Many children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) experience the world through heightened or unique sensory processing, which can make everyday environments feel overwhelming or inspiring. Sensory sensitivities are a hallmark of autism, as highlighted throughout Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing. By creating a sensory-friendly space, parents, educators, and carers can minimize discomfort, promote focus, and enhance overall wellbeing. In this post, we'll explore practical steps to build such spaces, drawing on insights from the book to help you adapt your home or classroom effectively.
Sensory processing differences mean that children with ASC may be hypersensitive (overwhelmed by stimuli like loud noises or bright lights) or hyposensitive (seeking intense input through activities like spinning). These can affect focus, behavior, and emotional regulation. A well-designed space acts as a sanctuary, reducing triggers and supporting self-regulation. For instance, recognizing patterns in a child's sensory reactions such as distress in noisy areas allows for proactive adjustments.
Extract from Chapter 3 (Understanding the Needs of Children with ASC), page 52:
"For non-verbal children or those with limited speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) or speech-generating devices, can provide effective tools for expression."
This extract underscores the importance of tailoring environments to individual sensory profiles, a key theme in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
Assess Sensory Triggers: Observe your child's reactions in different settings. Keep a log of incidents to identify patterns, such as aversion to bright lights or certain textures. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing recommends tools like the Intersectional Needs Checklist to map these out holistically.
Minimize Overload: Start simple, use neutral colours, soft lighting, and clutter-free zones. For hypersensitive children, incorporate noise-cancelling headphones or quiet corners. As noted in Chapter 6, page 84: "Creating a sensory-friendly space at home involves minimizing potential triggers and incorporating calming elements. This space might include soft lighting, cushions, weighted blankets, and sensory tools like fidget toys or stress balls."
Incorporate Positive Sensory Input: For hyposensitive children, add textured materials or weighted items. Activities like using a trampoline or playing with sensory toys can provide the input they crave without disruption.
Adapt for Home and School: At home, designate a "calm-down" area with cushions and dim lights. In school, suggest sensory breaks or flexible seating. Chapter 7, page 97, emphasizes: "Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact a child’s ability to focus and engage in the classroom. Supporting sensory needs requires understanding and proactive adjustments."
Track and Adjust: Use a daily log to monitor how changes impact behaviour. The Resources Appendix (page 198) offers a Sensory-Friendly Space Checklist: "Purpose: To assist parents, educators, and carers in creating environments that minimize sensory overload, promote comfort, and enhance focus for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This checklist addresses sensory sensitivities, a common trait in ASC, by providing actionable steps to adapt home, classroom, or community spaces."
In practice, a parent might transform a bedroom corner into a sensory haven with soft lamps and blankets, reducing meltdowns. Educators can integrate this into classrooms by providing sensory tools during lessons. Remember, collaboration is key, share observations with professionals for tailored advice, as discussed in Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
For more comprehensive strategies, including how sensory needs intersect with nutrition and behaviour, explore Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your sensory adjustment experiences on our social media channels!
Routines provide predictability and security for children with ASC, helping to reduce anxiety and build independence. In Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing, routines are emphasized as a foundational tool for emotional regulation and smooth transitions. This post dives into how to establish calming routines, with steps, book extracts, and tips to make them sustainable for your family or classroom.
Children with ASC often thrive on structure, as changes can trigger distress. A calm routine acts as an anchor, fostering resilience and focus. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing highlights how consistent routines can transform daily life, from mornings to bedtimes.
Extract from Chapter 6 (Creating Supportive Environments at Home and School), page 83:
"Children with ASC often find comfort in predictability. Routines provide a sense of stability and help them navigate the world with greater confidence."
This insight from Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing shows how routines not only stabilize but also empower growth.
Start Small: Begin with a 5-minute wind-down ritual, like deep breathing or reading. Consistency is key—repeat daily to build familiarity.
