Features:
Connections With Karen: It Must be a Partnership
A meaningful education plan for your autistic child requires collaboration with the school professionals and the family.
Karen Kaplan, MS
What Can I Do With My Autistic Child’s Struggling Grades in School?
Here are some suggestions from a writer on the spectrum to help your autistic child struggling in school.
Cory Morrison
There Is No I in Team
Here are some questions for parents to share with their child’s school team that may be used to create long-lasting behavioral change.
Jeff Jacobs, MEd, Greg Cardelli, MA Ed, Doug Boeckmann, BA Psychology
10 Ideas for Creating An Inclusive Autism Classroom
Here is what an inclusive classroom is and what it should include for your autistic child.
Jeremy Brown
Refusing Simple Demands - Understanding PDA in Autism
Here are some considerations to help our autistic children with pathological demand avoidance.
Brett Novick, MS, EdD, LMFT
Understanding Feelings and Emotions for Children With Autism and Learning Difficulties
Sometimes, a simple chart can help a child with autism understand and express their emotions and feelings.
Sarah Grace Woodward
She May Have Had Autism
Knowing someone has autism may shine a light on understanding their actions.
Sharon Longo, BA
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children. You can submit your questions here.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
6 Ways to Empower Your Autistic Young Adult to See Their Strengths
Discover how you can empower your child to embrace their passions as they learn life skills along the way.
Beth Rush
Embracing Boredom: A Key to Growth for Children with Autism
If your child on the spectrum is bored this summer, that can actually be helpful for them.
Laura Tristram
The Crucial Role of Effective Data in IEPs
Here is how data, used effectively in an IEP, can help students with disabilities get the services and support they need.
Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA
The Basics of an Effective 504 Plan
A 504 plan is explained with examples of how it may be used to support your child.
JC Ellinger, MBA, MA, BA
Communication and School Challenges
Here is some enlightening information for those who teach, work with, or care for individuals with autism.
Alex Manners
Success Story - Ocean of Success and Blessings in Achievements
Here are two more success stories. Carol Whyble, a mom with an autistic son, celebrates his accomplishments with tennis and a future dream job, and Chanel George celebrates her son’s toileting and speech achievements. Have a success story you want to share? Click here.
Sent in by Carol Whyble and Chanel George
Things for Your Autistic Child to Consider for College
Here are some helpful considerations if your autistic child chooses college.
Angela Chapes
5 Tips for School Lunch Success
Here are some helpful tips for creating lunchbox meals that are tasty, nutritious, and easy to make.
Valori Neiger, MS, BCBA
Celebrations, Milestones, and Learning From My Son
Here is how one mom looks at life, its celebrations and challenges, and what she’s learned from her autistic son.
Ash Bursian
Self-Compassion: The Foundation of Transformation
Parents and caregivers need self-care and compassion to be the best gift for their children.
Melinda Edwards, MD
Autism Warrior - Inspiring Inclusion
Here is how one young adult with autism uses his voice to teach others about the autism community while promoting inclusion.
Timothy Rohrer
Dear Readers,
August is often a month of preparation for a late summer vacation, the first day of school, the next grade, or moving on to a new school. As a child, I always loved shopping for notebooks, pencils, a backpack, and anything else school-related, and that transferred over to adulthood, bringing my own children to purchase the necessary supplies for a successful school year. Yet, for some, that preparation and transition to a new venture can cause some anxiety, especially for people with autism and their parents. What lies ahead, just around that corner, in my new class, school, and job?
Our theme this month is “Autism Education: Home, School, Success,” and as you help your child prepare for the road ahead, you may be wondering what curves or speed bumps they will need to face. Karen Kaplan writes about “It Must Be a Partnership,” collaborating with the school professionals who should consider your child’s best interest. This may seem daunting, but educators Jeff Jacobs, Greg Cardelli, and Doug Boeckmann have created a list of questions for parents to share with the school in their article, “There Is No I in Team.” Along this same mindset, Brandi Timmons writes in our Education section about “The Crucial Role of Effective Data in IEPs,” and JC Ellinger touches upon “The Basics of an Effective 504 Plan.”
Sometimes, making transitions, as well as other factors, can be so difficult that our children on the spectrum might be dealing with Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA. Read Dr. Brett Novick’s article “Refusing Simple Demands - Understanding PDA in Autism” to understand this topic better. Meanwhile, Alex Manners, an individual on the spectrum, enlightens us with his article “Communication and School” to provide insight for those who work with or teach others with autism. If your child is older and attending college, Angela Chapes writes about “Things for Your Autistic Child to Consider for College” from her perspective.
Since we all need a little encouragement, read our Autism Warrior section, “Inspiring Inclusion,” about a young adult who advocates for others on the spectrum by promoting inclusion, and of course, for the parents and caregivers who also need support, Melinda Edwards writes about “Self-Compassion: The Foundation of Transformation.” Finally, if your child is bored this summer, that may be good. Read Laura Tristram’s article, “Embracing Boredom: A Key to Growth for Children with Autism.”
Venturing to a new grade, school, college, or job can be scary. This issue provides some support and information to help make this school year a bit easier. Gather up those wooden pencils, crisp notebooks, roomy backpacks, or classic outfits for your individual’s first day at school or work. Hopefully, you can rest easier with a few more tools from this issue to guide them and understand what they need to make this year a wonderful success.
Happy Reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine