Calm Connect Blogs: Insights for Gentle Parenting

What are the long-term benefits of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for toddlers?

October 24, 2025 | By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

The first few years after an autism diagnosis are often a flurry of decisions about therapies. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), a specialized application of…

How to reduce stimming behaviors that are becoming disruptive or socially isolating?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

Stimming—short for self-stimulatory behavior—is a vital, non-negotiable part of the autistic experience. It includes repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, finger-flicking, or vocalizations. Stimming serves a…

: Is there a link between gut health and behavioral challenges in children with autism?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 2 min read

For years, parents have anecdotally reported a connection between their autistic child’s digestive comfort and their mood and regulation. Now, a growing body of scientific…

How to use PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) effectively for requests and feelings?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a highly structured, evidence-based communication system that allows non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals to communicate using pictures. It…

What are the signs that my child’s current school environment is overstimulating or inadequate?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

A school is meant to be a place of learning and growth, but for an autistic child, the environment itself can become a barrier. If…

How to explain autism to a sibling in a way that promotes empathy and understanding?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

The unique challenges and joys of having a sibling with autism affect every family member. For neurotypical siblings, seeing their brother or sister engage in…

What activities can help an autistic teen develop fine motor skills for writing or daily tasks?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

For many autistic teens, fine motor skills—the ability to coordinate the small muscles in the hands and fingers—can lag, presenting significant difficulties with crucial daily…

How to handle intense obsessions or restrictive interests without completely shutting them down?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

When an autistic child develops an intense obsession or restrictive interest—whether it’s dinosaurs, trains, a specific cartoon character, or complex machinery—it can feel all-consuming to…

What should I include in a social story to prepare my child with ASD for a new sibling?

| By clrzclrsvqbifoif_calmuser | 3 min read

The arrival of a new sibling is a massive change, even for neurotypical children. For a child with ASD, who relies heavily on predictability and…