BLOG AUTHOR

Laura Shields, LBA, BCBA

Laura Shields initially studied to be a special education teacher and holds a BA in Multicategorical Special Education from Lander University and a MS from Florida Institute of Technology. Laura has had the privilege of working with and learning alongside many families as they create meaningful and lasting change for their children and family. Laura is the parent to a curious and energetic five-year-old son, and is a beekeeper, which serves as a reminder to her of the importance of patience and community—values she carries into her work every day.

Recent Articles

When kids fall apart at home: Understanding and supporting masking fatigue

family moving with autistic child

Strategies for moving with an autistic child

child dealing with school refusal

School refusal and autism: Understanding and supporting your child

Practical self-care for parents of neurodivergent kids

Navigating autism in the teen years: Expectations, strategies, and support

What is PDA and how does it relate to autism?

A nervous-system informed approach to helping your child feel safe

When a child leaves a safe space: understanding and supporting wandering in autism

Virtual autism therapy session

Helping autistic kids learn to self-advocate: Why it matters and how you can support it

autistic child receiving therapy

Why online socializing works so well for autistic kids and teens — and how to keep it safe

basic-sign-language-autism

Basic sign language for autism: a parent-friendly guide

A parent’s guide to advocacy: Understanding your rights in the IEP process

The power of co-regulation: supporting your child through dysregulation

Understanding autism: reframing common misconceptions

Why social skills training often fails autistic individuals

Understanding stimming in autism spectrum disorder: a parent’s guide to acceptance and support

Toilet training for autistic child with doll.

How to potty train autistic children: a neurodiversity-affirming approach to toilet training

The importance of sleep for autistic children: a guide to better rest