“Be yourself” is something we hear every day. Yet, it seems that whenever we do something stereotypically “autistic,” we are judged: “What’s that weird girl over there doing? Did anyone teach her manners?” So we ignore the advice to be ourselves. College can be difficult since it is our first time living on our own.…
In a crowded hall filled with laughing and chatting teenagers devouring pizza, one girl approached me shyly. “You know, I really didn’t want to come to this, but I’ve had so much fun today.” “This” was a self-determination conference, organized by and for students with disabilities in my school system. Starting a club about self-determination…
Orders and transfers to new duty stations are part of everyday life in the military. Rarely do military families establish roots anywhere before the next set of orders has them planning, packing, and executing a move to another duty station. While moving can be a difficult transition for anyone, it can be especially challenging for…
We all want our children to have full lives. One important component of a full life is having a healthy romantic/sexual relationship with a partner. If you are a parent, this can be a scary thought because we worry about how our kids will navigate these relationships and if they will be safe from harm…
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…
Whether you are a seasoned researcher or someone new to research entirely, it is easy to be swept up by the extensive amounts of information available on the internet. The area of autism research is no exception. A quick Google search of the word “autism” brings over 167 million results in seconds. Sorting through all…
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…
For diverse thinkers, including persons with autism, it can be difficult to find the right position in a world full of neurotypicals. Here are a few of the most important questions to consider as you begin a job search: Are you ready for work? What specific experiences have you had that indicate you’re ready? Have…
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.…
