Blog Posts
Talking about Your Child’s Diagnostic Discovery
Some ideas to help parents in sharing their child’s autism diagnosis with their child and other affirming supports that may benefit autistic children.
Discoveries of a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Advocate
My discovery as a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer.
Personal Goal-Setting
What I learned from shifting my practice to allow students to set and self-evaluate their own goals (and getting rid of rewards in the process).
Finding Calm as a Family
A post for families about moving from co-regulation to self-regulation. Here are some ideas to help your child find tools and strategies that make them feel good, able to focus, and get out extra energy. Oh, and free organizers!
VIDEO BLOG: Conversations with Kara - Ep. 3
A conversation with my student, Eilis, on being autistic, sensory differences, self-care rituals, media representation, and what she wishes teachers, families and peers better understood about autism! It’s essential viewing for all educators and parents!
VIDEO BLOG: Conversations with Kara and Maja - Ep. 1
A conversation with my friend, Maja Toudal, an autistic psychologist, author, and musician from Denmark. We tackle education, our experiences with neurodivergence, and much more in this very candid conversation!
Authentic #ActuallyAutistic Representation in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
An interview with my student Israel Thomas-Bruce about being cast as Max in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
STRATEGY SERIES: Chunk & Check-In
One of my favourite strategies for work periods, homework time, or projects - for teachers, parents/guardians to use with their learners.
VIDEO BLOG: Conversations with Kara Episode 2
A conversation with my friend, Bruce Petherick, about his experiences as a musician, teacher, and late-diagnosed autistic. We also cover neurodiversity, representations of autism, problems in education, creating a world that affirms everyone, and more.
Growing in Understanding
“So when a parent comes in with their gloves on ... understand it. Show them with your actions that you will do anything to help them. … once you are working as a team with the parents, the possibilities are endless.” In this guest Q&A, my friend Shira reflects on the importance of lifelong learning, representation, and how parenting a child with a disability has changed her as an educator.
Join Them in Their Wheelhouse!
So, why’s it such a big deal that Danny calls me on the phone?
A blog post for parents about communicating and engaging with children or loved ones on the spectrum. Join them in their wheelhouse!
Making Room to Grow
So... I cried in a cinema parking lot once. And then went home and baked.
Find out why in my new blog post on reconciling Teacher Me and Sister Me, and finding the balance between protecting and preparing.
Coding What Matters in the Margins
My friend Aidan tested out my notetaking system for neurodivergent learners … Find out how it went!
VIDEO BLOG: Conversations with Kara Episode 1
Today I sat down with a longtime primary teacher, Andrea, to discuss ways to enhance classroom design, differentiation, and inclusion for everyone.
Tips for Trips!
Planning a field trip? Think proactively! Recently, I saw a brilliant thread by an autistic advocate @AutisticPb, with their tips to set students up for success …
This inspired me to put together some of my own tips for teachers. Yes, I know it’s wishful thinking right now for us educators in Ontario, but my book is Book of the Month in Australia right now…
This is Autism, Too!
I am constantly learning from my students. Hear from Griffin as he talks about his school experiences while being autistic and how others can be more understanding.
Drama: The Most Important Subject?
How drama led me to teach autistic children … and why drama may be the most important subject!
Welcome to Skateboarding!
My friend Matt is passionate about skateboarding. Here’s some wisdom on making skateboarding - and teaching in general - more accessible!
Introducing Danny … And Me!
Kara Dymond, Author of The Autism Lens, reflects on how she ended up a teacher.