Halloween is a fun and exciting time for many families, but for children with autism, wearing a Halloween costume can sometimes be challenging: They may be tight, itchy, heavy, noisy, restrictive, or made from unfamiliar materials. Masks can feel uncomfortable around the face, and hats, wigs, makeup, or accessories may introduce new sensory experiences. For some children, simply getting into
Halloween can be an exciting time for young children, but for children with autism, some traditional Halloween activities can also feel overwhelming. New sights, loud sounds, unfamiliar costumes, changes in routine, crowds, and unexpected experiences can make Halloween more challenging. The good news is that Halloween does not have to be overwhelming to be fun. With a little preparation and
Autism is part of the lives of hundreds of thousands of families across the United States, including families right here in Florida. As more children are identified with autism and families seek support, understanding the numbers can help highlight why early identification, individualized therapy, and access to services matter. How Common Is Autism? According to the latest data from the
Something as familiar as brushing your teeth can involve unfamiliar sensations, changes in routine, sounds, textures, or feelings that make the activity difficult to accept, and for some children with autism it can feel overwhelming. For one ABLE client, whom we will call Aidan to protect his privacy, toothbrushing had become a significant challenge. What started as resistance to brushing
The toddler years are filled with exciting milestones. First words, pointing, playing, laughing, following directions, and learning how to interact with others are all important parts of early childhood development. But what happens when your child seems to be developing differently from other children their age? For some parents, noticing developmental differences can be the first step toward discovering that
Even in Florida, colder mornings can disrupt routines for children with autism. A sudden temperature change, heavier clothing, darker mornings, and schedule shifts can make getting ready for school feel overwhelming. At ABLE, we often see an increase in transition challenges during winter months, especially around morning and school routines. The good news is that ABA therapy offers effective tools
