Tag: Autism Awareness
3 Tips to Create More Self-Sufficiency with Your Young Adult with Autism
“Will my child be okay on their own?” “Are they really ready to take on these responsibilities?” “How can I best prepare them for what lies ahead?” It’s true–the journey to self-sufficiency for young adults is not without its trials.There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and situations that test your patience and resilience. Of […] Read more »
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions: Gersh Academy’s Guiding Philosophy
If you have been at Gersh Academy for any amount of time, you already know we are more than just a school; we are a community deeply committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment tailored to the unique needs of each student. Every child’s educational journey is personal, filled with distinct challenges and triumphs. […] Read more »
4 Ways To Help Your Child with Autism Self-Regulate
Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to an emotional experience in an appropriate way. For children with autism, this can be incredibly difficult. They often experience heightened sensory sensitivity, challenges with communication, and higher levels of anxiety. The goal of emotional regulation, then, is to help the child gain the necessary […] Read more »
How to Prevent Summer Regression for Children with Autism
We are deep into summer now, and though this season provides a welcome break from the school routine, for many children with autism, it can also exacerbate what’s known as the “summer slide”. Did you know that many children with autism can experience setbacks in both academic and social skills during these months? This is […] Read more »
Does My Child with Autism Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
Parenting an autistic child means endless questions, like “Is this autism, or is this developmental?” One thing many parents find themselves questioning is whether their child’s sensory sensitivities are a typical aspect of autism, or signs of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). Sensory Processing Disorder is characterized by the brain’s difficulty in handling sensory input. This […] Read more »
How to Create a Care Map for Your Child with Autism
Between therapies, groups, and specialists, when you have a child on the autism spectrum, you probably feel as if your schedule is always booked solid. Beyond that, keeping up with all of this, and making the most of your resources, is a feat all on its own. A care map is a visual tool that […] Read more »
How To Prepare a Child with Autism for a Birthday Party
If your child with autism has received an invitation to a birthday party, you likely have mixed feelings: excitement they were included in the festivities, and dread of all the possibilities this unpredictable event might hold. For a child with autism, attending a birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming due to the sensory […] Read more »
4 Tips for Holiday Gatherings for Children with Autism
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It is also a time of crowds, bright lights, loud music, and rushed activities. For children with autism, this presents a unique set of challenges due to sensory sensitivities, changes in routine, and social expectations. Preparing for and navigating through holiday gatherings requires a […] Read more »
When and How to Seek OOD Placement: Part 1
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 »
What is OT and How Does It Benefit a Child with Autism?
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 »
Moving Beyond Awareness
We’re committed to making April not only “Autism Awareness Month” but a month of acceptance and understanding. Read more »
Autism is … [VIDEO]
Hear from our staff, students, and families about the many ways in which autism has touched our lives and made us into the people we are today. Read more »