For families of children with autism, water can be both a source of joy and a serious risk. In Florida, where pools, lakes, and beaches are everywhere, water safety is an urgent issue, especially for children with autism who are statistically more vulnerable. According to the National Autism Association, drowning is the leading cause of death...
Every year on April 2nd, the world unites to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, a global initiative to raise understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At givekidsavoice.org, we’re shining a spotlight on a group often overlooked: non-verbal autistic children. These children face unique challenges in expressing themselves verbally, which can lead...
Puberty is a challenging time for any child, but for a pre-teen who is autistic and non-verbal, it can be particularly overwhelming. The physical, emotional, and hormonal changes happening inside their body can be confusing, especially when they struggle to express their feelings or ask questions. As parents, it’s crucial to provide guidance, reassurance, and...
Happy Holidays! Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and express themselves through play. For non-verbal autistic children, carefully chosen toys can become invaluable tools for communication, emotional regulation, and skill development. The right items can offer not only fun, but also meaningful ways to engage with the world, reduce stress, and foster creativity....
When Hurricane Milton made landfall on the east coast of Florida last week as a Category 3 storm, it wasn’t just the winds and rain that hit hard—it was the emotional, financial and mental toll on families, especially those with non-verbal autistic children. For many of us, managing the sensory overload that a hurricane brings, alongside our own fears...
Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings immense rewards, but for single-parent households, the challenges can often feel overwhelming. From managing the everyday needs of a child with special needs to balancing work and caregiving, single parents often face an uphill battle. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of accessible...
School is Back in Session! For most of us, the school year is among us! Let’s be honest because I know the feeling. If you are anything like our family with an autistic, non-verbal child you may be feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. Summer was very challenging due to the disruption of routine and inconsistency of specialized services like camps...
Happy Foundation Friday to all our supporters and community members! Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our mission to empower non-verbal autistic children: we have successfully provided 100 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to families in need across the United States and Canada. This achievement is a testament to the...
When taking non-verbal autistic children to crowded places such as amusement parks or community events, it's crucial to ensure their safety and visibility. Wearing bright and easily identifiable clothing is one essential strategy to manage the risks associated with such environments. This blog post explores why high-visibility clothing is vital and offers practical tips to...
As Robert nears his 11th (!) birthday, trying to plan a party for him is incredibly challenging and can be frustrating. Celebrating a birthday should be a joyous occasion for every child, including those with autism. For non-verbal autistic children, creating a sensory-friendly environment at a venue like a children's museum, bouncy house, splash park,...