Lifestyle

How to Help Your Child with Autism Thrive

Published

10 months ago

June 29, 2023

Adam T

Knowing how to support your child isn’t always obvious. Every kid has different needs and it’s up to you to figure it out; there is no universal parenting manual to make your job easy.

However, when your child is neurodivergent, it’s even harder. Kids with autism need more support than their peers and they require early intervention to thrive.

Have a child with autism? Here’s some advice to ensure they get the best possible start in life and learn the skills they need to thrive as an adult.

1. Start therapy early

Intervening early with therapy will give your child a good start in life and will aid them in reaching their full potential. It’s important for kids to learn foundational skills early, like communication, following directions, and performing simple tasks. Studies have shown that the ideal age for early intervention is 2 or 3 years old. This is when the brain has the most neuroplasticity and can be more easily molded.

Many parents get their child with autism into Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy as young as three years old, and it really helps develop the positive behaviors kids need to be successful in the world.

ABA therapy also aims to decrease unwanted behaviors; this is accomplished through a reward system based in operant conditioning. If you’ve avoided exploring this option because it seems too harsh, rest assured, punishment isn’t part of contemporary ABA therapy.

No matter how old (or young) your child is, get them into therapy as early as possible. When fundamental skills are developed at a young age, they become habits sooner and your child can strengthen them over time. By the time they become an adult, they’ll have some solid tools to navigate the world easier, including school and the workplace.

2. Be patient and generous with time

Some kids with autism need more time to process information, whether you’re asking them to perform a task or communicating something basic, like asking what they would like to eat for dinner. Extend infinite patience to your child when you engage them for any reason. They might need time to comprehend your words, or they could be confused and you’ll need to restate what you’ve said in a new way.

Being patient without showing signs of frustration will keep your child calm. If you become visibly upset, it could make them anxious enough to stop listening and they may engage in destructive behaviors. Allow your child all the time they need to process information and respond, but also check in with them to figure out what’s going on so you can reiterate your communication if necessary.

3. Understand the dynamics of a meltdown

Unlike tantrums, meltdowns are the result of overstimulation that builds up in the nervous system until your child explodes. A meltdown is not something your child does to torture you or embarrass you until they get their way. It’s a visceral reaction to stimuli that their body can’t process.

It’s important to know the dynamics of a meltdown because they don’t come out of nowhere and often ratchet up throughout the day, long before you might think. For example, a child triggered by loud music who has a meltdown in the grocery probably had a full day’s worth of overstimulation that led to that breaking point. On any other day, that same loud music would agitate them, but wouldn’t push them into a meltdown.

You can’t prevent this from happening all the time, but you can mitigate some of the overstimulation that leads to meltdowns once you know how your child gets triggered. For instance, if large crowds are a trigger, don’t take your child to multiple public places in one day. If you see a movie, go home for dinner and skip the restaurant. Don’t go to a movie, eat at your favorite Italian place, and then go out again for ice cream.

Since meltdowns aren’t an intentional act of defiance, make sure you don’t treat them as you would a tantrum. Never punish your child. Instead, talk to them and let them know you want to help them feel better. Look into strategies like diversion, distraction, and fidget toys.

Seek professional advice

Being a parent isn’t easy, but when your child has autism, you have a few more challenges. Don’t be afraid to seek out a local support group or online community to learn more about resources for kids with autism.

Be willing to accept that it will take time to find the right strategies to help your child and you might require some assistance.

Lifestyle

How To Have The Summer Of Your Life: Safe Drinking Tips

Published

3 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

Adam T

As summer approaches, social gatherings, beach parties, and barbecues become the norm, marking the season of relaxation and fun. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about our drinking habits to ensure our summer memories are joyful and free from regret. To help you navigate the sunny days ahead responsibly, here are 10 tips for safe summer drinking fun, presented in collaboration with the Barone Defense Firm, your ally in promoting responsible and safe drinking practices.

1. Stay Hydrated

Alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it leads to increased urination and can quickly dehydrate you, especially in the hot summer sun. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water or sports drinks can help keep dehydration at bay.

2. Don’t Drink and Drive

Perhaps the most critical advice is never to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or take advantage of ride-sharing apps. The Barone Defense Firm stresses the importance of planning your ride home before you start drinking to avoid making impaired decisions later.

3. Understand Your Limits

Everyone has a different tolerance to alcohol. Knowing your limits and sticking to them can help prevent overindulgence. Pay attention to how your body feels and recognize when it’s time to stop.

4. Eat Well

Eating a good meal before you start drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Opt for foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates to help mitigate the effects of alcohol.

5. Pace Yourself

Try to limit yourself to one drink per hour. This pacing gives your body time to metabolize alcohol and can help prevent you from becoming too intoxicated too quickly.

6. Choose Your Drinks Wisely

Not all drinks are created equal. Be aware of the alcohol content in the beverages you choose and remember that mixed drinks can contain more alcohol than you might realize.

