Periodically, we see people who ask a question like, “I enjoy playing with fidget toys, does that mean I’m on the spectrum?” The short answer is “No.” Anyone can play with fidget toys, and many people do. Likewise, just because you are on the spectrum, it doesn’t mean that you’ll enjoy using a fidget toy….
One of the common questions I think every parent has when their child is diagnosed, is, “is there a cure for Autism?” I know my wife and I searched and searched when we our oldest son was first diagnosed. At the time, there was little public information about autism, and the Internet was still a…
My wife and I are both involved in several online forums for special needs parents and caregivers. Routinely, we here about people saying something along the lines of “Well, sign up for _______?” Or “Why are you using ________?” In almost every case these are about different government, and sometimes non-profit, programs. However, often confusion,…
When parents ask me if I think their child might be on the spectrum they typically ask based upon two or three common habits. The first is not making eye contact. The second is repeating words, either back to them, or using the same words over and over. The third is about repetitive motions –…
Did you know that psychologists are encouraged to “not diagnose their friends”? This doesn’t mean that they are not to see them professionally, although from what I hear that is also discouraged due to their previous relationship and knowledge. But instead, it is easy for them to diagnose others in a casual environment where you…