Poetry Corner: The Day You Ran Away
A family day out; it’s a beautiful day The sun is shining; it’s brisk, not cold You’re running around and laughing That sound never gets old We’re waiting for our table I promise it won’t be long I know you’re getting irritable Please wait; please hold on Then I hear those awful words […]
Continue reading10 Behavior Analytic Steps to Forgiveness You Need to Know
What constitutes forgiveness and the best pathway to achieving it is one of the most debated topics around. Some argue that in order to forgive, one must forget past transgressions and “take the high road” or “be the bigger person.” Others claim that forgiveness sets you free. What does all this mean and which philosophy […]
Continue readingMind Palace: Easy Ways to Connect With Your Child’s Creative Mind
The images show representative neurons from unaffected brains (left) and brains from autistic patients (right); the spines on the neurons indicate the location of synapses. (Image: Guomei Tang and Mark S. Sonders/CUMC) When I began to suspect my son had autism, I had no idea how to connect or communicate with him. I was terrified […]
Continue readingThe Power of Embracing What I Don’t Know As an Autism Parent
I’m a reasonably intelligent man, but I know nothing. I’m simply a dad, only five years into my adventure as an autism parent, trying to learn and share my observations. That’s a good place to start if, like me, you want to be involved in healthy dialogues on autism. We can’t be clinging too tightly […]
Continue readingA Letter of Understanding and Unconditional Love
This letter is addressed to anyone who loves a person on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or wants a better understanding. Eight doctors, blood work, and a brain scan later, no one could clearly explain autism or tell us why it happened to our son. Our hope is that this letter helps to lift fears, […]
Continue readingIssue 71 – Navigating A New Year
Buy Single IssueSubscribe today and save 50%Features:Why Not Pledge to Cut Yourself Some Slack In the New Year?The father of a young, nonverbal boy compassionately reviews the true value of new year’s resolutions.James Guttman Easy Ways to Add Simple Communication Strategies to a Kid’s LifeA speech-language pathologist, parent coach, and autism expert describes ways to integrate […]
Continue readingA Letter of Encouragement Inspires Special Needs Families
When Ewa Omahen met a woman at work who was in a state of despair over her son’s disabilities, she chose to reach out. As a mother of a 15-year-old son with autism, Ewa well understood the challenges that go hand-in-hand with raising children with special needs. Take a look at the touching letter Ewa wrote encouraging […]
Continue reading7 Tips To Help Support Married Couples on the Spectrum
In June, at the Milestones 15th Annual Autism Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, my wife Kristen and I were on a panel with three other couples discussing “Love and Marriage on the Spectrum.” By speaking with these couples, I gained insight for successful marriages on the spectrum. I would like to share some of this vital […]
Continue readingHow You Can Promote Autism Awareness Month This April
Autism awareness month In April 1970, the Autism Society celebrated the first Autism Awareness Month. During this month, the American public is encouraged to further educate themselves on autism, how to recognize the early warning signs, and support research efforts. Events are held nationwide and range from celebrations of the diversity of people with autism […]
Continue readingIssue 67 – Preparing for Adulthood With Autism
Buy Single IssueSubscribe today and save 50%Features:How to Transition Your Young Adult with Asperger’s Into the World Learn ways to help your adult child transition from living at home to successfully enter the adult world.Safia Fatima Mohiuddin What You Need to Know About the Benefits of AAC EvaluationsA certified speech-language pathologist answers five commonly asked questions […]
Continue readingSafety Measures You Need to Take After an Autism Diagnosis
After your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a rush of thoughts may invade your mind. Many questions might run through your mind: what do I do next? How do I prepare? Why has this happened? How do I cope? Though each question is valid, sometimes the uncertainty of it all can […]
Continue readingThe best schools for autism in the USA and Worldwide
What are the best schools for autism near me? As we all know, no two kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are alike. Children with autism learn differently and have a wide range of developmental and educational needs. Unfortunately, teachers and support staff don’t always understand the special needs of children diagnosed with autism, […]
Continue reading9 Important Things Autism Moms Want People to Know
Raising a child with autism has its share of challenges and joys, and it’s not always easy to express them. Oftentimes, we hold our tongue, knowing that most people have the best of intentions even if they misunderstand our world. While sometimes it’s best to leave things unsaid, here is a list of the nine […]
Continue readingSimple Ways to Prevent Emergency Situations with Autism
Police are called to the scene of an accident. The driver is unconscious. In the back seat is an 8-year-old boy with blood coming from his forehead. The officer first on the scene sees the driver is unresponsive and the boy in the back is just staring at him. “Are you OK young man?” the […]
Continue readingIssue 58 – The Greatest Love of All: Family
Buy Single IssueSubscribe today and save 50%Features:8 Valentine’s Day Wishes For Special Needs FamiliesThe founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC shares her special Valentine’s Day wishes for you and the people you love most.Deanna Picon Winning Ways to Share the Love With All of Your ChildrenLearn simple and enjoyable ways to connect with your neurotypical children […]
Continue readingHow One Restaurateur Makes Eating Out Autism-Friendly
Restaurant owner Andrew Iredale could hardly be described as a zealous revolutionary. He certainly doesn’t look like one. But he has introduced a radical shake-up in the way that his eatery welcomes autism-affected families—one in which campaigners hope other restaurateurs will now follow suit. As the father of Josh, an eight-year-old boy with autism, Andrew […]
Continue readingThe Important Difference Between Conversation and Communication with Autism
It is amazing to watch the interaction between these two young, fun-loving adults. Both are geniuses in their own way. One is an artist. The other, a computer whiz. And they both share a fantastic camaraderie. They have a special connection and enjoy spending time with each other. They’re both blessed with a sense […]
Continue readingAdvice on Understanding and Calming Sensory Overload in Children
As a pediatric occupational therapist and a mother, I try my best to fully understand each child and his/her sensory needs, both at home and in my practice. Children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) tend to experience sensory overload or adverse reactions to sensory input more frequently than typically […]
Continue readingWays to Develop a Positive Sense of Self and Relationships on the Spectrum
An interview with Dr. Tony Attwood, Ph.D. AS/ASD expert In a previous article for Autism Parenting Magazine, I addressed erasing the prejudice of violence associated with individuals on the autism spectrum. Although it is important to erase that growing prejudice, I mentioned that it would be negligent not to discuss the possibility of special interests […]
Continue readingIssue 42 – Autism: Fighting the Stigmas
Subscribe today and save 50%Features:The Never-Ending Battle for Autism RightsA Special Interview with Civil Rights Attorney Areva MartinMeet autism advocate and attorney Areva Martin who is currently representing Vityut Gopal and Parul Agrawal, and their son with autism as neighbors have filed a lawsuit in an effort to have him declared a public nuisance. A Round […]
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