
Autism can significantly affect sleep patterns in various complex and interconnected ways, leading to a range of sleep difficulties that impact daily functioning and overall well-being. Individuals on the autism spectrum often experience challenges such as taking a long time…
Special interests in autism are deeply focused, intense passions or hobbies that an autistic person may develop, often centered around very specific topics or activities. These interests are not just casual likes; they tend to be all-consuming and can dominate…
Autistic adults experience relationships in ways that can be quite different from neurotypical people, shaped by unique challenges and strengths related to autism. Their experiences often involve navigating social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and emotional processing in ways that require…
Signs of autism in toddlers can be varied and sometimes subtle, but there are several key behaviors and developmental differences that often indicate a child might be on the autism spectrum. These signs generally revolve around challenges in social interaction,…
Selective mutism in autism is a complex condition where a person, often a child, who is on the autism spectrum, consistently cannot speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak normally in others, such as at home with…
Autism affects social interaction in profound and varied ways, influencing how individuals perceive, process, and respond to social cues and communication. People on the autism spectrum often experience challenges in understanding and engaging in the typical back-and-forth flow of social…
Occupational therapy (OT) can play a significant and multifaceted role in helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by addressing a wide range of challenges related to sensory processing, motor skills, daily living activities, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Autism…
Alternatives to ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy offer a variety of approaches that focus on supporting individuals with autism in ways that respect their individuality, promote natural development, and often emphasize emotional connection, communication, and sensory integration rather than behavior…
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically based approach designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their behaviors and develop essential life skills. It focuses on understanding why certain behaviors occur and uses structured techniques to…