Child ADHD & Autism
Support for children and teens with ADHD and Autism in Douglas County, NE.
Recognizing Early Signs of ADHD and Autism in Children
Your child has a difficulty sitting down; has an odd way of playing or relating to other kids; has a terrible time managing focus on anything other than what they have intense, special interest in; is impulsive; has uncontrolled emotions; and does not appear to be listening or have eye contact when being spoken to. These are signs of a neurological (think the brain) difference found in ADHD and Autism. Being a parent to a special needs child means that all aspects of parenting are magnified. Trips to the grocery store, getting dressed, or a change in plans require you to be more calm, patient, and supportive. Seemingly innocent experiences like sleepovers, going to the movies, or birthday parties demand you to worry more and be even more prepared. And most people don’t understand the struggles you go through.
Seeing Signs Others Miss or Misunderstand
You see the looks and hear the whispers of “if that was my child….” You feel shamed and enraged for the judgement for having a child who’s different. Family members also inadvertently make things worse. You’ve probably heard “if you just gave them a good spanking…” more times than you care to remember. And of course, you can’t spank the neurodiverse needs out of your child….at least no more than you can the ignorance out of some people. Am I right?? You’ve known something was different or unusual, you just couldn’t put your finger on it. Then, your little kiddo started school, where the differences became more noticeable. At first the symptoms and behaviors were subtle, like clumsiness and aversion to lights and sounds. But as your child ages, you notice more differences in attention, rigidity, social differences, and repetitive movement.
Overlapping Symptoms of Child ADHD & Autism
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- Attention issues
- Emotion dysregulation
- Poor eye contact
- Poor time management
- Social skill deficits
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What is Autplay?
AutPlay is a specialized form of Play Therapy specifically designed to help the child and play therapist address therapeutic goals and needs of neurodivergent clients ages 3-18. AutPlay is designed to help Autistic clients, as well as clients who have ADHD, social anxiety, sensory integration difficulties, learning differences, highly sensitive emotions, and developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities. The process affirms the strengths and interests of the child that help guide interventions, goals and approaches for the child and their family.
Autplay allows children to learn skills to improve the following:
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- Managing emotions
- Social interactions
- Building relationships
- Anxious behavior
- Sensory intolerance
- Focus and concentration
- Organization
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What is Autplay?
AutPlay is a specialized form of Play Therapy specifically designed to help the child and play therapist address therapeutic goals and needs of neurodivergent clients ages 3-18. AutPlay is designed to help Autistic clients, as well as clients who have ADHD, social anxiety, sensory integration difficulties, learning differences, highly sensitive emotions, and developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities. The process affirms the strengths and interests of the child that help guide interventions, goals and approaches for the child and their family.
Autplay Allows Children to Learn Skills to do The Following
- Managing emotions
- Social interactions
- Building relationships
- Anxious behavior
- Sensory intolerance
- Focus and concentration
- Organization