Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction,
verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.
Featured Child
This is Adam
From the time Adam wakes to the hour he sleeps again, his day presents him with successes to experience and challenges to overcome.
Featured Articles for Autism
Fostering Emotional Connections with Your Child Who Has Autism
As the parent of a child with ASD, you experience the love and connection with your child in ways that are different, but are no less important and valuable. By learning techniques that suit your child’s needs, you are helping them to reach their full potential and giving yourself the opportunity to experience that emotional connection.
Navigating “The Cliff”: When Your Child with Autism Grows Up
When a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder grows up they are faced with new challenges. Learn more about how you can navigate through these and obtain your child's bright future.
The Emotional Turmoil Surrounding Extremely Aggressive and Violent Behavior in Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parenting is always a journey that you can only try to be fully prepared for; however, parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can require an entirely different set of preparations. If you are the parent of a child with ASD, remember: you’re not alone—there are many options available for help.
Latest Articles for Autism
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My Child with High-Functioning Autism Doesn’t Look Like Yours
Written By: Pamela DeLoatch | Resource Creation By: Bridget Morton | Design By: Analee G. Paz, Sunny DiMartinoWhy does one child with Autism behave differently from another child with the same disability? While the neurospectrum disorder can cause social, communication and behavioral changes, from mild to severe, the impact of Autism is magnified when a second (or more) disability is involved. Read on to find out how parents can understand and help a child challenged by Autism, in addition to other chronic disorders.
Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction Finally Gets a Level Playing Field
Written By: Christine WalkerChristine Walker, author of Chasing Hope, was on hand last week for the announcement that the White House would issue the final rules to the Mental Health And Addiction Parity Act of 2008. Thirty-Three years overdue, this change will have a momentous impact on the lives of those sufferering from mental illness and addiction.
Parents of Special Needs Children Need to Ask Tough Financial Questions
Written By: Christine Walker, Pamela DeLoatchMany parents of kids with special needs are so busy planning for the present that they neglect to plan for their child's financial future. But the best time to take a look at this is as soon as you know your child will need additional care. Find out some of the hard questions they should answer as they plan for the future.
Loving Your Child—No Matter What They Do
Written By: Pamela DeLoatch | Resource Creation By: Leeann Sanders | Illustrations By: Nathan Lueth | Design By: Sunny DiMartinoThere are countless books on parenting, but nothing fully prepares you to be the parent of YOUR child. Every child is different, every situation is different, and every day can be different than the last. For parents of children with special needs, this is surely the case. There is no manual for how to handle meltdowns, rage episodes, and aggressive behavior and there is no clear cut answer to how you should FEEL about your children during these times of struggle.
Feeling Guilty When Raising a Child With Special Needs
Written By: Pamela DeLoatch | Resource Creation By: Keli McNeill | Design By: Sunny DiMartinoParents are often their own toughest critics. When the idyllic picture of what we thought our family would look like is a stark contrast to what the reality is, we add on even more stress by feeling guilty about what we did or didn't do in a a sea of very complex situations. For parents of special needs children, these instances are magnified, but they are recurring thoughts of every parent, nearly every day. Break the cycle of guilt for your sake and for the sake of your child.
Residential Care: A Story of Love and Caring for a Traumatized Daughter
Written By: Lizzie Vance, Aleksandra Corwin | Resource Creation By: Leeann Sanders | Designed By: Sunny DiMartino, Christy BuiAfter years of rages and fighting, Lori Hetzel’s adopted daughter’s behavior, diagnosed as Reactive Attachment Disorder, turns in a dangerous direction, leading the family to consider options for her care they have never wanted to consider until now. Nadya’s extreme emotionality, aggressive reactivity, and unpredictability has left the family with no good, safe options for keeping her at home.