Use Visual Aids: Visual schedules help children anticipate what's next. Chapter 11, page 132: "Establishing consistent daily routines helps children expect what comes next and reduces anxiety. For example, a morning routine might include waking up, brushing teeth, and getting dressed in the same order every day. Visual schedules, using pictures or symbols, can reinforce this predictability by providing a clear roadmap of the day’s activities."
Incorporate Sensory Elements: Add calming tools like weighted blankets or soft music, tailored to your child's preferences.
Handle Disruptions: If a routine breaks, use communication logs to note impacts and adjust. From Chapter 10, page 124: "Consistent communication keeps families informed and involved in their child’s progress."
Evolve Over Time: As your child grows, involve them in routine planning to promote independence, as suggested in Chapter 12 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
The Resources Appendix (page 200) includes a Daily Visual Schedule Template: "Morning routine (wake-up, brushing teeth, getting dressed) • School or learning time • Meals • Sensory breaks • Playtime • Evening routine (bath, reading, bedtime)"
For a bedtime routine, combine a story with gentle stretching—parents report fewer meltdowns. In schools, educators can use similar structures for class transitions. Collaborate with therapists to refine routines, ensuring alignment across settings (Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
For detailed routine strategies and how they link to life skills, get Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your routine tips on our social media channels!
Play is a powerful gateway to communication for children with ASC, turning interactions into joyful learning opportunities. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing dedicates a full chapter to communication strategies, emphasizing play's role in building connections. Here, we expand on how to use play effectively, with extracts and actionable advice to enhance expression and social bonds.
Communication challenges in ASC can include delayed speech or difficulty with social cues, but play reduces pressure and fosters natural expression. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing stresses tailored, fun approaches to bridge these gaps.
Extract from Chapter 3 (Understanding the Needs of Children with ASC), page 52:
"For non-verbal children or those with limited speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) or speech-generating devices, can provide effective tools for expression."
This highlights play's integration with AAC for meaningful exchanges in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
Choose Simple Games: Start with picture cards or gestures to co-create stories, building vocabulary without overwhelm.
Encourage Non-Verbal Cues: Use body language like pointing—Chapter 5, page 74: "Role-playing common scenarios, such as asking to join a game or resolving a disagreement, provides a safe environment for practicing these skills."
Make It Interactive: Role-play scenarios to practice social communication, keeping sessions short and positive.
Incorporate Tech: Apps like Proloquo2Go can add fun elements, as noted in Resources, page 194: "Proloquo2Go (iOS) – A highly customizable speech-generating app with picture-based communication."
Celebrate Efforts: Praise every attempt to reinforce that communication is rewarding.
From Chapter 5, page 76: "Every step forward in communication, no matter how small, is worth celebrating."
At home, turn bath time into a gesture game; in therapy, use VR for simulated play (page 76). Parents and educators should collaborate for consistency (Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
For more on AAC and play integration, visit https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books for the full guide in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
Share your play activity ideas on our social media channels!
Children with ASC often possess remarkable talents or "superpowers" that, when nurtured, lead to profound success. In Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing, Chapter 4 reframes autism as a source of strengths. This post guides you on spotting and developing these talents, with book extracts and practical steps to unlock potential.
Talents like detail-oriented thinking or pattern recognition are innate strengths in ASC. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing encourages shifting from deficits to celebration, fostering confidence.
Extract from Chapter 4 (Autism Superpowers – Recognizing Strengths and Unlocking Potential), page 59:
"This chapter explores the twelve autism superpowers, real-world examples, and how to recognize and nurture these abilities in children with ASC."
This sets the stage for viewing talents as assets in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
Observe Passionately: Note what captivates your child—perhaps patterns or building.
Provide Tools: Offer resources aligned with interests, like art supplies for visual thinkers. Page 60: "The Detail Detective: Some autistic individuals possess an extraordinary ability to notice patterns."
Encourage Exploration: Join activities to build skills, celebrating small wins.
Link to Future Paths: Connect talents to careers, as in Resources, page 185: "Superpower Career & Interest Pathway Chart: A roadmap that connects each superpower to potential career paths."
