Donnesa McPherson

Jan 17, 2024 | autismparentingmagazine.com | Donnesa McPherson

Many tools can help teach autistic children about their own emotions. One great tool is an autism emotion chart. These charts contain pictures and can be as interactive as the parent or teacher makes them. Emotional regulation can start with the child being able to understand and identify what emotion they may be feeling. If a child is nonverbal or has limited communication, using a visual emotions chart can make it easier for the child to communicate.

Jan 12, 2024 | autismparentingmagazine.com | Donnesa McPherson

Sensory boards for autism can be a key way to engage autistic children while meeting some of their sensory input needs and having fun. Sensory integration and having and fulfilling a sensory diet for a child diagnosed with autism can be quick and easy. A sensory board is exactly what it sounds like, there is a board that has different items a child can interact with that include interactive elements for each of the five senses.

Jan 5, 2024 | autismparentingmagazine.com | Donnesa McPherson

Special interests and repetitive behaviors can span to reach different interests, autism and foot obsession, collecting garbage, and other interests that others may not understand. Parents can start to wonder why their autistic child has these behaviors and interests and if there is something they can do about them. Why is your child fascinated by feet? They may like the way feet or toes move or how people walk.

Jan 3, 2024 | autismparentingmagazine.com | Donnesa McPherson

Imagination is important to human development and helps individuals interact with their environment. There is an interesting relationship between autism and imagination that should not be overlooked. For parents and caregivers, understanding autistic imagination and how it may differ from their own can be beneficial. Also, understanding what imagination is and where it stems in the brain and human development may help teachers and parents increase imaginative and pretend play for autistic children.

Dec 27, 2023 | autismparentingmagazine.com | Donnesa McPherson

Since autism is a spectrum disorder, it can be difficult to pinpoint specifics when it comes to differences among people. But is there a difference between male and female autism? To specify gender differences when talking about autism can be difficult because they can exist outside the context of gender alone. Since people are so different, classifications and assessments can also vary. Download your FREE guide on What Are the Signs of Autism in Girls – Is Asperger’s in Girls Overlooked?