Walking on tiptoes beyond the toddler years can be a sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially when it happens often and alongside other challenges. Many children briefly go through a phase of tiptoe walking, but if it continues well past age two or three, it...
Assisting kids with autism through transitions is one of the biggest challenges they face daily. Whether it’s moving from one activity to another, leaving a favorite place, or adjusting to a new routine, these changes can feel overwhelming. Research shows that...
Tampa Bay is a fantastic place for children of all abilities to get involved in community sports and other programs. With so many options, families can find the right children’s enrichment activities to fit their needs. Programs like Kidokinetics, adaptive...
Children with autism often develop deep, special interests that shape how they learn, communicate, and interact with the world. Research shows that nearly 90% of autistic individuals have at least one highly focused interest. These interests are not just hobbies—they...
Early signs of autism in toddlers can vary widely. They include delayed language development, issues with social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. You may notice distress at changes, atypical reactions to sensory inputs, or a preference for solitude. Some...
Autism and co-occurring conditions often go hand in hand, affecting how children learn, communicate, and experience the world. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have worked with hundreds of children with autism and have seen firsthand how conditions like ADHD,...
