For parents of autistic children, “learn to code” is not a snarky rejoinder to the absence of computer skills. It’s a legitimate suggestion for a career path. Many children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to find employment once they come of age, according to experts, who estimate most …
Read More »Tag Archives: autism
Baltimore’s Child Camp Directory: Day, specialty and social skills development
Explore day camps, specialty camps for your little scientist and social skills development in the programs below, and find more camps in our January summer camp directory. An online summer camp guide is also available at baltimoreschild.com/campsummer-programs. Your nature-loving child can cultivate an interest in the outdoors at camps …
Read More »Benefits of Early Diagnosis for Children on the Autism Spectrum How can early diagnosis of ASD and access to care help kids on the spectrum achieve their potential?
During Maya’s* first birthday celebration, her mother knew something was different. “We were singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and she had such a blank stare. In that moment, I knew something was off,” recalls Elizabeth Chaillou, who perhaps had special insight into typical childhood milestones given that Maya is the youngest …
Read More »Making Your Holiday Gatherings More Inclusive
The noise, lights, smells, people and activity of holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for neurotypical children and even many adults. It is little wonder, then, that children with special needs may struggle in these environments. If you are hosting a celebration or are a parent of a child …
Read More »How to Have an Autism-Friendly Halloween Experts weigh in on challenges and solutions
For many families, Halloween is a holiday to unwind and have fun. But for children on the autism spectrum who rely on predictability to maintain a sense of order, the deviations from normalcy that are part of Halloween celebrations can present challenges for them. “Although it is important to …
Read More »Partners on the Journey Parents of children with autism don’t have to go it alone. Pathfinders for Autism provides the support they need.
Nabila and Tariq Syed’s son Nihal and daughter Sania celebrate life through their very existence. With their zest for living, the kids keep their parents on their toes. When Nihal was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2 years old, Nabila and Tariq began gathering as many resources as possible …
Read More »Word for Word: A Special Needs Glossary
Click the images below to download this glossary as a PDF. This special needs glossary appears in the B’More Inclusive section of the October 2021 issue of Baltimore’s Child.
Read More »The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy to Open in Baltimore The school will primarily serve students on the autism spectrum with an emphasis on adult living skills
The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy Opens in Baltimore City Oct. 18. A new nonpublic 12-month day school will provide special education services to children on the autism spectrum in Baltimore City. Located at 6802 McClean Blvd., The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy will serve students ages 5-21 with a primary diagnosis …
Read More »How Have Autism Services for Children Changed During the Last 10 Years?
By Nick Chappell and Diana Wolf This summer, Verbal Beginnings celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Wow! Looking back, we realized that so much has changed for parents, children and providers since 2011 that we wanted to take a moment to explore what’s changed and what’s changing when it comes to ABA …
Read More »Dungeons & Dragons and … Autism?
When I tell people that I use the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons in my group therapy sessions with individuals with autism, the question they ask is: “Does this really qualify as therapy? How can a game where you traverse an imaginary world completing imaginary quests and slaying imaginary monsters …
Read More »