Big Sky blog

As a parent or teacher of special needs children, it may help to become a member of a SEPTA, or special education parent teacher association. SEPTAs work with the local PTA, parents, teachers, and school administrators to build a support system for special needs children in the community.

When a child or adult has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social settings can present a bit of a challenge. Knowing how to act in social situations is something that is more of a struggle for a person with ASD than it is for others. This is why social skills training is essential.

The holidays brings extra opportunities for autism wandering, a dangerous habit nearly 50% of those with ASD engage in. Learn about the risks of autism wandering, as well as ways to help prevent it and keep your child safe.

he holidays are here, and that means it's time to start buying and wrapping presents for those who are near and dear to our hearts. If you have a loved one in your life with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) you may find yourself struggling with ideas for the perfect gift. The good news is that there are plenty of fun, skill-building toys available for that special someone in your life with ASD.

While the holidays are oftentimes a season for spending time with family and friends and spreading love, many families who have a child or loved one with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle during this time of the year. The good news is that there are a variety of behavioral methods for helping treat ASD, and with a few evidence-based guidelines you'll be on your way toward feeling all of the joy and gratitude the holidays bring rather than feelings of fear or dread.

Life on the Autism Spectrum looks a bit different for everyone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the different stages or levels of severity can be quite diverse from one case to the next, so are the symptoms, struggles, and strengths of each person with ASD.

Sometimes when we think of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism in general, we imagine the old criteria of this disorder which has recently changed over the last decade with the release of the DSM-V. There are new definitions and criteria for autism in comparison to the definitions most of us were familiar with when the DSM-IV was the standard for diagnosing mental health disorders

When a child is suffering from a behavioral or mental health disorder it can affect the entire family. This calls for a system of support for individuals and families alike who would like some assistance in adjusting to life and strengthening the bond between parent and child. This can be done through a variety of methods, and since every family and individual is different—requiring a unique approach to meeting these needs, each therapeutic model should be custom designed to address each client.

Having a child or loved one in your life with Autism can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences. With such a vast spectrum that ranges from severely developmentally impaired to mildly Asperger's, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to care and treatment. The most widely recognized form of treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) today is applied behavioral analysis (ABA).