Keep up with the latest news and updates
April 21, 2026
Practicing mindfulness is just as important for your child as it is for you. It’s easy to create opportunities that motivate mindfulness and can lead to a relaxing bonding experience for parents and their kids on the spectrum. In 2004, when I specialized in the field of psychology, autism spectrum disorder, and special needs education,
April 20, 2026
An autistic author shares some observations and advice for better, more empathetic communication with autistic people of all ages. Dictionary.com describes normativity as “of or relating to a norm, especially an assumed norm regarded as the standard of correctness in behavior, speech, writing, etc.” The concept of normativity is quite complex. Overall, it involves the
April 16, 2026
Discover why parents of children on the spectrum should nurture their children’s special interests to build on their strengths. I wasn’t diagnosed autistic until college. So as a kid, nobody could figure out what was “wrong” with me. I had huge energy, took over any room I walked into, and I was always the center
April 15, 2026
The global Autism Parenting Summit is returning in May 2026. Imagine 60,000 plus attendees, 30+ world-class speakers, 4 informative days, and 1 global event – the Autism Parenting Summit is back! The Summit, hosted by Autism Parenting Magazine, is a free virtual event on May 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th. Doctors, psychologists, educators, advocates, and
April 14, 2026
A look at the importance of finding a preferred method of communication for your child if he/she is nonverbal. Communication―it’s essential to our everyday lives. The go-to method for many of us is verbal communication. But what if speech is not possible? According to the Autism Speaks organization, an estimated 40 percent of people on
April 13, 2026
A mom’s account of her experience with biomedical intervention to improve her son’s autism symptoms. When my son was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder at age three, I had no idea how to help him—even though I had been an autism behavioral intervention specialist before staying home with my own children. Luckily, I am the
April 10, 2026
Tips from a hairstylist to make haircuts less stressful for kids on the spectrum. Does the following sound familiar? You have spent time online, looking at reviews. You have asked every single person you know, with the hope that they know the one person who might actually be able to cut your child’s hair. One
April 9, 2026
Nonvocal or nonverbal children are often underestimated because they have difficulty sharing their thoughts and ideas. In this article, a mother shares her joy in discovering more of her son’s beautiful mind through an unexpected way of communication. The minute we become parents, we instinctually set high expectations and timelines for our children’s development and
April 8, 2026
Are you looking for some tools and support for communicating with your nonverbal child? Look no further. Augmentative Adaptive Communication When interacting with a nonverbal child with autism, most communication tends to be adult-initiated. An adult provides the child with directions, instructions, and organized choices. The child responds to the adult with help from Augmentative
April 7, 2026
A look at the benefits of Relationship Development Intervention for bolstering the natural guiding relationship between parent and child. Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a whole-family approach based on the natural guiding relationship between parent and child. RDI is a collaboration where the parent becomes the main therapy provider, and other therapists such as SLP,
April 6, 2026
Gearing up for a surgical procedure can be scary, especially for an autistic child. Here are tips to make the journey easier for you both. Being informed that your child requires surgery is not the news that any parent wants to hear. Preparing your child with autism to undergo this entire experience will take careful
March 31, 2026
Respected educator Dr. Malcolm shares his advice for de-escalating difficult behaviors among children on the autism spectrum.Every parent with a child on the spectrum has had to deal with behaviors in various forms. Such behaviors differ as no two children with autism are the same. It is important that, as a parent, you become aware
March 24, 2026
Why is it that no matter how tirelessly you work, you cannot get your autistic toddler to talk? You have used all of the strategies that your professionals recommend, yet you are still seeing so little progress. The worst part is that interactions can feel so awful for both of you. Many of the strategies
February 18, 2026
Can a child who speaks in scripts or movie quotes move from phrases to meaningful conversation?Imagine your child runs to you, excitedly shouting, “To infinity and beyond!” You recognize the phrase from a popular movie, but you’re puzzled. Why are they saying it now? At other times, they echo entire scripts from favorite cartoons, yet
January 29, 2026
“Can you grow out of autism?” It’s one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions parents ask after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s also one of the hardest to answer. When we imagine our child’s future, many of us hope they’ll “catch up,” “blend in,” or someday become indistinguishable from their peers.
January 28, 2026
Many parents feel alarmed when they see their baby suddenly arching their back. Web results for “baby arches back autism” often raise concern, but sometimes this movement is simply a normal stage of growth. A newborn might arch their back while stretching or adjusting posture. Other times, a baby throws their head back or arches
January 22, 2026
Understanding and supporting a child during an autistic meltdown can be challenging for any parent. These intense emotions and behavioral episodes are not “bad behaviors,” but rather an intense, overwhelming response to sensory and emotional overload. During the chaos, many parents ask: “How long will this last?” Let’s explore what influences the duration of an
January 21, 2026
Parents often wonder what is happening inside their autistic child’s mind. Why do they get stuck on certain thoughts? Why does sarcasm confuse them? Or why can they focus intensely on one topic for hours? How does autism affect thinking? Understanding this is key to supporting a child, not by trying to change their thoughts,
January 20, 2026
The rate of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses continues to climb around the globe. The rising autism prevalence is also contributing to increased awareness and curiosity about the autism spectrum as a whole. And it raises the question, what country has the highest rate of autism? Autism rates seem to vary significantly from country to country.
