Calling 911 is a call that no parent wants to make. But that call to 911 is critically important when an autistic child is missing. It is the most important step in keeping your child safe in the event of a wandering episode. In Montgomery County, Md., where Officer Laurie Reyes works, it is more…
Autistic individuals, like all of us, are likely to encounter law enforcement officers at some point in their lives, whether it is in the community, during a routine traffic stop, at a concert or large community event, or as the result of a suspicious person or aggressive behavior call to 911. Unfortunately, media reports consistently…
In the past three months, how many times have you had no choice but to use cash to make a purchase? Or tell time using an analog clock? Although you have undoubtedly made purchases, it is likely you used a card or smart device, especially if the purchases were made online. To check the time,…
Academic settings can be turbulent environments for autistic learners, especially in collegiate settings. For many, it’s their first time living away from home and being solely responsible for many small but important things, like eating in the cafeteria, using a calendar, getting from one place to the next, and setting and maintaining deadlines. There’s a…
One of the biggest challenges minimally speaking individuals, including those who are autistic face is the prevalent misconception that speech is a measure of intellect. Speech is a complex motor function of the brain. Autistic people with limited speaking abilities may also experience atypical sensory processing and difficulty with initiating, inhibiting, and purposefully controlling movement.…
I am here today because I am not only proud to be autistic every day, I am here to spread my pride in identifying as autistic and a Black person to the world! You see, autism is in every community and every ethnic group. Autism pride is everywhere! In fact, I embrace ways that people…
“The worst thing you can do is nothing. ” ― Temple Grandin Have you ever taken a subway at rush hour in a new city? Herds of people bump into you and loud noises are everywhere. Signs with information you need flash so quickly that they are indiscernible to you. It is overwhelming, and you…
All children with special needs who succeed in school have at least one thing in common: parents who are passionate and effective advocates. As parents, we have the ability to advocate for our children by asking questions and speaking up for them. At times, this can be uncomfortable or even difficult to do; however, no…
Maya Angelou, an African-American civil rights activist, poet, and memoirist, wrote, “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” That short sentence captures what is so important about self-advocacy. When we can speak up for our…
“Put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others.” If you have flown on a plane, you likely have heard this safety phrase. It is a perfect metaphor for the importance of taking care of yourself in order to best help others. Mindfulness exercises have been empirically shown to directly and indirectly benefit parents of…
