05/23/2026
https://avahasautism.blog/2026/05/23/the-diy-visual-support-tools-we-actually-use-at-home/
The DIY Visual Support Tools We Actually Use at Home
When I first started creating DIY visual supports for Ava, I honestly thought I could simply print the cards on regular paper, cut them out with scissors, and be done. I quickly realized there was …
04/25/2026
How to Teach Patience to Kids (Even When They Struggle to Wait)
💛 Why Patience Is So Hard for Kids If your child struggles to wait, you are not alone. Patience is one of the hardest skills for children to learn—especially for kids with big feelings, ADHD, or autism. To them, waiting doesn’t feel small.It can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes even impossible. Their brains are wired for: 👉 “I want it now.”...
How to Teach Patience to Kids (Even When They Struggle to Wait)
💛 Why Patience Is So Hard for Kids If your child struggles to wait, you are not alone. Patience is one of the hardest skills for children to learn—especially for kids with big feelings, ADHD, or au…
04/18/2026
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Our Journey
Feeling overwhelmed while supporting your autistic child is more common than you think. This blog shares a real-life journey from uncertainty to confidence, along with the tools and strategies that made a meaningful difference....
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Our Journey
Feeling overwhelmed while supporting your autistic child is more common than you think. This blog shares a real-life journey from uncertainty to confidence, along with the tools and strategies that…
04/11/2026
My Child Won’t Follow Directions—Here’s What Actually Helped Us
If you’ve ever found yourself saying… “Why won’t they listen?” “I just told you what to do.” “They know what I mean… so why aren’t they doing it?” You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As both a former special educator and a parent to a child with autism, I had to unlearn something important: Not following directions is usually not about defiance....
My Child Won’t Follow Directions—Here’s What Actually Helped Us
If you’ve ever found yourself saying… “Why won’t they listen?” “I just told you what to do.” “They know what I mean… so why aren’t they doing it?” You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As both a f…
04/04/2026
What to Do When Your Child Is Nonverbal (Real Tools That Help)
When your child isn’t speaking, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. You may find yourself wondering: Will they ever talk? Am I doing enough? How do I help them communicate right now? I’ve been there. My daughter Ava was nonverbal—and that experience changed everything for me. Not just as a parent, but as a former special educator. I quickly realized something important:...
What to Do When Your Child Is Nonverbal (Real Tools That Help)
When your child isn’t speaking, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. You may find yourself wondering: Will they ever talk? Am I doing enough? How do I help them communicate righ…