AIMING BETWEEN
THE LINES
Answering your questions and breaking the stigmas around special education
Sensory-Friendly Spring Break:
Spring break is a time for relaxation, adventure, and making memories—but for neurodiverse children, the break in routine can bring unexpected challenges. Sensory sensitivities may make typical activities overwhelming, but with the right accommodations, your child can still have a fun and stress-free break. From noise-blocking headphones to water play, discover simple, sensory-friendly activities that promote comfort, creativity, and joy. With a little planning and flexibility, you can create a spring break experience tailored to your child’s unique needs, ensuring they feel safe, engaged, and ready to enjoy the season.
OCD in Children: When Quirks Become Compulsions
Every child has their own routines and habits, but when do these behaviors cross the line into something more? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children is more than just a preference for order or cleanliness—it’s a condition driven by anxiety and compulsions that can disrupt daily life. In this blog, we break down the signs of OCD in kids, how to differentiate between normal habits and compulsions, and what parents can do to support their child. From understanding the causes to exploring effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this guide provides essential insights to help children manage OCD and thrive.
The Power of Executive Functioning:
Executive functioning skills are essential for success in daily life, impacting everything from academic performance to workplace efficiency and social interactions. These cognitive processes help individuals plan, organize, manage time, and regulate emotions. However, when executive functioning is impaired, tasks like following instructions, staying focused, and managing responsibilities become challenging. This blog explores the critical role of executive functioning, why it matters, and practical strategies for supporting both children and adults in developing these essential skills. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional, discover how structured routines, time management techniques, and emotional regulation strategies can foster growth and long-term success.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder:
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain interprets sensory information, leading to heightened sensitivity or an under-responsiveness to stimuli like touch, sound, and movement. Often mistaken for ADHD, autism, or anxiety, SPD can have profound effects on both physical and mental health, making everyday environments overwhelming. For children, early intervention through occupational therapy and sensory-friendly adjustments can provide essential support, while adults diagnosed later in life can benefit from workplace accommodations and self-regulation strategies. Understanding SPD is the first step in creating a more inclusive world where individuals with sensory challenges can thrive.
Parent Guilt & Neurodiversity: Finding Grace in the Journey
Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges, and for many parents and guardians, guilt becomes an unavoidable companion. The worry of missing early signs, the pressure to do more, and the constant comparison to neurotypical peers can create an overwhelming emotional burden. However, instead of letting guilt dictate the journey, parents can choose to embrace grace, adaptability, and self-compassion. In this blog, we explore the roots of parent guilt, practical ways to break free from it, and how shifting perspective can transform guilt into empowerment. Remember—you are doing your best, and that is more than enough.
Deep Kindness
Kindness is often perceived as simple gestures—a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. However, in Deep Kindness: A Revolutionary Guide for the Way We Think, Talk, and Act in Kindness, Houston Kraft challenges us to rethink our approach. He introduces the concept of Deep Kindness, an intentional and courageous practice that goes beyond surface-level niceties to create meaningful, lasting connections. True kindness requires vulnerability, effort, and self-awareness—qualities that demand us to step outside of our comfort zones and truly engage with the world around us. By recognizing the barriers to kindness, such as fear and busyness, we can start cultivating a culture of compassion that transforms both our personal and professional lives.
Spotlighting an SLP
Speech-Language Pathologists play a critical role in transforming lives, from helping young children develop language skills to guiding adults in reclaiming their voices. In our latest blog, we sit down with Gabby Juarez, a dedicated AIM SLP, to uncover her journey, the day-to-day realities of her role, and the profound impact she makes on her students. From her early days navigating the field to her current work in elementary schools, Gabby shares invaluable insights into the world of speech therapy. Whether you’re curious about the profession or simply want to be inspired, this is a story you won’t want to miss!
