Family Archives - Page 2 of 553

How to Create an Engaging Living Room for Kids with ADHD

Contrary to what some people may assume, children with ADHD are shaped not just by nature but also by nurture. According to experts, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Among children, this can interfere with critical aspects like studying and socializing that can influence development. As such, it’s important for parents to shape environments that can help children with ADHD find balance. Research suggests that ADHD can be caused by psychosocial and environmental factors. Given that the living room is the heart of most homes, parents must ensure that this space is nurturing and engaging. To eliminate costly and tiring trial and error, here are some tips on creating the best living room for children with ADHD. Find flexible seating As…

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June 4, 2024

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Why Self-Care is Essential for Parents: Managing Stress and Anxiety

Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but it demands extraordinary reserves of energy, patience, and resilience. In the midst of the daily whirlwind of responsibilities, parents often neglect their own well-being, which can have far-reaching consequences. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity that directly impacts both personal and parental effectiveness. While the concept of self-care is widely discussed, its true power lies in its ability to equip parents with the mental, emotional, and physical resources needed to navigate the challenges of raising a family. Prioritizing self-care helps parents build the resilience needed to manage stress and anxiety, creating a nurturing environment where their children can thrive. So, what does effective self-care look like for busy parents? And what are the consequences of neglecting this crucial aspect…

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May 15, 2024

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How to Recognize Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Your Child

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes their mental well-being. In today's world, children face numerous challenges that can lead to stress and anxiety. Recent studies indicate that up to 20.5% of children worldwide experienced anxiety symptoms during the pandemic, nearly doubling pre-pandemic rates. It's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety in your child so that you can provide them with the support they need. Recognizing Behavioral Signs of Stress and Anxiety One of the first things to look out for when it comes to stress and anxiety in your child is changes in their behavior. It is reported that behavioral problems, which can be indicators of underlying stress and anxiety, affected about 9.2% of children in…

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May 15, 2024

My thoughts

Embracing Independence: Gavin’s Journey with Goally

As Gavin embraces adulthood, the Goally tablet has been crucial in aiding his growth and independence. This device, void of distractions like social media, features a visual scheduler and parental controls that help manage his tasks and foster routine. A promotional offer is available for the Autism Dad community to experience Goally's benefits.

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May 10, 2024

#Autism Discussions / My thoughts / Podcast

Supporting Dads in the Autism Community

In "The Autism Dad" podcast, Harry Psaros, an advocate and father from Pittsburgh, discussed his transformation after his son's autism diagnosis. He shared how embracing the diagnosis as a gateway to improvement helped him become a proactive advocate and author. His book aims to inspire resilience and hope in parents navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of community support and a positive mindset for continuous growth and development. Harry's personal journey celebrates each victory and the potential in every challenge, illustrating a profound commitment to fostering the best environment for his child and others.

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May 1, 2024

Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Gavin / Independent Living / My thoughts

Gavin hit a major milestone on his journey to independence

Today, I'm thrilled to share a milestone achievement in my autistic son, Gavin's journey toward independence—a journey marked by resilience and quiet strength. At 24 years old, Gavin faces challenges that many of us can barely fathom. Diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), his immune system is severely compromised, which means he's highly susceptible to infections that his body struggles to fight off. To manage this condition, Gavin has adopted a rigorous medical routine that involves self-administering a crucial medication through two small needles directly into his abdomen, not once, but twice every week. The procedure itself is daunting and time-consuming, at times taking several hours each session. It's a testament to Gavin's fortitude that he has managed these infusions on his own for many years, enduring the discomfort…

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April 29, 2024

My thoughts

Just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there. I saw this recently and wanted to share this with you all. When raising kiddos with autism, it’s easy to sometimes get caught up in the daily struggle. We’re tired, overwhelmed, and about a million other things. When progress feels slow with our kids, we can blame ourselves for not doing enough or endlessly worry about their future. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for 23 years and I get it. Often times, however, growth and progress are taking place but maybe not in ways we anticipated. Just remember that simply because we aren’t seeing progress on the surface, doesn’t mean our kids aren’t experiencing growth. Just something to think about. ❤️

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April 11, 2024

My thoughts

We don’t stop being parents when they become adults

This is Gavin. Gavin is my 24 year old autistic son who has recently begun building his own adult life. This past week Gavin called me from the break room at work and was incredibly upset. He was not making a great deal of sense and only after calming him down could I really understand what was going on. After a few minutes, I was able to figure out that his phone wasn’t working correctly and he was freaking out because he liked watching YouTube on his lunch break. He was frustrated because this disrupted his routine and he doesn’t like that. He was currently calling me from his watch because his phone battery had died and he didn’t know what to do. He had a few minutes before he…

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March 24, 2024