Cristiane Souza Bertone, M.S.Ed., BCBA

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To Parents of Special Needs Children

In uncertain times, parents of special needs children face unique challenges, disrupted routines, escalating behaviors, and a debate over school reopening that doesn't account for every child's reality. The message is simple: tune out the noise, trust your own knowledge of your child, and advocate for what your family needs. No leader or administrator can do that for you. Grief is valid , but so is your strength.

My Child Won't Wear a Mask

As schools reopen, a critical question emerges: how do we help children and adults with disabilities navigate masks, handwashing, and social distancing? Research supports using behavioral protocols to teach these life skills, the same approach already used in special education to teach hygiene and personal space. With the right protocol, data tracking, and flexibility, it's achievable. That said, every individual is different. Sensory challenges may require tailored approaches, and some won't tolerate a mask at all. The goal is to be persistent, but also smart and respectful, working with what each person can handle.

Caring for Your Special Needs Child

For many families raising children with autism, medical visits are not routine. They are a source of real dread, and often crisis. From refusing shots to bolting from ambulances, these challenges are common and valid. The good news is that evidence-based interventions can help desensitize individuals to medical environments and procedures. The process starts with finding a qualified behavioral specialist, conducting a thorough assessment, and building "micro-goals" tailored to your child. Positive reinforcement should anchor the entire approach, making the experience as rewarding and tolerable as possible.

My Mom Has Superpowers

When my mother was kidnapped for ransom in Brazil last week, she came out of it shaken but whole. Watching her describe the experience with such calm stopped me in my tracks. And then I remembered: my mom has superpowers. She earned them. Growing up, our home was shaped by chaos, undiagnosed autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, with no resources and no roadmap. My mother carried all of it quietly, for decades, while struggling with her own depression. Through every crisis, she held us together. The kidnapping was terrifying. But it was simply not her first storm.