Alee Behavioral Healthcare

  Field trips provide children with the opportunity to further consolidate the knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom through real-life experiences. They also allow them to form stronger bonds with their peers outside of the classroom environment.   In short, they are an essential part of your child’s academic development. In fact, one  study  found that “children who take school trips have better grades (59%), higher graduation rates from high school (95%) and college (63%), and greater income (12% higher annually).”   However, for children with  autism and related disorders , field trips may be a little anxiety-inducing.   Why are field trips harder for children with autism? Children with autism and related disorders work best within a  routine , both in and out of school. For example, they often like to know what they are doing and when. This knowledge is often empowering as they feel more confident heading into their day, knowing they wil...

  A parent will always be their child’s biggest advocate. However, when your child is diagnosed with  autism or a related disorder ,  your advocacy becomes all the more important. Why is Autism Advocacy Important? There are many reasons why autism advocacy is important. It can help to break down harmful stereotypes, challenge misinformation, and perhaps most crucially, build a more welcoming and inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals. Furthermore, it can also help to raise awareness about autism and related disorders, which can increase acceptance  and  increase the amount of funding autism charities and research receive. How To Advocate For Your Child With Autism Start at home. Advocating for your child often begins at home. Start by doing your research into autism, ensuring that all information is gathered from reputable sources. The more you understand the condition, the easier it will be to support your child throughout every stage of their life. If yo...

  At Alee, we hope to use our expert knowledge to ensure that every child we are entrusted to work with at our autism clinic reaches their full potential, be that academic, personal, or physical. Studies have shown that encouraging a child with autism to engage in sporting activities can have a range of health benefits.  As well as promoting a healthier lifestyle, exercising can help improve a child’s mood, and help reduce hyperactivity or any frustration that they may be feeling. However, it is often difficult to find activities for children with autism to participate in that they will enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Right now, many of us have taken to exercising at home to ensure we stay fit during the current crisis. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of at-home exercises/activities that will help you all stay fit and healthy! 4 Fitness Activities for Children with Autism 1) Obstacle Course Build an obstacle course in your home/backyard! To do this, you can eithe...

Our success, both within our personal lives and in the professional realm, is often dictated by how we are able to communicate with those around us. After all, so much of our time is dedicated to social interaction and interpersonal relationships, even during the pandemic, when the majority of these interactions occurred behind the screen. However, for children with autism and related disorders, developing effective communication skills is harder than it would be for the average neurotypical person. In fact, it’s estimated that 40% of people with autism are nonverbal, with many others finding verbal or face-to-face communication difficult ( AutismSpeaks ) While no two people experience autism in the same way, those with autism or related disorders may face communication barriers such as: Difficulty developing language skills. Difficulty regarding comprehension or understanding what others are saying or why they might be saying it. Poor understanding of non-verbal communication skills, ...

  Having a routine in our daily life can prove to be highly beneficial. This is because it allows you to better manage and divide your time between work and your social life and develop  healthy and lasting habits . However, for children (and adults) with autism and related disorders, a routine can be invaluable due to the fact that it allows them to better manage their symptoms by providing them with a clear structure and a sense of familiarity. Therefore, while life can sometimes be unpredictable, you must make an effort to put together a daily routine that works for your child. Here are some top tips to get you started!  Put together a  weekly schedule  and display it clearly within your home. This way, your child can view their schedule at any time – and will know exactly what is expected of them each day.  Encourage your child to participate when putting together their routine, as this gives them a much greater sense of freedom and control. For example...