Discovering Connections- Autism Support Service

We love this post by Occupational Therapist Greg Santucci. It simplifies and clarifies the why behind behaviours.

Tips to promote social connection with play ⬆️

Children with Autism learn best through play. When we take the time to observe the child’s true intent in their high interest activity, slow our pace of play and join them at the right level, the possibility for growth is endless.

The power of co-regulation in the world of a child.
~ Dr. Mona Delahooke

Discovering Connections can help you better understand your child’s presentation and support you to meet their needs.
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Why choose Discovering Connections? 👆🏼💡
We’ve broken down a few of the ways we’re able to support families of ASD children, or those waiting to be assessed.
Visit our website to find out more information, or contact us! Link in bio.

Anxiety and rigidity in Autism can be caused for several reasons but most commonly by too many changes happening too quickly.
To help your child to become more flexible, the anxiety needs to be addressed first. Once your child is less stressed, their ability to be flexible is far greater.
Building flexibility is a slow process but something that you can definitely do within your home.

Our Top 6 Reasons to Use Visuals ⬇️

🔸 Visuals promote independence
🔸 Visuals promote the development of spoken language and communication
🔸 Visuals are permanent, our words disappear. Children with autism require the extra processing time that visuals provide
🔸 Visuals prepare children for transitions
🔸 Visuals help reduce anxiety by creating predictability
🔸 Visuals support regulation, attention and on task behaviours

The vast majority of children with autism are visual learners. Visuals help to enhance their understanding and support the expression of their needs and wants. As a result, visuals reduce frustration and supports social communication with others.

Contact us for more information on how we can help!

Children with autism communicate that they are dysregulated in a variety of ways. As adults, we need to know the early signs of dysregulation and respond in quiet, slow, supportive ways to help them to regulate.

Here are 5 telltale signs of dysregulation and 5 strategies we use to help co-regulate.

Many children on the Autism spectrum often experience sleeping problems.
Sleep is foundational to mental and physical health and without it, children may exhibit learning problems, daytime drowsiness, social challenges, inattention and aggression and overall dysregulation.
Keeping a consistent plan prior to bedtime can make a significant difference to a child's wellbeing. Here are 6 steps that you can try with your child to promote better sleep😴