WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a difference in the way a kid’s brain develops. Kids with autism may have trouble understanding the world around them. Kids with autism might have trouble:

• Talking and learning the meaning of words.
• Making friends or fitting in.
• Dealing with changes (like trying new foods, having a substitute teacher, having their toys moved or a change in routine).
• Dealing with loud noises, bright lights or crowds.

Kids might also move in an unusual way (like flapping their hands or rocking), or do the same thing over and over (like saying the same w...

Back to school!

Back to school can be exciting, but can also be mixed with so many different emotions! Maybe a little bit of sadness that summer is over, or anxiousness of what the school year may bring both academically and emotionally. Some kids adapt easily, while others might take longer, especially if moving to a new school.

One of my favourite ways as a teacher and parent to communicate with a child without them feeling pressured or in the spotlight, allowing us to see how the school year is going is through journaling. There are several ways this can be done, either through free writing or with the use of prompts, where we can guide their writing...