Autism rates are increasing, with about 1 in 36 U.S. children being diagnosed with autism, each year. However, people who may be on the spectrum aren’t always diagnosed at a young age. There are many reasons why a child may not receive an autism diagnosis at a young age.
The beginning of a new year is often a time to assess your life and create plans. Some refer to these as resolutions or intentions, and others call these goals. Regardless of the terminology you use, changing your behavior is hard. Many people find themselves abandoning their new plans before January is even over. However, researchers have studied behavior change to understand how our bodies react to it, and how we can use this knowledge to our advantage. Here are 7 ideas to help you achieve your goals, backed by research.
Parents want to raise their children to be kind, thoughtful and empathetic. One way to encourage these behaviors is to teach them to recognize and express gratitude. Here are six ways to teach your children to be grateful.
People with autism often have sensory processing differences, but those with anxiety, depression, ADHD or other conditions may also struggle with sensory processing. Sensory differences can make sensory input like bright lights, loud noises or new smells feel overwhelming. Using sensory tools can help people with sensory processing differences calm their bodies, when they encounter an overwhelming sensation, or modify their environment, so they can be shielded from the sensory input. Here are a few gift ideas for your loved one with sensory differences, provided by the Fraser Sensory Certified™ Supports and Training team.
Many of us are caregivers. Parents care for children, but you may also be a caregiver for your parent, friend or significant other. Some professions, like teachers, doctors, therapists and home healthcare aides, even have jobs as caregivers. We all know that caring for others can be incredibly rewarding, but at the same time, it’s exhausting and can often feel like a thankless job. This is particularly true if the person you’re caring for has a high level of needs, like some children with autism, mental or behavioral health issues and disabilities.
In recent years, the conversation around accessibility in outdoor spaces has gained momentum, highlighting the crucial role that inclusive playgrounds play in our communities. These spaces are more than just recreational areas; they are vital for the development and well-being of all children, including those with disabilities.
A wagging tail greeting you at the door, a soft tongue giving an affectionate lick and a furry body curled up at your feet. A dog can brighten a home and bring immeasurable comfort and joy. And many days, your dog seems to know exactly what you’re thinking and feeling. Well, the truth is, dogs can read your facial expressions. It’s why your dog might lick your face when you’re crying or curl up on your lap when you’re upset. They seem to know intuitively how to comfort their humans. Dogs are so smart and in tune with their humans that they can also be trained to support them in other important ways, like becoming assistance dogs.
When you picture someone with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you likely picture a young boy in constant motion, bouncing from one toy to a project to another toy and on and on. He gets in trouble at school because he can’t sit still or focus. While ADHD can look like this, it’s important to remember that it’s not just boys, nor just children. ADHD occurs in childhood, but it isn’t always diagnosed when a person is young. Some kids are better at “masking” or hiding their symptoms, and sometimes, the issues a child is having simply aren’t recognized as ADHD. Kids don’t always grow out of ADHD, either.
When you think of substance use treatment, you probably picture an inpatient program where a person must completely quit drug and alcohol use. The 28-day treatment and 12-step programs are often held up as gold standards. But the truth is, these programs don’t work for everyone. In recent years, harm reduction treatment has been adopted by many, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as a more effective and realistic treatment for substance use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states, “Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging with people who use drugs and equipping them with life-saving tools and information to create positive change in their lives and potentially save their lives.”
The theme for the 2024 Fraser Gala, presented by Toy’n around, is “A Story from Yellow to Blue: A Journey Inside You.” Attendees will be led on a journey of self-discovery through the colorful world of their emotions at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, on Fri., Nov. 1, 2024. Our emotions tell a story, painting a vivid picture of our inner experiences and how we respond to the world around us. For gala outfit inspiration, we’ll be taking cues from our emotions. Get it, emotional cues? Read on for ideas on how to craft the perfect heart-pounding look for the gala.