Healis Autism Centre

01/04/2026

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31/03/2026

Not all “defiant” behaviour in children with autism is actually Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Sometimes, what looks like refusal or attitude may be linked to emotional regulation challenges or anxiety.

Before jumping to conclusions, take time to observe what triggers your child’s reactions and share these with professionals. Understanding the why behind the behaviour helps ensure the right support for your child 💛

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Oppositional Defiant Disorder, as the name suggests, is a behavioural disorder that is most commonly diagnosed during childhood (John Hopkins Medicine, n.d.) . Children with ODD consistently show hostility and uncooperativeness, particularly towards autho...

27/03/2026

Children with ASD are often highly sensitive to emotional cues in their environment 😊. Parental stress and negativity can increase anxiety, behavioural challenges, and emotional dysregulation in the child.
A tense home environment may also affect communication, learning, and social engagement.
Consistent emotional support from caregivers can help improve stability and development 🌱.

25/03/2026

Patterns exist everywhere - in nature, music, art, daily routines, and social interactions. Understanding them helps us make sense of the world around us and navigate it more effectively. 🙌🏻

24/03/2026

The double empathy problem reminds parents that social challenges in Autism are a two-way misunderstanding, not a lack of empathy in your child 💛. Differences in communication styles between Autistic and neurotypical individuals can sometimes lead to disconnect 🤝. Your child may connect and empathise well, just in ways that look different from typical expectations 🌈. With patience and mutual understanding, stronger and more meaningful connections can be built ✨.

As most know, one of the issues people with Autism face is a difficulty with social interactions and communication, especially involving non-Autistic people. It’s been found that most Autistic people do want to socialise and make friends, so where does the problem lie? Previously, we believed that...

20/03/2026

It’s natural to step in when a child is struggling 🤝. However, consistently giving in or providing too much support can unintentionally reinforce the behaviour. This may lead the child to rely on others instead of building independence.

Being mindful of this helps us support their growth while still encouraging independence 🌱

18/03/2026

Every shared moment is a win 🏆

Watching our kids find their own rhythm in connection is just beautiful. Whether it’s side-by-side or hand-in-hand, every shared moment is a win 🫶🏻

Parallel play is just as essential as interactive play. Parallel play creates a gentle, safe space, offering the comfort of a friend’s presence without the pressure to 'perform' socially. It’s a space where confidence can truly bloom at a child's own pace.

Playing together helps them sharpen those vital social skills like turn-taking, sharing, and empathy in real-time.

Both stages are vital for building confidence and ensuring every child feels seen and included. 🤍

17/03/2026

Prompts help guide learning, but overuse can lead to dependency, where children rely on cues instead of responding independently. 🌱
By using minimal prompts and fading them gradually, we support confidence, mastery, and independence. 💡

Prompts. What are they? Why are they important? And if they are important, why is there a need to reduce dependency on prompts? In ABA therapy, ‘prompts’ are additional stimuli (something that occurs which leads to a certain behaviour) provided to get a child to give a correct or expected respon...

13/03/2026

Helping your picky eater try new foods is all about creating a positive and focused mealtime 🍽️.
Systematically introduce new foods, minimize distractions, and maintain a neutral attitude to encourage exploration 😊.
Small, consistent steps make trying new foods easier and more enjoyable for your child.

11/03/2026

To the parents wondering if they’re doing a good job today... Progress doesn’t always show up immediately. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. 🤍

10/03/2026

Travel can be a meaningful way for parents to support the growth of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Experiencing new places, cultures, and environments can encourage social interaction, support sensory regulation, and introduce gentle changes to routine. With proper preparation, these experiences can help children build confidence and adaptability. Travel may offer families valuable opportunities for learning, connection, and shared memories. 🌏✈️

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face challenges related to social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Traditional interventions primarily focus on therapies and educational strategies within familiar environments. However, there is growing interest in exp...

06/03/2026

Spending time in nature can have a powerful impact on children with autism. Nature walks help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost focus and attention.

They also encourage social interaction, sensory exploration, and physical activity, supporting overall development. Just a few minutes outdoors can make a meaningful difference in a child’s well-being. 🌿🦋