Publisher’s Note
WhenwebeganbuildingthisAutism& NeurodivergentDirectory,weknewitcouldn’t justbeanotherlistofnamesandservices
Familiesdon’tneedmorenoise.Theyneed clarity Theyneedconnection Theyneedto knowwheretostartandwhounderstands.
Soweasked
Wereachedouttolocalparents,kids, therapists,andeducatorsandinvitedthemto sharewhatactuallymatters.What’shelped. What’sbeenhard.Whattheywishtheyhad knownsooner
Andtheyanswered.
Thisdirectoryisshapedbythosevoices. You’llfindresources,butalsoperspective.The kindthatonlycomesfromlivedexperience Parentsnavigatinglongdaysandsmall wins.Kidsdiscoveringwhatworksforthem andwhatdoesn’t.Familieslearning, adjusting,advocating,andfindingtheirown rhythminaworldthatdoesn’talwaysmake spaceforthem
That’swhyadirectorylikethismatters.It’s notjustaboutfindingaproviderora program.It’sabouthelpingfamiliesfeelless aloneintheprocess.It’saboutsavin reducingoverwhelm,andofferinga begin withouthavingtostartfrom everytime.
Thisisn’tmeanttobeperfect.It’sme useful Honest Ongoing
Andmostimportantly,it’srootedin community
Thankyoutoeveryfamily,everychild,and everyvoicewhohelpedshapethis
KIMBERLEY MCGEE Publisher AwardWinning Journalist Twin Mama
Before we talk about what’s missing, we want to show you what’s already here and growing every single day.
Over the past few months, we’ve been quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) building something we wish existed for our own families: a place where you don’t have to dig, guess, or ask ten different people just to find the right support.
Autism & Neurodiversity Map
On our website, you’ll find a living, breathing collection of resources designed with real families in mind.
• A sensory-sensitive map to help you confidently plan outings
• Carefully gathered lists of ABA providers, feeding specialists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists all in one place so you are not starting from scratch every time you need help
• An events calendar that does not just list what is happening but highlights opportunities that are welcoming, inclusive, and doable
But here’s the part we’re most proud of...this isn’t static.
We are actively searching every single day for sensory-sensitive experiences across Las Vegas. We’re reaching out to local businesses, starting conversations, and asking sometimes pushing for more inclusive options for our community. More quiet hours. More understanding More spaces where our kids can just be kids without the overwhelm. Because this shouldn’t be hard to find.
Hard Days Every Day
When all the words and support aren’t enough
ByTiffanyH.
I’mwritingthisusingapseudonymbecausesomeof thesethoughtsfeeltooheavytosayoutloud.
Mydaughterisautistic.Level2, andsomedays,it feelslikethescaledoesn’tevenmatterbecause everythingisjust…hard.
Todaywasahardday.
Itstartedbeforethesuncameup.Shewokeup dysregulated,crying,hitting,unabletotellmewhat waswrong.Iwentthroughthechecklist,youknowhungry,tired,uncomfortable,overstimulated but nothinglanded.ItriedtouseallthetoolsI’velearned, but Icouldfeelmyselfunraveling.Mycoffeewent coldonthecounterwhileIsatonthefloor,absorbing thestorm.
Therearemoments,Idon’tsayoutloud,whenIwant tojust…walkoutthedoorandsitinsilence somewhere.Tonotbeneededeverysecond.Tonot feellikeI’mconstantlygettingitwrong.
Becauseevenwithsupport,trulyamazingfriends whoshowupandloveus,IstillfeellikeIfallshort. MydaughterneedsmeinwaysIdon’talwaysknow howtomeet.Andtheguiltofthatsitsheavy.
Ididn’tsignupforthis.
Thiswasn’ttheplanIimaginedwhenIpicturedmotherhood.AndI’mtiredofpretendingit’s alwaysinspiring.Yes,therearebeautifuldays.Therearemomentswhereshelaughs,where sheletsmeintoherworld,whereIseeherbrillianceandherspiritandIthink,wow.Those momentsarereal.ButsoarethedayswhereIamstretchedthin,whereeverysoundistoo much,whereIfeellikeI’mbarelyholdingittogether.
