Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.

Happy Birthday to You! How to Celebrate Your Child’s Special Day Appropriately

Over the past few months, a few of my clients have asked "how should we celebrate our child's birthday, taking into consideration his or her special needs." This is an important question on many levels, since we all want to celebrate special occasions wi... Read >

What Should I Do When My Child is Anxious?

Anxiety can be debilitating for many individuals, especially those affected by autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Last month, I shared specific symptoms and changes in behavior to consider when determining whether or not your child or studen... Read >

How Do I Know if My Child is Anxious?

When thinking about autism and all that is involved with it and other similar neurodevelopmental disorders, we sometimes overlook the possibility of co-occurring conditions like anxiety. All too often I hear responses about a child's odd behaviors in rel... Read >

Spring Break is Back

The weather is warming up here in Michigan, and it is hard to believe that spring break is right around the corner. Spring time can be a season of change for many children, and it is important to try and maintain some consistency and routine. Whether yo... Read >

Indoor Sensory Ideas and Activities

The snow continues to fall here in Michigan, and it seems like forever since my family and I were able to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about frostbite. Cabin fever is really beginning to set in. I cannot wait for the warm sunny spring days to arr... Read >

New Year Resolutions for Teachers

It is hard to believe that 2009 is already here! The holidays came and went so quickly, and now we are on to bigger and better things in the New Year. As a teacher and consultant, I believe that starting a new year is always a great time to put into act... Read >

Language Processing

Over the course of the last month, I have been doing some renewed thinking on language processing. With this reflection, I have come to realize that I take processing for granted so often that I wonder just how much gets missed on a day to day basis. If w... Read >

Holiday Tips (and a few great excuses) for Families

The holidays can be both a joyful and stressful time for all families. This can especially be the case for families of individuals with autism or other neuro-developmental disabilities. If you're racking your brain to come up with some excuses you can u... Read >

Nonverbal Communication: What’s it all about? Part 3

This is part 3 of a 3 part series on nonverbal communication in children. Working to improve the use and understanding of nonverbal communication is essential for a person with an autism spectrum or neurological disorder. In most cases, working to imp... Read >

Nonverbal Communication: What’s it all about? Part 2

This is part 2 of a 3 part series on nonverbal communication in children. By the time most children are one year old, they are experts in nonverbal communication. They have spent the whole first year of their lives making their wants and needs known, ... Read >

Nonverbal Communication: What’s it all about? Part 1

This is part 1 of a 3 part series on nonverbal communication. Communication is critical to continued human development throughout our life span. It is what allows us to share thoughts, feelings, wonderings, and knowledge with others. Whether you are ... Read >

Communication is Dynamic Part 2

In Part 1, I explained the broadband process of communication. Here, I will explain how it affects children with autism spectrum disorders. When talking on the phone, you have lost the ability to gather information from your speaking partner's facial e... Read >

Learning to Think: Part One - All Students Can Learn to be Mindful

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and school has begun for many children. School buses are busily picking up students and dropping them off during the morning and evening commutes. With the beginning of a new school year, I thought it would be helpful... Read >

A Journey through Infant Development: The Third Month

I continue to be amazed by the huge strides that my little baby boy is making. Child development happens so quickly! When I see an infant who is younger than my little guy, I realize just how much he has grown in such a short time. He's stronger, has bett... Read >

Beating the Summer Blues Part 2: Simple Activity Ideas for Summer Fun

Summer is in full swing here Michigan. We are enjoying the warm and sometimes humid days and the extra hours of sunlight. School has been out of session now for over a month, and for many families the feeling of restlessness is beginning to set in. ... Read >