For Parents

Thirteen-year-old Illiana Figueroa, an autistic girl from New Jersey, has recently reached over 100 thousand subscribers on her YouTube Channel, Toy Quest 101. This milestone marks a great accomplishment after three years of posting videos online with her dad.

Toy Quest 101 is all about toys, comics and pop culture. Illiana records videos with her father Miguel. They unbox and review toy products, and hold interviews. Their goal is to be inspiring to other people with autism or other special needs. The want to raise awareness about autism, and encourage people with disabilities to go after their dreams. 

Illiana used to spend time watching other YouTube channels, until her father encouraged her to create her own channel. His emotions were struck when she said that she didn’t believe she could do it because of her autism. He motivated her to get it going, and he helped her. She was scared at first, but she got used to the idea and she really likes it now. Now they cohost the show together, and have been doing so for a few years now, since 2017. They have posted about 100 videos over the last few years.

In a recent video, they unboxed their very own Silver Creator Award. The award is issued to YouTubers who surpass 100,000 subscribers. The Figueroas expressed the excitement and gratitude to the viewers, guests, and to YouTube for the achievement.

Miguel and her daughter earned the Daily Points of Light award in June 2020. Daily Points of Light is an organization founded by former president George H.W. Bush to address a number problems facing society. The two were featured and interviewed last summer after being nominated for their volunteer work in their local New Jersey communities. They try to stay active and involved in positive activities such as food drives and cosplay fundraisers.  They join events with the Boys and Girls Club to help clean up communities and other similar activities.

The show has also received some other celebrity attention, including the writers of X-Men the Animated Series and professional wrestlers Matt Cordona and Sonya Deville. They have appeared on the show for interviews and proudly show their support for Toy Quest 101’s mission. The Figueroas also have their own logo on products available on their Merch page. They also have pages with modest followings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Parenting special needs children can take a toll on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. The financial burden of therapies and gadgets can also add to the stress. With the additional difficulties of COVID-19 this past year, including masks and reduced school support, there is no doubt that some parents and guardians are being pushed to the breaking point, and are downright exhausted.  Fortunately, there are ways to combat stress and find ways to rejuvenate, even under these circumstances. The key thing to remember is to be intentional about self-care. Here are some key ways to make sure that you are at your best.

Plan, plan, plan. The only way that you will have rest is if you plan to get it. Schedule time that is just for yourself, even if it is 15 minutes or a half-hour. Work it into the daily schedule and give yourself some much needed attention. You may need to take something less important out of your schedule, but it will be worth it.

Get help. Insurance may cover the costs of respite care, which is hired help. You may have a family member or trusted friend take over for you so that you can run errands in peace or just take a break. Many states offer such family services that you do not have to pay for 100%. Someone can come to your home, or there may be a facility that will look after your special needs child for a few hours. Look into what your state and your insurance have to offer and take advantage of it. You do not have to do this alone.

Make friends. Forming bonds with other parents in similar situations can be life-saving. Being able to connect with someone else who gets it can truly be a way to reduce stress. Having friends can also provide the opportunity for you both to help each other out with the kids. Find local parent groups on Facebook or other social media. Check your state for autism centers and introduce yourself to other parents.

Workout. Getting just 20 minutes of exercise can make a world of difference in your mood and stress levels. Go for a walk, practice yoga, dance, jog, or find exercise videos on streaming services or YouTube. Anything that requires your body to move will do.

Enjoy yourself. Do the things that you love to do the most, at least once in a while. Take up a new hobby or find a way to work in your passion on a daily basis. Even if you only spend a few minutes having fun, it can give you the boost that you need to continue to care for your demanding children. 

Remember that one of the best things that you can do for your special needs child is to take good care over yourself. The healthier and stronger you are, the more you can give to them. You are also setting an example for them to take good care of themselves, too.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

A recent study conducted in Italy found that certain strains of probiotics can have a positive effect on some individuals with autism. 

People found to be within the Autism Spectrum Disorder range tend to have various issues with communication, behaviors, and sensory experiences. One of the issues that could trigger problem behaviors or become sources of frustration or distress for autistic people could be digestion related. The study found that the use of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus (typically found in yogurt), can help relieve digestive discomforts. As a result, some behaviors that are caused by digestive problems, that an autistic person may not have the communication skills to describe, can be reduced or eliminated.

Autistics often have specific and very limited dietary preferences, which can in turn create some problems when it comes to the stomach and intestines. Picky eaters might only rotate four or five meals, and be generally unwilling to eat other foods. In addition to this, many autistic people have trouble communicating verbally, making it difficult to make others aware that they are having stomach upset. Problems such as constipation or painful bowel movements, gastric upset, diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion may cause outbursts, anger, aggression, and other disruptive behaviors in certain individuals. Adding probiotics as a regular part of an autistic person’s diet could cause them to be more physically comfortable, and therefore more cooperative, less irritable and more at ease.

