This Month's Highlights

Building Social Skills Through Volunteering

Volunteering may help your older child develop social skills.

Jeremy Brown

Navigating PDA and the Storms of Adolescence

Sharing the insights of PDA can help others feel less alone.

Andrea Grant, BA PGDip and PGCert


Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin

This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers questions about being excluded and special interests.

Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD


Teaching Personal Space: Navigating Boundaries
Recognizing and addressing differences in personal space perception.

Carol Tatom, BA.HSE, CHW


Success Stories: Danny Boy’s Journey to Champion and A Mother’s Reflections

Dr. Danny L. McGuire, Jr. shares his son’s Special Olympics win, and Rachel Ortiz redefines success through her son’s journey.

Rachel Ortiz; Dr. Danny L. McGuire, Jr., MA, MPA, MS, PCC


Art of Expression: Communicating Through Creativity

Here are ways to communicate through various art forms.

Cory Morrison


Parenting with More Calm and Connection

A coach and mom shares self-regulation tips for calm parenting.

Rebecca Fellenbaum

 

Hyperlexia and Autism

Reading before age five may be a sign of something more.
Dr. Elizabeth Stephens-Sarlós MSc, PhD


A Simple Data Keeping Tool

Collecting student data to share with parents shouldn’t be complicated.
Jeff Jacobs, MEd, Greg Cardelli, MA Ed, and Doug Boeckmann, BA Psychology


When Your Kid Stands Out

How to accept and support your child without fearing the world’s judgment.

Lisa Candera, Esq., CLC

Ask Dr. Malcolm

Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD


Thriving After Late Diagnosis: A Guide to Independence

A later-diagnosed individual provides tips to help others find their true self.

Victoria Dhar, MSHEP, ACAS


Autism Warrior: Creating Authentic Inclusio
n

A woman with autism launches a social media platform for others with intellectual disabilities.

Sharon Longo, BA


What’s New on the Bookshelf?

8 Keys to Parenting Kids and Teens with ADHD
A new edition of her parenting book with more advice, guidance, and action items.

Cindy Goldrich, EdM, ADHD–CCSP 


What’s New on the Bookshelf?

Autism: Calming the Chaos! Strategies for Understanding and Supporting Meltdowns.
An explanation and guidance for supporting children before, during, and after meltdowns.

Dalisse Sequeiros and Luis Barros


Dear Readers,

February honors the birthdays of past presidents and special people in our lives. It’s the middle of the school year, when students are immersed in learning. There are also National Pizza and National Dark Chocolate Days. Whether celebrating or studying, dining or devouring, it’s always fun to share the experience with others. That means knowing how to interact and socialize.

Our theme this month is “Learning Social Skills for Life,” and as someone awkward in social situations, I know how important this is. While many of us struggle with socializing, our children on the spectrum find this an even bigger challenge. Learning those skills to combat the uncertainty and anxiety in those moments is crucial.

As you read the articles, I hope you find the information helpful for you and your child. Then, as you celebrate, study, or savor, the social aspects may be easier to enjoy. A little chocolate never hurts, either.

Happy reading!

Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine

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