Travel can be an overwhelming experience for a neurodivergent child. Here are some resources to support caregivers in planning for a trip:
Author Archives: Nicola Schaan
Sarcasm
Some resources for teaching about sarcasm Look for: tone non-verbal/facial expression (eye brow raise, etc) context extra words that hyperbolize a situation Sometimes people with really dry humor will not give tonal or non-verbal cues and you rely only on context Articles: Teaching Students about Detecting Sarcasm! Teaching Sarcasm: Understanding and Use! Videos: **both videos …
Tooth Brushing
Strategies for tooth brushing Play to introduce teeth brushing Timer apps Visuals When needed, using tactile cues (e.g. touching cheek) where the brush needs to go Adaptive aids For people with fine motor difficulties you might consider References: Taftazani, R. Z., Sitaresmi, Mei Neni,M.D., PhD., Hanindriyo, Lisdrianto, DDS,M.P.H., PhD., & Kuswandari, Sri, DDS,M.S., PhD. (2025). …
Money Basics
As a note these are great resources for a virtual setting – in person I’d highly recommend using actual money to practice these exercises! Money Counting Game – be sure to pick correct currency and remove the 50 cent piece that is the Canadian currency Canadian Currency Worksheets – These have pictures of money Mydoh …
Okanagan Based Services for Transition to Adulthood
CLBC – general organization that can provide services (and sometimes funding for specific services) DDMH Additional specific services in the Okanagan Pathways ARC / Family Connection Center Same parent organization, different programs available KCR YMCA Y and I Jumpstart Thompson Okanagan Services Sunshine Farms Autism Canucks – Skills Training Milieu Strive Venture Training – Vernon …
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Direct vs Indirect Communication
There isn’t a good or bad way to communicate, but it can be helpful to notice how you typically communicate and how the other people around you communicate. And you might notice there are different scenarios where one communication style works better than the other. Here are some examples of the thought process that might …
Evidence-Based Motor Skills Interventions for Autistic Youth
This info was based off of a quick literature search and is not likely fully complete. Regardless, some good data to inform practice. Type of study: Systematic review Many different types of motor interventions improved the motor abilities of children with ASD: What skills were developed was based on the type of activity. E.g. body …
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Body Doubling
Body doubling is a strategy where you work along side someone as a source of motivation (and indirect source of accountability). Check out this video by Jessica McCabe at “HowTo ADHD” to learn more In person or virtual Synchronous or asynchronous (at the same time or not) Who is the body double? Example In person …
Speech to Text
Other options: https://storybird.com – allows you to create your own stories such as a picture book, long form story, comic, and poetry. It guides you through each panel, and you can choose images from artists, and even print your own story book. The basic version is free, and then they have paid subscriptions for more features. …
Breaking down social situations
When it comes to understanding a challenging social situation it can be helpful to slow down and break down what happened. I sometimes use this visual to help facilitate debriefing those moments. When I’m using this tool I often ask people to come up with one challenging situation and one situation that they handled well …