Registered dietitian Karen Mountjoy, from New Hampshire, confirms that a majority of children with autism have issues with diet or digestion in some way. Reactions to these problems may be misinterpreted as poor behavior, when the child is actually trying to express that they are not feeling well. Because of limited food intake and low strength in the abdominals, a diet that includes probiotics as well as peaches, plums, pears, and lots of vegetables is recommended. Strengthening the health of your child’s gut can make them more comfortable, according to Mountjoy, and that can make them behave better.

The best sources of probiotics are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimichi, miso, kombucha, pickles, natto, and some cheeses (cheddar, gouda, mozzarella). There is also a wide variety of probiotic supplements available on the market. 

Diet is an important factor an ASD symptoms and behaviors. There is other research out there that seems to support that a diet in reduced sugars and reduced or eliminated gluten can help lessen various behavioral issues and other symptoms in autistic people. At the very least, a healthy diet can add comfort to an individual with ASD, making everyday life a little bit easier for them and those that care for them. 

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Don’t let bad weather keep you from getting outside with your kids. In today’s post, we’re rounding up family friendly outerwear. Here’s what you’ll need to stay warm and dry when it’s cold and damp:

Rain Suits

Rain suits have become quite trendy with parents of young children in recent years. Have you ever outfitted your child in a raincoat and rain boots, only to have them fall on their knees in the mud? Enter the rain suit. Rain suits protect your child from head to toe. You can let them run, jump, and fall down in the rain and mud without worrying about moisture seeping through their pants. Rain suits can be off-putting for parents because of the cost. Your child may outgrow them quickly. They also take more room to store than regular rain coats. But there are budget friendly options available like this one. You can also usually find these items for resale through local social media groups.

Some kids with autism may find the sensory experience of wearing a rain suit to be unpleasant. Or, it may be too much of a struggle to dress in a one piece suit (and remove it once playtime is over). Fortunately, there are two piece rain suits available as well. Here is an example.

Headbands and Hats

You’ve probably heard before that heat escapes the body through the head and feet. Rain boots are a relatively easy staple to keep track of, but the same can’t be said about head gear. Additionally, knit hats that are sensory friendly and will stay on during outdoor play can be hard to find. A practical, budget friendly solution that works for lots of kids is the ear warmer or ear band. If your child is wearing the hood of their rain coat, they’re already protected from moisture – so a hat isn’t necessary. An ear band keeps them warm while the hood does the work of keeping them dry. Hang the ear band over a coat hook or hanger when you come inside to keep it handy for tomorrow’s trip outdoors.

The Right Socks

Rain boots, while waterproof, aren’t so great at insulating your child’s feet from the cold. Socks made from merino wool are perfect to pair with rain boots on cold days. Merino wool keeps your child’s feet warm, and also helps regulate body temperature. Look for budget friendly options or size up and look for sales to get more wear out of pricier pairs. 

Other clothing made from merino wool can help when temperatures fall even lower. Look for base layers your child can wear under their play clothes and outerwear.

Accessories

If you have young children, you are probably bringing at least some equipment with you when you leave the house. If you are taking a walk with littles and you have a stroller, consider a stroller rain cover. I have one that is specific to the brand of stroller that I own, but you can easily find universal options as well. Additionally, a waterproof blanket or water resistant stroller blanket like these ones can provide additional warmth and protection.

Finally, a waterproof backpack will help you keep snacks, your phone, and any other belongings dry as well. This is especially helpful if the weather where you live is unpredictable. You might head out when it’s dry and then have to run back home during a downpour. Depending on your child’s needs, you may also need to have things like visual supports and reinforcers with you while you are out. A waterproof bag or backpack ensures those things are ready and intact should you need them.

Now you’re ready to hike, puddle stomp, go on a scavenger hunt, or visit your local park. Have fun out there!

Courtney Gutierrez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Courtney Gutierrez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Courtney is a behavior analyst, educator, and writer in the Pacific Northwest. She has over fifteen years of experience in the field of autism services, and over ten years of master’s level experience in classroom teaching and ABA therapy. Her areas of expertise include infant and toddler development, parent coaching, ABA clinical leadership and training, P-12 special education, and case consultation for children and young adults with autism and other special needs. Courtney lives in Seattle with her husband and two children.

“Being flexible” is a skill children with autism may struggle with often. “Being flexible” means dealing with a change to what was planned or what was expected. These changes tend to present themselves at the last minute. This can make it especially hard for your child to cope. It’s hard for anyone to continue to take part in a task or activity when it isn’t going as planned. For children with autism, these difficulties are magnified. For example, your child might have a meltdown when their favorite item at the drive thru isn’t available.

