Going to the doctor or dentist can be an extremely stressful event for a parent as well as a child.  There are many factors that can dis-regulate a child and/or bring on a feeling of anxiety.  For example, the unstructured time in the waiting room along with the presence of unfamiliar faces can be difficult […]

Although winter is clearly still here, now is the right time to be registering your child for summer camp! While the Phoenix Center offers an extended school year program (ESY) for the month of July, August is often a difficult time for many of our families.  Downtime without much structure often presents challenges for many […]

Winter dressing can be a challenge for many of our students with sensory sensitivities.  Clothing can provide varied levels of sensory input.  Some students may prefer the feeling of heavy clothing that is loose, while others may prefer lightweight clothing that is tight.  Some children will not like wearing a hood; however, they may wear […]

The Phoenix Center’s Stress Savers The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year; however, they can also be extremely stressful. As parent/caregivers of children with special needs, you often face unique challenges during the holiday season. The lights, sounds, and smells combined with the typical hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. Without structure […]

Sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, restlessness or early morning waking, are common in all children; however, they may be even more common in children with autism. It has been estimated that between 40% and 80% of children with autism have difficulty sleeping.  Sleep is a critical component for productivity and health.  When sleep […]