Features:
Connections With Karen: Preparing for the Holidays
Here is how you can help your child joyfully prepare for the holidays.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Navigating Christmas with Autism
One father of an autistic child shares tips for the overwhelming season.
Alex Kocan
Gift-Giving for Children with Autism
Let’s explore some helpful ways children with autism can give and receive gifts.
Jeremy Brown
Finding Joy in the Holidays: Strategies for Autism Parents
One mom’s anecdotes and tips may help others find renewed holiday joy.
Brigitte Shipman, MEd
Q&A With Dr. Temple Grandin - Communication and Socialization
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about communication and socialization.
Temple Grandin, PhD
Handling Holiday Small Talk: Tips for Autistic Teens and Adults
Holiday small talk can be a source of anxiety for those on the spectrum, but here are some tips to help.
Ali Perkinson, EdD CCC-SLP, BCBA-D
Positive Strategies for Holiday Joy
These strategies may bring a little more calm this holiday season.
Sharon Longo, BA
Navigating Our Emotions on the Spectrum
Here are some practical tips to help with regulating emotions.
Ron Sandison, MDiv
Handling the Holidays with Your Picky Eater
One neurodiverse practitioner and parent shares insights and potential solutions for picky eaters.
Vicky Finlayson, BSc, FNTP Dip, CHC
Give Me a Break! Why Socializing Shouldn’t Be Forced
Find out why forcing your neurodiverse child to socialize during school breaks is a no-go.
Andrea Grant, BA PGDip and PGCert
The Benefits of Parallel Play for Children with Autism
What is parallel play, and how can it help a child on the ASD spectrum?
Holly Blanc Moses, MS LCMHC LPA ADHD-CCSP ASDCS
Success Story - Yay for Yasmeen
Rahkeenah Peters celebrates how her daughter on the spectrum is thriving in school.
Rahkeenah Peters
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Pre-Teaching Techniques for Social and Academic Success
How can pre-teaching help your autistic child or teen with academic and social success?
Melanie K. Milicevic, BA
Shaving My Son
A father considers his son’s accomplishments and future during a routine shave.
Gary Glucoft
Encouraging Self-Advocacy for Autistic Employees
Learn how autistic employees can advocate for themselves in the workplace.
Jaclyn Hunt, MA, ACAS, BCCS
Vulnerability - A Doorway to the Heart
Let’s explore how being vulnerable opens our hearts and brings love to the world.
Melinda Edwards, MD
Autism Warrior - A Champion for Change
One woman with autism works to make the world more welcoming with opportunities for others on the spectrum.
Sharon Longo, BA
Dear Readers,
December always seems to be a magical time. Lights gleam from people’s houses, trees, and even the eyes of little ones who take in their surroundings with anticipation and joy. Yet, for children on the spectrum, the anticipation might present as anxiousness. Sensory issues can turn carols into cacophony and flickering lights into flares. As parents, our own inner lights might dim as we try to deal with all the merriment, mayhem, and meltdowns.
This month’s theme is “Hooray! Navigating Autism and the Holidays,” and depending on our mood throughout the month, that statement might be filled with joy or loaded with sarcasm. We understand. That is why Brigitte Shipman writes about “Finding Joy in the Holidays: Strategies for Autism Parents,” and Karen Kaplan has her advice for “Preparing for the Holidays.”
Be sure to read Vicky Finlayson’s “Navigating the Holidays with Your Picky Eater” before sitting down to a festive meal, and gather some tips for your older individuals from Ali Perkinson’s article, “Handling Holiday Small Talk: Tips for Autistic Teens and Adults.”
Speaking of adults, Jaclyn Hunt has written about “Encouraging Self-Advocacy for Autistic Employees,” and Gary Glucoft has written a touching narrative called “Shaving My Son.”
My wish at this magical time is that you, our readers, find the tips and information to help those you love, whatever their age. Hopefully, with some of the strategies in place, you and your families will envision every bright light as a beacon and hear every seasonal song and sleigh bell as a soothing symphony. May you have many magical moments throughout this month, and may your inner light shine like a guiding star in your silent night.
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine