Autism-Talk

Visual supports may seem simple, but for many autistic children, they offer structure when emotions feel overwhelming. For many autistic children, visual supports help with emotional regulation in autism  because they make emotions, body signals, and coping strategies more concrete, predictable, and easier to understand. When feelings are big, language often isn’t enough. Visuals give children something steady to return to. Grab your free taking turns social story here. In th

Time to Read: 7–8 minutes When an autistic child gets mad , it can feel like it comes out of nowhere—over the wrong cup, a change in plans, or something you didn’t even notice. Big reactions to small moments can leave parents, teachers, and therapists feeling unsure of what to do next. This isn’t about “bad behavior.” It’s about a nervous system that’s overwhelmed and a child who doesn’t yet have the tools to explain what their body is telling them. In my last post, I shared

Time to Read: 7–8 minutes Helping an autistic preschooler manage big emotions isn’t about “fixing behavior.” It’s about supporting them in understanding their body’s messages and learning what they can do—step by step—to feel better when things feel overwhelming. Many families come looking for coping skills for autistic preschoolers  because their child experiences emotions intensely, struggles to identify what they’re feeling, or doesn’t yet have the language to ask for help

Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a form of folate studied in autism It may help language and communication, especially for some children In one study, ~65% improved on leucovorin vs 24% on placebo Benefits were strongest in children with folate-related challenges Side effects were usually mild and temporary It’s not a cure and doesn’t help every childAlways talk with your child’s doctor before considering it

What is the Spellers movie about? Time to Read:  ~7 minutes TL;DR Summary Spelling to Communicate (S2C)  is inspiring hope for non-speaking autistic individuals—but evidence is still limited. The technique raises new questions about whether autism may be more of a motor planning  challenge than a cognitive one. Ethical communication requires independent authorship —not facilitator control. Research is urgently needed to confirm whether this is a real breakthrough or another c

Reading time:  ~8–10 minutes Audience:  Parents & early-childhood educators (PreK–2) Keywords:  how to help autistic child wait patiently, waiting worksheets for autism, waiting visuals, preschool social skills, autism social skills, preschool SEL TL;DR (Quick Wins) Learning to wait is a skill , not a character trait. Start with seconds , not minutes; build trust with tiny wins. Use visuals , a calm timer , and gentle language  so waiting feels safe. Practice in playful, low-

If you’ve ever searched for a “No Biting” social story for your autistic child or students, you’re not alone. Biting, hitting, and other challenging behaviors can be stressful for everyone involved, and it’s natural to want them to stop. But here’s the thing: social stories work best when they teach new skills , not when they simply tell a child what not  to do. In this post, we’ll look at why “No Biting” isn’t the social story you need—and how writing a positive, skill-based

How Sensory Breaks Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Autism TL;DR Summary Sensory breaks help autistic children self-regulate and prevent meltdowns. Each child’s sensory needs are unique — what calms one may overstimulate another. Understanding sensory input types (vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, etc.) helps adults offer the right support. “Sensory diets” — structured plans for sensory input, often recommended by OTs. Visual communication cards empower kids to express what

The Power of Picture Schedules for Independence For many children—especially those with autism or other developmental differences—daily routines such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, or getting ready for bed can feel overwhelming. Picture schedules  provide a structured, visual way to help children understand what comes next. Transitions between activities, unexpected changes, or multi-step tasks may lead to frustration and anxiety. Picture schedules  provide a structured,

Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism: What Parents and Teachers Should Know TL;DR Summary Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to information from the senses. Many autistic children experience over- or under-sensitivity to sound, touch, movement, or light. Sensory behaviors like spinning, covering ears, or seeking pressure are ways to self-regulate. Adults can help by watching for patterns, creating supportive environments, and using visual tools. V

TL;DR Summary Sharing is one of the most critical early social skills but can be especially hard for autistic children. Begin small:...

PECS is a structured, low-tech way to teach communication. TL;DR: Quick Takeaways PECS = Picture Exchange Communication System , a...

Will my autistic child talk? Table of Contents Why Speech Looks Different in Autism Speech vs. Communication: Why Both Matter Small Signs of Communication Growth Building Blocks That Lead to Speech Celebrating Every Form of Communication Tools and Supports That Help How Parents Can Support at Home Developmental Preschools & Free Services (US) When to Seek Extra Help Relevant Research Findings TL;DR Summary Speech is only one form of communication.  Even before words, gestures

TL;DR (Quick Summary) Autism and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are two ways of describing the same condition. “ASD” is the...

Early Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers: What Parents Should Know Meta Description:  Discover the early signs of autism in babies...

Autism and Group Learning TL;DR (Quick Takeaways) Many autistic children struggle with traditional group times because they are not developmentally ready , even if they are bright in other areas. Typical 4–5-year-olds may only be able to sit for a few minutes—so lower your expectations and build up gradually 【McClelland et al., 2007】. Try staggered circle times  so younger learners join briefly, then transition out. Use strengths, preferences, and visuals  to keep children en

Teaching school rules to neurodivergent students is easier with visuals. This post shares how to use social stories, rule posters, and positive behavior supports to help autistic children understand what’s expected at school. Learn how to keep rules simple, visual, and consistent.

Wondering how to prepare your autistic child for the first day of school? These 7 back-to-school social stories cover everything from saying goodbye to parents to riding the bus and handling fire drills. Social stories help reduce anxiety by explaining what to expect—using simple language and real photos your child can relate to. Whether you're a parent or teacher, these visual supports can make school transitions smoother and more predictable for neurodivergent learners.

📌 Quick Navigation What Happened to Asperger’s? Is It Still a Diagnosis? Asperger’s vs ASD Why It Was Removed Controversy Around the Term What Parents & Teachers Should Know FAQs Related Posts Free Tools Quick Takeaways: Asperger syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013 and is now considered part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The change was made to create more consistency and improve access to support services. Individuals once diagnosed with Asperger's are now typic

Many autistic children resist transitioning from pull ups or diapers to underwear but with a bit of preparation you can help ensure...