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,...
As the school year winds down and the promise of summer beckons, many families eagerly anticipate vacations, outdoor activities, and the freedom from rigid schedules. However, for parents of autistic, non-verbal children, summer can bring a unique set of challenges that transform this season of relaxation into a period of heightened stress and anxiety. The Quest...
As the pool and beach season nears, water safety is a crucial concern for all parents, but for those with non-verbal autistic children, the stakes are even higher. Due to their unique challenges, these children are at a significantly increased risk of drowning. This blog post explores this issue and offers strategies to help keep...
This Mother's Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible mothers, especially single moms, who face the unique challenges of raising non-verbal autistic children. The Unique Challenges: Raising a non-verbal autistic child often involves navigating a complex world of emotional and communicative barriers. Surveys show that the rate of divorce in families with a child with disabilities...
Holidays like Easter and Passover are times of joy, reflection, and family gatherings. However, for families with non-verbal or autistic children, these celebrations can sometimes present challenges. With thoughtful planning and a focus on inclusivity, these festivities can be enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips on how to create fun and accessible Easter and...
Valentine's Day is celebrated across the globe with excitement and joy, symbolizing love and affection through the exchange of cards, chocolates, and heartfelt messages. However, for non-verbal/autistic children and their families, this day can present unique challenges. From sensory overloads to social expectations, understanding and navigating these hurdles is key to creating an inclusive and...
Big public events like Gasparilla in Tampa or local parades can be thrilling and fun-filled experiences for families. However, for families with non-verbal autistic children, these events can also present unique challenges. From sensory overload to safety concerns, there's a lot to consider. Here are some tips to help ensure that your family enjoys these...
The holidays are almost done!! We still have a big one to get through, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! To my neurodivergent parents hang in there! The holidays for families with autistic children, the festivities can bring unique challenges. One of the significant hurdles that parents and caregivers often face is the disruption...
As we embrace the holiday season, a time of joy and family gatherings, inclusivity remains paramount, especially for families of non-verbal autistic children. The Robert Norton Foundation, also known as Give Kids A Voice (www.givekidsavoice.org), is dedicated to providing bilingual Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to families in need, at no cost. This blog...
December is here, the holidays have been in full effect for over five weeks now and I have failed to have the self-awareness to acknowledge publicly just how triggering and anxiety producing this time of year can be. This blog post may not resonate with everyone who reads it, but to my fellow neurodivergent parents,...