Tag: autism

How To Increase Social Interaction With Kids 

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Social interaction is an essential aspect of a child’s development. Interacting with peers and adults helps children build social skills, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence. In today’s digital age, children spend more time in front of screens and less time interacting with others. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children have opportunities to socialize and interact with others. 

Here are some tips to help increase social interaction: 

  1. Encourage extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, dance, and drama can provide children with opportunities to interact with peers who share similar interests. Encourage your child to join a team or club where they can develop their skills and make friends.
  2. Plan playdates: Playdates are an excellent way for children to socialize with their peers outside of school. Invite other children to your home or meet at a local park or playground. Supervising playdates and ensuring that the children are getting along and playing safely is essential.
  3. Volunteer as a family: Volunteering as a family can be a great way to teach children about empathy and kindness while also providing opportunities for social interaction. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community that are age-appropriate for your child.
  4. Plan family outings: Family outings, such as trips to the zoo, museums, or amusement parks, can be an excellent way for children to socialize with their parents and siblings while also interacting with other families. Look for events or activities that are specifically designed for families.
  5. Use technology wisely: While technology can be a useful tool for social interaction, it’s important to use it wisely. Encourage your child to use social media and messaging apps to keep in touch with friends and encourage face-to-face interactions. Limit screen time and encourage your child to put their phone or tablet down and engage in conversation with others.
  6. Attend community events: Community events, such as festivals, fairs, and parades, provide opportunities for children to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Attend these events as a family and encourage your child to interact with others.

Social interaction is critical for a child’s development, and it’s important to provide opportunities for children to interact with peers and adults. Encourage extracurricular activities, plan playdates, volunteer as a family, plan family outings, use technology wisely, and attend community events to increase social interaction with your child. 

Susie Liberatore is the owner of a franchise marketing agency, Visions2images.com. She is a single mother, with a child who has special needs, who encourages others to grow their business and life. 

Get the best tips to grow your business: The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

How To Parent An Autistic Child.

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Parenting is never an easy job, but when it comes to parenting a child with autism, it can be even more challenging. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is estimated that around 1 in 54 children in the United States has ASD, and the number is growing.

Parenting a child with autism can be a roller coaster of emotions, from joy and love to frustration and exhaustion. There are many different challenges that parents of children with autism may face, and no two families’ experiences are the same. Here are some of the common difficulties that parents of autistic children may encounter:

  1. Communication: Children with autism may have difficulty communicating their needs, wants, and feelings. They may not use words to express themselves or may have trouble understanding the nuances of language. This can make it hard for parents to know what their child needs or wants, leading to frustration and stress.
  2. Social Interaction: Children with autism may struggle with social interaction, such as making eye contact, initiating conversations, or reading social cues. This can make it hard for them to make friends or build relationships with peers, which can be isolating and lonely for both the child and their parents.
  3. Sensory Issues: Children with autism may have sensory issues, such as being hypersensitive to sounds, textures, or lights, or not feeling pain or temperature changes. These issues can make everyday experiences like going to the grocery store or getting dressed, overwhelming and stressful.
  4. Behavior: Children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or have difficulty with transitions or changes in routine. They may also have meltdowns or tantrums when they are overwhelmed or unable to communicate their needs effectively. These behaviors can be difficult for parents to manage, leading to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and guilt.

Parenting a child with autism requires patience, understanding, and a lot of hard work. It can also be emotionally and physically draining, as parents may need to advocate for their child’s needs, navigate complex healthcare and educational systems, and manage their own stress and anxiety.

Fortunately, there are resources and support available for parents of children with autism. Early intervention programs, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, can help children develop communication and social skills. Support groups and parent training programs can provide a sense of community and help parents develop strategies for managing challenging behaviors and coping with the stress of parenting a child with autism.

Parenting a child with autism is hard, but it is also rewarding. While there are many challenges, there are also many moments of joy, love, and connection. With the right support, resources, and strategies, parents can help their children with autism thrive and reach their full potential.

