Emily Joswiak, Author at Talbert Zoo

Ways To Improve Core Strength in Children With Autism

December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can affect your child in a range of cognitive and physical ways. Suddenly, you find yourself sifting through hours and hours of publications and forums seeking answers and advice on the best ways to help your child. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Today, we have more information than ever about ASD and the best ways to support a child with autism. Depending on the severity of this spectrum disorder, you may already be working with a professional to help your child…

How Safe Is Your Child’s School Bus?

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020 Emily Joswiak

It’s hard to trust anyone with the safety of your children, but it’s particularly tough to watch them march onto a school bus packed with rowdy kids and a driver you don’t know. How safe is your child’s school bus? The answers to these questions should help you breathe easier. Are There Many Bus Accidents? Not many, but we haven’t been able to eliminate school bus accidents entirely. The bad news: Each year, four to six school-age children die on school vehicles. But if it’s any comfort, that’s less than…

How To Make Eating Fun for Kids

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Is dinnertime always a challenge at your house? If your child doesn’t like trying new foods or if they’re just picky eaters in general, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t let this be the case anymore. Dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. Below are a few different ways on how to make eating fun for kids. Fun is better than challenging, right? Get Creative! The opportunities are endless. All you must do is think outside the box and get creative with their meals. It doesn’t have to be boring…

How To Create a Safe Yard for Children With Autism

November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Time outside is incredibly important for kids. It promotes strength, coordination, and motor skills, but more than that, it helps kids develop an appreciation for the natural world and its wonders. These experiences are no less vital for kids who are on the autism spectrum, but sometimes, as parents, we can become fretful of our kids getting hurt out there in the great, wide world. But the best way to respond to this isn’t to keep our kids inside—it’s to create a space where they can explore safely. Our guide…

Car Safety Tips for Children With Autism

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Any parent who has ever tried to drive somewhere with kids knows that the car can be a zoo. This is especially true if you are the parent of a child with autism. Between uncomfortable restraints and many of our young ones’ desire to not be cooped up in small spaces, there are plenty of ways the car cannot only become chaotic but dangerous, too. To keep our kids safe, we’ve compiled these car safety tips for children with autism. Identify the Hazards You can’t keep your children safe against…

Tips for Helping Kids With Special Needs Wear Masks

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020 Emily Joswiak

The pandemic world is fraught with complications, but if there is one challenge that has weighed on many moms’ mind – the mask. This is an especially tough problem to navigate for children with sensory sensitivities. To them, a mask can feel like an overwhelming muzzle. We want our children to be comfortable, but we also want to keep them and others safe as well. For their sake, we have compiled these tips for helping kids with special needs wear masks. Choose the Right Mask With governors and local leaders…

The Best Pets for Kids With Autism

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Kids with autism are often prone to anxiety, whether from too much external stimuli or too many uncertainties in their lives. Thankfully, the right type of pet can help kids with autism relax. This guide will inform you about the best pets for kids with autism. Dogs While some dogs may be loud and aggressive, there are many calm and friendly breeds as well, including poodles, beagles, golden retrievers, and German Shepherds. You might be wondering how a dog as big as a German Shepherd would make an appropriate pet…

Tips for Driving with a Child Who Has Special Needs

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 Emily Joswiak

Driving with kids can be a challenge. It can be hard to control the problems in the backseat while staying safe on the road. Driving with a child who has special needs can present added challenges. From a short drive to a long-winded road trip, here are a few tips for driving with a child who has special needs. Maps and Apps are Your Friends Even if you already know the route, relying on a map or a GSP app can come in handy. Maps allow you to mark or bookmark…

How to Help Your Child with Autism Prepare for the Workplace

August 28, 2020August 28, 2020 Emily Joswiak

For people with autism, adjusting to a new job is difficult because there are so many uncertainties. It can be especially hard for children with autism who have never been employed before. If you are thinking about job searching with your child, read this guide about how to help your child with autism prepare for the workplace. Celebrate your child’s employment success When your child with autism lands a job, this is a big deal. Perhaps your child does not know how wonderful it is to get a job because…

How to Design a Sensory-Sensitive Bedroom

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020 Emily Joswiak

The world is a busy place filled with sensations to be touched, tasted, heard, and smelled. For kids with sensory sensitivities, it’s an even busier place, bordering on chaotic. Having a space to decompress and relax after a long day is especially important for these kids, but sometimes children’s bedroom designs, with their kaleidoscopic colors and patterns, can have the opposite effect. Knowing how to design a sensory sensitive bedroom will give your kids the space they need to rest and recharge. Color In Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of…