Purposeful play can be a powerful tool for growth, especially in little ones with autism. Finding the right toys can help your kiddo feel calmer, unlock new skills, and focus better, all while having fun. Sensory toys are excellent tools for supporting your child’s development and helping them express their creativity to make playtime more meaningful. Importance…
On September 25, the University of Illinois College of Education hosted its 21st annual Goldstick Family Lecture, made possible through the generosity of the Goldstick-Zelinger family. This year’s event featured Dr. Zach Rossetti, a nationally recognized scholar focused on inclusive education and friendships among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Dr. Rossetti’s talk, “Prioritizing…
We can remember the itchy, tight, noisy, or smelly Halloween costumes we wore while trick-or-treating in our childhood. While they were uncomfortable for us, they can be overwhelming for kids with autism, often leading to stress, meltdowns, or avoidance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to costume ideas and tips to help your child with autism have…
Eating out is a family event that offers quality time connecting with the people you love. If you have a child with autism, this seemingly simple activity becomes a bit more complex. Your child’s needs take precedence — and since dining out can come with strict social expectations and unfamiliar environments that could overstimulate your…
If you’ve noticed your child is developing differently, whether that’s in speech, social interactions, or daily routines, you may be wondering if autism might be a possibility. The thought of an evaluation can feel overwhelming, and it’s common to wonder if you should “wait and see.” But here’s the truth: the sooner you seek an…
No two children are the same. Each child has a unique story, strengths to be celebrated, challenges to be supported, and goals that matter deeply to their family. At Stride Autism Centers, our foundation is simple: we meet your child where they are. ABA therapy is often misunderstood as rigid or one-size-fits-all. Our approach is…
When your child is newly diagnosed with autism, you may suddenly face a cascade of questions and decisions you never expected to make. One of the most pressing is: what kind of therapy schedule will be best for my child? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be delivered in a range of settings and schedules.…
By Brad Zelinger, Founder & CEO I’m excited to share that Stride Autism Centers has been named a 2025 Iowa Top Workplace by the Des Moines Register. This award is based entirely on feedback from our employees, making it especially meaningful. It tells us that our team feels supported, valued, and inspired in their work, something we…
Family routine helps smooth out our busy days. It’s especially important for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Daily routines are really a series of gentle touchpoints that give your kiddo a sense of safe predictability as they learn new skills and thrive. To put your mind at ease, there’s no need to round up…
Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of sporting events. Watching a game is a fantastic way for your little one to experience new things and enjoy quality family time. Sensory-friendly sporting venues celebrate your child and offer thoughtful supports that reduce stimuli, helping them feel calm and at ease. From…