Autism & Other Disabilities
Supporting Children With ADHD: Practical Strategies for Staff
A child keeps interrupting. Another can’t seem to get started. Someone else is touching their peers and they are yelling “stop it!” From the outside, it can look like disruption, defiance, or a lack of motivation. But what we see is only part of the story. A child may be navigating impulse control, a need for movement or…
Signs of Autism in Girls: The Myths That Keep Them From Getting Support
The signs of autism in girls often don’t match the stereotypes many of us have learned. For staff in out-of-school-time settings, understanding those differences can be the first step toward creating environments where every child feels supported. If you work with children and youth, you’ve probably encountered this scenario before. There’s a girl in your…
Signs to Look For: Early Indicators of Learning Disabilities in Children
Early identification of learning disabilities can make a huge difference for young children. As childcare professionals, recognizing early signs lets you partner with families and specialists to support children when it matters most. Below are possible signs of learning disabilities children might display, and examples of what they may look like. Preschool Years (0-5) From…
How Sensory Overstimulation Can Lead to Unwanted Behaviors
Working in childcare means tuning into the emotional and physical needs of children daily. But what happens when a child’s behavior causes disruption or harm— hitting, yelling, or biting — and it seems to come from nowhere? One common but often misunderstood cause is sensory overstimulation. Understanding sensory triggers can help you prevent undesired behavior…
Children with Autism: What We Know
April is Autism Acceptance Month – a great time to reflect on what we’ve learned. For over 27 years, KIT has worked with communities around the world to ensure that children with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are fully included in child and youth programs. Here are five key things we’ve learned…