Let’s be vulnerable. When people talk about autism, they often paint two very different pictures. Some say, “Autism is a superpower, it’s cool, it makes people unique.” And then there’s the other side—the one rarely spoken out loud because it’s too heavy, too raw, too crushing. That’s the truth behind autism that most people don’t want to hear: parents…
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Autism parenting comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially in the early years when meltdowns, communication struggles, or uncertainty about the future are at their peak. Books and audiobooks have been my lifeline…
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As parents, one of our deepest wishes is to understand what our children need and how they feel. For families of nonverbal or minimally verbal kids, communication tools can be life-changing. A communication tool…
My child started speech therapy when he was just 2 years old—before we even had an autism diagnosis. At the time, he didn’t seem to have any desire to communicate. He was far more fascinated by watching the circular motion of ceiling fans than by trying to talk. His first real words didn’t come until…
What is ABA Therapy? Pros, Benefits, and Controversies If you’re just starting out on your child’s autism journey, you’ve probably already heard the term ABA therapy from your doctor—or you soon will. When I first came across it, I wasn’t sure what to think. I asked our speech therapist, spent hours scrolling through autism parent…
If your child has an autism diagnosis, one of the most important parts of their school journey will be the IEP meeting (Individualized Education Program). This is where the school team, specialists, and you as the parent come together to decide what supports your child needs to succeed. Making IEPs work can feel intimidating at…
I didn’t personally go through California’s IFSP process with my own son. By the time we moved here, he was already older than three, which meant we skipped directly into the IEP system. But over the years, I’ve listened to so many parents describe their IFSP experiences—the good, the overwhelming, and the confusing—and I want…
Autism services in California can feel like a maze—especially if you’ve just moved. When we moved to California, I realized the autism services in California were completely different from what I’d known before. I had to start over and research everything from scratch. One of the first pieces of advice I received was to apply to the…
Autism support looks different in every state, and there are many factors that determine the “best” place for raising an autistic child. While some families don’t have the flexibility to move—because of jobs, extended family, or financial considerations—others may be weighing relocation primarily for autism support. If that’s you, it’s helpful to know which states consistently…
Connecting Your Child to Services Once your child has a diagnosis, one of the most important next steps is connecting your child to services. This is where the report you just received starts to open doors. The therapies and supports recommended in that report – like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support – are…
