Navigating the line between intentional misbehavior and misunderstanding behavior with a nonverbal autistic toddler, particularly a child like Mikko who also has other language disorders, can be challenging. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and patience, while also maintaining consistency in your responses to help guide her behavior. It’s also been essential to teach her emotional regulation in a way that makes sense for her. We’ve started using visual cues to help her understand her emotions, and I offer calm-down strategies like deep breathing or time with a favorite object when she’s overstimulated. I am never opposed to talking to her even though she is nonverbal. She may not be able to communicate with words but she does understand most of what I say. The key is to stay gentle but firm in how I correct behavior—keeping things predictable helps her feel safe. As a parent, it can be overwhelming, but it’s a process of trial and error. I’ve learned that patience, consistency, and understanding her sensory needs are critical in guiding her through these tough moments. And most importantly, I’m learning to approach discipline with compassion—recognizing that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory for both of us. #asd #autism #autismawareness #adhd #autismacceptance #specialneeds #autismfamily #autistic #autismspectrum #neurodiversity #autismmom #autismspectrumdisorder #autismlife #mentalhealth #autismsupport #aspergers #neurodivergent #autismlove #autismparents #disability #specialeducation #inclusion #aba #love #autismo #parenting #actuallyautistic #anxiety #autismparent #autismdad

Nonverbal Autism does not just mean no words, it can be limited words or repeated phrases. She does not primarily use verbal words to communicate. Gestures, hand leading, pointing, babbling, screaming, sign language, and communication devices/cards are her usual go to methods to ask for things. This was definitely a proud mama moment!! 🥹 #asd #autism #autismawareness #adhd #autismacceptance #specialneeds #autistic #autismmom #autismfamily #aspergers #autismspectrumdisorder #autismspectrum #autismsupport #autismlife #autismparents #autismlove #sensoryprocessingdisorder #differentnotless #neurodiversity #autismspeaks #autismdad #actuallyautistic #disability #autismo #anxiety #mentalhealth #downsyndrome #autismcommunity #love #autismadvocate

For reference, she is Autistic and Nonverbal, she does not and did not understand when I initially asked and showed her to just blow it out, she has yet to learn how to do that on command. When I tried to show her, she actually sniffed it up further. But we had this nose sucker and have been using these since she was a baby, literally saved the day! Omg I was genuinely scared and amused at the same time because she actually didn’t put it up her nose, she was eating out of her bowl with her mouth and accidentally sniffed it up. Which she has also been doing since she was a baby because it took her longer than expected to learn how to use utensils. Anyways Thank You @Frida Baby + Frida Mom for creating this amazing nose sucker! lol This is NOT a sponsored video, we actually use this product 💛 #toddler #asd #autism #nonverbal #toddlersoftiktok #momlife

Gentle Autism ❤️💙💛💚 #asd #autism #autismawareness #fyp

We’re growing together | Autism Awareness Month ❤️💙💛💚 #asd #autism #sensoryissues #autism #autismawarenessmonth #autismawareness

Autism Awareness Month ❤️💙💛💚 #autism #asd #autismawareness #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptance

April is Autism Awareness Month. As you know, we are a neurodiverse family, our daughter Mikko, our son Matthew and Myself are on the Autism Spectrum. I didn’t learn that I was on the spectrum until the age 29. I struggled a lot growing up, not understanding who I was. Our page is dedicated to early intervention, whether it be home therapy, professional therapy and just embracing the journey in full. This month we want to challenge ourselves and all of you that are apart of the Autism community to walk 30 miles, 1 mile a day to help spread awareness about ASD. We chose this challenge because there is a wide range of physical and mental-health conditions that can sometimes accompany autism, low muscle tone being one of them. Low muscle tone also known as hypotonia. Their muscles will not be able to contract strongly, so there will be a springy feeling to their muscles. The lack of contraction within the muscle can cause dysfunction from the ground up in their joints. In their feet, they may be overpronated- or flat footed- and they may toe walk. You may also notice that, because hypotonia causes children to be hyper-flexible, they may sit in a W position on the floor.   Using the muscles regularly, increases the tone, and endurance will assist children with low muscle tone. We will spread awareness throughout the month with information, and things you can do to be the best advocate for your special kiddos. Hashtag #iwalkwithmikko to join the movement and be featured in our stories ❤️💙💛💚 #asd #autism #autismawareness #adhd #autismacceptance #specialneeds #autistic #autismmom #autismfamily #aspergers #autismspectrumdisorder #autismspectrum #autismsupport #autismlife #autismparents #autismlove #sensoryprocessingdisorder #differentnotless #neurodiversity #autismspeaks #autismdad #actuallyautistic #disability #autismo #anxiety #mentalhealth #autismawarenessmonth #autismcommunity #autismadvocate

Autism Awareness Month is coming up in April | Gentle Autism ❤️💙💛💚 #asd #autismawareness #autism #autismacceptance #fyp #autismawarenessmonth

Awareness and Acceptance | Gentle Autism ❤️💙💛💚 #asd #autism #fyp #neurodivergent #autismmom

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world." It is easier for us to learn her language than for her to learn ours. 💛 #autism #asd #nonverbal #communication #fyp