Personalized Alternatives for Learning

01/01/2026

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy new year!

12/24/2025

Did you know community is one of the core values of PAL?
Our team regularly give their time, talents and resources to support organizations and events in the area, and today they started a new Blessings Box. Take what you leave, leave what you can. The box will contain food and hygiene items for those who need it. Stop by and check it out

12/23/2025

Sleep is one biggest struggles for many, but here is some helpful advice
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AerUDmRTk/

Sleep is one of the most misunderstood parts of autistic life.

Research consistently shows that autistic individuals are far more likely to experience chronic insomnia, delayed sleep onset, fragmented sleep, and irregular circadian rhythms.

Autistic brains often stay in a heightened state of alertness due to things like sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and perseverative thinking.

And then for some, myself included, there’s the rebound effect.
(Hence my bangs demonstrating just how good I slept 😅)…

After prolonged periods of poor or absent sleep, the body eventually crashes.

So if your person struggles with sleep, here’s some general best practice:

▪️Prioritize predictable routines

▪️Build in enough stimulation and movement during the day.
Many autistic children and adults are far more sedentary than their nervous systems are designed for…especially when support needs, screen time, or limited access to inclusive activities reduce opportunities for movement. When the body doesn’t get enough physical input, the brain often stays alert at night.

▪️Reduce sensory input at night (lighting, sound, clothing, temperature)

▪️Support regulation before bedtime, not just at bedtime (for some this looks like quiet time, for others, exercise can be helpful)

To parents dealing with sleepless nights:
Sleep deprivation is brutal, and it’s not your fault. Helping autistic people sleep better often means supporting the whole day, not just the bedtime routine.

Remember that progress may be slow, but it is possible! 💜

12/01/2025

Celebrating uniqueness and authenticity while helping children grow.... this is why we do what we do!

11/27/2025

We are so thankful for our friends, family, and community. We look forward to continuing to walk this road with you all.

11/05/2025

Hi everyone! We are so excited to be a drop off for the Empty Stocking again this year! If you have any new toys, games, dolls, etc to donate please stop by. This is a local group that supports Harford County Residents!
https://emptystockinghc.org/toy-drives

11/03/2025

PAL opened our small clinic in Havre de Grace 5 years ago... we thought we could use a little sprucing up, tell us what you think of our newly decorated classrooms!

11/02/2025

10/31/2025

Have a safe a fun Halloween!
Our students are getting older and sweeter everyday!