The Benefits of Music for Children with Autism
Explore the profound benefits of music for children with autism. Discover how it enhances communication, social interaction, emotional expression, motor skills, cognitive development, and more. At PS Academy Arizona, we embrace the power of music to empower children on the autism spectrum. Learn how music can make a positive impact on your child's life. 🎵🧡
5 Ideas to Help Your Teen with Autism Stay Active
Studies show that individuals with autism are at an increased risk of inactivity and obesity-related illnesses. A sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on your teen's health and well-being in the present and later on in life. As we age, it can become more difficult to incorporate healthy habits into our schedule—give your teen a head start by helping them realize the importance of staying active and teaching them how to add these habits to their routine. Here are 5 ideas for helping your teen with autism get more active.
Traveling with Autism: A Guide to a Smooth Journey
Traveling with a teen with autism can be challenging but manageable. Our guide offers essential tips for parents, including preparation, sensory considerations, and staying patient. At PS Academy Arizona, we understand these needs and offer support for your teen’s growth. Contact us to learn more.
How to Handle School Refusal From Your Teen With Autism
Everyone dreads going to school at some point, but if your teen with autism is frequently upset or anxious about going to school, it can be challenging to know how to help. Sometimes these fears and anxieties can cause them to have trouble in the classroom, resort to troubling behaviors, or even miss days of school. This can also make it especially difficult to adhere to your family’s daily schedule and routines. So how can you help your teen with autism cope with not wanting to go to school? Here’s what you should know about school refusal.
Social Media on the Spectrum: 6 Autism Instagram Accounts to Follow
As humans in the digital age, social media sites like Instagram have the power to forge new connections, foster a sense of community, and help each and every one of our unique abilities blossom. For families and loved ones of teens with autism, it can be especially comforting to find support amongst other people who can understand the experience of life on the spectrum, even if they don’t share the same zip code. If you’re looking for a daily dose of people who “get it”, here are 5 autism Instagram accounts to add to your social media feed.
5 Tips for Improving Conversation Skills in Teens with Autism
As a parent or caregiver of a teen with autism, you want your teen to engage in meaningful conversations with others, but you may have noticed that their conversational skills aren’t as developed or confident as those of their peers. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, with patience, perseverance, and adequate support, you can help your teen with autism build a solid foundation for effective communication. Here are 5 strategies that can encourage them to improve these fundamental conversational skills. Read on to learn more.
Internet Use and Autism: How to Create an Online Safety Plan
The internet can be an expansive, but daunting place, especially with the ease of access to social media, gaming, and networking sites. This can be a positive thing for teens on the autism spectrum as it invites new opportunities for them to learn, socialize, and form connections in the world. However, the digital world also comes with its own set of rules and complicated social expectations, which can leave teens with autism more vulnerable to things like cyberbullying, scams, or phishing. Worried about your teen's safety online? Check out these safety tips for helping your child protect themselves on the internet.
What Are Social Stories? 5 Ideas to Boost Your Teen’s Interpersonal Skills
Social stories are a resource that can help your teen understand social norms and expectations, as well as provide them with tools for things like self-care and emotional regulation. This blog post will teach you why and how to use social stories to inspire your teen's social skills (and gives you a few ideas for getting started.) Let’s jump in!
Choosing Autism Education: Lessons From My Son’s Journey
As the Director of Admissions at PS Academy Arizona and the mom of a son with autism, what I have experienced in my years of parent/student interviews has led me to an important question, “when is the right time to consider choosing a private school that specializes in autism?” Let’s break down 3 myths about private school programs to help you decide if it's the right choice for your K-6 teen with autism. Read on to hear about my son's life-changing experience.
7 Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Teens With Autism
Most teens look forward to making a splash at the swimming pool, especially when the weather heats up. For teens with autism, swimming can be a wonderful summer activity that encourages physical exercise, socialization, and concentration. Parents and caregivers of teens on the autism spectrum understand the importance of taking extra measures to be vigilant about water safety. Here are 7 ways you can help make a day at the pool safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone. Let’s dive in!
8 Fun Hobbies and Activities for Teens With Autism
Encouraging your teen to explore new avenues of joy makes it possible for them to open up to previously unexplored activities and rewards them for trying new things. This list includes hobbies your teen can do solo, but doing these things together can also help them build valuable social and life skills that will help them fulfill their potential in other areas. Bid adieu to the boredom blues with this awesome list of autism-friendly hobbies for kids. Keep reading to discover the activities!
How to Help Your Teen With Autism Navigate Changes in Routine
Life is full of curveballs. Having a set routine can promote a sense of security, stability, and trust in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. This is especially true for those with autism, who often rely on their typical routines to guide them through the day. So how can you best support your teen with autism when their routine changes? Keep reading to find out.
The Ultimate Bucket List of Sensory Summer Activities
Summer break is something your teen should look forward to. That's why it's important to find activities that help them to engage with their surroundings in a way that’s comfortable and inviting for them. We made this handy Summer Bucket List, so your family can stay focused on creating magical memories that will last a lifetime. Read on to discover the activities!
5 Tips for Creating a Summer Schedule for Your teen With Autism
Create a structured summer schedule for your teen with autism to help them navigate the unstructured days of summer break. Here are five tips to support your teen and make the most of the summer months.
6 Children’s Books For Teaching Kids About Autism
Looking for children's books to help teach kids about Autism? Check out our picks for the 6 must-read books that can help to teach kids empathy, understanding, and inclusivity for children with autism.
Autism and Parenting: 4 Tips for Managing Stress
Parenting a teen with autism can be challenging & stressful. That's why we've put together our top 4 stress-management tips for parents to help you cope with the unique challenges of raising a teen with special needs.
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting an Autism-Friendly Birthday Party
Whether you are planning a birthday party for your teen with autism or have a teen with autism on the guest list, here is everything you need to know about hosting an autism-friendly event.
New P.E. Program thanks to Team UP
Pieceful Solutions and Team Up are partnering to provide all of our students with a cutting edge Adaptive Physical Education program. Read more about what it is and what it means for students.
Back to School: Three Tips for Parents
It’s already mid-summer, and time to start thinking about the back to school transition. The routine changes are stressful enough as it is, so in order to make the transition as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a few tips.
Pieceful Solutions students tip their hats to Dr. Seuss on his birthday
East Valley Tribune wrote up a great story about how our students 'tipped their hats off to Dr. Suess.'
"Pieceful Solutions, which operates three East Valley schools for K-12 children on the autism spectrum, will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday — and National Read Across America Day — today by making green eggs and ham with students."