Gabby Sankar- Developmental Disabilities Specialist

💙🌍 Today is World Autism Day! 🌍💙

Awareness is just the first step—action is what truly makes a difference. There are so many ways you can support and advocate for the autism community this month!

Swipe through to learn how you can take meaningful action and help create a more inclusive world. Every effort counts! 💙♾️

🌍💙 April is World Autism Month! 💙🌍

Today and everyday, I am committed to supporting autistic individuals and their families, advocating for inclusion, and educating others about autism. This month is a powerful reminder that awareness is just the beginning—true change comes from understanding, acceptance, and action.

Swipe through to learn important things everyone should know about autism. When we take the time to listen, learn, and support, we help build a world where autistic individuals are truly valued and included.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day 💛

Inclusion is often talked about, but it’s not always clearly understood

It goes beyond awareness posts or moments of recognition. It shows up in everyday interactions, opportunities, and the way people are treated within their communities

People with Down syndrome deserve to be included in meaningful ways — in friendships, workplaces, social spaces, and everyday life

Inclusion is not about changing individuals to fit into society.
It’s about society continuing to grow, learn, and create spaces where everyone belongs
💛

Many autistic children struggle in school environments not because they are unwilling to learn, but because their needs are misunderstood.

What can look like behaviour challenges are often signs of overwhelm, communication differences, or a nervous system working very hard to cope with the environment.

When we shift our understanding, we also shift how we support children.

Small changes in the classroom — like predictability, sensory awareness, and communication supports — can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to learn and participate.

These conversations are important not just for parents, but for educators as well. When parents and schools work together, children benefit the most.

If you’re a parent or educator supporting an autistic child, I’d love to hear:

What is something you wish people understood better about autistic children in school?

Hi. Hope you swipe through🤍

The face of a girl who just facilitated a workshop for the biggest group of teachers she ever has, forgot to take a picture with said group, but still had to document it😀

Today I had the pleasure of presenting my PBS for home and school workshop to the lovely group of teachers, staff, principal etc. at The University School and boy did I enjoy it! Grateful for a great bunch of individuals who asked thought provoking questions and engaged intentionally throughout. I appreciate you!

Opportunities like this always leave me beaming with how much I love sharing my knowledge and experience with our educators, service providers, parents and so on. What a start to the year! Manifesting more of these in the future🙏🏼

Thank you to the parents and teachers behind coordinating such an event. It’s because of you that our kiddos with additional needs will be supported🤍 If you want me to come to you/your child’s school, shoot me a message or email!

Feeling motivated 🥰

Some of the amazing ladies I had the pleasure of meeting today!

This morning I got to conduct my Positive Behaviour Support Workshop with the lovely ladies of and I am still smiling!! Sharing my knowledge with such a kind and caring team filled my cup right up.

Thank you for inviting me and for being such a supportive school environment for our kiddos! Collaborations like these are so important 🫶🏽

Always so grateful for my clients🫶🏽. Every family I work with reminds me why I love what I do. Walking alongside you in your journey — through the challenges and the celebrations — is such an honor. I can’t ever thank you enough for trusting me with your little ones and allowing me to be part of your story🥰

How many times a day do you hear yourself saying: “It’s okay”?

We say it because we love our kids. Because we want to reassure them. Because sometimes it’s all that comes to mind

But here’s the tricky part:
👉 When ALL children hear “It’s okay” every single time, they may start using it as an automatic response — even when they’re not okay
👉 This can make it harder for them to express their real feelings and needs

So what can we do instead?
* Acknowledge their feelings (“That looks like it hurt”)
* Support them with comfort (“I’m here, let’s breathe”)
* Problem-solve when ready (“Let’s clean it up together”)

This doesn’t mean you can never say “It’s okay.” It just means balancing it with validation, so your child learns their feelings matter — and that they don’t have to mask them

Remember: You don’t have to get it perfect. Just showing up with presence makes the difference

Have you ever been told your child is “acting out” or “behaving badly”?
Here’s the truth: behaviour is communication

Autistic children — like all children — use behaviour as a signal when:
✨ They’re overwhelmed (too much noise, light, movement)
✨ They don’t understand the expectation
✨ They can’t find the words to say what they need

When we respond by only trying to stop the behaviour, we miss the message underneath

But when we pause and ask:
👉 “What is my child telling me right now?”
…we shift from punishment to problem-solving

Remember: Your child isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time. And behaviour is their way of asking for help.

If you’d like support in figuring out what your child’s behaviour might be communicating, I’m here!

📩 Send me a message anytime

The first week of school can feel overwhelming for autistic students, their parents, and teachers alike. The good news? With the right supports in place, we can create an environment where children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn

Here are some practical supports you can introduce:

1. Visual Supports 🖼
* Visual schedules – provide structure for the day
* Choice boards – offer options in a clear way
* Activity steps – break tasks into manageable chunks
* First/Then boards – show what’s happening now and what’s next

2. Sensory Tools 🎧
* Headphones – reduce overwhelming noise
* Fidgets – help with focus and regulation
* Seating tools (weighted lap pad, kickband, wiggle cushion) – support comfort and movement needs
* Calm down corner – a safe space to self regulate

3. Communication Supports 💬
* Visuals – support understanding of words and expectations
* AAC tools – provide alternative means of communication for students
* Gestures & modeling – show, not just tell

4. Predictable Routines ⏰
Consistency helps children feel secure and reduces anxiety.

5. Team Approach 🤝
Teachers, parents, and therapists working together ensures everyone is on the same page for the child’s success.

⚠️ Every child is unique. These supports should be introduced with guidance from a specialist (Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Developmental Disabilities Specialist, etc).

💌 If you’d like help figuring out what supports would work best for your child or your classroom, send me a message—I’d love to support you