This Month's Highlights
How Does an Individual Build Confidence
Parents can help their child build confidence by encouraging them to try.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Adult Friendship Through Special Interests
Discover how to find friends through special interests.
Jeremy Hamburgh and Ilana Hamburgh
Level 1 Autism: Social Skills Tips
Strong social and communication skills help foster meaningful relationships.
Alisha Simpson-Watt, LCSW, BCBA, LBA
Social Learning at Home
Apply social skills daily for a fun and practical learning opportunity.
Angelie Tumaghap Martzke, LMSW
Q&A Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about various topics.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
Why Some Kids Scratch
How to recognize, manage, and prevent scratching behaviors.
Jeremy Brown
Common Mannerisms and Autism
Unique mannerisms should be accepted, not suppressed.
Kimberly Zissler Syers, MS, OTR/L
Success Story: Communication Through Songs and When 2024 Began
Two parents share their children's milestones in communication and discovery.
Rebecca Shaw; Amy Thompson
Autism or Selective Mutism?
Explore similarities and differences between autism and selective mutism.
Gabrielle Perelmuter, MOT, OTR/L
When Words Become a Fixation
How can parents understand and support their child with word fixation?
Susan Berkowitz, MS, CCC-SLP Ret., MEd
How Swimming Unlocks Calm and Confidence for Kids with Autism
Discover how learning to swim can save lives and build confidence.
Nicole Fairfield
Inclusive Professional Development
An educator shares the value of ongoing autism-focused professional development.
Dr. Claudia Rose Addeo, PhD
Choosing the Right School
Selecting the right school is crucial for parents of neurodiverse children.
Andrea Grant, BA PGDip and PGCert
The Mad High Fiver of the Summer
One teen spreads joy to everyone he sees.
Debra O’Fee
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents' questions and addresses their concerns.
Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Crafting an Effective Resume
Here are practical tips for creating a strong resume that highlights abilities and potential.
Susan M. Tatem
Autism Warrior: Sharing Life Experiences and Talents
One man shares his challenges and successes with others.
Sharon Longo, BA
What’s New on the Bookshelf? Art
A story about an autistic and artistic circus virtuoso and his teddy bear.
Marin Darmonkow
Dear Readers,
In the United States, July is typically a month of fireworks, picnics, and days at the beach. While many people enjoy social interactions with others, children on the spectrum may have a different outlook. With social, communication, transition, and behavior challenges, a day of socializing may be no day at the beach. Sometimes our children, teens, and even adults may fall apart during certain social scenarios, like a sand castle being swept away by a wave. They may need a little (or a lot) of help with learning, practicing, and retaining those social skills while gaining some confidence.
Our theme this month is “Building Social Skills and Confidence,” and we offer articles and expert advice to provide some help. Sometimes it’s a matter of learning how to navigate or understand a particular behavior or communication issue with a young child or teen, or how to provide guidance for our young adults or older individuals in the workplace. Helping them feel confident in social situations, such as school, playtime, or work, pays off in many facets of their lives, from childhood to adulthood.
Whether you attend a fair, ice cream shop, museum, or a picnic, there will always be social situations that include a brief “Hello” or a verbal encounter. If our children are equipped with the necessary tools, they can respond confidently in a way that suits them best. We hope the advice and strategies provided will help your individuals build up those social skills like a towering fortress, rather than a crumbling mound of sand. Then you and your family may have that “day at the beach” experience. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine
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