Gersh Academy

All day, your child’s experience is completely planned out. They listen to someone else’s directions, are told where and how to sit, and receive reminders to focus, on top of the plethora of sensory needs not having a chance to be met.  That sets the stage for something many parents, and especially parents of autistic […] Read more

When and How to Seek OOD Placement When a parent of a child with autism or other special needs begins their partnership with the local school district, everyone is optimistic. Maybe the first, second, or even fifth IEP meeting was productive and with good intentions, and the teachers and therapists all worked with your child’s […] Read more

For all children, and particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), receiving appropriate educational services is vital for their growth and development. But what if you have argued for years for the substantial services your child is receiving at school, and they are not making the expected progress? What if the IEP (individualized education plan) […] Read more

A neurotypical child, by their third birthday, can be expected to put together sentences in their own unique way. By 4 and 5, they are expected to carry on conversations. What do these expectations mean for a parent of a child on the autism spectrum? Often a lot of anxious googling, discussions with a speech-language […] Read more

What is stimming? Everybody stims! Think pen-tapping, humming while you wait, or twirling hair. “Stimming”, or self-stimulation, is a way to regulate emotions or even entertain yourself for a moment. For those on the autism spectrum, stimming is usually more pronounced and is even part of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD (autism spectrum disorder). […] Read more

April is Autism Acceptance Month, which is a time to raise awareness and promote understanding and inclusion of autistic individuals. This month is an opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and friends to celebrate and honor the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with autism.  As families that are part of the […] Read more

In the early days of an autism diagnosis, many parents are instantly told to speak with their insurance, find out what is covered, and obtain a list of covered providers. Like with any other disability or medical need, what insurance covers tends to vary between states and between plans.  Read more

For many children, summer is a time of excitement, spontaneity, and freedom. For those on the autism spectrum, however, it also translates to a lack of routine, which can bring anxiety and overwhelm.  Because children with autism rely so much on having a predictable schedule, planning and preparing them ahead of time is essential. Use […] Read more

When your child is diagnosed with autism, a likely part of their care plan is occupational therapy (OT). This is because the intent of OT is to help the child adapt to their environments more easily and become independent and functioning adults. For many children with autism, filtering out sensory input is an endless challenge, […] Read more

Tips To Help Your Child Seeking Sensory Input It’s the kid who can’t sit still in the classroom. The one constantly distracted during the lesson. The child who gets so caught up in what they’re doing, they can’t transition to the next activity. Or the kid who melts down seemingly out of nowhere, when things […] Read more