“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” As a parent or a caregiver of an autistic child, you might’ve experienced anger outbursts or overwhelming bouts of emotionality in your child. These episodes can be easily mistaken for temper tantrums, while in reality, they may be a response to overwhelming sensory inputs that your child is trying to process. … Continue reading How Temper Tantrums Differ From Autistic Meltdowns
All posts by ismartmoms@123
Autism and the Debate over Finding a “Cure”
“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” “Is there a cure for autism?”— A question that you might’ve encountered countless times or even wondered about yourself at least once throughout your child’s autism journey? For years, researchers have wondered the same while trying to ‘discover’ this miraculous solution. Now, we see a drastic shift in the realm of … Continue reading Autism and the Debate over Finding a “Cure”
The Benefits of Bilingualism in ASD
“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” A recent study published in the journal of Autism Research highlighted the positive effects of bilingualism in boosting the theory of mind, i.e. understanding the beliefs, emotions, intentions and desires of others as well as enhancing executive functioning in autistic individuals. In a country like India, where bilingualism is the norm; … Continue reading The Benefits of Bilingualism in ASD
4 Tips to Take Care of Your Well-being as a Special Needs Parent
“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” Caring for a special needs child is a full-time job. Not only are you physically exhausted all the time, but your emotional health gets affected as well. There may be days when you feel as though you’re on the verge of breaking down from all the stress and exhaustion, but thinking … Continue reading 4 Tips to Take Care of Your Well-being as a Special Needs Parent
Emotions & Autism: Ways to Teach Your Child to Deal with Emotions
“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” Many of us don’t even have to think twice before responding to a compliment or gauging what someone might be feeling based on their body language. For someone on the spectrum, however, this can prove to be a difficult task. Intrinsically, emotions can be messy and confusing for children to deal … Continue reading Emotions & Autism: Ways to Teach Your Child to Deal with Emotions
Autism Terminology: Should You Use ‘Autistic’ Or ‘Has Autism’?
“By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology” You may be aware of the debate surrounding the type of language used to address an autistic individual. Language is powerful and has the ability to influence attitudes and beliefs. So, we must evaluate the terminology we use when talking about autism. When addressing an autistic individual, there are two approaches … Continue reading Autism Terminology: Should You Use ‘Autistic’ Or ‘Has Autism’?
Short Animated Videos That Teach Kids about Emotions
By Sanika Natu, M.A Clinical Psychology We know that one of the main features of autism is difficulty in identifying, managing, and expressing emotions. Learning to recognize and respond to other people’s emotions can help children with social interactions, thus, leading to improved self-esteem. (For more information on how to teach your child to deal with emotions, … Continue reading Short Animated Videos That Teach Kids about Emotions
Preparing Autistic Children for the Covid-19 Vaccine
With the Covid-19 vaccine becoming accessible to more age groups, very soon younger children in India will become eligible to receive the vaccine. Getting a shot is associated with anxiety and fear in most children, and for children with special needs, these usual challenges might be supplemented with additional difficulties associated with their condition. Here … Continue reading Preparing Autistic Children for the Covid-19 Vaccine
Tips for Preparing Your Autistic Child for a Visit to the Dentist
For children, a visit to the dentist is often filled with uncertainty and nerves. For autistic children, this usual fear may be further worsened by strange lights, sounds, and the fear of a stranger touching them. Dentist visits are inevitable and central to maintaining good oral hygiene. It is, however, possible to create a positive … Continue reading Tips for Preparing Your Autistic Child for a Visit to the Dentist
Earlier ASD diagnosis linked with greater improvement in social symptoms
You must’ve heard the psychologists and experts talking about the importance of an early autism diagnosis. A recent study has revealed just how an early ASD diagnosis may be a game-changer for your child’s clinical outcomes. A research article published in the SAGE journals highlights the importance of an early autism diagnosis in children and … Continue reading Earlier ASD diagnosis linked with greater improvement in social symptoms
