Special Needs

Want to learn more about special needs? Check out our articles written by experts and get actionable information about autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and more! You can also receive a weekly email digest of our blog. Sign up at the form below!

What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex?

What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L July 08, 2021

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Read our article to learn all about this primitive reflex and how to best help your child if it's unintegrated. We have tons of info on recognizing signs and strategies to use at home to help integrate.
Read More
What is the Palmar Grasp Reflex?

What is the Palmar Grasp Reflex?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L June 29, 2021 1 Comment

The Palmar Grasp reflex is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with. Read our article to learn all about this primitive reflex and how to best help your child if it's unintegrated. We have tons of info on recognizing signs and strategies to use at home to help integrate.
Read More
What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex?

What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L June 09, 2021

The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is one of many infant primitive reflexes - an involuntary movement pattern that we are all born with.The TLR can be most easily seen in infants when laying on the tummy - it looks like the Superman position. Learn all about the TLR, how it integrates, and what to do if your child has unintegrated TLR.
Read More

What is the Moro Reflex?

What is the Moro Reflex?

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L May 25, 2021

The Moro reflex is one of many infant primitive reflexes. If it isn't integrated at the right time, it can result in hypersensitivity, adverse reactions to small problems, focus, and concentration, and overall anxiety. Read our article to learn more about the Moro reflex, symptoms of when it doesn't integrate, and ways to help promote integration of the Moro reflex.

 

Read More
7 Tips for Potty Training Kids with Autism blog post

7 Tips for Potty Training Kids with Autism

by Molly Shaw Wilson MS OTR/L BCP October 28, 2020

Potty training is an activity of daily living and a developmental milestone. Potty training a child with autism often involves many challenges. In this article we share 7 super helpful tips as well as factors you should consider before you start.
Read More
Anger & Autism Blog Post

Our Best Strategies for Dealing with Autism and Anger

by Shea Brogren, MOT, OTR/L October 05, 2020 2 Comments

Anger is often an emotion that is associated with autism spectrum disorder. Most children with autism do not express anger in the same way as typically-developing peers. This article will explain why this happens and provides recommendations to help.
Read More

Autism & Food: How to Deal with a Picky Eater

Autism and Food: How to Deal with a Picky Eater

by Jennifer Friedman, MS, RD August 12, 2020

Did you know that 50 to 75% of children with autism have food issues? If you're dealing with this at home, you are not alone! Read our article to know how to distinguish severe or extreme picky eating from traditional picky eating behaviors and what steps you should take to help.
Read More
Essential oils for autism and ADHD

The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils for Autism and ADHD

by Molly Shaw Wilson MS OTR/L BCP July 01, 2020 5 Comments

Many parents want to consider alternative therapies for their child with autism and ADHD. Using essential oils for autism or ADHD is one alternative therapy that may be worth trying. There are many essential oils that can be beneficial and our article is your ultimate guide!
Read More
exercise and autism

How Exercise Can Help Improve the Symptoms of Autism

by Casey Ames April 15, 2020 6 Comments

Autism and exercise may not immediately seem related, but physical activity could actually improve the symptoms of autism. In this article, we look at which exercises work best and how to try to get your child to participate.
Read More

Learn about common autism comorbidities

Learn about common autism comorbidities like OCD, ADHD, and more

by Shea Brogren, MOT, OTR/L April 02, 2020 2 Comments

Over half of those diagnosed with autism have four or more additional diagnosed disorders, also known as comorbidities. This article talks about the most common comorbidities, like ADHD, anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), so that you can seek additional services for your child if needed.
Read More
Auditory Processing Disorder Free Online Test

Auditory Processing Disorder - Learn about the symptoms and take our free online test

by Molly Shaw Wilson MS OTR/L BCP March 05, 2020 1 Comment

Auditory Processing Disorder affects about 5% of school-aged children in the United States. Read our article to learn about the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments. You can even take our free online assessment to help you decide if you should seek further professional guidance.
Read More
Learning styles and autism blog post

Autism and Learning - What You Need to Know

by Shea Brogren, MOT, OTR/L February 25, 2020

If you're raising a child with Autism, you may be concerned about how this will affect their learning and education. We'll explain the different learning styles and how best to teach your child.
Read More