January 19, 2026
To know how to “unmask autism,” you first must understand why some individuals with autism mask. They are attempting to conceal those behaviors that lead others to identify them as having autism. Today, many individuals with autism feel the pressure to attempt to “fit in” with peers or co-workers. This often leads them to develop
January 5, 2026
Every year, we at Autism Parenting Magazine (APM) feel blessed and thankful for all the contributors who share their time and expertise to write helpful, informative articles for our families around the world. By doing so, we can provide you with the current advice and information in each issue, as well as at our Autism
November 22, 2025
Picky Eating Can Lead To Long-Term Problems; Treating It Is Crucial. How You Treat It Matters. Picky eating, also known as food selectivity, is a common issue among persons with developmental disabilities, particularly among those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Picky eating carries a greater risk of nutrient deficiencies and social inadequacy. This selectivity
November 21, 2025
As someone with a family history of autism, dyslexia, and seven other neurodiversities, I have worked closely with young and old individuals with these neurodiversities since 2012. What exactly is dyslexia, and what are the similarities and differences between it and autism? First, it is essential to mention that there are often comorbidities with all
November 20, 2025
Find out how dysgraphia relates to autism and how you can help your child who may have it. Having dysgraphia can be compared to trying to write with your non-dominant hand or writing on a rough, uneven surface. It’s not just about messy handwriting. Research shows more of a prevalence among autistic individuals, and dysgraphia
November 19, 2025
Caregivers may experience PTSD from the stress of their role. Parenting a child with autism is an experience filled with profound love, unwavering dedication, and unique challenges. Achieving each developmental milestone feels like a victory. However, setbacks or meltdowns can often lead to emotional, mental, and physical fatigue. For many caregivers, the continuous demands of
November 18, 2025
Recognizing autism in girls can provide understanding and support. When most people think about autism, they often picture what research and media have historically shown: a young boy, perhaps with restricted interests and limited eye contact. Yet, here’s the uncomfortable truth: autism often looks entirely different in girls, and that difference is why so many
November 17, 2025
Here are some suggestions for children with PDA who may be struggling in school. Some children with autism will present with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). When dealing directly with the behavior concerns of children with autism, it is important to understand what PDA means and what it involves. What is pathological demand avoidance? Pathological demand
November 16, 2025
Helping girls understand their strengths can improve mental health and self-esteem. Women are often empowered when they understand their strengths and challenges and are provided with the support needed to lead safe, meaningful, and successful lives. Females with autism Women on the autism spectrum show differing social and behavioral profiles from men on the spectrum.
November 15, 2025
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about nonverbal or nonspeaking autism. Juju’s mom, in Queens, New York, asks, “My son is three and a half years old and autistic. He sings and has words. He can read some words but can’t functionally communicate, such as telling me he’s hungry, etc. What can I
November 14, 2025
One parent provides insight into building a relationship with a child with pathological demand avoidance. I have never been good at math. The moment I see numbers clustered together, I start itching like someone who has just undergone a few rounds with a mosquito. Seriously, who decided to mix the alphabet with numbers? Why does
November 13, 2025
Independent sleep is possible with consistency and support. Preparing for independent sleep can present challenges, especially for neurodivergent children who may have sensory sensitivities and dysregulation. They may need additional support and tailored strategies. Approach this transition with patience, consistency, and compassion. What is independent sleep? Independent sleep is the ability to fall asleep and
November 12, 2025
Does a PDA diagnosis support those on the spectrum or build more separation? I sat next to two young moms at a cafe, each with a child on the spectrum. Both children had been diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and both moms were concerned about the challenges they faced at school. After introducing myself
November 11, 2025
What is dyscalculia, and why is it important to address this impairment? Dyscalculia is a learning disability that impacts how individuals understand and work with numbers. While many children struggle with general math difficulties, dyscalculia is a persistent, significant impairment. It affects a child’s ability to learn and apply mathematical concepts despite adequate instruction and
November 10, 2025
Understanding sensory processing, what it looks like, and ways to help. Have you ever noticed how some children love spinning on a merry-go-round at the park, and others cover their ears at the sound of a hand dryer? Or how one child might crash into everything like a little bull while another screams or becomes
November 7, 2025
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about aggression. What advice would you give to parents if they have a child whose diagnosis is Level 3 autism, and they have given up hope? First of all, I need to find out the age of the individual. I would never put that label on a
November 6, 2025
What signs should parents seek to determine if their child is being bullied? About 94% of individuals with autism report bullying in school. Yet, it can be particularly challenging to recognize when a child with ASD may be experiencing bullying. The earlier we intervene, the better we can help our children develop the necessary skills
November 5, 2025
Often misdiagnosed, girls need early assessments and support. For every girl diagnosed with autism, there are still three to four boys receiving the same diagnosis. This gender gap isn’t just statistical—it’s deeply personal, and it comes at a cost. Girls with autism tend to mask their differences through natural and learned techniques. Because young girls
November 4, 2025
Here are some considerations to help our autistic children with pathological demand avoidance. “No” is such a simple word, yet these two letters can stop even the most well-meaning parent in their tracks as they try to navigate the challenging world of parenting. In our ever more hurried society, our children refusing even simple requests
September 10, 2025
The global Autism Parenting Summit is returning in October 2025. Imagine 70,000 attendees, 25+ world-class speakers, 4 informative days, and 1 global event – the Autism Parenting Summit is back! The Summit, hosted by Autism Parenting Magazine, is a free virtual event on October 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th. Doctors, psychologists, educators, advocates, and people
August 20, 2025
I recently caught myself demonstrating many of the characteristics of a so-called helicopter parent while spending time with my son, an energetic and assumingly neurotypical four-year-old. I was hovering around him, interrupting his play, and offering unsolicited advice during what was supposed to be his free time. Like so many parents, I hoped creating boundaries
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