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Dear Readers,

Have you ever seen the meme that reads, “Parenting—if you feel crazy then you’re doing it right”? I think we have all had those days, weeks, maybe even those years.

As caregivers, we want our kids to thrive—to be the best they can be. We want our children to eat healthy diets, learn, communicate, find friends, and successfully transition to adulthood. The road never seems simple, though—especially for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Did you know children diagnosed with ASD are five times more likely than other kids to experience mealtime challenges such as picky eating, ritualistic eating behaviors, and meltdowns? According to Jo Cormack, MA, MBACP, a registered counselor specializing in child feeding, research suggests up to nine out of ten children with ASD will experience an eating issue. If mealtime is a challenge for your child, take a look at How to Help a Child with Autism Feel Good About Food for simple ways to help a picky eater thrive while he/she is at school and/or daycare. Not only does Jo review the characteristics of ASD which can contribute to the challenge, but she also provides several ways you can ensure your child’s needs are met.

Whether your child spends the day in a regular classroom or attends specialized classes, finding the right educational supports can be complicated. For guidance on how to advocate for your child and break through the red tape that often affects the development of a fair Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), take a look at Ginger Strivelli’s article called How to Fight for the Best Education for Your ASD Child. As the mother of six kids, three of whom have autism, Ginger does a great job reviewing IEP terms and labels while explaining what to expect at this crucial meeting.

This month we are thrilled to introduce you to Kelly Beins, OT, a seasoned therapist with more than 23 years of experience. She has joined our team to respond to the top questions we receive from our readers. In this issue, Kelly responds to a father whose son has difficulty with communication and mastering skills. Please take a look at her piece, HELP: My Special Needs Child Struggles with Motor Skills at School, for top tips on educational supports, therapy, and hand-eye coordination. We look forward to her support and professional counsel for our autism families.

Sometimes advice is best given by someone who has experienced certain challenges firsthand. We are excited to feature David Petrovic, BA, a 24-year-old author, speaker, and middle school teacher with autism and Tourette syndrome this month. David and his mother, Sandy Petrovic, RN, BSN, an instructional advisor at an academic support center for students with learning differences, have shared their unique perspectives with us on planning for the future in Top Tips on How to Prepare for College with Autism.

Finding innovative ways to help children with autism better connect and communicate are always hot topics. According to Abby Martin Fallis, caregivers can become accustomed to repetitive speech, or even what sounds like babbling. Take a look at her article, Ways to Better Understand Echolalia and Vocal Stereotypy, as Abby explains how these behaviors not only are common but also may serve an important purpose during the developmental stages.

Music is an excellent way to communicate and connect with children on the spectrum. To help families unlock the rewards of music, David Meyers, a music instructor specializing in teaching students on the spectrum, has once again provided us with an excellent article on the benefits of music. Take a look at his piece called One Song, Many Ways to Connect with Special Needs for top music therapy ideas you can do at home with your child.

Music can build creativity and confidence for people of all ages and abilities. Introducing music to a child with autism can also help initiate movement, language, and social awareness. Music therapist Jim Turk, MS, witnessed this very response while visiting a classroom recently. Take a look at his piece, The Amazing Rewards of Music for Kids with Autism, to be inspired by his experience—it really changed his life—as well as a little boy with special needs.

Preparing a child with autism for adulthood is a genuine concern for many families. There are so many considerations that need to be anticipated, from employment and housing to legal and financial needs. If you have questions about which financial plan is right for your child, take a look at the piece, How Do ABLE Accounts and Third Party Special Needs Trust Compare?, as financial planner Ryan F. Platt, MBA, ChFC, ChSNC, explains the similarities and differences between the two plans.

For guidance on how to develop the necessary tools to safeguard the future, be sure to read A Mom’s Loving Advice on Transitioning an ASD Child to Adulthood provided by a longtime advocate for persons with disabilities, Marlene Ringler, Ph.D. In celebration of Mother’s Day this month,  arlene’s piece touches on the constant challenge of balancing family and career demands with the emotional and physical needs of a son or a daughter with autism. Her advice is kind and indispensable.

This month we honor moms for working tirelessly to care for their families as well as the fathers, grandparents, and special caregivers who help provide daily strength. Parenting is never easy—but the rewards are priceless.

Kind regards,
Amy KD Tobik
Editor-in-Chief

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