Inclusion
Welcome Back
It’s been a year since we first heard about COVID-19 and the first lockdowns were instituted. Living in Kansas, the center of the country, the extent of the lockdown was different than what the East and West coasts experienced. Nevertheless, both my boys, our youngest finishing up 8th grade and our first born, a 2020…
Distance Learning on the Spectrum: Setting Up for Success
The abrupt shift to distance learning left many families, children, educators and administrators uneasy during an uncertain time. With drastic changes in routines, loss of social connections to friends and teachers, and an immediate need to cope with an ever-changing reality; individuals on the autism spectrum may need additional support navigating their new world of…
One PT’S Perspective on Physical Activity in a Pandemic
It is no surprise that the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives in ways we could have not imagined. With changes in our daily routines impacting exercise opportunities, sleep schedules, screen time, and limiting our social interactions, the toll on our collective health and wellbeing is profound. Prior to COVID -19, more than…
A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Perspective
Jen O’Loughlin is a Physical Therapist, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist. She has experience in various pediatric clinical settings such as: Inpatient Rehab, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aquatics, and the School System. She is currently working in a hospital-based system in Portland, Oregon. TLJ: Jen, how did your…
Through the Eyes of an Autism Specialist
Megan Knapp, MA, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst specializing in children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). She started her career with a private agency, doing one-on-one in-home therapy. Megan then moved into the public sector, becoming an Instructional Assistant in a special education classroom. In her next role, she became the Lead Behavior…
A Mom’s Journey with A Son Who Has ASD (Part III)
An Interview with DeeDee Velasquez-Peralta, LMSW Part III Being Present With ASD DeeDee began her journey as a social worker working with children and adults with disabilities, developing behavioral support plans to help them successfully be integrated into mainstream classrooms and into their communities. She then started working in healthcare where she utilized a strength-based…