Play.Connect.Grow

Every garbage day. His dedication is admirable. Everywhere I go anytime I see a garbage truck I’m reminded of my son and how many much I love him. #garbagedayisthebestday #garbagetruck #love

Daydream doodles inspired by my daughter #lovei nspires #family #horsegirl #autism

My daughter gets the most amazing bed head. #goodmorninghair #family #daughters

That moment when your child has been trusted to self regulate in whatever repetitive, exclusive or ritualistic way they need until they ready to come out....then they do! Now what?! Offer up something you know they love and give it freely! Do not request or challenge in anyway at first just cultivate the interaction. The goals will develop naturally and be easier for your child once they’ve had the time to get themselves together by fully experiencing their exclusive time #play #autism #family #love #playconnectgrowautism

A true super mama!!! Happy Mother’s Day from Play. Connect. Grow. #happymothersday

Children on the spectrum are vulnerable to a special type of gaslighting. I’ve worked with many children who have been labeled as aggressive or violent. At first glance a child’s behavior might reinforce these labels. But if we peel back the layers we usually see kids who have been in strict behavioral programs where they don’t feel heard and out of control for extended periods of time. Because the caregivers and educators are not having the child’s experience and don’t under...stand the level of frustration that can build they tend to see bad behavior instead distressed behavior. If a child is having regular meltdowns or tantrums it’s not because they’re broken, it’s because they just can’t take what’s happening in their life and need help. Instead of labeling kids as aggressive let’s talk about what they might need, why are they this way? What is their personal history? What has their therapy experience been? Do they feel understood? Do they have some control? Do they feel emotionally connected to the people in their lives? #humanize #autism #play #family #autismparents See more

My son put on these fake eyebrows this morning and I’m pretty sure he forgot he’s wearing them...we’ll just let this play out.

It’s true. #play #family #love #playconnectgrowautism

Our kids have their most cherished possessions. Don’t push the issue, take what you’re given and don’t force them to share something they aren’t ready to. #play #givecontrol #asd #love #family #asdparent

Seriously. What’s that about? Well, much of the time it’s more about control than liking or not liking something. What can start off as a well meaning parent urging their child to eat something over time can turn into a control battle. There are very real sensory issues that can be the source of controlling eaters, but the battle that ensues can make that journey even harder. Do your best to give your child control around food. You get to control what you buy and bring into the house, let them decide what and when to put in their bodies. You may be surprised as to what they will try if given time and opportunity. #pickyeaters #thatsnotfood

This was in an envelope for me at the table from my son. It’s a picture of me he said. I’ll say this, it pretty accurately reflects my mood most of the time. Love my boy #family #play

The kids already know how, they’re waiting for you to figure it out. #play #autism #love #family #playconnectgrowautism #embracedifferent

Getting all ready for in person sessions again! Be safe everyone!

That feeling when you find that one piece you’ve been searching for. Satisfaction. #play #autism #dontstopthestim #family #love #lego

It’s true, you’re human. Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about being the best model of love and acceptance you can be. To provide human connection and act as the training wheels for their human experience. #love #parentingainteasy #play #playconnectgrowautism

Ever wonder how using your child's stimmimg time as a way to connect with and understand them more deeply? Well maybe you should. Check out this clip of me explaining why and how to do it. Shout out to the wonderful folks at The Brain Train Co. ... #braintrain See more