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

What To Do If A School Isn’t Following Your Child’s IEP

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What To Do If A School Isn’t Following Your Child’s IEP

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, there are times when schools fail to follow IEPs, which can be frustrating and challenging for students and their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you can do if your school isn’t following your IEP.

  • Communicate with your child’s teachers and school administration.

The first step is to communicate your concerns with your child’s teachers and the school administration. It’s possible that the school may not be aware that they are not following the IEP, and they may be willing to make the necessary changes. Be specific about the areas where the school is falling short, and provide any documentation that supports your concerns. Make sure to keep a record of all communication with the school.

  • Request an IEP meeting.

If the school does not make the necessary changes, you can request an IEP meeting to discuss your concerns. During the meeting, you can review the IEP and identify the areas where the school is not following it. You can also discuss potential solutions to address these issues. It’s important to remember that the IEP is a legally binding document, and the school is required to follow it.

  • Consider mediation or due process.

If you are unable to resolve the issue with the school, you may want to consider mediation or due process. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate a resolution between you and the school. Due process involves filing a formal complaint with the school district and may involve a hearing before an administrative law judge. Both options can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before pursuing them.

  • Seek outside support.

You don’t have to navigate the process alone. Consider seeking the support of an advocate or an attorney who specializes in special education law. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that your child’s rights are protected. Additionally, you can seek support from local or national organizations that provide resources and support for families of students with disabilities.

It is important to take action to ensure that your child receives the support they need to succeed in school. Communicate your concerns with the school, request an IEP meeting, consider mediation or due process, and seek outside support. Remember, you are your child’s advocate, and it’s essential to protect their rights.

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

How To Track IEP Progress As A Parent

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As a parent, monitoring your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) progress is essential to ensure they are making adequate progress toward their goals. An IEP is a legal document that outlines specific educational goals and accommodations for students with disabilities, so tracking progress is crucial to ensure the student receives the necessary support to succeed. Here are some tips on how to track IEP progress as a parent:

  1. Understand the IEP goals and objectives

Before you can track progress, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your child’s IEP goals and objectives. Make sure you have a copy of the IEP and review it regularly. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the school’s special education teacher or your child’s case manager.

  • Communicate regularly with the school team

The school team, including the special education teacher and case manager, should provide regular updates on your child’s progress toward their IEP goals. Set up regular communication with the school team to discuss your child’s progress, any concerns you may have, and strategies that may be working at home.

  • Attend IEP meetings

IEP meetings are an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress with the school team and adjust the IEP goals and objectives, if necessary. Attend all IEP meetings and come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have. Take notes during the meeting, and make sure to follow up on any action items after the meeting.

  • Keep track of your child’s work and assignments

Keep track of your child’s work and assignments to get a sense of their progress. You can review their work to see if they are meeting the IEP goals and objectives. Keeping a portfolio of your child’s work is also helpful to show progress over time.

  • Consider using technology

There are many tools and apps available to help track IEP progress. Consider using a digital tool to track your child’s progress toward their goals. These tools can help you monitor progress, set reminders, and communicate with the school team.

  • Celebrate successes

Celebrating successes, no matter how small, is essential for maintaining motivation and building confidence. When your child meets an IEP goal or objective, take time to celebrate and acknowledge their hard work.

Tracking IEP progress can be collaborative between parents and the school team. By working together, you can ensure that your child receives the necessary support to succeed in school. 

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

Time Management: The Key to Success

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Time is a valuable resource, and managing it effectively is crucial for success in both personal and professional life. With the fast-paced and demanding nature of our daily lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like there are not enough hours in the day. However, by adopting a few simple time management strategies, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve your goals.

Set Priorities: Start by identifying the most important tasks and prioritizing them. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first, and don’t let low-priority tasks distract you.

Create a To-Do List: Write down all the tasks you need to complete, and prioritize them in order of importance. This will help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

Use a Calendar: Plan your day, week, and month in advance, and schedule time for both work and leisure activities. This will help you avoid overloading your schedule and ensure that you have time for self-care and relaxation.

Minimize Distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone, close your email program, and eliminate other distractions while you’re working on important tasks. Focus on one task at a time, and avoid multitasking.

