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By Karen Kaplan, MS Dear Mrs. Smith, My son, like many other students on the autism spectrum or with similar learning differences, wants you to know why he does not want to come to school anymore. Perhaps if you understand his thoughts and feelings, you can help him and others likewise. He wants you to know that some students cannot tell you what he is about to, but they do show you, often in ways that are unexpected and unacceptable to you and others. Please know that they wish they had...

By Karen Kaplan, MS The day we were born is called our ‘birthday.’ From the very beginning, our parents emphasize this as one of the most special days of the year. It appears that we accept very early on that a birthday is a day of balloons, cakes, gifts, games, friends, and family coming to celebrate with us. So, of course, it becomes a special day forever. The question is: is it fun for everyone? Do all individuals enjoy and engage in these high-sensory activities on a birthday? Do all...

By Karen Kaplan, MS After a full day of school, homework is probably the last thing most students want to do. Can you imagine how it might feel for students with differences to handle all the sensory factors at school, the verbal demands placed on them, and the expectations from other students and staff to connect, engage, and collaborate? What about all the transitions that must be faced by students? The phrase “It is time for homework” just might be the last thing they want to hear upon...