Functioning Labels: A Lost Opportunity

“‘High functioning’ is used to deny support. ‘Low functioning’ is used to deny agency,” points out Autistic activist Ellen Murray. Research shows that in addition to being rather inaccurate in summarizing abilities and needs, stigmas surrounding functioning labels negatively affect the perspectives of many service providers. So why use them, especially when there are better […]

Interdependence, A Better Goal

Interdependence, A Better Goal   “Independence” is a widely-used word in the world of disability. If you look at agency titles, IEP goals, and conversations among parents, it would be understandable for you to come away believing that independent is the best thing anyone can be. But is it? Who in this world lives entirely […]

Fidgets: Not Just For Kids

Fidgets and stim toys are a great way to regulate both sensory systems and emotions. They can help a body that needs motion, gain that motion. For anxious bodies, they give a rhythmic or focal point to give order to an otherwise disorganized world. These reasons and more, I highly recommend fidgets for all children. […]

Secondary Brains: Assistive Technology

With advances in technology, being a neurodivergent person has become slightly easier. Much of the emphasis in school settings has been on tablets for augmentative and alternative communication, for daily schedules, social stories and other support aides, or for audio books and to type assignments rather than write. These tools are wonderful, and as they […]

DIY Supports: Sensory Den

In an effort to make supporting your neurodivergent child accessible to all, we have decided a monthly series in creating supports in your home on a budget. Today we are creating a Sensory Den. All items were purchased at either a dollar store or Walmart with the knowledge that in many places in the United […]