I recently received information about two studies being conducted locally in Spring 2017 through the Autism Studies Division at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center and would like to share this information for those who may wish to look into and/or apply for these opportunities. 

Each August, many parents of children on the autism spectrum approach the new school year with a mixture of relief and anxiety. On the one hand, parents are relieved that the unstructured summer days are coming to an end since lack of structure can often be difficult for children on the autism spectrum. On the other hand, starting a new school year presents numerous challenges which can be daunting for parents and children alike. Thinking ahead and proactive planning are always your best bet. Here are 5 strategies to survive the transition back to school with your sanity intact!

Having a family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder can have a significant influence not only on the child with autism, but also on each and every family member. Parents, siblings, and extended family members such as grandparents can be impacted in profound ways. Most parents will tell you that their child with autism has brought immeasurable love and strength into their families. At the same time, there are certain inherent obstacles which can prove difficult.

Rising autism numbers a challenge for public schools

As posted by: Susan Baldridge, Reporter with Lancaster Newspapers. 
Tuesday, April 22, 2014 6:00 am | Updated: 10:27 am, Tue Apr 22, 2014.

Although the ground is still covered with snow, and summer seems such a long way off (especially after the crazy winter we’ve experienced!), it is important to start planning for summer earlier rather than later. Various options may be available for your child, including day or sleepover camps, extended school year classes or home-based instruction, special family vacations or just relaxing by the poolside. Regardless of your final decisions for summer plans, it’s best to begin setting up your child’s activities now so that you aren’t caught off guard in May or June with no concrete plans and a long summer ahead of you!

Regardless of the specific summer activities that you choose, here are six tips to keep in mind:  (if you can't see the full list, please click the "read more" tab)

1) Sign up now! Many summer programs have already sent out their registration forms and may be filled by the time you start to inquire in April or May.

“Snow day!”

We all remember rejoicing when Old Man Winter gave us an unexpected day off of school, such that the very phrase can still conjure up wonderful childhood memories. In contrast, most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder find snow days to be anything but joyful!  Meltdowns, anxiety-driven rituals, or insisting on standing at the bus stop “just in case the bus shows up” are well within the day’s possibilities.

Here are some tips to help to keep your sanity as the snow is falling outside:

1. GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEADS UP: If there is a good chance that an upcoming snowstorm will result in a snow day or even just a two hour delay, prepare your child for the possibility the night before. One of the major reasons that children with autism find snow days to be stressful is that it is an unexpected  change in routine. Therefore, the more upfront preparation you can provide, the better.

2. CREATE A “SNOW DAY SCHEDULE”: Children on the autism spectrum frequently crave routine and clear expectations, so develop a “Snow Day Schedule,” and review it with your child ahead of time. Providing a schedule allows your child to anticipate what will happen throughout the day and therefore can lessen any undue anxiety.

3. PAIR SNOW DAYS WITH UNIQUE FUN ACTIVITIES: Identify a few activities or toys which your child enjoys, and then have these activities only available on snow days. That way, your child will start to view a snow day as good news rather than reason for concern.

4. DOWNTIME IS YOUR ENEMY:  Most children on the autism spectrum aren’t particularly good at using downtime effectively, so keep your child busy!  Have an array of activities which are cued up so that you aren’t scrambling when your child starts to lose interest in a given activity.

5. KEEP YOUR GOALS REALISTIC: Don’t see a snow day as a time when you’re finally going to get that closet cleaned or write the Great American Novel. Just keep the day simple! That way, you and your child can just relax and enjoy your day together.