Author Archives for sperling

What does it mean to be “on the spectrum?”

April 12, 2016 10:20 am Published by Comments Off on What does it mean to be “on the spectrum?”

In the world of special education there are many buzz words and phrases thrown around that people “in the know” understand but tend to confuse the general public.  “On the spectrum” is one such phrase....


Common Questions about Autism

April 5, 2016 9:59 am Published by Comments Off on Common Questions about Autism

Whether your child has been diagnosed with autism or you merely know of someone who has it, chances are you have questions.  You probably have a lot of questions.  In an effort to increase awareness...


What is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD)?

March 28, 2016 8:51 am Published by Comments Off on What is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD)?

Many of us take for granted the social and communication skills needed to mingle with other people and take part in small talk or chit chat. For many children, teens and adults on the spectrum,...


What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

March 21, 2016 6:38 pm Published by Comments Off on What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

It is not unusual for children (especially those navigating the tantrums of the terrible twos) or teens (navigating the hormonally charged adolescent years) to defy authority every now and then. Dare I say that they...


Asperger’s- the Teen Years

March 14, 2016 4:27 pm Published by Comments Off on Asperger’s- the Teen Years

Navigating the volatile, awkward  and many times, hormonal teen years can be overwhelming for even the most socially confident young people.  Navigating the teens with Asperger’s Syndrome can be downright difficult. Some of the biggest...


Autism Early Signs: What to Look for in Babies, Toddlers, and Children

March 7, 2016 11:50 am Published by Comments Off on Autism Early Signs: What to Look for in Babies, Toddlers, and Children

As a parent, you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital with the full knowledge that you will do just about anything for this tiny human who has stolen your heart.  You relish...


Calming your Anxious Child

February 23, 2016 10:32 am Published by Comments Off on Calming your Anxious Child

The numbers are in.  Our kids are anxious.  Well, at least 20% of school-age children show common signs of being anxious.  An even larger number of children experience stress that does not qualify as an...


Myths and Facts – Autism

February 16, 2016 10:09 am Published by Comments Off on Myths and Facts – Autism

Autism is in the news front and center.  Reports of the latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control, research, therapies, schools, and of course the inevitable feel good story of an autism success story. ...


Benefits of Early Autism Diagnosis Research

February 9, 2016 9:39 am Published by Comments Off on Benefits of Early Autism Diagnosis Research

Finding out your child may have the markers for Autism or any of the Autism Spectrum Disorders can be like a punch in the gut for parents.  No one wants their child to struggle.  Thankfully...


Understanding the IEP Process

February 2, 2016 9:08 am Published by Comments Off on Understanding the IEP Process

Discovering your child has special needs in school whether it is in regards to reading, writing, math, attention, social or cognitive skills can be a hard pill for parents to swallow.  Thankfully our public education...