This Month's Highlights
Keep the Holidays Calm and Simple
Here are some strategies to keep the holidays stress-free.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Grandparenting in an Autism Family
Grandparents can provide connection and support for parents.
Carol Vincent, MBA, BA, BS RN
Building Autism Family Support Systems
How to find support through community and extended family.
Danny McGuire, Jr., EdD
5 Ways to Prevent a Meltdown
Here are research-based ways to help a child before a meltdown.
Kayla Paquette, MEd, BCBA, LABA, CATP
Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers questions about various topics.
Temple Grandin, PhD
Teaching Social Skills with Role-Playing Games
Role-playing games teach social skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
Carol Tatom, BA.HSE, CHW
Music Is His Voice
A mom shares her nonspeaking son’s musical ability.
Bozena Gasior
Ending Conversations: Tips for a Smooth Exit
Knowing how and when to stop a conversation is important.
Marci Melzer, MEd-SLP
Stress-Free Santa Visits
Here are some tips for a stress-free Santa visit.
Cory Morrison
How Can the School Counselor Support My Child?
The school counselor can provide your family with support and services.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Christmas Stress with Autism
Christmas can be stressful for individuals on the spectrum.
Alex Manners
Building Confidence and Connection Through Safer Tech
What if technology could support you and your child, giving you reassurance and peace of mind?
Bark
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and addresses concerns.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
The Fine Line Between Supporting and Enabling My Autistic Adult
When does support cross over into enabling?
Kristi Jacobsen
Autism Warrior: I Have a Voice and Deserve to Be Heard
A young woman with autism offers hope and understanding for others.
Lindsey Moreland
Andy’s Nature
An individual with autism shares his first novel about his life and observations.
Andrew Tait
Hello Saturday!
One mom shares the uplifting message that everyone deserves to be heard.
Katherine Zoratti
The Journey: Embracing the Extraordinary
A story of resilience and the unshakeable power of a mother’s love.
Sandi Shaner
Noah’s Big Problem: A Heartwarming Story of Sibling Bonding and Neurodiversity
A story that captures the essence of the sibling relationship between two brothers.
Anthony Antoniou
Dear Readers,
Before we gather around the table, the presents, or the tree, we often have an idea of how that will look. We imagine food, festivities, and fun. Yet, sometimes this time of year brings chaos and noise when all is not calm and everything is too bright.
This month’s theme is “Holiday Harmony and Family,” and depending on your child and family, you might not be looking forward to the surprises lurking around the corner. Will your favorite aunt have comments about your child’s picky eating? Will Grandpa find your child’s stimming to be odd? Will your close neighbor leave abruptly if your child screams when noise levels heighten or lights become too glaring?
The tips and information in this issue are meant to help you and your child cope with all the merriment and “messyment” of the season. Then, maybe you’ll know just what to say to well-meaning family and friends. And hopefully, when the last ember dies, the final carol plays, and the lights have gone dark, you’ll all “sleep in heavenly peace.”
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine
©2026 Autism Parenting Magazine