Bened Life blog - probiotics for your brain

A child in a gray shirt looks down at a picture book. Colorful abstract fingerpainted pictures adorn the brick wall behind them and the table the book is lying on.

Why Is There an Increase in Autism Diagnoses?

By Casey-Lee Flood, RN, HWNC-BC, NC-BC Autism diagnosis rates are increasing across all age groups, but it isn't an epidemic — it's a sign of progress. There have been so...

Why Is There an Increase in Autism Diagnoses?

By Casey-Lee Flood, RN, HWNC-BC, NC-BC Autism diagnosis rates are increasing across all age groups, but it isn't an epidemic — it's a sign of progress. There have been so...

Illustration of four people with thought bubbles over their heads. The text says Nonspeaking and Nonverbal Autism: What's the Difference?

Nonspeaking and Nonverbal Autism: What’s the Di...

Nonspeaking autism - often called “nonverbal autism” - can be challenging. But many nonspeaking people can communicate, given the right tools and opportunities.

Nonspeaking and Nonverbal Autism: What’s the Di...

Nonspeaking autism - often called “nonverbal autism” - can be challenging. But many nonspeaking people can communicate, given the right tools and opportunities.

A mother and daughter recline in a bed together. The mother is reading a book and looking over at the smiling child, who is smiling back and holding a gift-wrapped box.

The Best Gifts for Autistic Children

Struggling to find gifts for Autistic kids and others with sensory needs? Our Neurodiversity and Disability Consultant is here to help.

The Best Gifts for Autistic Children

Struggling to find gifts for Autistic kids and others with sensory needs? Our Neurodiversity and Disability Consultant is here to help.

A chalk board above a bookshelf of bookstore books reads Celebrate Neurodiversity

Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclop...

Writer Ben Breaux interviews Dr. Chris Papadopoulos about his recent book Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopedia

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Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclop...

Writer Ben Breaux interviews Dr. Chris Papadopoulos about his recent book Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopedia

2 comments
An Autistic girl removes the innards from a pumpkin to make a jack o lantern as her little sister smiles

Halloween Sensory Activities and Accommodations

For kids with sensory issues (including some Autistic kids), Halloween can be a challenging time. Here are some accommodations–and some fun activities–to plan.

Halloween Sensory Activities and Accommodations

For kids with sensory issues (including some Autistic kids), Halloween can be a challenging time. Here are some accommodations–and some fun activities–to plan.

A child viewed from behind who is stimming using a popping toy. The toy is blue, green, white and purple, and round in shape.

Stimming in Autism vs Self-Harm: What’s the Dif...

Stimming in autism is a necessary tool for preventing overwhelm. Self-harm is a sign that overwhelm is already happening. Learn the difference - and what to do for each.

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Stimming in Autism vs Self-Harm: What’s the Dif...

Stimming in autism is a necessary tool for preventing overwhelm. Self-harm is a sign that overwhelm is already happening. Learn the difference - and what to do for each.

1 comment
Corporate Memphis-style illustration of a group of people standing and having conversations. A caption reads, “What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?”

What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?

While some felt that losing “Asperger’s Syndrome” was a kind of erasure, its inclusion in the autism spectrum can be helpful in making care and accommodations accessible.

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What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?

While some felt that losing “Asperger’s Syndrome” was a kind of erasure, its inclusion in the autism spectrum can be helpful in making care and accommodations accessible.

2 comments
A child lays on a wooden floor on his back, playing. He is wearing a bright shirt with a graffiti-style art pattern

The Best Probiotics for Autism

From improving gut health to easing frustrating mental and emotional difficulties, research suggests probiotics for Autistic people can be beneficial.

The Best Probiotics for Autism

From improving gut health to easing frustrating mental and emotional difficulties, research suggests probiotics for Autistic people can be beneficial.

A lecture hall in a conference center. We are looking down long rows of tables where dozens of people are seated, paying attention to a speaker on stage to the left.

I-ASC & Motormorphosis: Accessible Communicatio...

Do you have a Nonspeaking loved one? Here's what to know about I-ASC and Motormorphosis, an annual conference on accessible communication for Nonspeakers. 

I-ASC & Motormorphosis: Accessible Communicatio...

Do you have a Nonspeaking loved one? Here's what to know about I-ASC and Motormorphosis, an annual conference on accessible communication for Nonspeakers. 

Dr. Briana Traina, the originator of the Autism 101 course for parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children

Charting a New Course: Autism 101

Learn about the doctor behind the course for parents of newly diagnosed children and the course itself.

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Charting a New Course: Autism 101

Learn about the doctor behind the course for parents of newly diagnosed children and the course itself.

2 comments
A row of three glass jars, each containing a grain. There is a jar of couscous, a jar of rice, and an overturned jar from which pasta is spilling out towards the camera.

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!