Library - Autism Parent Resources

What is Autism?

When we first heard the words “Your child has Autism” it marked a significant shift in our lives, prompting a period of intense learning and adjustment. Like many parents, we began to navigate new information and understand what this diagnosis meant for our family. Our child, who is non-verbal, brought a specific lens to this experience, shaping our approach and understanding. This journey has involved continuous learning, and a constant evolution of our perspective.

July 1, 2025

What does it mean to be “On the Spectrum”? Is it a scale?

When we first heard the word “Spectrum” as in “he is on the Spectrum” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” for the term “spectrum,” our minds often pictured a line or scale, with “mild” on one end and “severe” on the other. We quickly learned how wrong – and unhelpful – that picture is. In our journey as parents of a non-verbal autistic son, one of the most profound lessons we’ve learned is the true meaning of the “spectrum.”

July 2, 2025

Neurodiversity Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters

As parents of a non-verbal autistic son, our journey has been one of constant learning and shifting perspectives. Discovering the concept of neurodiversity was a breath of fresh air for our family. It shifted our perspective from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s different and beautiful?”

July 3, 2025

Stimming: The Language of Self-Regulation in Autism

As parents of a non-verbal autistic son, we’ve learned to interpret many forms of communication beyond spoken words. One of the most significant, and often misunderstood, is what’s known as “stimming.” Hand-flapping, rocking, humming, spinning – these are just a few examples of self-stimulatory behaviors. For a time, we were told it was a “bad” behavior to be stopped.

July 4, 2025

What is Speech Therapy: Understanding How Play Builds Communication

As parents of a non-verbal autistic son, our early journey with therapies felt a bit daunting. When “early intervention” and “speech therapy” were mentioned for our two-year-old, I’ll admit I was uneasy and skeptical. What would they do with such a young child?

July 5, 2025

Occupational Therapy: Building Everyday Skills Through Practical Support

When you’re navigating the early days of an autism diagnosis, words like “therapy” can sound clinical and a bit overwhelming. After learning about speech therapy, the idea of “occupational therapy” (OT) might also seem puzzling. “Occupations” for a child? What does that even mean?

July 6, 2025

Physical Therapy for Autism: Building Core Strength and Confidence

When my son’s team suggested a Physical Therapy (PT) evaluation, I’ll admit I was completely puzzled. Physical therapy? I thought. This is the one area he’s great in! He loves to walk, run, and climb. Surely this isn’t needed. I was convinced this was one recommendation we could skip.

July 7, 2025

Understanding ABA Therapy: What it is Today and How to Choose Wisely

When exploring support options for an autistic child, you’ll likely encounter Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). For many, ABA therapy has a complex history and can be a topic of strong opinions. It’s true that past practices in ABA sometimes used methods that are now widely seen as outdated and unhelpful.

July 8, 2025

Beyond the Common Therapies: Understanding Myofunctional Therapy for Autistic Children

As parents exploring support for an autistic child, you likely know about Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies. But there’s another specialized area that, while less commonly discussed, can be a really important piece of the puzzle: Myofunctional Therapy.

July 9, 2025

Music Therapy for Autistic Children: Finding Connections Through Sound and Rhythm

Think about how music makes you feel. It can lift your spirits, calm your nerves, or help you focus. Music has this incredible, universal power to connect with us, even without words. For autistic children who might find traditional communication challenging, music can become a truly profound pathway for expression, interaction, and growth. This is the beautiful essence of Music Therapy.

July 10, 2025

Play Therapy for Autistic Children: Speaking Thier Language, Building Thier World

For every child, play is so much more than just fun. It’s how they figure out the world, learn about feelings, and build important skills. Think about a child exploring a toy, acting out a story, or building with blocks – they’re learning, growing, and expressing themselves, often without using words.

July 11, 2025

Social Skills Training for Autistic Children: Building Connection in a World of Unwritten Rules

Imagine trying to understand a conversation where no one ever directly tells you the rules. For many autistic children, the social world can feel exactly like that – a complex dance with unwritten rules that are confusing and hard to grasp. Things like understanding what someone means by their facial expression, knowing when to speak, or how to start a conversation can be a big source of anxiety.

July 12, 2025

Equine-Assisted, Art, and Aquatic Therapies for Autism

July 12, 2025

Starting Your Journey: How to Get an Autism Diagnosis (and Why It Matters)

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child is a significant milestone in this journey. It’s often the first big step that can feel incredibly overwhelming, even isolating, as you navigate early questions about your child’s development. You might have worries, notice things that seem “different,” or just have a nagging feeling. Taking the step towards a formal diagnosis can seem daunting, and I remember this stage being one of the hardest as a mom. It truly tested my emotions.

July 13, 2025

Beyond Diagnosis: Building Your Child’s Core Support Team

You’ve taken the incredibly crucial first step of getting a diagnosis for your child – and I know firsthand how challenging and emotional that can be. Now, as you continue on this unique journey, the next big step is to assemble your child’s core support team.

July 14, 2025

Navigating the Maze: Understanding Insurance & Funding for Autism Support

Everything in this guide comes from countless hours of personal experience, research, and learning things the hard way. My hope is that by sharing this with you, I can save you some of the time, stress, and frustration that I’ve gone through. While I can’t guarantee any specific outcome – as policies and laws are always changing – my goal is to empower you with the knowledge to hopefully find the right path for your child.

