
This Month's Highlights
Navigating the Special Ed Maze
Parents should understand the laws and their rights in special education.
Robin Rettie, MEd
Helping Your Child Understand Actions and Responses
Understanding that behaviors can lead to responses can support emotional regulation and relationships.
Jeremy Brown
Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers questions about behavior and anger issues.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
Alone or Lonely: Understanding Social Needs in Autism
Knowing the difference between preferred distance and loneliness can support emotional well-being.
Ali Perkinson, EdD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D
Success Story - My Son, My Hero, and A Little Girl Inspiring Big Change
Rosemary Morris, Andrea Castro
Oh Brother! Helping Siblings Communicate
Effective communication between neurodivergent and neurotypical siblings can lead to emotional well-being.
Carol Tatom, BA.HSE, CHW
Explaining Autism to Grandparents
With a clear understanding of autism, grandparents can be a strong family support.
Valarie Whiting, PhD
Learning Reimagined: Innovative Approaches to Autism Education
What are some new approaches to individualized learning strategies?
Leigh DeSilva, MAS
The Medical Side of Autism: When to Push for More Testing
When should parents request additional medical testing for their child?
Joy Eberhardt, MD, FAAP
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions about their autistic children.
Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Pursuing Your Passions: Starting Your Own Business
Can an autistic individual use their skills to start and run their own business?
Alex Manners
Autism Warrior: Representing Communities
An actor with autism and cerebral palsy describes his work in his upcoming film.
Sharon Longo, BA
What’s New on the Bookshelf?
The Harmonic Child
A mom of several neurodivergent children, one with autism, writes about her lived experience and inner transformation.
Sara Wilfred
Dear Readers,
For the Northern hemisphere of the world, March will be the start of spring, with new growth popping up almost overnight. That rebirth delights us as we watch beauty emerge. Much like our children with autism, we often witness new or developing skills emerging or strengthening. When parents pursue special education services, their children can receive extra support and a healthy environment where they can bloom and thrive.
Our theme this month is “Navigating the Special Ed Maze,” and as with tending any garden, we must first understand which tools to use and what each plant or flower needs to thrive. Understanding their special education rights can help parents cultivate and nurture their child’s strengths while weeding through any challenges.
I hope the information and articles this month help you and your families learn, grow, and blossom in the bright sunshine of knowledge. Then watch closely as tiny buds of new skills, self-awareness, and success spring forward for you and your child. Enjoy the bouquet.
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine

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