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It’s the time a parent of a child with autism has on their minds since diagnosis: transition into adulthood. Of course, it’s a pivotal time for any young person, but for autistic children, it often comes with unique challenges and considerations. Navigating this period requires understanding a host of terms…

Holiday gift shopping can be an exciting time, especially when you find a gift that lights up your child’s face. For children with autism, selecting the perfect present is about celebrating their individuality, strengths, and unique interests. Each child has their own way of experiencing joy, and with a little…

For families of autistic children, finding ways for their children to more effectively communicate is a top priority. It can feel like a breakthrough when your child starts to express their thoughts, wants, news, or emotions, even if it’s through nonverbal means.  Speech therapy offers that opportunity. By using a…

“Will my child be okay on their own?” “Are they really ready to take on these responsibilities?” “How can I best prepare them for what lies ahead?” It’s true–the journey to self-sufficiency for young adults is not without its trials.There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and situations that test…

If you have been at Gersh Academy for any amount of time, you already know we are more than just a school; we are a community deeply committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment tailored to the unique needs of each student.  Every child’s educational journey is personal, filled…

Sometimes navigating the workplace as a young adult with autism can feel like walking through a maze that was not designed with you in mind. So often, work environments cater to neurotypical standards, and the subtle social cues, unspoken rules, and sensory demands can present challenges many colleagues don’t even…

Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to an emotional experience in an appropriate way. For children with autism, this can be incredibly difficult. They often experience heightened sensory sensitivity, challenges with communication, and higher levels of anxiety. The goal of emotional regulation, then, is to help the…

We are deep into summer now, and though this season provides a welcome break from the school routine, for many children with autism, it can also exacerbate what’s known as the “summer slide”.  Did you know that many children with autism can experience setbacks in both academic and social skills during these…

Parenting an autistic child means endless questions, like “Is this autism, or is this developmental?” One thing many parents find themselves questioning is whether their child’s sensory sensitivities are a typical aspect of autism, or signs of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). Sensory Processing Disorder is characterized by the brain’s difficulty…

As our children grow, so much time is spent focused on their education, wondering if they will have satisfactory employment and if they will be able to live on their own. Yet, the ability to self-advocate is what most determines the quality of a person’s life.  Self-advocacy is the ability…