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Using Transitional Objects to Help Calm and Engage Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
By Karen Kaplan, BS Today, I observed a young boy, perhaps 10 years old, holding a vehicle license plate in one hand as he entered the...
amykdtobik2
Jun 274 min read


Helping Children with Special Needs Maintain Skills During this Summer
By Karen Kaplan, MS It is summertime, and school is out for some children with special needs, so parents might worry that skills could be...
amykdtobik2
Jun 263 min read


Getting the Most from Special Education Services This Summer
By Karen Kaplan, MS Some parents wonder why their child with additional needs has not qualified for extended school year (ESY). They fear...
amykdtobik2
Jun 114 min read


The Value of Using ‘Goodbye’ to Help Autistic Children Transition
By Karen Kaplan, MS, The Oxford dictionary defines goodbye as expressing good wishes when leaving a place after having a conversation...
amykdtobik2
May 272 min read


The Benefits of Adding a Student Profile in the IEPs
By Priya Pasumarthy A student profile is an outline that summarizes the student’s overall progress, academic growth, strengths,...
amykdtobik2
May 273 min read


Being Different Makes the DIFFERENCE
By Karen Kaplan On my usual walk today, I saw an ice cream truck with the quote “Different Makes Every Difference” on its side panel. The...
amykdtobik2
May 273 min read


The Importance of Family Involvement in ABA Therapy
By Pollethe Ramirez When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), families are often left swimming in a sea of emotions,...
amykdtobik2
May 274 min read


Honoring April, Autism Awareness Month Choose To Live in the Possible
By Karen Kaplan Today, I heard someone say, "Choose to live in the possible." I smiled and reflected. I remembered Dr. Robert Schuller,...
amykdtobik2
Apr 73 min read


Make Very Sure Your IEP And ITP Are Secure and All-Encompassing
By Karen Kaplan Parents and professionals are greatly concerned about the prevailing belief that the Federal Department of Education is...
amykdtobik2
Mar 305 min read


Using a Puzzle to Help Problem-Solve and Visualize the Future with Special Needs
By Karen Kaplan Life is like assembling various pieces and connecting them to create positive lives. So, we must teach our children...
amykdtobik2
Mar 214 min read


Exploring Ways to Help People with Autism Deal with Burnout
By Karen Kaplan, MS Everyone becomes overwhelmed at some time. Frequently, we may be over-scheduled in our daily life. Frequently, we may...
amykdtobik2
Mar 214 min read


Teaching Children with Learning Differences Lessons in a Meaningful Way
By Karen Kaplan, MS Have you ever noticed the signs that pop up on telephone poles, parking signs, or stop signs in your neighborhood?...
amykdtobik2
Jan 293 min read


Use Your Unique Credential to Empower Your Child With Learning Differences
By Karen Kaplan, MS Dear Parents, I have met many of you who second-guess yourselves, thinking that you need a specialist credential or...
amykdtobik2
Jan 274 min read


Wisdom for Parents Who Support People with Special Needs
By Karen Kaplan, MS I came across a reel today with soothing music and the title, “Put Yourself in Time-Out.” As someone who suggests...
amykdtobik2
Jan 204 min read


Bringing Wonder Back into Your Life and Passing it On to Someone with a Different Ability
By Karen Kaplan, MS A new wellness strategy for parents and individuals who must deal with stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed is...
amykdtobik2
Jan 84 min read


Why Does My Special Needs Child Suddenly Not Want to Go to School?
By Karen Kaplan, MS Recently, I have been talking with several motheres who have become very concerned, as their children are no longer...
amykdtobik2
Jan 74 min read


The Value of Introducing NEW When There are Learning Differences
By Karen Kaplan At this time of the year, many of us are creating vision boards and dream boards, identifying new resolutions, or listing...
amykdtobik2
Dec 26, 20245 min read


Grandparents: Hear the Cry for Understanding When There Is an Autism Diagnosis
By Karen Kaplan Grandparents can either choose to work to understand and support their son or daughter, who are focused on raising their...
amykdtobik2
Dec 26, 20244 min read


So Many Social Skills for Our Teens and Young Adults to Learn
By Karen Kaplan, MS Have you taught your teenager or young adult with different abilities about the social rules associated with some...
amykdtobik2
Dec 16, 20243 min read


A Unique Look at Embracing and Understanding Anxiety with Autism
By Karen Kaplan, MS Let’s just stop for a minute and think: When was the last time you had to adapt to something new in your life? You...
amykdtobik2
Dec 2, 20244 min read
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