Situations where your child must be flexible in real life are last minute by nature. This means that practice is essential. Basically, you take a low stakes situation and turn it into a chance to show flexibility. The more you practice being flexible with your child in non-stressful situations, the more flexible they can be when stressed. Here are 5 opportunities to practice being flexible. These are common or easy to create in daily routines:

1. Vary the steps in your morning routine. This works for any daily routine that has many steps that occur in arbitrary order. It is tempting to follow the exact same routine each day. In fact, this predictability might be something you do on purpose. This helps your child learn independence or self regulate. But, if you are working on flexibility, considering varying the steps in the routine. This could mean starting with brushing teeth instead of getting dressed. You could clean up the playroom before dinner instead of after. Or, switch who handles which chore. Take turns being in charge of setting or clearing the table, for example. Varying the steps as a habit will help your child better deal with last minute or unexpected changes when they do happen.

2. Present two preferred options to choose from. Giving your child choices helps them learn to be flexible by selecting one option while they have to leave the other behind. This helps them learn flexibility in a situation where one preferred option is truly unavailable. 

3. Pause or stop a fun activity for a short time. Work on introducing “spontaneous” interruptions to a preferred activity. For example, if you are reading a lengthy book with your child, you can pause the activity to do a short task like check on a meal that is cooking. Practice having your child wait for you to come back. This helps teach flexibility in a situation where something is delayed or interrupted. This is especially important when there is no known end time for the interruption.

4. Insert a neutral step into the day without prior planning. Again, teaching your child the schedule of the day and following it is important. But when you are working on flexibility, it’s good to introduce small activities or tasks that weren’t communicated at the beginning of the day. You can also prepare your child at the beginning of the day. Tell them “today we will have a surprise activity” so they aren’t completely caught off guard. 

5. Skip over a step or a page “accidentally.” Skip a page of a book you are reading, or “forget” to bring silverware to the table at lunch. Coach your child on how to effectively communicate what happened and remedy it, without getting too attached to a perfect outcome. This will help your child deal with situations in the real world where a teacher or peer forgets or skips something accidentally.

Courtney Gutierrez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Courtney Gutierrez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Courtney is a behavior analyst, educator, and writer in the Pacific Northwest. She has over fifteen years of experience in the field of autism services, and over ten years of master’s level experience in classroom teaching and ABA therapy. Her areas of expertise include infant and toddler development, parent coaching, ABA clinical leadership and training, P-12 special education, and case consultation for children and young adults with autism and other special needs. Courtney lives in Seattle with her husband and two children.

Over the summer, PBS Kids released a new series called “Hero Elementary” that features a group of kids with special abilities. Each character is unique, and has their own challenges and super powers. One of the main characters, AJ Gadgets is on the autism spectrum.

While the creators of the show, Carol-Lynn Parente and Christine Ferraro, didn’t originally set out to create an autistic character, they love how it worked out. Ferraro stated in a recent interview that it sends a strong message because the show isn’t all about AJ Gadgets or his autism, instead it is about the group of diverse kids who solve problems together. AJ can project his thoughts and has various devices that help the team. His teammates can fly, teleport, or create forcefields. They are all portrayed as equally important to the team.

Autism is not the focus of the show, and people who are not familiar with the disorder may not notice that AJ has it. He doesn’t like hearing loud noises, feeling wet clothes, or being without his backpack. There are one or two future episodes that focus on AJ Gadgets, but the creators are very intentional about keeping AJ as just another regular part of the team, showing that people on the spectrum have a place in the world, and they contribute, too.

Dennis Taylor, is a consultant for the show. He is a 27-year-old, autistic artist and storyteller. He helps with the AJ Gadget’s character on every episode. Taylor hopes to help bring awareness and acceptance of people on the spectrum through his work behind the scenes of the show. His involvement helps keep the character true to life when it comes to being on the spectrum.

The other characters have their own issues to face as well. Lucita is afraid of heights. Sara is really small. They are all still learning to use their powers to the best of their ability. Everyone helps each other out, including AJ Gadgets. There is a lot of teamwork, and no one character is pointed our more than the other, showing great inclusiveness, support, and understanding for our autistic representation.

One of the major goals of “Hero Elementary” is to encourage children between the ages of 4 and 7 to use problem solving skills, empathy and kindness. The creators want to help people remember that all kids are different in their own ways. PBS will produce at least 40-80 episodes, each with two stories, for a total of about 30 minutes each. Co-creator Parente noted that she wants the show to help kids think more scientifically and independently. 

Parente is also behind the Sesame Street character Julia, who is also on the spectrum. Julia was introduced several years ago online, and has appeared on the show several times. In the last three years, Julia has been a special part of Autism Awareness Month, which is April. 

“Hero Elementary” is being shown on PBS stations, including the PBS kids 24/7 channel, and the PBS kids digital application.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.