Category: Autism

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Dr. Alex Klene, a clinical psychologist, shares his expertise on PDA and how it affects individuals, particularly children. PDA is characterized by an intense need for control and a strong resistance […]

Understanding Student Engagement Student engagement is a crucial aspect of learning, and it’s essential to understand what it means and how to foster it. Engagement is not just about students participating in activities or showing up to class; it’s about them being actively involved in the learning process, trying new things, and taking risks. When […]

Recovering from Sensory Overload: A Compassionate Approach Recovering from sensory overload is a crucial aspect of supporting students with special needs. After a meltdown, it’s essential to prioritize the student’s emotional and physical well-being, rather than rushing back into academic tasks. The brain needs time to recover from the stress and anxiety caused by sensory […]

Understanding the Connection Between Mental Health and Learning Difficulties As a parent or educator, it’s essential to recognize the intricate relationship between mental health and learning difficulties. Children with learning difficulties often face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation. In this context, it’s crucial […]

Understanding the Least Dangerous Assumption The least dangerous assumption, also known as the presumption of competence, is a powerful mindset that can transform how we teach, plan, and interact with our students. This philosophy, coined in 1984, suggests that when we’re unsure about a student’s abilities, we should assume competence rather than limitations. By doing […]

Empowering Autistic Women: Building Self-Advocacy Skills As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognize the importance of self-advocacy skills for autistic women. Stephanie Moser, a therapist with extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, emphasizes the need for parents to support their daughters in developing these skills. By doing so, parents can empower their […]

Understanding Interleaved Learning and Its Impact on Metacognitive Unawareness Professor David Shanks’ work on interleaved learning and its effects on metacognitive unawareness is a fascinating topic that sheds light on how we learn and remember. Interleaved learning involves presenting materials in an intermixed fashion, rather than in a blocked or sequential manner. This approach can […]

Understanding the Impact of Socioeconomic Background on Language Development Research has consistently shown that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are exposed to fewer words and less language stimulation than their peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. This disparity can have a profound impact on language development and can lead to a significant gap in language skills […]

Understanding Reinforcement and Motivation in Special Education Reinforcement is a crucial aspect of special education, helping students stay motivated and build positive habits. However, it can be tricky to navigate, as it can sometimes feel like bribery or manipulation. The key is to understand that reinforcement is not about control, but about teaching cause and […]

Strengthening Focus During Learning with Cognitive Training As educators and parents, we’ve all noticed the trend: students are becoming more easily distracted, mentally tired, and less able to sustain focus during learning. But what’s happening in the brain to cause this, and how can we help strengthen focus through cognitive training? According to cognitive neuroscientist […]