• Review of Pixar’s ‘Float’

    Rubio created the film out of his own experience, drawing on his real-life relationship with his son, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The diagnosis was difficult for Rubio to process, and his wife suggested he use his art to work through it and express what he felt. In his new film, he was able to do exactly that, and the result is a piece with universal appeal, but a special significance for those living with ASD.

    If you haven’t seen “Float,” be aware that there are spoilers ahead. In the film, a father learns that his young son can defy gravity and float through the air. Because of the responses of others, he tries to hide this ability, first keeping his son indoors, then trying to weigh him down with rocks and a tether. At one point these measures prove futile, and his son flies around a playground, eliciting disapproving and even fearful reactions from other people. His father catches him, they struggle, and in the movie’s only line of dialogue, he yells at his son, “Why can’t you be normal?” The son shuts down and cries; realizing what he’s done, the father holds the child and begins to swing with him, eventually launching him into the air and celebrating his ability.

    For many people with ASD, the message is a welcome step towards understanding. One adult with ASD put it this way, “I applaud Mr. Rubio for bringing this story to life and giving a platform for us to discuss autism and acceptance on a national scale.” Another person stated, “In a world where sometimes people are given a bit more fear and a bit less encouragement, I really appreciated the message this film shares.”

    Subtle but powerful, the ending centers on the son’s ability and the father’s joy, without turning the focus back to the onlookers. Perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway: it’s more important to embrace a child’s unique qualities than to worry about fitting in with the crowd.

    If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.

  • Preparing your Child with ASD for School Environments

    Getting ready to start school is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially if your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For children with ASD, school can pose challenges, whether related to cognitive processing delays, sensory perception issues, or social skills deficits. Here, we offer some helpful tips to prepare both you and your child for school success.   

  • Establish routines ahead of time. Because children with ASD often have difficulty adjusting to changes in their schedules, it’s best not to spring these changes on your child. Instead, well before the school year, institute routines and schedules he or she is likely to encounter when school begins. Establish the right sleeping and eating schedule well before the first day of school, and endeavor to introduce your child to activities that are likely in a school setting.  
  • Become familiar with the school and staff. With and without your child, visit the school and speak to the teachers, administrators, and support staff. When you go alone, you can outline your child’s needs and goals while familiarizing yourself with the educators who will be playing a major role in your child’s learning experience. Taking your child to school ahead of time can help make the first day less intimidating, as can finding ways to expose him or her to different social settings before school starts, particularly opportunities for interaction with peers. 
  • Gather information, and share it. Have your child thoroughly assessed, and use this detailed information to help develop his or her IEP. Speak to the teachers about your child’s needs, and how to most effectively interact with your child. If your child will be in an integrated classroom, as the teacher to speak to the class about ASD so that the other children will have a better understanding.  
  • Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Talk about school, tell stories from your school days, look at photos of your child’s school, and read social stories that will help your child understand what to expect. Buy new clothes and school supplies in advance of that first day, so that your child can practice using them before school starts. Go to the school just to walk around or play on the playground, to help make your child more comfortable with all that school entails. 
  • Prepare yourself as well. Try not to be stressed about it, and talk to other parents so that you can feel less alone. Stay involved at the school, volunteering at school events and paying attention to what’s going on at school.  

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896. 

  • Nonverbal Ways to Connect with Your Child with Autism

    When a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, parents can often be overwhelmed. This diagnosis can be frightening, because you may not be sure how to help your child cope with this lifelong condition. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available to help both you and your child face the challenges that ASD can bring, so that you can help your child learn, grow, and thrive. One of the challenges you’ll face is in connecting with your child with ASD, but with some practice, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively, often without saying a word.

    • Pay attention to your child’s nonverbal cues. By noticing his or her facial expressions, gestures, and sounds, you’ll gain an understanding of when your child is tired, hungry, or wants something. The important thing for you, as a parent, is to be observant and aware.
    • Look for the motivation behind the behavior. When people are misunderstood or ignored, they feel upset. Children with ASD are no different, and they may throw tantrums as a way to communicate their frustration and get your attention when their nonverbal signals are being ignored.
    • Have fun with your child. When your child has ASD, your schedule can become full of therapeutic activities, and lacking in downtime and fun. Remember, your child with special needs is still a child, and play is an important part of every child’s learning experience. Plan playtime when your child is most alert and awake, and find ways to make your child smile, laugh, and interact. Even if you’re not doing something educational or therapeutic, your child will reap the benefits of unpressured time with you. You’ll benefit as well, from the enjoyment of your child’s company.
    • Be aware of sensory sensitivities. Often, children with ASD are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli: light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. On the other hand, some children with ASD are under-sensitive to those same things. Pay attention to your child’s reactions to sights, sounds, smells, movements, and sensations, and you’ll learn a lot about what triggers a negative or positive response. When you learn what your child finds stressful or uncomfortable, as well as what he or she finds calming and enjoyable, you’ll find it easier to create successful experiences and prevent difficult situations.

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.