
Features:
Connections With Karen: Like the Little Engine That Could
We all must think and believe we can and try when we want to learn or accomplish something in life.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Advocating for Your Autistic Child
How can we help our autistic children by advocating for them?
Jan Stewart
Fostering Connection with Autism Awareness
Autism awareness education helps provide support and inclusion for those on the spectrum and their families.
Danny L. McGuire, Jr., EdD
Supporting Repetitive Behaviors: Tools That Work
Understanding the function of repetitive behaviors and why they occur can aid in supporting individuals on the spectrum.
Leo Custodio, MS
Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about self-esteem, communication, and socialization.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
Unmasking Autism: Embracing Authenticity
What is masking, why do people do it, and what can parents do to help?
Andrea Grant, BA PGDip and PGCert
Celebrating Unique Social Strengths
Let’s look at the distinctive social strengths found in autism and ways parents and caregivers can nurture their child’s natural social style.
Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA, CAS
Success Story - Students and the Autism Quilt - Max
Karen Kaplan shares memories of the students who found success in various areas of life and learning.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Silent Struggles: Understanding Apraxia and Its Impact
A mom explains her son’s apraxia diagnosis, providing information and encouragement for others.
Dana Freeman, MIB
Building Communication Through Core Words
If you have a child with a language delay, here are some tools to help.
Mallory Griffith, MA, CCC-SLP
Understanding the Three Levels of Autism
Understanding the three levels of autism can help parents provide their children with the correct support and interventions.
Dr. Brett J. Novick, MS, EdD, LMFT
Mindful Eating: Recognizing Hunger Cues
Teaching children to have a mindful relationship with food can help them to thrive.
Vicky Finlayson, BSc, FNTP Dip, CHC
Supporting Your Child with Autism at School
A teacher provides tips for parents to help schools support their child with ASD.
James Watts, MEd
Understanding the Spectrum: Myth vs. Fact
How does a parent looking for information about their recently diagnosed child separate fact from myths?
Jeremy Brown
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.
Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Navigating Remote Work with Autism
What are the benefits and challenges of remote work for people with autism?
Jaclyn Hunt, MA, ACAS, BCCS
Autism Warrior - Georgia de Gidlow ‘Spark’les on Screen
One neurodivergent actor, journalist, and writer authentically represents the autistic community, providing hope and relatability.
Sharon Longo, BA
What’s New on the Bookshelf? Barely Visible
This candid memoir by a mom with an adult son on the spectrum is written with love for her son and herself.
Kathleen Somers
What’s New on the Bookshelf? Princess Penelope Panda Hat Day
This children’s story, written by an educator, is meant to help those on the spectrum find their unique gifts and shine.
Wendy Gilligan
What’s New on the Bookshelf? Ghost of Butternut Fields
This book by an author and mom with two children on the spectrum provides an understanding of autism through mystery and nuance.
Nel Larowehn
Dear Readers,
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. Those of us who know and love someone on the spectrum are fully aware of and accepting of those who are neurodiverse. Yet, some people may have never met an individual on the spectrum, and if they have, maybe they didn’t realize it. They may not have been fully open to the person or people they encountered. If so, they have missed out on so much.
Perhaps the man sitting in the restaurant didn’t realize that the older child at the next table was having a meltdown and reacting to the loud noises or the food’s texture on their plate. If he could only see how that child would go home later and paint a beautiful sunset.
Maybe the boy at the store didn’t mean to glance judgmentally at the teen girl rocking back and forth while waiting to purchase her favorite video game. If he spent a few moments talking to her, he might hear her explain how to master each level in the game.
Did the woman at the park realize she ignored that young man with an awkward gait as he passed? She didn’t understand; he was simply running to his mom to show her the cool leaves he had found on the ground nearby.
Unfortunately, despite the awareness and advocacy for autism, some people will still not understand or accept it. Maybe our part is to introduce these wonderful individuals, explaining their strengths and abilities instead of apologizing for misunderstood actions or behaviors. Then, each day can be filled with awareness and acceptance as others experience the beauty of who they are.
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine

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