5 Helpful Tips to Keep Your Special Needs Kid Safe this Holiday Season

By Jessica Gutierrez

Can you feel the cheer? Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and even Festivus is right around the corner. But before you deck out your living room with candles, lights or throw a Yule log in the fireplace, take some time to consider the safety of your little ones. 

Whether your kids have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) or not, make sure your house is hazard-proof for everyone. Here are some tips to ensure a scrape, burn and bruise-free holiday season.

6 Useful Traveling Tips for Families with Kids on the Spectrum

By Jessica Gutierrez

The holiday season is fast approaching. While this is definitely an exciting time for families to get together and participate in old traditions, travel planning is always involved. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for families with children who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) to opt out of long distance travel for fear of the child’s overall comfort, or safety. However, the key to any successful trip, regardless of whether autism is involved, is preparation, preparation, preparation. 

Read more for 6 useful travel tips to consider for this year’s holiday vacation:

A Quick Reference Guide to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA

By Ava Shaw

What is IDEA?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities.

It is part of the original Civil Rights laws passed in 1964. 

IDEA is designed to ensure that all children receive “a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.”

How does it function? 

6 Ways to Prepare for Thanksgiving with Kids on the Spectrum

by Jessica Gutierrez

The first major holiday is edging towards us -- a happy time to celebrate with friends, re-connect with family, embrace generosity and relieve ourselves of diets. Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year. While having kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may add a different kind of a challenge, some well-needed preparation will ensure an enjoyable experience. So, here are 6 tips on how to prepare for Thanksgiving with kids on the spectrum:

Don’t be an Overbearing Manager: 5 Scenarios and Solutions to Deal with It

by Jessica Gutierrez

You are a passionate manager who believes in teamwork and doing things the right way. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, if you insist on overseeing each and every detail of a project, the way you manage your staff is critical. 

Being an overbearing micromanager can build resentment and fear, causing your team to feel their job is a burden.

Are you staring down everyone’s shoulder? Then read the 5 ways you can relieve the stress on yourself and your staff. 

6 Halloween Tips for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The feeling of Halloween elicits excitement for most kids. It means showing off new costumes, staying up late and enduring a sugar overdose at the end of the night! 

While having a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may offer challenges during this time of year, the same feeling of enthusiasm doesn’t have to be lost. 

Neither Autism Speaks, nor Kathryn Smith, RH, DrPH, of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles want you, or your family to miss out on the fun. Here are some highlights of Smith’s tips that our patron, Avita Nova Academy, believe you should be most aware of: