As a father with a child with autism, Rob Gorski emphasizes the importance of juggling tasks or “plates” and filtering out judgment by others. This blog post was originally posted on The Autism Dad and is re-posted here with permission. The other day, I was talking about judgment on Twitter and it became a discussion with numerous…
This piece was originally posted on The Mighty and is re-posted here with permission. As I look to the fresh start a new year brings in, I find myself taking a moment to consider how I, as a parent blessed with a child with disabilities, can better ensure a year of growth and productivity for…
“It feels like whenever my family and I are out in public, my autistic brother will have a full-blown meltdown. People always stare so I get really embarrassed, but I also worry about how angry he gets. What can I do about this?” This is one of the many challenges siblings grapple with when they…
Two independent studies published in “Pediatrics” and “JAMA Pediatrics” estimate that one in 40 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both studies drew data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. The studies looked at more than 43,000 children between ages 3 to 17. Survey respondents participated online or by mail, indicating whether a…
During the normal course of development, children are expected to reach certain milestones by a specific age, such as uttering their first words, taking their first steps, or engaging in joint pretend play. For children with autism, this developmental trajectory may be delayed or even regress over time. Parents who suspect their children of having…
Scary. And necessary. Plenty of adults are reluctant to visit the doctor or dentist. But we’re also aware of the necessity and benefit that good health care provides in keeping us from serious illness. For children, however, particularly those with autism, fear can outweigh the benefits. So how can you as the parent make the…
“It feels like whenever my family and I are out in public, my autistic brother will have a full-blown meltdown. People always stare so I get really embarrassed, but I also worry about how angry he gets. What can I do about this?” This is one of the many challenges siblings grapple with when they…
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upped its estimate of autism prevalence in children from 1 in 68 to 1 in 59. That is an alarming number. In our family, however, it is even higher. Of my wife’s and my four grandchildren, two — twin granddaughters — were diagnosed on the autism…
This article has been updated by the author in November 2022. Most articles about holiday celebrations focus on helping the autistic individual be prepared for the big day. Yes, it helps to do a social story, show pictures from prior events, and walk them through what to expect. But most of what needs to happen…
“Dina,” the documentary about a Pennsylvania woman with autism has already received several awards, including the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. “Dina” is about Dina Buno, a woman with autism, and her husband, Scott Levin, who is also on the autism spectrum. This documentary has already been shown to a select…
