The 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 Issue Subscribe 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 Life A speech-language pathologist, parent […]
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 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 readingReflections on Autism and Brotherly Love
I’m the brother of 54-year-old Colin (or Codge, as he’s been known since a kid). He lived with my Mam, Marion Rose, from the day he was born in her bedroom until the day she sadly died a few years ago at the age of 81 in the same house in Leeds. My mother cared […]
Continue readingA New Autism Perspective: The Other Side of the Table
I’ve been on both sides of the table. I’ve been the professional telling you what your child can and cannot do. I’ve reviewed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and have felt the hurt from parents when they review the results. I have watched parents sit in IEP meetings, crying as professionals discussed their child. My heart […]
Continue readingIssue 67 – Preparing for Adulthood With Autism
Buy Single Issue Subscribe 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 Evaluations A certified […]
Continue readingHow Do You Explain Autism? A Personal Look
“What’s his autism?” asks my son, whom I’ll call Caleb, as we are packing his bag for swim team practice. He’s talking about a school friend who, like him, is on the spectrum. “What do you think it is?” “Well,” he says, “he gets frustrated when the schedule changes, just like I used to.” “So […]
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