Ymkje Wideman

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan is an author and public speaker. In 2006, she assumed the care of her 6-month old grandson, Logan. There were signs of autism at an early age, and the diagnosis became official in 2009. She has been his advocate and passionate about promoting autism awareness ever since. Logan is the inspiration behind Autism Is...? and the other children’s books she wrote for him. She currently offers a series of training workshops on the different aspects of autism.

Back-to-School Success: Helping Your Autistic Child Transition with Confidence

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As the summer days wind down and back-to-school ads abound, many families begin preparing for the return to routines and classrooms. But for parents of autistic children, this transition often brings unique challenges. Here are some tips on how you can help your child step into the new school year with greater ease and self-confidence: […]

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5 Tips to Engage Your Autistic Child During Summer Break

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Summer break can be both a relief and a challenge, especially when your child thrives on routine. The good news? With a little planning and a lot of heart, you can create a meaningful, enjoyable summer that meets your child’s unique needs. Autistic children often feel more secure with structure. While summer brings flexibility, try

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From Autism Awareness to Autism Action!

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April 2 is the start of the internationally recognized World Autism Awareness Month. In recent years, many have advocated, and some changed the name to World Autism Acceptance Month, citing that awareness is simply not enough. I could not agree more, and if it were up to me, I’d go a step further, and call it World Autism Action Month. After

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The History of Autism: A Timeline

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The description and diagnosis of autism have changed significantly over the years. Today, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) in the US describes it as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here is a timeline of events that led up to this diagnosis: 1911: Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use

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Autism: It Does Get Better!

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One question every exhausted and overwhelmed autism parent or teacher asks themselves or others at some point is, “Will this ever get better?” I wondered the same at times when my grandson was young and more than a handful. He was a runner, had numerous sensory challenges, melted down unexpectedly at home, at school, or

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Valentine’s Day and Autism: Six Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for and Enjoy the Holiday

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Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate the people in our lives that are most important to us, is just around the corner. Many people spend time with loved ones, and kids will exchange cards and treats with their teachers and classmates, but autistic children may experience the day a bit differently. While they may want

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New Cover, Same Heart!

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Respecting My Grandson’s Feelings in Autism on a Shoestring Budget Publishing Autism on a Shoestring Budget two years ago was a milestone for me, and I was proud to use my grandson’s preschool photo on the cover—a picture we both loved. But after he saw it in print, he started flipping the book over, quietly

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Getting Ready for the New School Year: Guiding Your Child Through Transitions

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As summer gradually gives way to autumn, it’s time once again to prepare for the start of a new school year. Whether your child is about to attend primary school for the first time, level up to a higher grade, or is adapting to a new school because of a move, the initial steps can

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Understanding Autistic Children’s Behavior: The Mrs. Therisa Approach

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In my educational workshops, one common question asked is how to respond when an autistic child does not want to leave school for home. While it’s natural to worry about potential issues at home, often the reasons are more complex and involve the child’s experiences and needs at school. I vividly remember an incident involving

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