Iseethememes Theonesaboutstrengthandwarriormomsandhowwe’rechosenforthis journey.Andsometimes…Ijustcan’t.Sometimes,Idon’twanttobestrong.Sometimes,Ijust needahug AndIwon’talwaysgetonefrommydaughter
ButwhenIdo,whensheleansintome,evenforasecond,it’severything. ShehastaughtmemorethanIeverexpected.Patience.Perspective.Adifferentkindoflove. Still,ifyou’rereadingthisandyou’reinittoo,reallyinit,pleasereachout.I’vefoundrealhelp throughFEAT,throughourBCBAandourSLP Youdon’thavetocarrythisalone
Andifnoonehassaidittoyoutoday,here’syourhug.
Autism-friendly haircuts.
Why Kids Feel Anxious
(And Why Parents Sometimes Do Too)
By Cheryl Hickman
Anxiety in kids has become more common, and many parents feel it right alongside them There are practical, gentle ways to help the body and mind reset. I'm passionate about sharing what works and helping families discover natural options that support calm, healing, and greater confidence in managing anxiety
Common factors that can contribute to anxiety in children include:
1. Family History and Genetics
Anxiety can run in families. Childr who have parents or close relatives with anxiety disorders may be more likely to experience anxiety themselves This doesn't mean it's inevitable, but it does mean some kids may naturally be more sensitive to stress or worry.
2. Personality and Temperament
4. Brain Chemistry
Just like adults, children's brains rely on chemical messengers such as serotonin and norepinephrine to regulate mood and stress When these systems are out of balance, kids may feel more anxious or overwhelmed
5. Family Environment
Some kids are simply wired differently. Children who are naturally shy, cautious, or highly sensitive to new situations may feel overwhelmed more easily. These traits can be wonderful strengths thoughtful, observant kids often grow into empathetic adults but they may also make children more prone to anxious feelings.
3. Stressful Life Events
Big life changes can shake a child's sense of security Events such as moving, switching schools, divorce, or the loss of a loved one can trigger anxiety. Even everyday pressures bullying, academic expectations, or ongoing family conflict can slowly build stress in a child's mind.
Children learn a lot by watching the adults around them. If parents or caregivers are frequently stressed or anxious, kids may absorb that emotional tone. Overprotective parenting, perfectionism, or inconsistent responses can also make it harder for children to develop confidence in managing challenges on their own.
6. Social Pressures and Technology
Today's kids face pressures that previous generations didn't experience Social media, constant comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposure to global news can make the world feel overwhelming.
Support Is Available
With supportive adults, healthy routines, and practical tools for calming the mind, kids can learn to manage anxiety and build resilience that lasts a lifetime. Call me at 702-279-9712 and let's talk about how we can create more calm in your home.
A Simple Tool That Helps Kids Calm Down
One of the easiest techniques to teach children is called the 3-3-3 Rule. It's a quick grounding exercise that helps shift the brain away from anxious thoughts and back into the present moment. It works like this: Look:
Name 3 things you can see around you. Listen:
Identify 3 sounds you can hear. Move:
Gently move 3 parts of your body wiggle fingers, tap your toes, or shrug your shoulders.
This exercise only takes about 30 seconds and helps reset the nervous system It's especially helpful for younger kids who may not have the words to describe what they're feeling.
Cheryl Hickman is the CEO of Queen Bee Biz, combining alternative health guidance with holistic wellness. Certified in EFT Sweet Spot Touch, Reconnective Healing, and HAVAS ECS CBD, she supports balanced mind and body health. Call her at 702-2799712 to learn more.
Enter a local for the Vegas Kids Zone Heart of the Community Award!
& NOMINATE
Soul Talks with Heather Criswe
Neurodivergent is a spectrum
"Are you okay?"
