News and Notes from The Johnson Center
What Is A Social Skills Group?
JCCHD | Thu, November 20, 2014 | [Applied Behavior Analysis][Autism Treatment][Community][Q and A ]A social skills group is a valuable resource for building social skills for people with autism spectrum disorders. The group setting allows for participants to connect with peers and practice social skills, and provides the opportunity for modeling, role-play, and feedback. Groups usually include at least one facilitator, with three to ten group members of similar age and with similar goals. Sometimes typically developing peers are also involved in the group. Additionally, many programs include a parent group to…
Read morePumpkin: A Fall Favorite
JCCHD | Mon, November 17, 2014 |Ah, fall. It is the time of year when the air gets cooler, the leaves change color (at least in some places other than Austin), and our obsession with pumpkins reaches a new height. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pancakes, and pumpkin bread are just a few fall favorites. However, you may not know that…
Read moreCommunicating with my Practitioner: Ways to Increase Successful Intervention in a Pediatric Setting
JCCHD | Fri, November 07, 2014 |Many people view a trip to the doctor’s office as a potentially stressful experience for the patient. While this may sometimes be true, it is important to recognize the potential stress for parents and caregivers. Parents may find the experience overwhelming, and, due to anxiety, they may forget to ask specific questions or fail to report significant information that could influence clinical recommendations. Below are some…
Read moreIs Asperger’s Gone?
JCCHD | Fri, November 07, 2014 |Is Asperger’s gone? How have the changes made in the DSM-5 affected our children in schools and their ability to access care?
If you have a child with autism or work with families affected by autism, you have likely heard of “the DSM.” The DSM is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. I…
Read moreA Smooth Trip from Takeoff to Landing
JCCHD | Fri, October 31, 2014 | [Autism Treatment][Community]Planning a vacation? Whether you are traveling by plane, cruise ship, or car, the key to smooth travel is in the planning.
Flying is often a brand new experience for children and may be more challenging for those with autism or developmental delays. Here are some steps to make travel as easy as possible.
Make a new experience as familiar as possible by making a…
Reducing Stress by Caring for a Houseplant
JCCHD | Fri, October 31, 2014 | [Community][Healthcare][Sibling Spotlight]We all know plants clean the air in our homes and offices, but did you know that they can also reduce your stress levels? There is something to that old cliché “stop and smell the roses.” It seems that everyone is too busy to step away from the daily grind and take a few minutes to be in the moment. This can be especially true if you are managing a schedule for an entire family. It is often difficult for a person to take time for him or herself. We tend to think of “me” time as selfish or unproductive, when it’s really imperative to reducing stress and maintaining peace of mind.
Caring for something with simple and defined needs, like a houseplant, allows us to step outside of…
Read moreOral Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders
JCCHD | Tue, October 28, 2014 | [Autism Treatment][Healthcare]Children with special needs like autism and Down’s syndrome generally have more cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and missing teeth than the general population. This may be caused by a lack of oral hygiene and/or different medical and behavioral issues.
Eating too many sweets, not drinking enough water, grinding and clenching one’s teeth, pouching…
Read moreDon’t Let Allergies Bring You Down
JCCHD | Wed, October 08, 2014 | [Community][Healthcare]It’s that time of year again! Fall is that wonderful season when we get to think about sweaters, the upcoming holidays, and cooler weather. So heat up that cup of hot chocolate—but don’t forget about the tissues! While the weather change can often bring on seasonal allergies, there are plenty…
Read moreIt’s October – Time to Prepare for Halloween!
JCCHD | Mon, October 06, 2014 | [Community][Events][Sibling Spotlight]Halloween can be a very exciting, very stressful time of year for all families, including those with children who have special needs. Depending on the child’s age, challenges, and temperament, it can be difficult to predict if a child will enjoy, tolerate, or even be interested in Halloween. Here are a few tips for preparing your child.
Start talking about Halloween traditions and activities early on.
The easiest way to do this is…
Protect Yourself While Eating Out
JCCHD | Wed, October 01, 2014 | [Family and Food][Healthcare]Have you ever had food poisoning? If so, you would probably do anything to avoid getting it again. Here are some tips on safely navigating eating out at restaurants:
Does your food look funny? Smell funny? It should smell appetizing and make you want to dive in. If it smells questionable, don’t doubt yourself…send it back.
Don’t order ...
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