“I’m sorry Mrs. Campbell, I am not sure what to tell you,” The doctor stated sympathetically, “Your son’s symptoms are not responding the way we had hoped. There is one treatment that we could try.”Mrs. Campbell looked up with desperate anticipation, “We would try anything to help our boy”.The doctor continued, “It is a controversial
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Rachel Andersen
The mom that has it “all together” is an idea pitched to us from all sides. That picture most moms have in their heads of what the “perfect mom” is a well dressed lady, works inside and outside the home, super organized, has kids who are clean and sitting at the table eating a full
in Autism Parenting Advice by Rachel Andersen
Helping our children manage emotions requires understanding. The teacher’s voice broke as she relayed the events of the day that culminated in her having to evacuate the class away from my son. In addition to yelling at people, he had also been throwing chairs. “It breaks my heart because this behavior has consequences that prevent
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Rachel Andersen
I walked into his room. Tears poured down my cheeks against my will. I couldn’t help it. My son, whose meltdown and unkind words were the inspiration for my tears, looked at me with shock. He ran to me and put his arms around me and said he was sorry. I hugged him back and
in Social Skills by Rachel Andersen
Owen had been holding it together all day. Great day at school, amazing time at aftercare, and baseball practice? Nailed it! He was exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically. All he wanted to do was eat dinner and play on his phone. Mom’s plan for doing chores was met with as much resistance as he could
in Autism Activities for Kids by Rachel Andersen
My son was sitting criss-cross wedged into a small space between the wall and the bookshelf, hands over his ears, screaming at the top of his lungs,”You are a horrible mother!” This had been a 45-minute meltdown that included throwing things across the room, punching and kicking me, and even a swipe at our poor
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Rachel Andersen
Last week my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For a long time, my focus had been on getting that “golden ticket” so that he could access the accommodations he needs, and get help finally. As much as it was a relief to have, it was just the beginning. ASD symptoms are not
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
Owen sat in the school psychologist office, the remnants of a torrent of tears still on his face from his recent meltdown. Ms Field held up two corks, tucked them in between her thumbs and forefingers and said, “Owen, watch this.” She then turned her hands to the sides and switched the corks to the
in Autism Advocacy by Rachel Andersen
“How is he?” my mother in law asked worriedly as she hugged me tight. “Not good, I don’t know how to reach him, he is here, but so far away”, I explained through the tears running down my face. My precious son had been struggling for weeks emotionally and physically. From my own personal experience
in Autism Parenting Advice by Rachel Andersen
Lorelei placed her groceries up onto the belt as quickly as she could. So much to do today, and the added bonus of having her nine year old daughter home from school unexpectedly definitely affected her to-do list. Sarah wanted to help with everything which was adorable, but sometimes slowed things down. “Mama, what’s an
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
I am an information junkie; a researcher to the core, especially when it comes to something that is relevant to my life. Recently my son received an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. For me, it is important to know every single thing I can about the subject, and how I can best support him.
in Autism Books by Rachel Andersen
The weather channel was blaring, as it always was when a hurricane was coming. This one was forecast as a category one. We weren’t super worried. Here in South Florida we prepare for hurricanes every year. The preparation increases closer to time, and the list of supplies and steps taken gets longer as the category
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Rachel Andersen
Supporting our children through puberty can be challenging, but there is hope! As parents, our main focus is the health and happiness of our children. For our children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the list of needs to ensure those things can be a bit longer. Milestones are one aspect of our kids with autism’s
in Transitioning to Adulthood by Rachel Andersen
I was so happy to be home, not only because the storm was over and our house was safe again, but because it was private and quiet. Owen, who was two at the time, was running around in a diaper. “Owen, come here and let mommy put your clothes on you”, I instructed. Owen’s reply:
in Communication Skills by Rachel Andersen
Being careful not to show her sadness and distress over the loss of her cousin to her kids, Lilly sat wearily down on the sofa. She did not want to burden him with her grief. Her five year old, non verbal, autistic son, Jonas, came into the room. Not making eye contact with her, Jonas
in Autism Parenting Advice by Rachel Andersen
I looked up at my grandmother from my place on the floor. I had been sitting next to a small table near the landing of the staircase that was covered in elephant figurines. “Where did you get all these elephants?” She smiled at me: “My friends gave them to me. One day I mentioned that
in Autism Activities for Kids by Rachel Andersen
I’m standing in a room full of people who are cheering, laughing, and collectively enjoying an extremely noisy event. Suddenly, I feel very ill, and I know I am in danger. My attempts at getting the attention of the people around me fail, they are busy and it is too loud. In that moment it
in Autism Advocacy by Rachel Andersen
A diagnosis of autism is often followed, or preceded by, other diagnosis. Many conditions mimic autism and vice versa. Some increase the risk for autism, some are common comorbid conditions with autism. Some children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are also diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Today I want to discuss Ehlers Danlos and autism,
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
Bailey’s mother in law, Susan, opened her arms wide as soon as she saw her. As Bailey ran into them, Susan asked, “How is he doing?” Pulling back, Bailey shook her head in discouragement, “I can’t get through, I don’t know how to reach him”. Her son had been suffering through a bout of severe
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
A look at context blindness and autism, how difficulty understanding context occurs and what can be done about it.