Two professionals asked me that. Two. Not followed by solutions. Not followed by support.
Just... a moment of being seen. And here's the truth I carried quietly for years: I was not okay.
April is Autism Awareness Month, and that matters deeply. Autism impacts about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number has grown and with it, awareness, advocacy, and conversation. And there's a wider picture we don't talk about enough.
Neurodivergence doesn't begin and end with autism.
Conditions like FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), which may affect as many as 1 in 20 individuals, often undiagnosed, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental differences are part of this same landscape. Autism has opened the door for awareness, and that's something to honor. And there are many families walking similar paths, often without a name, without support, without visibility.
And at the center of all of it, quietly holding everything together, is the caregiver.
The one scheduling therapies. Filling out forms. Managing behaviors. Advocating in schools. Holding meltdowns. Navigating finances stretched thin. Trying to keep a marriage intact. Trying to remember who they are. The backbone.
And yet... often invisible.
I've lived inside that reality. The exhaustion. The isolation. The silent overwhelm.
The constant feeling that everyone is focused on the child and no one is looking at the person holding the entire world together behind the scenes.
Not just moms and dads Grandparents Foster parents. Kinship caregivers. The ones who stepped in. The ones who stayed. So this month, yes, let's continue to bring awareness to autism. Let's keep learning, advocating, and supporting.
But let's widen the lens. Let's ask a different question: "How is the caregiver?" Because when the caregiver is supported, everything shifts.
This is why we're creating Sami's Round Table In honor of my dear friend Sami, who passed away at 34, leaving behind four children, three on the spectrum under the age of 12. She didn't have a village And even when we had each other, we were often too overwhelmed to lean in, afraid of adding to each other's weight.
That ends here
Sami's Round Table isn't just support...it's a village. A space to sit together, be seen, be held, and breathe for a moment with people who truly understand.
If this speaks to you, you're invited.
Visit Jacob's Ladder at jacobsladder.love and sign up for the Caregiver Round Table. Our first gathering begins May 2026.
You don't have to carry this alone anymore. Because one conversation, one real, honest, "Are you okay?" can change everything.
Heather Criswell, author, speaker, and founder of Heather’s Soul Talks, has over 30 years of experience helping 30,000+ families. For more parenting tips, visit heathercriswellcom for free resources.
Tooth Fairy Kit!
Make the milestones magical!
Write a sweet letter to the Tooth Fairy and get your Lost Tooth Certificate to commemorate the moment! Also includes a handwriting practice sheet (because fairies love neat notes!) and a brushing reward chart to build great habits
The Autism Acronym Decoder
A plain-language dictionary for navigating autism, therapies, and support
ABA. IEP. SLP. OT. It can feel like alphabet soup at first. This quick guide helps decode the most common terms so you can spend less time guessing and more time advocating
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
A therapy that helps children learn skills and reduce behaviors that make daily life harder.
Think: breaking things into small steps like learning how to ask for help instead of melting down.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
The specialist who designs and oversees ABA therapy programs They’re the ones creating the plan, tracking progress, and adjusting what’s working (or not).
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
The person who works directly with your child during ABA sessions. They’re in the trenches teaching, practicing, cheering, repeating
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
A developmental difference that affects communication, behavior, and how someone experiences the world.
“Spectrum” means it looks very different for every child.
ADHD (AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
A condition that impacts attention, impulse control, and energy levels. Not just “can’t sit still” it can also look like daydreaming, emotional swings, or struggling to start tasks.
AUD (Auditory Processing Disorder)
(often confused with hearing issues) The ears work fine but the brain has trouble processing what’s heard. Think: “I heard you… but it didn’t fully land ”
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
A legal plan created by the school to support a child’s learning needs. This can include accommodations, therapies, or classroom support.
504 Plan
A school support plan that provides accommodations (but not specialized instruction). Example: extra time on tests or sensory breaks.
SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist)
A therapist who helps with communication this could mean speech, language, or even using devices to communicate
OT (Occupational Therapy)
Focuses on life skills everything from handwriting to getting dressed and managing sensory needs.