7. Avoid Mixing Alcohol and Water Activities

Swimming and boating while under the influence can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Save any alcoholic beverages for after you’re done enjoying water activities.

8. Use the Buddy System

Having a friend to keep tabs on each other can be a lifesaver. They can help you make safe decisions and ensure you get home safely.

9. Respect Non-Drinkers

Not everyone wants to drink, and that’s okay. Respect others’ choices and don’t pressure anyone into drinking. Offer non-alcoholic options at your gatherings.

10. Know When to Say No

There’s no harm in turning down an invitation or choosing to leave early if you feel uncomfortable with the drinking situation. Trust your instincts.

Know When To Call Barone Defense Firm

Following these tips can help ensure that your summer is filled with fun, safe, and memorable moments. Remember, responsible drinking is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about keeping everyone around you safe too. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need legal advice regarding alcohol-related issues, the Barone Defense Firm is there to support and guide you through the process, promoting safety and responsibility above all.

Lifestyle

The 10 Best Breweries in Louisville

Published

2 months ago

March 5, 2024

Adam T

Interested in trying some of the best craft beers in Louisville but don’t know where to begin? Here are 10 the best breweries in Louisville to start your adventures with!

First of all is Against the Grain Brewery and Public House where you can enjoy some of Kentucky’s top burgers along with a refreshing craft beer. Gravely Brewing Co. offers a wonderful IPA selection along with a fantastic view of the city and Mexican food that can satisfy any hunger. Falls City Brewing Co. opened back in 1905 and it’s still active today, providing a nice selection of craft beers while hosting events the community can partake in.

There is also Akasha Brewing Company which began as a small operation before outgrowing the home kitchen and moving to the NuLu neighborhood in 2016. It offers wonderful craft beers like the zesty and tart Sour Akasha at a dog-friendly venue. Monnik Beer Co., located in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood, is known for its Belgian-style beers and an appetizing selection of six burgers. Atrium Brewery, located in the Shelby Park neighborhood, is a newer addition but patrons are already raving about its sours and vast selection of food choices thanks to its partnership with Daryk’s.

Located between Downtown Louisville and the Original Highlands, Mile Wide Beer Co. serves top tier dark beers that pair well with Mac’s Neapolitan style pizza. TEN20 Craft Brewery is a great Douglass Loop neighborhood spot where you can productively get work done while drinking the brewery’s award-winning Storyteller IPA. Butchertown Brewing Company is smaller in size but serves unique high gravity beers along with sours and stouts. Last but not least is Noble Funk Brewing Company located in the SoBro neighborhood and quite famous for its farmhouse ales that go well with its pulled pork BBQ pizzas.

When you’re in Louisville, there is no shortage of breweries to visit!

Lifestyle

The Floridian Appeal: Mass Migration to the Sunshine State

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2024

Adam T

Florida is one of the hottest new real estate markets in the United States, surpassing populous states such as New York and California. Between 2012 and 2022, the state saw an incredible influx of over 3.1 million people moving to Florida. Just this inflow alone exceeds the population of 17 other U.S. states. Most of this population boom has been situated in large city centers, such as Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa, which have all seen population spikes of 80% or more. Even more remote parts of Florida —like Groveland, Davenport, and Wildwood— have not been untouched by this trend.

In response to this new demand for housing, Florida’s property market has also seen a huge increase in prices.The state’s residential housing market has soared to an astounding $3.8 billion, and the average home price is now almost $400k. This is still lower than New York’s and California’s home prices, but definitely higher than the state’s average even a decade ago. The amount of new housing units has also spiked to match the demand. There are almost 135k new building applications in 2023 that were processed, presumably for a lot of first time homeowners that are able to afford Florida’s cheaper housing market.

There are a lot of reasons that are drawing people to the Sunshine State. There is a lot of available work within the state at a rate that is not comparable around the country. Florida saw the third highest employment increase of 2023, at 2.8%. There has also been a boom in entrepreneurship, with the third highest rate of new business applications per capita in the country. A lot of this available work has a flexible schedule as well, with 16% of all Floridians working remotely in 2022. And rightly so- what better way to allow people to soak up the amazing weather of this state?

Speaking of the weather, that is another major draw for immigration to Florida. With wonderful average daily temperatures that range from a very mild low of 57 degrees in the winter to a warm 83 degrees in the summer, Floridians are able to barely miss any time outside and stay healthy. The state also boasts a lower cost of living than other popular states, hovering right around the national average. For example, New York and California are 27% and 40% above the national average, which means that Florida is significantly cheaper in comparison, despite being very popular. To make the benefits even more clear, Florida doesn’t even have a state income tax, meaning that people can pocket even more from the widely available jobs they are working.

Florida’s attractiveness comes from a wide variety of elements, including widely available housing, business opportunities, financial incentives, and gorgeous weather. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that the state is experiencing a massive growth spurt that is not projected to end anytime soon. It is definitely a state that will only continue to grow on the national stage as time passes.