Take Breaks: Regular breaks can improve your focus and productivity. Take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, grab a snack, or simply step away from your work.

Learn to Say No: Saying no to low-priority tasks and distractions can free up more time for important tasks. Learn to prioritize your time and focus on what’s truly important.

Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly review your time management strategies and make adjustments as needed. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so be open to trying new techniques and finding what works best for you.

In conclusion, effective time management is about setting priorities, using tools and techniques to stay organized, and taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. Following these tips can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve your goals. Start managing your time effectively today, and watch as your success grows!

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

What is Autism?

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is a complex condition and individuals with autism can have a wide range of symptoms and abilities. Here are some tips for supporting individuals with autism:

Provide structure and routine: People with autism tend to thrive on routine and structure, so having a consistent daily routine can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Use clear and concise language: People with autism may struggle with understanding figurative or abstract language, so using clear and concise language can help improve communication.

Visual aids: Visual aids such as pictures, symbols, and videos can help individuals with autism better understand and process information.

Emphasize social skills: Social skills, such as making eye contact, taking turns in conversation, and understanding social cues, can be challenging for people with autism. Encourage and support the development of these skills through role-playing and social skills groups.

Accommodate sensory sensitivities: Some people with autism have sensory sensitivities to noise, lights, or touch. Providing a quiet and comfortable environment and allowing for breaks from sensory stimulation can help reduce stress and improve functioning.

Encourage physical activity: Exercise and physical activity can help individuals with autism regulate their emotions, improve focus and attention, and decrease stress.

Seek support: Raising a child with autism can be challenging, so seeking support from family, friends, and support groups can help.

Respect their interests and strengths: People with autism often have unique interests and strengths. Encouraging and supporting these interests can help boost self-esteem and improve quality of life.

Be patient: People with autism may take longer to process information and respond, so it is important to be patient and give them the time they need.

Celebrate their progress: People with autism often make significant progress, no matter how small. Celebrating their achievements and progress can help build confidence and self-esteem.

Remember that every individual with autism is unique and may have different needs and abilities. By using these tips and being supportive, you can help individuals with autism reach their full potential.

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

IEP Progress Report Are A Must

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As a special needs mama, it is always so important to keep in touch with my son’s school. I like to know the good, bad, and the ugly. I talk daily with his teachers and staff about his progress. 

However, sometimes there are times when things do not go as well as we had hoped and it can cause some issues both in school and in person. When a teacher voices that something is off I often like to collect data, and talk with peers, and doctors. 

Here are some questions you can ask: 

  • Is he still making progress? 
  • How often is he doing this behavior? 
  • What happened right before this? 
  • How long does he sit still? 
  • Does have a sensory diet? 
  • Are there peers who are doing something similar and he is doing it as a reflection? 
  • What are you doing to stop a behavior? 
  • Is it interfering with his school work or his peers?

If it gets to the point, where it is ongoing I like to sit down and talk with the teachers and any admin staff. I ask for their support and put together a plan of action for school and home. 

I am also discussing the possibility of having outside support such as speech and additional therapy. Know that no one is perfect and kids can’t have great days every day. However, if there are patterns each day and it isn’t getting fixed, then it is time to look at solutions. 

I am looking into outside-of-school speech therapy simply so that we can work more on receptive language. Now that he is finally talking, I am looking to expand his communication further. I am looking forward to this next step and journey.

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

Best Holiday Tips For Sensory-Friendly Kids

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The holidays can be overwhelming for an autistic child. Every kid is different, so some tips and techniques might not work for you. You know your child best, but I like to share my knowledge with others. 

  1. Try to take time out from everyone 
  2. Meltdowns might happen
  3. Communicate with others 
  4. Allow lights to be dimmed 
  5. Make plans ahead of time with a visual planner 
  6. Keep up with rewards 
  7. Plan an escape 
  8. Allow time blocks 
  9. Have routines in line
  10. Allow the sounds to be low 
  11. Take turns in rooms or circles in moderation 

It is important to keep things as consistent as possible during the holidays, but also to have fun. I know that whenever we have holidays and celebrations it can cause increased stimming and hyperness. These are great ways to help you through the holiday madness with an autistic child. 

