“I realized that parents are caring for their children 24 hours a day, but who is caring for them?” LisaMarie Bernardo, CLC Ron Sandison interviews Life Coach LisaMarie Bernardo who is the mom of a son on the autism spectrum. What has been your greatest challenge as a mom of a child…

By Erica Francis Kids on the autism spectrum are kids first; they like to play like most kids do. The difference is in the way they sometimes play. Because the diagnosis of autism covers a full spectrum, no two kids will behave exactly the same but there are often some characteristics many of them h…

“…while it might seem that my son is in his own world, he is actually in two worlds, theirs and his, aware, conscious, and observant of both simultaneously.” by Erik Raschke and K. Kristiaan (instagram.com/K.Kristiaan) My ten year-old son cannot read, nor write, nor count higher th…

During their eight road trips Tyler discovered his father’s unconditional love. Ron learned that Tyler was wired neurologically different—he would have to rewire himself to fit Tyler’s unique mind and interests. By Ron Sandison Ron and his wife Lori noticed during elementary school their son Tyler’s…

This week Sesame Street introduced their first autistic character – a puppet named Julia. Julia is the first new Muppet since Abby Cadabby appeared in 2006. The puppeteer who plays Julia is a mom of a child on the autism spectrum. To find out more about Julia click here. Source: The Art of Au…

“Uncertainty is one of the primary human fears,” Teal Swan By Keri Bowers Being constant as it is, the world around us is always in cyclical flux; transition; expansion; growth; change and sadly, demise and destruction all at once. We bear witness to a lot of stress and challenge, especi…

How the Ask Amy doll changed Betty’s life By Helen Nichols For a parent, an autistic child can be its own universe with a set of laws and rules that we need to learn­­­. Nearly every action turns into a search for an alternative. Choosing a toy is no exception. Though it may seem all children …

By Tina Fletcher The hallmarks of the holiday season — holiday twinkle lights, carolers, the aroma of a large home-cooked meal — can be an overwhelming experience for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As families with children on the autism spectrum plan their holidays, here are so…

A Christmas Tale about the gift of music by Lori Jagow From my small apartment, the tune of “Good King Wenceslas” blared from my son’s shiny brass trumpet. My eight year old son, Jimmy, practiced for his first Christmas concert in the school orchestra. Jimmy is autistic and his music teacher recomme…

By Debra Muzikar I write this blog on the eve of my son Kevin’s 22nd birthday. For typical children there are certain ages that are milestones – age 5 – first day of Kindergarten – age 16 – driver’s license – age 18 – graduation from high school. This is no different for childre…

Being a global citizen isn’t just about appreciation of different cultures but different neurologies as well. by MaryAnne, MamaSmiles As the daughter of a diplomat, I was raised in five countries on three continents. Parenting a child with autism sometimes reminds me of the culture shock I wo…

Maybe Eleanor would have loved to join the book club? I think about the many, many times that Eleanor has had similar things happen to her. It must shut down her self-esteem and hope, and crash her dreams of what she might want to do later in life—crashing her hope of maybe succeeding to be a doctor…

Tell me about the colors only you can see. Scarlett was diagnosed with autism today. They say a diagnosis of autism is given every 20 minutes… By Alyssa Adamson Sweet child, light of my life, I promise to never allow any fear to stop me from unlocking all of the universes that exist in your br…

Ten tips that can help parents, teachers and caregivers By Samantha Craft Thinking about three autistics, my middle son (age 17), my adult partner, and myself, the following things assist us: 1.Having things out in the open When items are out in the open and I can see them and know there is ‘enoug…