Do you ever feel overwhelmed and guilty about your child’s developmental challenges, wondering if there’s something you could have done differently?

Your not the only one, let's discuss these tough feelings.

It’s incredibly hard to face the reality that your child is struggling with a developmental disability. It's even more challenging when these feelings mix with worries about the future and guilt about the past.

Today, we're going to address these feelings head-on and explore ways to navigate this complex journey.

First, it’s important to understand that these feelings are totally normal, albeit uncomfortable. But just know that these feelings don’t make you a bad person; they illustrate that you care deeply about your child's well-being.

Feeling lost, confused, or guilty, as if you should have done something to prevent your child’s challenges, is a common experience among parents in similar situations. It’s important to recognize these feelings and acknowledge them without judgm...

Does parenting advice from books, friends, or family just not work for your child with autism?

It’s not just you…

Often, parents learning to raise a child with an autism diagnosis find it challenging because advice that may have worked for their neurotypical kiddo doesn't have the same effect on their child with autism.

Or the advice given from other parents and friends (although well-intended) backfires, causing a number of challenging behaviors in your child diagnosed with autism.

This is because children with developmental disabilities learn and process their environment in very different ways than a child who is neurotypical (don't have a developmental disability).

Let's debunk some common recommendations and explore why they might not work for your unique situation.

Myth 1: Punishment and Time-Outs: Traditional discipline like time-outs often overlooks the sensory and communication challenges faced by children with autism, leading to increased frustration rather than understand...

Are big changes on the horizon for your family?

Whether it's gearing up for a holiday celebration, planning a much-needed vacation... or just handling the aftermath of the spring forward time change we understand how challenging it can be to navigate these events with a child who finds comfort and safety in routine.

For children with developmental disabilities, consistency and routine aren't just preferences—they're lifelines.

But we have seen that with thoughtful preparation and the right strategies, we can help our children not only adapt to but also find joy in new experiences.

Strategies for a Smooth Transition

•  Detailed Preparation: Utilize visual schedules or social stories to walk through upcoming changes together. These visual aids can clarify the unknown and make new concepts more accessible to your child.
  
  
•  Simulate New Experiences: Consider a 'practice run' at home before a major event. If a trip is on the cards, try sleeping in a different bed or dining in a setup that m...

Does your child insist on reading the same book every night or become
visibly upset with changes in routines?

You're not alone...

This behavior is a common characteristic in children with autism and other developmental disabilities, where the world of repetitive activities and rigidity becomes their comfort zone.

Understanding these behaviors and learning how to gently introduce flexibility can significantly reduce stress for both you and your child.

But how can you achieve this balance with your child?

First it starts with...

Understanding the Why:

Children with developmental disabilities find comfort and security in repetition and predictable patterns. This isn't merely about preferences—it's their way of making sense of the world.

The predictability of repetition reduces anxiety by creating a controlled environment where expectations are clear.

From a behavioral perspective, every action serves a primary purpose, especially when it comes to repetitive behaviors or insistence on ...