This Month's Highlights
Anxiety and Depression in Students with ASD
Here are strategies for students to help prevent anxiety and depression.
Michael McManmon, EdD, MS, BA
Fuel for the Brain: Vital Folinic with 5-MTHF™
Protecting brain cells promotes cognitive resilience and neurological health.
Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides, MS, MPhil, PhD, MD, FAAAAI
Managing Executive Dysfunction
Recognizing your child’s executive dysfunction can lead to support and reduced negative impact.
Jeremy Brown
8 Phrases to Reduce Power Struggles
PDA-friendly language that reduces resistance.
Mark Blakey
Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers questions about improving speech, frustration, and echolalia.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
Small Talk to Connection: Skills for Friendship
Here are some strategies for understanding and practicing small talk to develop better social skills.
Monica Hudnall, EdD, CCC-SLP
A Powerful Voice
A mom celebrates her son’s advocacy for others. Have a success story you want to share?
VerTongie Bailey
Communication Through Movement
How can brainwave-driven dance reveal the authentic expression of neurodivergent minds?
Dr. Yvonne Chong, DC, ICSC, FIBFN-CND
Beyond the Mask: Protecting ASD Teens from Substance Use Risks
What is the risk of masking, and how can parents help?
Lee Hawker-Lecesne
Hypernumeracy: When Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
Incorporating a child’s fascination with numbers into learning can help build other skills.
Fizza Shaikh, MA, MEd, BCBA
I Have a Lot to Offer
One autistic man recognizes the gifts he can offer to others.
Ray Dutra
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.
Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
How to Ask for Help at Work
Asking for help at work can build resilience, understanding, and connection.
Sara R. Colorosa, PhD
Autism Warrior - Different but Beautiful
One late-diagnosed woman works to help others see the beauty in differences.
Sharon Longo, BA
What’s New on the Bookshelf?
Autism Funnies: Laughing Through Life on the Spectrum
A humorous book about the realities of parenting two children on the spectrum.
Dr. Essie Trent, Korey Wilson, Kyle Wilson
Dear Readers,
In May, we often clean up our yards or paint and repair our homes, knowing the importance of caring for the whole house. Do we see health in the same light? When scheduling a physical for our child, we may not always think about their mental state.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Children with autism can have co-existing health conditions, but parents should also be aware of possible mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Their sudden reserve or overexcitement might be a sign of depression, anxiety, or some other form of mental illness.
Our theme this month is Embracing Mental Health and Wellness. As you view your child through your parent lens, take a close look at them from a mental health perspective. Just as we don’t want to miss a loose roof shingle or the start of a leak in our ceiling, we also don’t want to be unaware of what might be signs of mental illness that could cause our children more challenges than necessary. Check your child for any signs of masking or changes in mood or behavior, and review your own mental health and wellness, too. If needed, a mental health professional can observe your child, or you may see the same loving, unique disposition as always. Then open the windows, let in the sunshine, and enjoy your child’s wonderful personality and spirit.
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine
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