Collaborate: Share insights with educators for school integration (Chapter 13 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
From page 68: "By recognizing and nurturing autistic strengths, we can help individuals with ASC build confidence, self-awareness, and long-term opportunities."
A child with a "Sensory Scout" talent might excel in music—provide instruments and watch them thrive. Use the Superpowers Reflection Journal (page 189) to track growth.
For the full list of 12 superpowers and nurturing strategies, get Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your talent-nurturing experiences on our social media channels!
Social skills and emotional wellbeing are key to helping children with ASC form connections and navigate life confidently. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing dedicates Chapter 8 to positive strategies for developing these areas. This post explores how to build social skills through structured, supportive methods, with extracts and tips to enhance relationships and self-esteem.
Children with ASC can develop meaningful friendships and emotional regulation with the right guidance, leading to greater resilience and happiness. Focusing on strengths in social interactions reduces pressure and fosters natural growth. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing stresses interconnected social and emotional skills for long-term wellbeing.
Extract from Chapter 8 (Social Skills and Emotional Wellbeing), page 106:
"Social interactions are at the heart of human relationships. They form the foundation for friendships, family dynamics, and professional success later in life."
This foundation from Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing shows how positive approaches can turn challenges into opportunities for connection.
Break Down Skills: Teach interactions in steps, like observing, approaching, and responding. Chapter 8, page 108, suggests: "Social skills can be broken into smaller, teachable steps. For example, the process of joining a group activity might involve: Observing what others are doing, Choosing the right moment to approach, Saying, 'Can I play too?', Waiting for a response and accepting the outcome."
Use Social Stories: Create narratives to explain situations, customizable to the child.
Encourage Role-Playing: Practice scenarios to build confidence in a safe space.
Foster Peer Support: Implement buddy systems for belonging and interaction.
Celebrate Efforts: Praise progress to reinforce positive experiences, as in Chapter 8, page 112: "Progress in social skills and emotional wellbeing may be gradual, but every small step forward is worth celebrating."
The Resources Appendix (page 205) includes tools like the Emotion Thermometer Visual: "Helps children identify and communicate their emotional state."
At home, role-play daily scenarios like sharing toys; in school, structured games build teamwork. Collaborate across settings for consistency (Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
For more on social skills and emotional strategies, explore Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your social skill-building experiences on our social media channels!
Children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) possess unique strengths that can be viewed as "superpowers," offering them distinct advantages in various aspects of life. In Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing, Chapter 4 emphasizes reframing autism to focus on these abilities rather than challenges. This post delves into an overview of the twelve autism superpowers, with extracts and guidance to help parents, educators, and carers recognize and nurture them for long-term success.
Autism superpowers, such as exceptional focus, creativity, and loyalty, enable children with ASC to excel in fields like technology, arts, and problem-solving. Recognizing these strengths shifts the perspective from deficits to assets, building the child's confidence and opening doors to meaningful opportunities. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing encourages celebrating these innate abilities to foster resilience and self-awareness.
Extract from Chapter 4 (Autism Superpowers – Recognizing Strengths and Unlocking Potential), page 59:
"Autistic individuals often excel in pattern recognition, deep focus, problem-solving, creativity, and loyalty qualities that translate into academic success, professional achievements, and meaningful relationships. By shifting our focus to strengths rather than deficits, we can help children with ASC develop confidence, self-awareness, and long-term opportunities that align with their abilities."
This insight from Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing highlights how superpowers can empower children beyond traditional expectations.
Observe Strengths: Pay attention to what the child excels in, such as noticing details or immersing in a subject. The book lists twelve superpowers starting on page 60, including The Detail Detective (keen observation) and The Specialist (deep expertise).
Provide Opportunities: Align activities with their powers; for example, encourage pattern recognition through puzzles or coding. As noted in Chapter 4, page 60: "The Detail Detective: Some autistic individuals possess an extraordinary ability to notice patterns, inconsistencies, and tiny details that others overlook."
Celebrate Examples: Share real-world inspirations like Temple Grandin (Detail Detective) or Satoshi Tajiri (Specialist) to motivate.
