Siblings of autistic individuals experience both benefits and challenges related to their sibling relationships. Benefits often include greater empathy, compassion, and resilience. Challenges can include parentification (i.e., acting in a parental role in childhood), struggling to plan for future caregiving, and responding to challenging behaviors. Parents often report worrying about the experiences and well-being of…
Transitioning out of the home and into a more independent living setting in the community can evoke a myriad of fears and concerns for individuals and family members alike. The challenges of managing daily activities and responsibilities without support can loom large. Navigating social interactions and cultivating meaningful friendships can feel overwhelming, compounded by uncertainties…
After finding out that your child is autistic, you may have a sense of relief and empowerment because you knew they were different and now you know why and how to help. But what if your child has trouble accepting their own diagnosis? How can you help them move forward? First, accept and listen. Ensure…
Sexuality and relationship education includes a wide range of information: changing bodies, dating, kissing, gender identity, being turned down for a date, healthy relationships, and more. We know that teaching kids about sexuality and relationships is the best way to keep them healthy and safe. Despite this knowledge, we are not given a lot of…
“Mom, I’m autistic.” It was 1992. My eight-year-old first-born child, assigned female at birth, was holding a magazine article about an autistic girl. As a special education teacher, I knew a little about autism, but only a little. What was I supposed to say? I might have asked, “Why do you think you’re autistic?” and…
As a 2006 study pointed out, every single ethnic group includes people with disabilities, making them the world’s largest multicultural minority. In the United States, people with disabilities represent 27% of the population. During the 2021-2022 academic year, 7.3 million learners between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services under provisions of…
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Whitley With the increased number of individuals diagnosed with autism comes a need for increased understanding and acceptance. In order to create that acceptance, more and more schools are including students with disabilities, including autism, in learning…
Without disability advocacy, the autistic community would not be thriving today. Autistic children would not be able to attend school, “autism” would be too stigmatized to mention, institutions and asylums would be the norm, and conversations about autism in the workplace would be virtually unheard of. The foundational, trailblazing advocacy efforts of early disabled activists…
This original version of this article appeared on the Maryland Financial Advocates website. It is reposted here with permission from its author. What would happen if you suddenly became unable to provide your child with the necessary supports he or she needs? Without you, your child would become dependent on other caregivers who do not possess…
Receiving a child’s autism diagnosis can be one of those moments in life when a raft of old notions shatters, and you are swept away by a tumultuous new reality. It can be hard to get your bearings and find a way to move forward after your world is turned upside down. You may need…
