Debra Moore

Author Archives: Debra Moore

How Do You Respond When You Suspect a Loved One Is On the Spectrum?

Question: Hi, I wonder if you can offer advice on how to deal with an adult son who, although undiagnosed, I am sure is on the spectrum. He does not do small talk, doesn’t understand why anyone should be interested in what he is doing, and has no interest in anyone else. Conversations are very […]

One Mom’s Lessons from Raising Three Children on the Spectrum

Jeannie married and had her first child by age 18. Carlos was a quiet, sweet natured baby. The year was 1998. For this first time parent, the word autism didn’t mean much. Unfortunately, it didn’t mean much to Carlos’s teachers or pediatrician either. As an only child for the first six years of his life, […]

Reflections and Advice from a 20-year-old on the Spectrum

I first met Cosette and her mom when they were referred to me by their pediatric neurologist. He wondered if Cosette, then six years old, might be autistic. Our evaluation affirmed that yes, Cosette was on the autism spectrum, that she was clearly struggling, and that she needed assistance and resources. At that time, Cosette […]

Life Advice from a Young Adult on the Spectrum

A Conversation with Patrick… Patrick, now 27, is a kind, candid, and wickedly funny young man. I counseled him beginning in his teens, and was later able to share his story in The Loving Push, which I coauthored with Dr. Temple Grandin. Patrick and I spoke recently by phone. We hope some of his story […]

Simple Ways to Avoid “Learned Helplessness” with Autism

I am a broken record when it comes to talking about learned helplessness! I think it is one of the most dangerous and damaging traps that kids or parents can fall into. Learned helplessness may be a term unfamiliar to you as well, so let me give you the basics, and 10 practical ways to […]