3 Benefits Of Using Positive Langauage

Using positive language is a researched-based Positive Support Strategy for kids with autism or any special needs. Parents can benefit from using this strategy because it helps to minimize the potential for challenging behaviors and it will keep your stress levels low! Here’s some more in-depth information on Positive Language and two additional benefits for […]

One Way To Prevent Inappropriate Attention-Seeking Behaviors

What’s the best way to prevent inappropriate attention-seeking behaviors such as climbing on top of bookshelves or throwing objects?  This short video describes why kids/teens/adults engage in inappproprite attention-seeking behaviors and also how to prevent them.

Decreasing Behaviors With Pictures

Do you ever say to yourself, “There must be a better way!” when it comes to figuring out how to respond to a child/adolescent with special needs who is kicking and screaming?  If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t earn a degree in Special Education or Behavioral Psychology and therefore don’t feel equipped to manage behaviors!  […]

Is Your Ministry Equipped To Manage Crisis Behaviors?

“The next thing I knew, he was trying to kick and bite me.”  It happened so suddenly and without notice that it caught Mary totally offguard.  “I didn’t know exactly what to do but I knew that I needed to keep everyone safe,” she added.  “It felt like the longest 15-minutes I’ve ever experienced in […]

Special Needs Classroom: Communication Needs

You should have been with me about 20 years ago walking along the narrow cobble-stoned paths of Oia, Greece.  Somehow I had gotten myself turned around and needed directions back to the ferry landing in order to return to Crete.  I probably looked very strange to those that I stopped to ask directions.  Though I was doing my […]

Organizing The Special Needs Classroom: Physical Environment

Establishing a supportive classroom for kids on the autism spectrum is an important component to consider when planning and designing a special needs classroom.  Research has consistently indicated that the way the classroom is arranged influences the learning of individuals with autism.  In addition, research has found that kids in organized and structured classrooms learn better […]

Teaching Independence At Home: Visual Labeling

A mom was sharing with me about the challenging behavior her son, Gavin, exhibits when it comes to cleaning up his room.  “I’ll ask him to put his Xbox games, MP3, puzzle books, and clothes away at the end of the day,” said Julia.  “I think that it’s fair to ask a 10-year old boy […]

A Safe Place To Take A Break

It’s common for everyone to experience anxiety and stress when dealing with new changes or new routines.  As adults we know this.  However, for children with special needs such as autism/ADHD, changes or new routines can result in significant stress and anxiety.  At this point, the child’s ability to communicate may be significantly reduced thus causing […]

Outnumbered? Use A Zone Defense!

If you have all the volunteers that you can handle in your special needs ministry…then this article is NOT for you!  However, if you’re trying to do special needs ministry with less adults rather than more, then read on! Teaching Students Should Not Be Hit-Or-Miss When I worked for the Rockwood School District as an Autism […]

Learning Is Not A Spectator Sport

I shared with you yesterday that students learn best when they are actively engaged with you and your curriculum.  School teachers have always known that active learner engagement in the lesson produces greater and faster acquisition of the skill/concept being taught.  If active learner engagement is a desirable outcome then how is it achieved?  How […]