Enter the Vegas Family Insider Cover Kid Contest for a chance to see your child on the front or back cover of Vegas Family Insider magazine. WhatWinnersGet: A professional photo —cover-worthy and frame-worthy. Keepsake copies and digital files to share withfamilyandfriends. A citywide spotlight reaching 200,000+ localfamilies.
Showoffthatsparkle! Upload a high-resolution photo. Share 100 words about what makes your child shine. Submit by the 21st.
Always On Alert
The Reality Behind Raising “Sparkly Brain” Kids
By Kimberley McGee
Joana Torres, 38, is an MS warrior and a mom to two “sparkly brain kiddos” a phrase she uses with love, but one that only begins to capture the depth of her daily life
“There is a constant awareness for safety that never goes away,” Torres says. “Always on alert.”
Hard days, she explains, can look very different from one another
“Hard days vary. One day all we hear is ‘No! NO! NO!’” she says. “Others are silent. Honestly, the silence is worse because I don’t know how to help.”
It’s that uncertainty, the quiet, the unknown, that can feel the heaviest. Not knowing what her child needs or how to reach them in those moments adds another layer to already challenging days.
Even then, staying home isn’t always the answer
“Yes. All the time,” Torres says when asked if she’s felt misunderstood in public. “Ian has different stimming patterns Some are less noticeable than others But .on hard days when staying home is not an option - and why should we hide anyways? = we notice the stares and side eyes of those around us.”
What she wants others to understand is simple.
“This is his way of self-regulating while he tries to adapt to the world around him. Because the world is a scary place for him.”
Amid the challenges, Torres makes a point to celebrate progress especially the kind that might go unnoticed to others
“We celebrate mini-wins every week in our household,” she says.
One of those wins started with curiosity.
“Early on, Ian demonstrated a curiosity toward laundry,” she says. “He now does his own laundry every Wednesday. And if that’s not a win for any mom out there, I don’t know what is ”
Like many families navigating services in Las Vegas, Torres describes the early days as overwhelming
“I had no idea what I even needed,” she says, crediting Nevada Early Intervention Services for helping. “Evaluations took forever, services have such long waits and while all that is happening, time keeps moving.”
But IEP meetings were a whole other animal.
Finding in the Little Things
A
proud VKZ Kidpreneur with a clay business (fueled by Chick-fil-A dreams), Ian is finding his voice, his strengths, and his own path
By Kimberley McGee
Like many kids his age, Ian Zafra, 11 knows what he likes, what helps him feel safe, and what makes a day feel really good.
“I love to play video games,” Ian shares. “I’m really good at Astro Bot.”
But for Ian, diagnosed with ASD, comfort matters just as much as fun
“My stuffed animals,” he says, are what make him feel happy and calm.
When things get overwhelming, Ian knows exactly who helps him through it.
“Quinn and Odie,” he says, his sister and the family dog, respectively. They’re his safe place.
School, like for many kids, isn’t always easy, says Ian, “School is hard.”
But even on the tough days, he has a clear idea of what success looks like.
“A really great day is when I finish my work at school,” he says.
It’s a goal that feels big and important. Ian also knows what he needs from the people around him, even if he says it in just a few words
“To listen to my rules,” he explains.
For Ian, that means space. Understanding. Not feeling crowded.
It’s his way of navigating the world in a way that feels manageable
And while some things are hard, there are also so many things he enjoys.
“I love Kids Quest and shows ”
From performances at The Smith Center to shows like “Awakening” at Wynn Las Vegas, those experiences stand out as something special.
What he doesn’t love? “I don’t really like school,” he adds honestly
Still, Ian is full of ideas, humor, and determination including a business plan that’s all his own.
“That I have a clay business to buy Chick-fil-A,” he says of his recent foray into being a VKZ Kidpreneur.
It’s equal parts practical and completely him. Ian also enjoys making connections.