July 15, 2025

School & Support: Finding the Right Educational Fit for Your Autistic Child

Ensuring your child receives the right educational support and services is a vital, ongoing part of their autism journey. A truly supportive school environment can make a world of difference in their learning, social development, and overall well-being. Thinking about your child’s education can feel incredibly daunting, and believe me, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times.

July 16, 2025

Planning for Tomorrow: Legal & Financial Steps for Your Autistic Loved One

As a parent, envisioning your child’s long-term future is a deeply personal and often emotional journey. It’s perfectly natural to feel a mix of hope, responsibility, and sometimes, a touch of overwhelm. Yet, taking steps now to ensure their financial security and legal protection, especially as they transition into adulthood, is a profound act of love and foresight. This guide is designed to gently walk you through these essential legal and financial planning steps.

July 17, 2025

Housing & Living Arrangements for Autistic Adults

As our children with autism grow and evolve, the thought of their future living arrangements naturally comes to the forefront. This journey is about so much more than just finding a physical place to live; it’s about creating a true “home.” That means an environment that genuinely supports their independence, ensures their safety, and truly enhances their quality of life. Whether that means living independently, with dedicated support, or within a specialized community, this guide is here to help you explore the options.

July 18, 2025

Employment & Day Programs for Autistic Adults

As parents, we want our autistic loved ones to thrive, and for adults, finding meaningful work and engaging activities is a truly vital step. It’s about fostering independence, building self-esteem, and cultivating a deep sense of belonging and community. This journey can take many forms, from competitive employment (a typical job where they earn at least minimum wage alongside neurotypical peers) to structured day programs (daily activities and skill-building in a supportive, non-work setting) or enriching volunteer opportunities.

July 19, 2025

From Pediatric to Adult Care: Healthcare Transitions for Autistic Adults

As parents, we know the idea of transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel like navigating a complex maze. It’s a challenging time for autistic individuals and their families, yet it’s critical for maintaining health and well-being throughout adulthood. The good news? By proactively planning, finding the right providers, building essential advocacy skills, and preparing a comprehensive emergency plan, you can ensure seamless, autism-informed care for your loved one. This guide is here to walk you through each vital step.

July 20, 2025

Medicaid Waivers for Autistic Adults: A Parent’s Complete Guide

Navigating all the services and financial support options for our autistic loved one can feel incredibly complex – and the costs involved can certainly be daunting. But here’s some vital information: Medicaid waivers can be a lifeline for funding essential long-term services and supports. These state-administered programs are designed to help your loved one receive personalized, community-based care, promoting their independence and quality of life, often right in your own home and community. While eligibility and services offered vary significantly by state, understanding your options is the first crucial step on this journey.

July 21, 2025

Biomedical Interventions for Autism

As parents on this autism journey, we’re constantly seeking ways to support our children and help them thrive. While traditional therapies like speech, occupational, and behavioral interventions remain the foundation of autism care, some families choose to explore what are known as “biomedical interventions.”

July 22, 2025

Exploring Nutritional Support for Autism

As parents, we know that what our children eat affects everything – from mood and sleep to overall health and well-being. For children with autism, nutritional support and dietary approaches are areas that many families explore as part of a holistic care plan. These interventions aim to promote gut health, address food sensitivities, and ensure that nutrient needs are being met.

July 23, 2025

Specialized Testing for Autism: A Parent’s Guide

Beyond formal diagnosis, some families consider additional medical testing to learn more about their child’s underlying biological or physiological traits. These specialized tests may reveal patterns related to digestion, genetics, metabolism, or environmental exposures-and sometimes guide targeted health decisions.

July 24, 2025

Building Your Autism Healthcare Team

Whether you’re brand new to this journey or you’ve been walking this path for years, having the right healthcare team makes all the difference. Your loved one with autism may have unique medical needs, sensory sensitivities, or communication styles that need special understanding. From experience, finding the right providers may take some searching, but amazing professionals are out there. This guide is to help you build this team with the providers to support your family’s unique needs.

July 25, 2025

Mastering Insurance Navigation for Autism Services: A Parent’s Complete Guide

Navigating the complexities of insurance can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to secure coverage for autism-related services. However, understanding your benefits and maximizing coverage is a critical step in accessing the therapies and supports your loved one needs without overwhelming financial strain. If you’ve already found a plan or are ready to get started with a new one (see earlier article on this here), this guide will empower you with actionable steps to become a savvy insurance navigator.

July 26, 2025

Exploring Financial Assistance Programs for Autism Families: A Comprehensive Guide

The costs associated with autism-related therapies, services, and supports can be substantial, often creating significant financial strain for families. For many families, these expenses go far beyond what private insurance covers, leaving gaps that can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are various financial assistance programs designed to help offset these expenses, providing crucial relief and ensuring access to necessary care. Exploring these options is a vital step in building a sustainable support plan for your loved one.

July 27, 2025

Tax Benefits for Autism Families

Managing the financial aspects of caring for a loved one with autism can be challenging. For many families, these expenses go far beyond what private insurance covers, leaving gaps that can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are various tax deductions and credits available that may help offset some of these costs. Understanding and utilizing these tax benefits can provide significant financial relief, allowing you to allocate more resources to your loved one’s care and well-being.

July 28, 2025

Autism Parent Resources

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