I lost it today! Really lost it! My usually happy, kind, and amazing autistic teenage grandson, whom I raised most of his life, talked rudely and loudly to me over breakfast. As I reminded him to watch his tone, he laid into me even more. Read More>>
The end-of-the-year holidays are supposed to be happy occasions, filled with joyful traditions such as family gatherings, elaborately home-cooked meals, the exchanging of gifts, parties, fireworks, and other festive activities. They’re supposed to be a time to look forward to and enjoy but enter an autistic child into the mix, and the dynamics can suddenly …
11 Ways to Prepare for Happy Holidays with an Autistic Child Read More »
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 …
Getting Ready for the New School Year: Guiding Your Child Through Transitions Read More »
As a grandparent and full-time caregiver of a teenager on the autism spectrum, setting personal goals for the New Year isn’t something at the top of my to-do list anymore. In years past, I used to make resolutions that focused on self-improvement, such as losing weight or getting back in shape, finishing projects, etc. While …
Setting Meaningful and Achievable New Year’s Goals for Autism Parents and Caregivers Read More »
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document that is developed during a meeting between parents and school staff for every child eligible for special education. This plan includes a child’s strengths and weaknesses, educational needs, goals, and the services needed to achieve quantifiable results. Read More>>
And a Special Shout-Out to Five Autism Dad Heroes! In researching material for this Father’s Day article to appreciate autism dads, one thing was clear: fathers don’t get nearly as much credit as they deserve when it comes to their role in raising their autistic children. Perhaps this is because in general, most early intervention …
I’m sure it will come as no surprise to learn that during an average morning alone, a mother has to remember up to 26 tasks – sometimes many more! As we approach Mother’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to thank all mothers, but particularly mothers of children with autism, for everything that they …
Receiving a diagnosis of any kind is difficult for parents, and an autism diagnosis can be particularly frightening. The uncertainty about how to best support your child, and the confusion that can follow conflicting treatment advice, can be very unsettling. Hearing that autism is an incurable and lifelong condition tends to only add to the …
Parents and the Autism Diagnosis: How to Accept Your Autistic Child Read More »
Every parent thinks negatively from time to time, but the negative and often fear-filled thoughts parents of autistic children struggle with can be off the charts because they are so different from the typical worries of other parents. Conquering these negative thoughts is not easy, but very important for the sake of your happiness as …
Conquering Negative Thoughts When Parenting Autistic Children Read More »
Teaching Language and Communication to Autistic Children Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University and internationally renowned autism spokesperson, was one of the first autistic people who wrote about her lack of speech during early childhood. She gave us a rare glimpse into the autistic mind when she wrote, “Not being …