“Yes,” he says when asked if he likes making friends. And when it comes to how he does that? “Saying hello.”
If he could change one thing about the world around him, his answer is just as clear as the rest.
“Make school easier.“
Through it all, Ian’s voice is steady and honest filled with the things that matter most to him: comfort, connection, space, and the quiet pride of finishing what he starts.
Museums That Make It Easier to Explore
The DISCOVERY Children's Museum is one of the most parent-friendly spots in town. They offer sensory tools, quieter spaces, and occasional sensory-friendly events where lighting and sound are adjusted and crowds are limited It’s a place where kids can move at their own pace and engage in hands-on learning without pressure
The Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum also offers sensory-friendly hours, giving families the chance to explore in a calmer environment before the building fills up. For many kids, that small shift in timing makes a big difference
Movement Without the Chaos
For kids who regulate through movement, finding the right environment matters. Places like Sky Zone Trampoline Park offer designated sensory hours with reduced noise, no flashing lights, and fewer guests. It creates a space where kids can jump, move, and reset without overwhelm
Indoor play spaces can also work well if you go during off-peak times. A quieter room often turns a high-energy environment into something much more manageable.
SensoryFriendly Field Trips
Exploring the city in a way that works for your child
There are some really beautiful, doable experiences for kids who need a little more space, a little less noise, and a lot more understanding. Here are a few places around Las Vegas that make it easier.
Experiences Designed With Your Child in Mind
Some places go beyond accommodations and intentionally create inclusive experiences. Dinosaur Outpost is a Certified Autism Center, with staff trained to support sensory needs and an environment built to feel welcoming and predictable It’s one of those rare places where families can relax a little more and just enjoy the experience.
At The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, sensory-inclusive performances are designed so kids can move, take breaks, and experience live theater without the usual expectations. Adjusted lighting, flexible seating, and quiet areas make it accessible in a way traditional performances often are not.
FREE FOOD, DRINKS,& DISCOUNTS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
FREE BIRTHDAY SWAGMAP
It’s our favorite time of the year, birthday time! We have found 20+ places to get a free goodie or gift during your birthday month or only when you arrive on your actual birthday
From a cookie or a Bundlet to lipstick, eye makeup and candles, there is an abundance of goodies for you to grab on your birthday!
Miles with the Smiles Autism, Advocacy, and Everyday Life
A Q&A with Teresa Isgriggs, FEAT Events Co-Chair
For Teresa Isgriggs, raising her son Miles has both challenges and incredible moments of joy.
Diagnosed at just 3½ years old, Miles has grown into a bright, loving 11-year-old who continues to inspire everyone around him.
In this candid Q&A, Teresa shares what daily life really looks like, the highs and lows of parenting a child on the spectrum, and what she wishes more people understood.
How has navigating services in Las Vegas been for your family what has helped, and what has been frustrating?
Navigating services was extremely daunting when we first got our diagnosis. We didn't have a lot of initial guidance, and I took it upon myself to find help. This is where I found FEAT of Southern Nevada and was ultimately given so much advice for resources, therapies, programs and more! Their support meetings, workshops and events have really helped us navigate what is best for our journey with autism and find other amazing families to connect with as well! What we have found frustrating is finding services that don't charge an insane amount, i.e. therapies, specialized programs for swimming, specialized lessons in sports, music, arts, or even childcare. So much is based on income level and many families don't meet the low income threshold required for assistance but still very much need financial assistance for all the expenses that come with autism.
Having a child with autism is extremely expensive, and they need specialized care for the rest of their lives...every parent with an autistic child should have access to help them financially...it's a forever thing.
For our Miles, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) has been one of the best things we have done for him since he was diagnosed. It has helped him with his socialization, creating independence, life skills, and managing any behavior that can be harmful. He has come leaps and bounds over the years! His language has grown extensively and he has truly come out of his shell and is thriving!
mClicktoread loreaboutthis iocalmom’s nsightinto raisingachild withautism.
Are there services or support you needed but struggled to find locally?
