Transitioning to college is an exciting but stressful time for students and families. It is an adventure in self-advocacy, independent living, and balancing social life with the rigor of academics. The suggestions below offer ways you and your college-bound student can make this new adventure a successful one. When choosing a college, plan a visit…
Two years ago, I decided it was time to talk to my son’s classmates about autism. Matthew was at a school that included kindergarten through third grade. My goal was likely the same as yours or any parent of a child with autism: I wanted my child to be understood and liked by his classmates.…
People often refer to executive function as the “CEO” of the brain because it is what helps us set goals, plan, and get things done. It is a term professionals and lay people have used for years and it’s likely you have used it or heard it used in reference to people with autism, who…
This article is a modified version of an article that was originally published in the May 2006 issue of The OARacle. Summer is the time of year when we kick back, take time to relax (or at least slow down), and enjoy outdoor activities. As I reflect back on my summers as a child, one…
Research has long shown that parents of children with disabilities have additional stressors that can cause both physical and psychological tolls (Neece, et. al., 2012; Murphy, et. al., 2006; Kronenberger and Thompson, 1992). Parents of children with autism specifically often show similar declines of physical and psychological health while caring for their children (Miodrag &…
At a recent seminar, I was asked by several parents what they could do to best help their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the challenging classroom environment of today’s schools. Having worked on both sides of this issue as an educator and parent of a child with ASD, I know well the challenges…
In 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted law enforcement and families with approximately 20,500 cases of missing children. Many families and caregivers try to protect their children from abduction by specifically teaching them skills like understanding the concept of strangers, warning signs of distrustful behavior, and what to do if they…
“It takes a village to raise a child” describes the importance of having many people interact with children to help them grow and achieve their full potential. As the mother of a son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I know what it takes to “build a village” for a child with ASD. It takes hard…
The transition from school-age years to adulthood is a stressful period for families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the best of circumstances, the shift from school to life after graduation can be difficult. These challenges are amplified when individuals with ASD present with significant support needs (e.g., behavioral problems). Most experts agree…
The world of autism research is broad, and it seems to be constantly changing. Each week, articles about new studies appear in our social media feeds or are reported on the nightly news, revealing new and important factors in understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you’re a member of the autism community, whether you’re a…
