Going Deep: Why One Hour a Week Is Not Enough for Your Autistic Child

When parents first enter the world of autism support, the instinct is to collect – collect therapists, collect evaluations, collect hours.

Get the speech therapy slot. Get the OT appointment. Check the boxes. Hand your child off for an hour and hope something transfers.

I understand that instinct. I lived it.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

An hour a week of therapy – in a room, with a stranger – is not going to move the needle for your autistic child.

Not because the therapist isn’t skilled. read more

He Couldn’t Tell Me He Wanted Eggs: Why We Finally Got Anderson an AAC Device

For over a year, Anderson would walk to the refrigerator, pull it open, and just stand there.

He couldn’t point to what he wanted. He couldn’t say it. He would just stare — and I would start pulling out food, one thing at a time, watching him push each one away.

He was hungry. He knew what he wanted. And he had absolutely no way to tell me.

That was our life before AAC.

A Little Background

I used to be a speech therapist. I haven’t practiced in years, but that background gave me a different lens through which to experience Anderson’s journey — though I want to be honest: it didn’t make it any easier. read more

Why Some of Our Biggest Breakthroughs Happened Outside the Therapy Room

When Anderson was first diagnosed, I thought therapy meant one thing: a scheduled appointment, a clinical setting, a therapist with a plan.

And that absolutely has its place.

But some of the most powerful moments in Anderson’s development? They didn’t happen in a therapy room.

They happened in an elevator. At the park. In our backyard. At a children’s museum on a random Tuesday.

And it took me a while to realize — those moments were therapy.

What Is Natural Environment Therapy?

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is actually a well-established approach in autism support. The idea is simple: learning happens best in the context where that skill will actually be used. read more

If you’re searching for how to calm an autistic child naturally – especially during meltdowns, aggression, or constant overwhelm – you are not alone.

Many autistic children live in a state of nervous system dysregulation, often stuck in fight-or-flight. This can look like hitting, yelling, extreme reactions, or behaviors that feel impossible to manage.

I know this because I lived it.

This is the story of how we went from crisis to calm – and the natural, nervous-system-based approaches that helped my son regulate, connect, and finally feel safe in his body. read more

Autism and Dyspraxia: Celebrating Small Breakthroughs for Autistic Kids

Most people don’t realize that autism and dyspraxia often go hand in hand.

Dyspraxia is a motor planning challenge – meaning many kids want to do something, but their body has a hard time organizing all the steps to actually make it happen. It’s not a lack of effort. It’s a disconnect between the brain and the body.

A Simple Task Can Be a Big Challenge

For Anderson, one of the most obvious examples was something that seems so simple—drinking from a straw or an open cup.

For the longest time, he could only drink from a specific type of sippy cup. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t coordinate all the steps to take a sip. He would get frustrated—and eventually give up. read more

How Video Modeling Helped My Autistic Son Learn Language (Gestalt Language Learner Story)

Last fall, something simple – and honestly kind of random – turned into one of the most impactful tools we’ve used for autism language development.

It started with elevators.

My son Anderson became completely fascinated with watching videos of people riding elevators on YouTube. Not cartoons. Not shows. Just elevators going up and down, over and over again.

Then one day, that interest shifted.

He didn’t just want to watch other people ride elevators anymore – he wanted to watch himself riding elevators. read more

The Importance of Inclusive Homeschooling for Autistic Learners

Creating an inclusive homeschooling environment for autistic learners is essential for fostering their unique strengths and addressing their specific needs. Inclusive education, particularly in a homeschool setting, allows for personalized learning experiences that can significantly benefit autistic children. This approach not only supports their academic growth but also nurtures their social and emotional development.

Defining Inclusive Education in the Context of Homeschooling

Inclusive education in homeschooling refers to the practice of adapting teaching methods, materials, and environments to accommodate the diverse needs of all learners, particularly those with autism. This means recognizing that each child has a unique learning style and pace. By tailoring the educational experience, parents can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages engagement and participation, allowing autistic learners to thrive. read more

If you have ever wanted to start your own container garden, but didn’t know where to start – this is the place for you: Easy Tips for Starting Your Own Container Garden! A few years ago, I had this vision that I wanted to grown my own garden, but was really unsure where to start. The best advice I got was to just start and figure out the rest. So I’m sharing some information to help you get started and let this be the first step to having your own container garden at your home. read more

Ready to get your snack on with a delicious and easy Keto-friendly recipe? Look no further than these mouth-watering Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers! Packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying those snack cravings, these poppers are a low-carb, high-fat treat that you won’t be able to resist. Plus, being made in the air fryer means they’re crispy and delicious without all the extra grease. So grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a guilt-free snack that’s sure to please your taste buds. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe! read more

Let’s talk about something near and dear to every woman’s heart – period care! Yep, we’re diving into the world of menstrual health and making some empowering choices. Today, I’m thrilled to share a topic that’s all about embracing wellness and making informed decisions: “Making Healthier Choices: Natural and Non-Toxic Period Products for Moms.” Because let’s face it, our bodies deserve the best, especially during that time of the month!

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of natural period care, get ready to explore some fantastic options that prioritize your health and well-being. Let’s kick off this journey together and discover how we can make our periods a little kinder to our bodies and the planet. read more