I live in Lake Co., IL. The school district recognizes that this therapy is necessary for my son to be able to fully participate in school. He currently attends school for four hours a day and is in middle school at a therapeutic day school.

My son has autism, ADHD, depression and anxiety. Cognitively, he has no delays and is working at a fifth grade level.

are there any cons to using a weighted sensory blanket for sleep time? does it matter if it's used all night or should it only be used to get the child to sleep?

My son is very timid and quiet at school and he will not raise his hand to let his teacher know he has to go to the bathroom. He has numerous BM accidents at school this year and I'm not sure what else we can do. We have read social stories to him, role played raising his hand and asking, talking to him about it and even bribery. We've gone through so many pairs of underwear this year I should own stock in Hanes.

Autism, We have had to stand outside the last two funerals and now today a wedding due to running away, meltdowns, yelling

So we have been having a problem with Addison and constipation for about the last year (since she weened at 2 ½ years old.) Her Pediatricians only instruction has been for us to give her 1 to 2 adult doses of Miralax per day. Problem is this creates a situation of extremes for Addison being either constipated or having diarrhea. Over the last month she went 20 days with only 2 small bowel movements, she was in a lot of pain and her Pediatrician recommended we take her to the emergency room… read more

Yesterday I was at a four year old’s birthday with my neurotypical 4 year old & 1 year old. My 7 year old with ASD was at school and not with us
I was chatting with a mom I had just met, she’s a teacher, grade 1, and we were discussing schools. I mentioned a Steiner school I was interested in, but it’s too far to travel. She said “Oh, you wouldn’t want to send your kids there. It’s all weirdos and kids with autism.”
I was immediately taken aback. I guess she could see shock on my face, and… read more

My son has autistic disorder as well as anxiety disorder. Over te past few months we have discussed the possibility of medication for his anxiety and sleeping. I am VERY NERVOUS about this and I don't know what to do. I don't want to see his personality change, aside from fewer meltdowns and more sleep. Does anyone have any advice about what works and what doesn't ? He is starting kindergarten this year and I want to have him regulated by then. I have an appt with a psychiatrist on April 5th but… read more