Blog Category: Parenting
Tips For Interacting With Law Enforcement
By: Shelby Brennan, M.A., TLLP & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
May 23, 2025
Interacting with law enforcement can be stressful, especially for neurodiverse individuals whose behaviors may be misunderstood. To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of resources, social interaction tips, and emergency planning considerations designed to support you in navigating potential encounters with law enforcement.
When Should You Get Your Kid a Cell Phone?
By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
May 19, 2025
Recent studies indicate that most children in the United States receive their first cell phone around the age of 11 or 12. However, researchers emphasize that there isn't a universal "right" age. Instead, they recommend that parents consider a child's maturity, responsibility level, and specific needs. Read on for considerations..
The Importance of Empowering Parents and Guardians
By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
May 6, 2025
Empowering parents and guardians is beneficial for creating and sustaining confidence in their skills, which in turn creates better parent-child relationships and aids in their child’s progression in different forms of therapy. Read on for tips and community resources..
How to Help Children and Youth Navigate the Political Climate and Current World Conflicts
By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
April 25, 2025
One of the biggest questions caregivers and parents face today is: How much news is healthy to share with children? In a world where information spreads instantly, this question feels more relevant than ever. In this post, we explore research on what's developmentally appropriate to share—and offer a simple, practical template to help guide adults through these challenging conversations.
Supporting Positive Sleep Habits in Autistic Children & Adults
By: Zachary Burton, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
April 11, 2025
Sleep deprivation is something individuals on the spectrum are more likely to experience. Research has shown up to 80% of autistic children and 90% of adults were determined to have poor sleep quality. While there isn’t a behavioral program that clinicians can rely on yet, we explore tools and strategies that are indispensable for supporting families and adults in managing their sleep.
Sensory-Friendly Accommodations for Sporting Events
By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
March 24, 2025
Attending a live event can be an exciting experience for kids. However, for neurodivergent kids, it can also present unique challenges. This blog highlights various things that families can do to adjust and prepare neurodivergent individuals with sensory sensitivities during their visit at live events.
Identity-First and Person-First Language
By: Zachary Burton, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
March 14, 2025
Every person has their own preferences on how they would like to be referred to, but how do we know what language to use in different situations? In this blog, we will detail how the above language is categorized into “Identity-First” and “Person-First” language, the history of the language, and how to use this language in an affirming way.
Spring Break Safety Tips: How to Talk to your Kids about Safety
By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Elsa Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 21, 2025
Spring break is an exciting time for families. However, it's also a time when parents may feel more concerned about their kids’ safety as they venture out on vacations or spend time with friends. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, here’s a guide to help ensure that their spring break is fun—and, most importantly, safe.
Transition Planning: Daily and Independent Living
By: Shreeja Vachhani, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 6, 2024
This blog highlights three critical areas of support; healthcare, housing, and employment. We explore how each of these domains plays a vital role in helping individuals build and strengthen the daily living skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.
Autism and Internet Communication
By: Maisy Seale, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
October 25, 2024
The internet can be a great space for autistic individuals to make friends and find a community of people with similar interests. It can be helpful for parents, teachers, and other professionals to teach autistic individuals how to navigate the internet safely. Read on to learn more..
Embracing a Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Halloween: Tips for All Families
By: Yexenia Vanegas and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
October 11, 2024
Halloween is a delightful holiday, filled with fun and a bit of harmless fright. But it’s essential that we strive to ensure it’s an enjoyable experience for everyone.
De-escalation Strategies
By: Christine Charpie, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
August 23, 2024
De-escalation techniques are crucial for managing high-stress situations. Read on for tips and strategies to add to your tool box..