You know your child best, and know what will work for them. It is also wise to express concerns and boundaries with your friends and family. 

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

The holidays can be overwhelming for an autistic child.

How A Single Mom Does It All: I outsource

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When I first became a single mom, I thought to myself how am I going to be able to get all the things done… You know the lawn, dishes, cleaning, laundry, work, parenting, etc. The list goes on and on. The struggle was real. I was on a strict budget and could not afford all the things that I wanted.

Now that I have taken control of my life, I am able to manage it much easier and focus on how to manage my time much more efficiently so I am not doing all the things. 

The key to single parenting is OUTSOURCING. 

  • Pet sitting: If I am going away or out of town, I totally let my friend watch my dog(S) while I am away. I used to have two dogs and it made traveling so much easier. She would watch them and I wouldn’t have to worry about putting them in the kennel. Now that I have one dog, I still sometimes ask her to watch Bella. 
  • Cleaning: YES. I outsource cleaning. I have a cleaning lady come once a month and do deep cleaning. This helps to ensure that we are getting in all the cracks and grains that I don’t clean every day. This has been a huge lifesaver for me. She comes for about two hours a month and it really knocks a lot off my plate. 
  • Babysitter: Again, this is awesome to have! When I first got divorced, I was nervous and scared to have someone else watch my boy. However, now I have so many great people that I can depend on and rely on that I feel great about having some adult time. 
  • Lawn guy: This is perfect, he will do my grass, leaves, and even snow. He covers my yard all year round. I highly suggest outsourcing this. 

I have learned that my time is valuable and I love being able to get things off my plate. 

What I outsource in business 

  • Accounting: If you know me personally, you know that math is my weakness. I am NOT good at all with this. I have found that my anxiety is WAY lower when I have someone doing this for me. 
  • CPA: Well, if I do not do the accounting, then I wouldn’t take on the CPA role either. I outsource this and have never looked back since then. I love that my CPA has helped me to create a great system to pay quarterly taxes and get the best bang for my buck.
  • Admin work: I learned a long time ago, that admin work takes up a ton of time. This was one of the first things that I outsourced. I love that I can have someone work on contracts, proposals, and other items so that I can have more time with my clients. 
  • Creative tasks: Just this past year, I started to hire and take on team members for writing, design, and website development. If I wanted to grow my company, I needed to be able to have a team to assist.

I didn’t grow any of this overnight. You might not need all the help, but I know that my time is valuable. Figure out what you can outsource, and make it happen. 

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

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How To Communicate With Autistic Kids

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Now that Antonio is talking more I feel like we are making great progress. However, we are still facing issues as that is bound to happen.  I make sure to take note of the things we struggle with so that way I can keep working on them with him. 

  1. Not clear: Sometimes things are not clear what he says when I am not talking to him directly. He likes to repeat things from his iPad so sometimes I can figure it out, but other times I can not. I ask him to repeat himself, he will do that a few times, but then will get frustrated. It is important that I keep asking him to repeat it so we can work through it together. 
  2. Very soft: He will talk very soft, or very loud, there isn’t an in between. If I ask him to speak louder it will basically be a scream and super loud. We are working on understanding the difference noise levels so that he can talk more regular with others. He will imitate and repeat the different noises and vocals I make, so I make sure that I do it at the right noise level. 
  3. Can’t complete sentences: I always make sure to let him communicate his needs and wants. I make him communicate into a sentence form so he can really start to communicate more efficiently. 

I know so many parents that have gone through the same issues as myself. There is no right answer to improve communication with a nonverbal child all it takes is determination and patience. I enjoy being able to help and guide others since I have had to take my own action steps. If you are looking for support, feel free to reach out; I always love sharing our journey and techniques. 

Meet Susie Liberatore

As an Art Director with over 10 years of experience in the agency and corporate world, I saw global and local clients missing out on so many opportunities to get leads because of inconsistent branding. My goal is to help them generate new clients with my strategic processes. I help businesses NOT waste time or money and provide the highest quality design and service. As a single mom to an autistic child, I know how valuable time and money are. 

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days