Build Confidence: Involve the child in decision-making to reinforce their strengths, promoting independence.
Track Progress: Use tools like the Superpower Career & Interest Pathway Chart in the Resources Appendix (page 181) to connect strengths to future paths.
From Chapter 4, page 68: "By recognizing and nurturing autistic strengths, we can help individuals with ASC build confidence, develop meaningful careers, and contribute in unique ways to society."
A child with The Memory Master superpower might thrive in history or music, using their recall for projects. Educators can integrate these strengths into lessons, while parents track growth with the Superpowers Reflection Journal (page 183). Collaborate with professionals to tailor support, as discussed in Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
For the full exploration of the twelve superpowers and nurturing strategies, get Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your superpower recognition stories on our social media channels!
Posted: February 1, 2026
Transitions can be opportunities for growth when approached positively for children with ASC. In Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing, Chapter 11 highlights strategies to make changes empowering. This post covers how to support transitions and build life skills, with extracts and steps for fostering independence and resilience.
With preparation, transitions build confidence and adaptability, turning potential stressors into achievements. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing emphasizes predictability and support for smooth, positive experiences.
Extract from Chapter 11 (Supporting Transitions and Life Skills), page 131:
"Transitions are a natural part of life, yet for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), they can be particularly challenging. Whether it is moving from one activity to another, starting a new school, or preparing for adulthood, changes in routine and environment can trigger anxiety and uncertainty."
This understanding from Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing guides proactive, positive approaches.
Create Routines: Use visual schedules for predictability. Chapter 11, page 132: "Establishing consistent daily routines helps children expect what comes next and reduces anxiety."
Provide Cues: Use timers or countdowns to prepare.
Incorporate Reinforcement: Reward successful shifts to build confidence.
Prepare for Major Changes: Gradual exposure and social stories ease big transitions.
Teach Life Skills: Break tasks like self-care into steps for independence, as in Chapter 11, page 135.
From Chapter 11, page 139: "With thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and consistent support, these changes can become less daunting and more empowering."
For school starts, visit ahead; daily, use visual timers. Collaborate with therapists for alignment (Chapter 10 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
For detailed transition and life skill strategies, get Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your transition success tips on our social media channels!
Posted: February 13, 2025
Children with ASC often possess remarkable talents or "superpowers" that, when nurtured, lead to profound success. In Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing, Chapter 4 reframes autism as a source of strengths. This post guides you on spotting and developing these talents, with book extracts and practical steps to unlock potential.
Talents like detail-oriented thinking or pattern recognition are innate strengths in ASC. Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing encourages shifting from deficits to celebration, fostering confidence.
Extract from Chapter 4 (Autism Superpowers – Recognizing Strengths and Unlocking Potential), page 59:
"This chapter explores the twelve autism superpowers, real-world examples, and how to recognize and nurture these abilities in children with ASC."
This sets the stage for viewing talents as assets in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing.
Observe Passionately: Note what captivates your child—perhaps patterns or building.
Provide Tools: Offer resources aligned with interests, like art supplies for visual thinkers. Page 60: "The Detail Detective: Some autistic individuals possess an extraordinary ability to notice patterns."
Encourage Exploration: Join activities to build skills, celebrating small wins.
Link to Future Paths: Connect talents to careers, as in Resources, page 185: "Superpower Career & Interest Pathway Chart: A roadmap that connects each superpower to potential career paths."
Collaborate: Share insights with educators for school integration (Chapter 13 of Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing).
From page 68: "By recognizing and nurturing autistic strengths, we can help individuals with ASC build confidence, self-awareness, and long-term opportunities."
A child with a "Sensory Scout" talent might excel in music—provide instruments and watch them thrive. Use the Superpowers Reflection Journal (page 189) to track growth.
For the full list of 12 superpowers and nurturing strategies, get Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Condition by Shelly Mealing at https://www.shellymealing.com/buy-the-books
Share your talent-nurturing experiences on our social media channels!