How To Help Autistic Kids With Play

The way autistic kids play is often called unusual because it’s different to what you see in typically developing kids - there’s less role playing, they can become obsessed with a particular type of toy or just one part of it and often play with objects that aren't traditionally considered to be toys.

But is that a problem? When should we be lending autistic kids a hand with their play, and how do we do that?

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Many parents wait with bated breath for their child to say 'I love you'. It’s one of those moments that we’re promised in the Happy Family brochure, so we all hop on the parenting train with those three little words as one of the destinations.

But you know what?

Not hearing 'I love you' is not a tragedy.

The Awesomely Big List of Ways To Help Parents of Autistic Kids

Families with autistic kids need help, and a lot of it. But it can be really hard sometimes for other family members and friends to know exactly what kinds of support are needed.

The good news is that there are tons and tons of ways you can help. Yes, tons!

So if you've ever said "I really want to help but I don't know how"... then this is the post for you. Behold, an awesomely big list.

Reaching Out

Last week my best friend Lisa made me cry like a baby by posting this letter on my Facebook wall. It surprised the hell out of me - we've been friends for nearly 20 years and I had no idea that she felt this way.

In the many years since my kids were diagnosed I've seen a lot of friendships disappear, but I will fight to my dying day to keep this one. If you have friends or family with special needs kids, please fight to keep them in your lives. They need you.

Anybody Can Have A Meltdown

If you’ve ever experienced the overwhelming stress and confusion of a meltdown you’ll understand why they’re often considered to be one of the most challenging of all autistic behaviours.

But did you know that meltdowns are not unique to autism?