This is an article about acceptance. A fitting topic as we enter the ever-evolving Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation month of April. We have moved beyond awareness to discussions of accepting the neurodiversity the autism spectrum offers and making room in our world for all the possible ways of being. Which brings me to my…
Differences in Autism Presentation Between Siblings
I don’t remember when my parents told me that my little brother was autistic. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know; my memory doesn’t go back that far. He was diagnosed when I was around five or six, per his age of diagnosis at three. I’m a late-diagnosed autistic, not receiving my diagnosis…
Pets and Autism: Challenges and Solutions
Pets are an amazing way for autistic children to experience companionship, understand boundaries, share responsibilities, and reduce anxiety. Caring for an animal also provides opportunities to learn new skills — such as patience, empathy, communication — while also supporting an avenue of emotional expression. It’s important for all families to do some research on the…
From Isolation to Community through Employment
Since I wrote my last blog, What’s Speech Got to Do With It?, in 2019, my son, along with the rest of the world, went through a rollercoaster cycle of emotions due to the pandemic, ranging from fear, insecurity, isolation, and utter frustration. His volunteer activities as well as other outside activities came to a…
Mental Health in the Autism Community
Mental health disorders are conditions that affect our thinking, mood, and/or behavior to the extent that it interferes with our ability to function. These disorders include, but are not limited to, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. For the general population in the United States, the CDC estimates 20% of adults (or one…
Las Vacaciones en el Verano y la Computadora
La pereza del verano. Fragmentos de tiempo cuando los niños tienen la casa para ellos solos. El tiempo de inactividad se convierte en un vacío. Las horas pasarán a medida que los niños desaparezcan en la tecnología. Se fusionarán con la computadora y se eliminará toda posibilidad de hablar. ¿Se está haciendo un buen uso…