Intro Are you wondering if your child needs special education services or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or how children obtain an IEP? In order to qualify for an IEP, your child needs to receive an evaluation in school (or at home if your child has not started school yet or attends homeschool or cyber school). Depending on your child’s …
Learn About 22 School-Based Accommodations & Modifications for Children with Special Needs (ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Learning Disabilities, etc.)
22 Accommodations/Modifications that are available for children with special needs in school.
Interactive Symptom Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder with Printable Rating Scale
You can complete this interactive autism symptom checklist and free rating scale and bring them to your doctor along with any questions you may have.
You Can Use Schedules to Improve Children’s Behavior with These Tips
This article discusses how to use schedules with children to promote positive behaviors. Strategies can also be utilized with adults with special needs. Using visual schedules for individuals who may have trouble with reading or language is discussed as well. Schedules can make a positive difference in a child’s behavior in class or at home. When a schedule is in place, children …
This is How a Child is Assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Are you wondering how a child gets tested for autism? Well here is the research and experienced based-information about the process – At lest here in Pennsylvania, USA.
Signs of Autism in Children and Steps for Parents to Take
This article gives signs of autism spectrum disorder and gives advice for what to do next after recognizing the signs in your child. Is answers questions such as when and where to get an evaluation.
I Am Going to the Dentist (A Story to Prepare Children for Dental Appointments)
Below you will find a social story about going to the dentist, to help children prepare for check-ups/appointments. Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They can help ease anxiety or set expectations for behavior in certain situations. Social stories are often used for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety disorders, or for any child that …
An Interactive Story about What School Is Like and How to Behave
Below you will find an interactive social story about going to school. The story can be used to help children prepare for a typical school day including their first day of school. You can also read this story with your child to practice reading skills. Social stories are a research-based tool used to help children prepare for real-life events. They …
5 Tips to Set Up the Learning Environment for Students with Autism and ADHD
Find outhow to set up the classroom or learning space for students with autism and adhd
6 Types of Materials and Resources for Autism Parents and Educators
1) Free Social Stories Social stories are a research-based method used to help children prepare for real-life events. They can help ease anxiety or set expectations for behavior in a certain situation. Here are four social stories on the following topics: behavior in school, behavior in a restaurant, preparing for a doctor’s appointment, and accepting the word no. All About Going …
12 Ways Schools Can Support Children on the Autism Spectrum
As a behavior specialist and school psychologist, I often hear parents of children on the autism spectrum asking what support schools can provide for their child. Children with autism often have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in school to enable them to have specific goals, accommodations, and modifications; however, some parents may be unsure of what should actually be put in …
Printable Classroom Rules with Matching Visuals
See below for strategies and tips on implementing your classroom rules. Download [130.34 KB] Set Up Your RulesHaving rules/expectations for behavior in the classroom is a great way to encourage positive behavior if used correctly. For rules to be effective: keep them short and to the point, do not have too many rules (3 to 5 is a good rule …
Is Labeling Children Good or Bad? The View of a School Psychologist
I am a school psychologist. My main job is to evaluate students to see if they are eligible for special education. In order for a child to be eligible they have to meet criteria for one of 14 disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). If they do not meet criteria for at least one of these …
Find Out Why I Tried These Visual/Hands-On Activities with My Students on the Autism Spectrum
Working with children and adults on the autism spectrum for over 19 years, I have noticed a trend in the learning style of many of my students. They often do best with academic tasks that incorporate visual structure, have a clear beginning and ending, and have a reduced amount of visual clutter. Research supports the theory that building visual structure into tasks is an effective approach to …
Should You Request an Evaluation by a School Psychologist if Your Child Consistently Has Trouble in School?
The contents in this article refer to public schools in the United States. If your child attends private school or school outside of the United States, speak to your child’s school to find out if their policies for addressing the matters discussed in this article are the same or different. Why Would You Request an Evaluation by a School Psychologist? …
3 Ways to Use Timers to Encourage Homework and Chore Completion
Sometimes getting children to do chores or complete homework can be a challenging task for the adults in their lives. Timers are an excellent way to motivate your child or student(s) to complete tasks and follow directions. Research and reputable resources consistently indicate the benefits of using timers with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). …
A Story to Teach Kids to Calmly Respond to the Word No
If you have read my articles on positive behavior support, you know that I am not a big fan of simply using the word “no” when it comes to telling kids what they can’t have. Research and my own experiences show that telling kids what they can have instead, empathizing with their feelings, offering choices, and explaining the reason for …
Learn These 7 Strategies to Prevent Wandering and Eloping (Autism & Other Special Needs)
Find out the important facts and strategies for how to prevent and stop wandering and eloping for autism, dementia, and other special needs populations.
10 Important Tips Before Your Child’s Next IEP Meeting
What Is an IEP? If you have concerns about your child’s progress in school, you can request an evaluation from a school psychologist to determine if your child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Other support professionals such as a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist (for visual-motor or sensory concerns) may be involved in the evaluation process as well. …
- Page 2 of 2
- 1
- 2