Ava Has Autism is a parent-created educational publisher sharing visual supports, sensory strategies, and life-skills resources for autistic and neurodivergent children.
When I first started creating DIY visual supports for Ava, I honestly thought I could simply print the cards on regular paper, cut them out with scissors, and be done. I quickly realized there was a huge difference between something that works temporarily and something that actually holds up to daily real-life use. After a…
💛 Why Patience Is So Hard for Kids If your child struggles to wait, you are not alone. Patience is one of the hardest skills for children to learn—especially for kids with big feelings, ADHD, or autism. To them, waiting doesn’t feel small.It can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes even impossible. Their brains are wired…
Feeling overwhelmed while supporting your autistic child is more common than you think. This blog shares a real-life journey from uncertainty to confidence, along with the tools and strategies that made a meaningful difference.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying… You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As both a former special educator and a parent to a child with autism, I had to unlearn something important: Not following directions is usually not about defiance. It’s often about understanding, processing, and support. And once I shifted how I approached…
When your child isn’t speaking, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. You may find yourself wondering: I’ve been there. My daughter Ava was nonverbal—and that experience changed everything for me. Not just as a parent, but as a former special educator. I quickly realized something important: Speech is not the only way to…
What does an autism-friendly special education classroom actually need? This guide covers essential tools like visual schedules, communication boards, life skills resources, and regulation supports to help students succeed.
Using SEL Books and Fantasy Characters to Help Kids Manage Big Feelings Children do not always respond to lectures about behavior. But they lean in when you tell them a story. Storytelling creates emotional safety. It allows children to explore anger, frustration, jealousy, fear, and disappointment through a character — instead of feeling exposed themselves.…
How to Use Visual Schedules, Picture Communication & Structured Supports at Home and School Visual supports are one of the most powerful tools for autistic children — yet many families are unsure how to use them effectively. If you’ve ever wondered: This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visual…
Essential independent living skills for autistic teens before age 18. A practical checklist for hygiene, safety, food, and home management.
There are moments in childhood that feel big — new places, new people, changes in routine, unexpected events, or experiences that come with a lot of unknowns. For many autistic children, these moments can feel overwhelming or confusing — not because they aren’t capable — but because the world often moves fast and communication isn’t…
Ava Has Autism 