in Communication Skills by Rachel Andersen
Growing up Megan struggled with her relationship with her father. He was loving, hard working, and a musical genius. As far as relationships though, things were as complicated as the intricate melodies he composed. In order to have a productive conversation, it was as if she had to enter the all encompassing bubble he lived
in Autism Diagnosis by Rachel Andersen
“Omg, he’s so weird!” Becky said to her friend Lane. They were watching Tommy across the school playground. He was walking on his tiptoes, and flapping his arms as he crossed the hard court to his group. One of the teachers, Mr Gordon, gave them a sharp look. “Girls”, he said sternly, “Be nice”. It
in Communication Skills by Rachel Andersen
A look at how food texture sensitivity occurs in children with autism.
in Sensory Solutions by Rachel Andersen
Kim attempted to open the door to her algebra class only to drop half of what was in her hands. Frustrated, she picked up her belongings, pushed her glasses back to her forehead, and tried again. School was a place where she could pour herself into her studies. She liked that, but she wished she
in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen
For parents of neurotypical children and neurodivergent children alike, some things are universal. We all want our kids to be happy, healthy, and loved, and we all worry—a lot. One of the biggest concerns we may have for our kids can be how they will handle romantic relationships, sex, and the social aspects of dating
in Transitioning to Adulthood by Rachel Andersen
Becky beamed as she walked out the front door of her friend’s house, hurried down the steps and out to her mom’s car. The excitement of the party was overshadowed a bit by another kind of happiness—triumph. She had survived the party without an anxiety attack, for the first time ever. Social anxiety had been
in Social Skills by Rachel Andersen
The sound of Johnny’s laughter reverberated off the walls of the RV they had rented for the weekend. Camping was a rarity in their family, as was the sound of his giggles. His mother, Connie, drank in the sound; it was as comforting and welcome as her morning cup of coffee. Since his autism diagnosis
in Social Skills by Rachel Andersen
They say childhood is fleeting, and it’s true. Just five months ago, my son turned 18. I still can’t believe it. Contrary to what our kids often think, they usually don’t leave the family home or stop having to listen to us the very second they enter adulthood. The reality is, independence doesn’t always mean
in Transitioning to Adulthood by Rachel Andersen
Jenny sat facing the ocean and, as the waves rolled in and out, so did her anxiety. That morning, at her daughter’s Well-Child Visit, she’d heard the pediatrician’s recommendation for a formal evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but she couldn’t quite process it yet. “I don’t even know how to get my child tested
in Autism Diagnosis by Rachel Andersen
Johnny, my son, my oldest, the first one of my children to start learning to drive, sat behind the wheel. Beside him, in the passenger’s seat, my heart skipped a beat; our roles were reversed for the very first time. Pride mixed with nostalgia, mixed with fear, and then accompanied my deep inhale as I
in Transitioning to Adulthood by Rachel Andersen
Figuring out what is behind the challenges you see your child facing can feel a bit like a dog chasing its tail. At least that is the way I have felt as a parent, many times. I remember one conversation with my sister. I was detailing my concerns and expressing my frustration over so many
in Autism Diagnosis by Rachel Andersen
Parenting neurodiverse children often requires us to have contact with many different kinds of professionals. This creates, what can be, an overwhelming amount of appointments, and many appointments, that in and of themselves are overwhelming. We often find it necessary to put children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) into situations that make them especially uncomfortable
in Autism Therapies and Treatments by Rachel Andersen
As parents, we want our homes to be an oasis from the world. Before bringing a new baby into our homes, much time is spent lovingly preparing each space to be safe and warm, and we look forward to our children growing into adults there. But what happens when our home is no longer safe
in Financial Planning by Rachel Andersen
So, the time has come to finally find out if your child is indeed autistic. Maybe you have waited for months for this appointment. Nerves may threaten to get the best of you, but you are strong. Get ready, your life is about to change, and it’s going to be a wild ride. Breathe, you’ve
in Autism Diagnosis by Rachel Andersen
The look on the doctor’s face showed concern, mixed with something else Sally couldn’t discern. “Sally, your son does not have autism spectrum disorder, I believe he has virtual autism.” Sally couldn’t wrap her mind around it. She had never heard of it before. “Virtual autism? What even is that? How did he get it?
in Autism Technology by Rachel Andersen
A guide to housing assistance, what autism housing grants and programs are out there, and how families can get support services for their loved ones. Today, I want to talk to you about a way to plan for the not too distant future of our children with autism. Specifically, housing assistance, what autism housing grants
in Financial Planning by Rachel Andersen
For any parents who have had people ask them “are autistic children violent?”, this article offers a mom and life coach’s perspective on what so-called violence truly is and how to manage it in the context of autism. I knew this day was going to be rough, but nothing could have prepared me for what
in Autism Behavioral Solutions by Rachel Andersen
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. That saying never made anyone feel better. Yet, it is one of many things that parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends have said to those hurt by others’ words, in a desperate attempt to make the person see that everything was ok–even when
in Autism Advocacy by Rachel Andersen
Three-year-old Jack was playing, happily lining up all his cars in a row, when his baby sister Josephine woke up from her nap, and started crying loudly. Suddenly, Jack felt extremely overwhelmed, panic took over, and anger towards his sister made him feel out of control. He needed to get away, but there was nowhere
in Sensory Solutions by Rachel Andersen
Last June, my oldest son graduated from high school. All parents who can say that about their children are proud, but for parents of children with autism, and learning challenges, it has an elevated meaning. My son graduating meant that he accomplished something we didn’t think was going to be possible for a long time.
in Education and Classroom by Rachel Andersen
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