Every important social issue is impacted by literacy. When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math, and use computers, they have the power to find sustainable employment and ultimately change their lives. One question one of our social work interns wonders is: “Is it ever too late to learn literacy skills?” To some, …
Summer break is right around the corner and although it is good for students to get a break from school, it is important to keep them active in their learning. Keeping kids’ heads in books can help them continue to grow and retain knowledge they learned in school. One way to keep your child engaged …
Exercise is an important component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for all children. In the United States, over 16% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 years of age are considered overweight or obese. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this percentage is even higher with 19% of children with ASD classified …
It is good to know of other organizations empowering people with autism to create societal change. One such organization is the nonprofit, Autism Self-Advocacy Network, also known as ASAN. The Autism Self-Advocacy Network “seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy …
Some of the things that make working with neurodiverse learners in Early Childhood so rewarding are the same things that feel both difficult and rewarding for some social workers. For me, specifically dealing with an outburst where a student may scream or cry is a behavior all new social workers or teachers learn on the …
A goal is termed as an aim, an end, or a target to an innate desire. However, to set personal goals sends a message to self that a desired end is awaiting. It also sets a certain level of motivation for whatever the aspiration. We feel that goal setting and motivation work hand in hand …
As my first full academic school year of interning at the iCan Dream Center for my Masters program comes to an end, I often find myself reflecting on everything that I have learned. This year has been a deep dive into autism- what it is, what it looks like (or does not look like), and …
Like any parent, you want your child to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, picky eaters often shy away from healthy foods and gravitate more toward foods with less nutritional value. Like many conditions, autism has many facets; when it comes to diet, many individuals with autism experience food aversions and sensitivities. Enriching Foods for …
Have you noticed challenging behaviors in a student? Do you want to change or replace those behaviors? Check out three tricks from ABA’s Discrete Trials Teaching. They work for our Little Dreamers and they should work for your students, too! Discrete Trials Teaching (DTT) After three months of working with a student during Discrete Trials …
All young children struggle on some level with sharing. This is a common developmental milestone for children. For the students in the Little Dreamers Early Childhood Education program, sharing is sometimes a challenge, and it is an important area of focus for our social workers and instructors. Why Sharing Is Important Sharing toys, learning tools, …
