Alee Behavioral Healthcare

While autism and related disorders impact different individuals in different ways, many individuals with autism develop a special interest. In fact, one study found that some 75-95% of autistic individuals have a special interest that often begins during childhood but sticks with them throughout their life. Working to better understand your child’s special interests can help you provide them with support and guidance moving forward. What is a special interest? Special interests are best defined as “an intense focus on specific topics.” For example, if given the opportunity, your child may dedicate all their free time to this interest or bring it up in conversation at every opportunity. Why do children with autism develop special interests? Various research studies are dedicated to understanding why children with autism may develop special interests. For example, some researchers believe that “young children with autism may experience greater rewards from non-social stimuli...

They say the greatest lessons we learn in life start at home. That’s why the team at Alee Behavioral has worked hard to develop our Home-based Therapeutic Services for children with autism and related disorders. Like with other interventive therapies, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy , these strategies are designed to provide your child with the structure and support they need to reach their full potential – with a smile on their face. What happens during a home-based therapy session? During a home-based therapy session, a member of our team will work closely with your child and family, providing support and therapeutic guidance. Children will develop new coping mechanisms, social skills, and confidence – though the exact nature of the support provided will vary on their unique needs. For example, we may work with your child to help them develop better coping mechanisms when they feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. This is particularly pertinent when you cons...

Emotional regulation is something that we all struggle with – even into adulthood. However, the way in which we regulate our emotions varies on a case-by-case basis – and the same can be said for children with autism and related disorders. Many children with autism use ‘stimming’ as a form of emotional regulation, so you may already be familiar with the term. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what stimming is, and the steps you can take to support your child. What is Stimming? Stimming is short for self-stimulating and refers to repetitive behaviors/actions carried out by individuals as a form of emotional regulation or self-soothing. While seemingly ‘random’, they provide the individual with a sense of comfort, especially when they feel overwhelmed. According to Autism.Org, Typically stimming behaviors could include: ·          Arm flapping ·          Finger-flicking ·    ...

Children with autism spectrum disorder often have particular food preferences. Chicken nuggets, crackers, macaroni and cheese, and bread tend to be foods that these kids accept and love.   Gently expanding that list of foods can be excellent for nutrition and getting new sensory experiences.   Here are some ways to get started: Present a new food. But take away the pressure of eating it!   Eating a new type of food can be an over stimulating sensory experience. New smells, colors, textures, and tastes can be too much all at once. Place the novel food on the child’s plate without the expectation that they’ll eat it. Tolerating the food on their plate is a significant first step for exposure to new foods. If it is too much to have it on their plate, keep putting it on yours until they are more acclimated to it. Play with your food! “Don’t play with your food” is outdated, especially for kids with special needs. Children with ASD benefit significantly from having a ...

Homeschooling Autistic Children In recent months, many parents have begun homeschooling their children as a result of school closures across the globe. This is a difficult task for any parent. However, homeschooling children with autism create even greater challenges. When homeschooling an autistic child, it is necessary to provide a healthy balance of support and education. At Alee, we help families and children by offering a range of therapies and support at our autism clinic to ensure each child reaches their full potential. With this in mind, we’ve put together 5 tips for homeschooling autistic children! When homeschooling autistic children: 1) Follow a routine. Your child is used to following a specific schedule. Usually, this means getting up early, having breakfast and heading off to school! Try your best to follow this routine. When homeschooling autistic children, start your ‘classes’ at the same time every day. Also, take breaks and do your best to mirror the classr...

As we move into November, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Not only is now the perfect time to perfect your pumpkin pie recipe, but you should also ensure that you are planning celebrations that the whole family can enjoy, including those who may be neurodiverse. After all, for children with autism and related conditions, large events such as thanksgiving parties and celebrations can be a cause of great stress. There are various reasons for this. For example, they may be forced to deviate from their routine or be surrounded by crowds and loud noises at parades. However, this does not mean that they cannot join in the fun of this family celebration. With that in mind, here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your thanksgiving celebrations are autism-friendly. Invest in noise canceling headphones. Whether you’re heading to a parade or are cooking for a houseful of lovely, but very noisy guests, noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver for children who di...

Many parents feel overwhelmed when their child receives a diagnosis for autism or a related condition, as they wonder what kind of impact this will have on their lives. And, while it’s important to note that autism is not a debilitating condition that will stand in the way of your child’s long-term success, there are certain steps you can take to make their day-to-day life easier. For example, you could explore a range of therapies, such as Intensive ABA therapy or online therapies. Alternatively, you could focus on making changes within your home, such as by creating a sensory room or crating a consistent routine. In recent years, varying studies have also found that owning a pet can be incredibly beneficial for children with autism and related disorders. Of course, it goes without saying that pets are good for children on a general scale. They provide them with companionship, while also teaching them to be more responsible and mature. The main benefits of owning a pet or pet therap...