The autism community always needs more services available to them, especially companies having more insurance options for parents. So many parents are limited to therapy companies based on who takes their insurance, and it makes it very difficult. Many of our kids need tailored specific things that not all places offer, but if they don't take your insurance, we can't afford it. There's not enough financial assistance out there for all the families that need it and that makes our journey so hard.
If you could create one resource, program, or space for families like yours in this city, what would it be?
Coming from a performing arts background, I truly feel there should be so much more offered in the arts space for individuals with disabilities. I am currently working on creating my own program to make this much needed asset happen The arts are so powerful for our kids in so many ways. They really need their own program with people trained on their diagnosis to help them thrive and enjoy arts the way they so deserve! They all deserve to shine!
CINNAMON MUG CAKE
Sometimes, you just need something warm, sweet, and comforting without the wait or the worry. This gluten-free cinnamon mug cake comes together in minutes and feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. It’s soft, perfectly spiced, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether it’s an after-school treat, a late-night craving, or a quick win for a busy day, this single-serve cake delivers every time Bonus: no oven, no mess, and no leftovers tempting you later.
Wet Ingredients
1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
3 tbsp canned coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
3 tbsp GF all-purpose flour blend
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla powder (optional, but tasty)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
Frosting
1 tbsp vegan white chocolate chips
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Whisk together the oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a cereal bowl.
Add all of your dry ingredients to the cereal bowl, except the baking powder, and whisk until smooth. Then, whisk in the baking powder.
Pour the batter into your mug, and microwave it on high for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Rinse and wipe out the bowl from your batter. Put the peanut butter and white chocolate chips in the bowl and microwave until it is all melted (about 30 seconds).
Stir in the powdered sugar 1/2 tbsp at a time until fully incorporated. Spread the frosting on top of the cake and enjoy.
Click for a full list of local Gluten Free restaurants
Heather is a wife and mom to 5 beautiful children. For more recipes, head to fearlessfaithfulmom.com.
Dog with a Jo
Perla Coronado is creating a space where kids can feel calm, included, and ready to join in one gentle moment at a time.
Coco’s Sensory Soft Play didn’t start as something big. It started with a simple goal: create a space where kids could feel comfortable being themselves.
“It really came from wanting kids to feel safe, happy, and included,” said Perla Coronado, RN and owner of Coco’s Sensory Soft Play. “We started bringing sensory play to events, and then Coco became part of it and everything changed.”
Coco, the therapy dog behind the name, has a way of knowing exactly what a child needs before anyone says a word. At one event, a little boy stood close to his mom, overwhelmed and on the verge of tears.
“He didn’t want to go in He didn’t want to play. It was just too much,” Coronado said.
Coco made the first move.
“She walked over slowly, sat next to him, and just rested her head on his lap.”
No big introduction. No pressure.
“Within minutes, you could see him calm down. His breathing slowed, his hands stopped shaking… and then he smiled.”
By the end of the event, everything had shifted.
“He was playing, laughing, and when it was time to leave, he hugged Coco goodbye, Coronado said. “His mom told us it was the first time she’d ever seen him feel that comfortable in a crowd. Coco helps kids feel understood without needing words. Her presence alone can reduce anxiety and help kids open up.”
That’s what makes this experience feel different. It’s about creating a space where kids can settle in, feel safe, and then, at their own pace, join in
“Coco is the heart of everything we do,” Coronado said. “We’re just creating the space around her.”
For a lot of families, that space means everything. Coco is available for birthday parties and more! Call 702-635-4207.
Should My Child Have a Service Animal?
Answer yes or no to each.
Does your child experience anxiety, meltdowns, or sensory overload in public settings?
Would your child benefit from a calming physical presence (pressure, grounding, companionship)?
Is your child drawn to animals and able to form a bond with them?
Does your child struggle with safety concerns (wandering, bolting, awareness)?
Are you looking for additional support beyond therapy or school services?
Are you prepared for the daily responsibility of caring for a dog (feeding, grooming, vet visits)?
