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Autism Parenting

ציבורי·33 חברים

Autism and Self-Advocacy


If you're like me, you've heard the term "self-advocacy" used frequently within schools, healthcare settings, and community agencies. What does this mean, and how does the focus impact those on the autism spectrum?


What is Self-Advocacy?


Selfadvocatenet.com defines self-advocacy as "the ability to speak up for yourself and the things that are important to you. Self-advocacy means you are able to ask for what you need and want and tell people about your thoughts and feelings... The goal of self-advocacy is for YOU to decide what you want then develop and carry out a plan to help you get it."


 

3 Reasons Why Autistics May Struggle With the Demands of Self-Advocacy


6 צפיות

Autism and School Avoidance


Autism and School Non-attendance


Various terms have been used to describe the frequent absences from school due to anxiety or feeling overwhelmed: e.g., school refusal, problematic absenteeism, or school avoidance. Students who miss 10% or more of school are described as having "persistent non-attendance/absence" or "problematic non-attendance." The rate of school non-attendance is notably higher for students on the autism spectrum compared with neurotypical students.


What is the rate of school absence/avoidance for autistic students?


•     Autistic students in mainstream education (no intellectual disability) had a higher rate of school refusal behavior than the general student body in Norway (43% of autistic students versus 7%) [Munkhaugen 2017]. Interestingly, parents of these autistic students noted higher levels of "school refusal behavior" (53%) than that reflected in the actual absence rate.

•     The most common reason for school absence for the autistic student is school refusal. [Adams, 2022; Totsika, 2020]


6 צפיות

The School Year: Tips for Success for the Autistic Student


Return to school is a great time to teach students about balancing their life schedule based on what their nervous system needs. Here are three of my most common recommendations for the autistic student.


1. Create a Balanced Schedule


Many students feel pressure to take on advanced classes, extracurriculars, and maintain a packed schedule. However, for autistic students, managing a heavy academic load can quickly become overwhelming. It’s essential that they learn to to balance the demands of school with their mental and emotional needs.


  • Consider Regular Classes Instead of Honors: Honors or advanced placement courses might seem like the path to academic success, but they often come with increased expectations and workload. For autistic students, the stress from these classes may outweigh the benefits. Standard courses may offer a more manageable pace, allowing them to focus on learning without the added…


Exciting Updates to the Parenting Offerings!


I’ve listened to your feedback and made some changes to improve the website offerings related to the parenting group and Empowered Parenting course!


- Parenting Group: This group is now completely free! I want to make it as accessible as possible to everyone, so please feel free to join and benefit from the shared insights and support.


-Empowered Parenting Course: This course is now listed separately under the "Learning" tab in the main menu for easier access. Based on your feedback, I’ve discontinued the group Zoom option. However, we’re offering something new: Anyone who has purchased the course can now schedule a free 15-minute session with Dr. Regan to ask follow-up questions about the course content.


- For Existing Participants: There's no need to worry if you’ve already purchased the course. You’ve been automatically added to the course roster and won’t need to pay…


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Have you explored the website? Check out the many pages dedicated toward clinicians, autistic adults, and family members. You can read articles, find the podcast, or book sessions with Dr. Regan directly through the website. Have additional questions? Feel free to email Dr. Regan and her team using the contact form. 

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  • Can Dr. Regan suggest a provider in my state?
    Dr. Regan does not maintain a nationwide list of referral options at this time.
  • As a professional clinician, can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Regan?
    Dr. Regan offers various training opportunities for clinicians. Visit the "For Clinicians" page on her website for details on professional consultation appointments, CEU courses, and a free clinicians' group.
  • Is insurance accepted for appointments with Dr. Regan?
    Appointments with Dr. Regan at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center are billed through the hospital, and any insurance accepted by the hospital can be used. Please verify coverage with your insurance provider before the appointment. Video appointments via Dr. Regan's website are self-pay. For more details, visit the video visits page.
  • Does Dr. Regan conduct diagnostic assessments?
    Dr. Regan specializes in autism assessments for adolescents, adults, and older adults, having completed over 1,000 evaluations, including around 400 for females. She performs diagnostic assessments exclusively at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, with a current waitlist of about four years. While she does not offer diagnostic evaluations through her website, she provides one-hour video consultations on topics like communication, relationships, household living, emotional regulation, and work. These can be scheduled via the video visits page.
  • Can I schedule a video visit with Dr. Regan if I am out of state?
    Dr. Regan does not conduct diagnostic evaluations via video sessions. However, you can book a one-hour consultation to discuss daily living topics such as calming anxiety, effective communication, relationship repair, navigating neurodiverse households, and improving organization and productivity. Note that Dr. Regan cannot provide video consultations for individuals in Alaska, California, Guam, Iowa, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, countries outside the USA, or Illinois due to contractual obligations with her employer.
  • How can I get on Dr. Regan's evaluation waitlist in Peoria?
    Dr. Regan conducts diagnostic assessments at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She sees patients aged 14 and older including adolescents, adults, and older adults. She has a four-year waitlist. To be placed on the waitlist, please have your physician call 309-655-7378 for instructions on how to send a referral. Once this is complete, a member of staff will contact you to hold your appointment date.

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