What autism does to a mother
Nicole Kalkowski knows that beyond the stress, fear, and family turmoil that come with learning that your child has this devastating disorder, there is also a devastating aloneness. In our second...
View ArticleThe upside of autism: Joyful reflections from parents of autistic children
There are countless stories and movies about the challenges and difficulties of raising a child with autism -- dreams are dashed, expectations are lowered and life is tragically altered forever. But...
View ArticleTips for talking to family about your child's autism diagnosis
You've just learned your child has autism. On top of dealing with your own feelings of shock -- or even relief that you finally have an answer -- you also have to find a way to explain the autistic...
View Article6 ways to advocate for your special needs child
Advocating for your special needs child is one of your most important jobs. It can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but if you remember that you know your child -- and his needs -- better than...
View ArticleTaking your autistic child to a restaurant: Tips on dining out for families...
Do you avoid eating out because you have a child with autism, and it's just too stressful to take him to a restaurant? We have some tips to help you avoid some common headaches when dining out at a...
View ArticleAutism therapies: What educational and medical interventions are available?
The first question any parent will ask after hearing their child has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder is, "What can I do to help my child?" Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut,...
View ArticleAutism signs & symptoms, qualities & quirks
Could your child be autistic? Unfortunately, it can be really tough to tell. There is no simple way to diagnose autism -- it is determined by a combination of behaviors, some more intense or...
View ArticleHow routines help special needs kids thrive
Have you resigned yourself to chaotic mornings, afternoon tantrums, and evening meltdowns? Do you plan your life knowing you're going to be late every time you need to leave the house with your kids?...
View ArticleSigns of autism and everyday life with an autistic child
Is autism a part of your life? What are the signs of autism? Find advice, tips, research results and information about an autistic diagnosis here -- plus learn what you can do to help your child and to...
View Article10 Things you should know about autism
Parents of children with autism deal with so much -- from fighting for their child’s rights to judgment from other parents. Here’s what they wish you knew about kids on the spectrum. Do you know anyone...
View ArticleThe Autism/Vaccine (Dis)Connection
A new study denies any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. But parents who have heard anecdotal evidence to the contrary are already less likely to vaccinate their kids -- and we've got the...
View ArticleThe basics of autism: An overview
We're all trying to understand autism: what it is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, how to treat it. But autism is very complex -- no two people with autism are exactly the same, and no two people...
View ArticleAutism diagnosis: Are more kids said to be autistic just because...
Is something as simple as a different diagnosis for the same symptoms behind the meteoric rise in cases of autism recently? Find out what one study found. About the research Professor Dorothy Bishop, a...
View ArticleParenting and autism: Amy’s story
Amy Friedman’s son was diagnosed with autism at 3, but she had already been suspicious of his development long beforehand. The 40-year-old Deerfield, Illinois, mom says parenting a child with special...
View ArticleParenting and autism: Angela’s story
Angela Hanratty, 45, of Staten Island, New York, juggles her accountant job with raising her two autistic kids. Motherhood has brought her joy and a tolerance for those who can’t help themselves....
View ArticleHow to get an IEP for your child
If your child has a disability, you can request an IEP -- a document that outlines the special education services he or she will receive. The IEP process seems daunting, but it's very important to get...
View ArticleParenting a disabled child: Siblings growing older
My sister was born with severe cerebral palsy. I've known for many years that when the time comes for our parents to no longer be around, I will need to manage her care. If you're a parent of a...
View ArticleAutism: The gift that keeps on giving
When it comes to children who have autism, sometimes you just need to take a closer look and gain some perspective. Then, you'll realize their many gifts. autism is not "bad" When it comes to children...
View ArticleCan’t we all just get along?
We, the parents of special needs children — specifically those on the autism spectrum — should get along. Unity, it would seem, is part of the natural ebb and flow of our universe. Yet, that’s not...
View ArticleAutism: A sister’s vision
My vision is 20/200. Legally blind. Sometimes, it takes a little help from a 5-year-old — both literally and figuratively — to gain clarity and perspective. Oftentimes, I worry that spending an...
View Article
More Pages to Explore .....