Can an adult consistently supervise interactions between your child and the dog?
Are you
Are you
Rethinking Picky Eating
When “Just Eat It” Turns Into a Battle
By Heather Wikle Gonzalez
“Please eat a little turkey. Just a bit!” Desperate (and somewhat embarrassed) I quietly pleaded with my child to eat something ‘real’ at our big potluck. Just this once I was hoping dinner would be a battle, especially with the e of friends and strangers on us.
No dice!
After a lot of frustration and negotiating my child took one b gagged, and almost puked it up right there at the table! Picky eating had struck again! Or had Our story isn’t unique “
Many children will have moments of food refusal, but sometimes it’s bigger than just hating lima beans. When ‘choosiness’ becomes so intense that it interferes with growth or makes the dinner table feel like a battlefield, it’s not just picky eating anymore Severe picky eating can be called ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), SED (Selective Eating Disorder), and problem eating Problem eating isn’t about bad behavior or poor parenting.
It’s a struggle involving both mind and body. There is usually an underlying cause like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, anxiety, or food allergies. Some red flags for problem eating are when children:
Can’t be convinced to try foods, regardless of the reward or punishment ‘Melt down’ (panic) over requests to try different foods Gag or vomit when trying non-preferred foods
There are changes you can make to restore peace to your mealtimes.
Serve at least one food your child likes at every meal so nobody goes hungry. Sample new foods apart from mealtime to keep the pressure to eat low. Make new foods fun with play build veggie castles or fingerpaint with condiments. Get your kids involved with food by gardening, grocery shopping, and helping to plan and cook meals.
Does this sound like your life? There is help out there Ask your child’s doctor for a referral to a pediatric occupational therapist, specifically one who specializes in eating issues. Then, talk with your child. Without pressure, discuss why people eat a variety of healthy foods. Be sure to download the Picky Eating Game Plan, take some baby steps, and celebrate any progress you make!
Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy with Heart
The Speech House offers speech, feeding, occupational, and physical therapy for children with special needs, using evidence-based care tailored to each child.
Certified Autism Center™ (CAC)
The Mini Mogul Playbook & Goal-Setting Workbook is a powerful combo kids can use to take their ideas from “what if” to “look what I built.”
It walks them step-by-step through creating and launching their first business, with simple lessons on money, marketing, and making it happen.
It’s fun, practical, and designed to build realworld skills in a way kids actually enjoy—and parents appreciate.
Start small. Dream big. Build something of your own.
VKZ KIDPRENEURS MAGAZINE
VKZ Kidpreneurs Magazine is a space dedicated entirely to young entrepreneurs— highlighting their businesses, ideas, and the journey behind what they create.
It’s where kids get real visibility, share their stories, and inspire others to start something of their own.
Click here to be a part of VKZ Kidpreneures and get featured!
BuiltforWonder. DesignedforAll.
DinosaurOutpostStepsUpforInclusion
Ididn’texpecttofeelemotionalwalkingintoaplace filledwithdinosaurs.Buthereweare.
Asamomofateenonthespectrum,I’velearnedto scanspacesbeforeweevenstepinside:
Whatwillitsoundlike?
Howcrowdedisit?
Wheredowegoifitgetstoooverwhelming? Willanyoneunderstandifweneedtoleave suddenly?
Thesearequestionsmostfamilies withachildon thespectrumwillaskbeforesteppingintoaplay place.
SowhenIheardDinosaurOutpostmadeareal commitmenttoinclusion,notjustasignonthedoor, butactualtraining,tools,andintention,itmatters. MorethanIcanputintoaquickquoteorcaption.
TheyhaveofficiallybeendesignatedaCertified AutismCenter™(CAC)bytheInternationalBoardof CredentialingandContinuingEducationStandards.
It’snotasmallthing.Theirstaffhasgonethroughautismandsensorytraining.They consideredthespaceforfamilieswhoexperiencetheworlddifferentlyandthenactuallydid somethingaboutit.
“I’mthrilledthatDinosaurOutposthasbeendesignatedasaCertifiedAutismCenter™,”says TimClothier.“Ourmissionhasalwaysbeentoconnectallfamiliesthroughinteractiveplay andaloveofprehistoricwonder.Beingabletotrainourstaffandsetupourfacilitytocaterto autisticandsensory-sensitiveguestsissomethingthateveryoneatDinosaurOutpostis extremelyproudof.”
Familiescanaccesssensorybagswithnoise-reducingheadphones,sunglasses,andfidget tools.It’sthesimplethingsthatcanmakethedifferenceofstayingorhavingtoleave.
Andthey’renotdone.Adedicatedquietspace isalreadyintheworks,givingkidsaplaceto resetwithouthavingtoexittheentire experience Ifyouknow,youknow that’s huge.
There’salsosomethingpowerfulaboutwhat thisrepresentsbeyondjustonelocation.
“We’reproudtopartnerwithDinosaur Outpostastheytakethisimportantstep towardcreatingmoreinclusiveandaccessible experiencesforautisticandsensory-sensitive individuals,”saysMyronPincomb.“Whether localtoLasVegasorvisitingfromaroundthe world,familiescanfeelmoreconfident knowingDinosaurOutposthasinvestedin specializedtrainingandsupportstobetter welcomeeveryguest.”
Hegoesontosaysomethingthatreallystuck withme:.
“BybecomingaCertifiedAutismCenter™, DinosaurOutpostissettinganewstandardnot onlyfortheLasVegastourismcommunity, butfortheattractionsindustryasawhole. Theircommitmentshowsthataccessibility isn’tanadd-on;it’sanessentialpartofcreating unforgettableexperiencesforallvisitors”
That’swhatmakesthisstandoutforlocalfamilieswithkidsonthespectrum Becauseinclusionisn’t aboutcreatingseparateexperiences.It’saboutmakingsharedexperiencespossible.
DinosaurOutpostbeingrecognizedbyIBCCESisn’tjustawinforthem.It’sasignaltoourentire communitythataccessibilityshouldbepartoftheplanfromthebeginning,notsomethingaddedlater.
Andasamomwhohasspentyearssearchingforplacesthatgetit,Icantellyou…thisisexactlythekind ofeffortthatdoesn’tgounnoticed It’sfelt
Ask the Zone
Got a question that keeps you up at night or need to vent? Send it to Kim@vegaskidzonecom No topic is too quirky, too serious, or too Vegas
Q: My child was recently diagnosed with autism and I feel completely overwhelmed. What should I focus on first—and how do I know I’m making the right choices? - Mama Bear T
A: First, take a deep breath That feeling of overwhelm is something almost every parent shares in the beginning you are not alone in that You don’t have to figure everything out at once. Start with what’s right in front of you: understanding your child What makes them feel calm? What excites them? What challenges them? That insight will guide more decisions than any checklist ever could.
From there, focus on building a small, trusted team whether that’s a therapist, pediatrician, or even another parent who’s been through this Ask questions, observe how your child responds, and give yourself permission to take it one step at a time There is no perfect path only the path that works for your child. And here’s something I’ve seen over and over in this community: when parents follow their instincts and stay open to learning, they do find their way.
Q: We’ve tried a few therapies, but I’m not sure what’s actually helping. How do I know if a program is the right fit for my child? - Jenny Hughes
A: This is such an important question, and such a common one
Progress doesn’t always look like big, obvious milestones Sometimes it’s small shifts: a new word, a calmer transition, a moment of connection that wasn’t there before The right program should feel like a partnership. You should feel heard. Your child should feel safe And there should be clear communication about goals, progress, and adjustments along the way.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask questions or even explore other options. You are your child’s best advocate
I always encourage parents to trust both what they see and what they feel When a program is the right fit, you’ll start to notice not just progress but comfort, confidence, and consistency.
And remember, this isn’t about finding the answer. It’s about finding what works, right now, for your child
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