Blog Profile / The Autism Advocate
| URL : | http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-autism-advocate | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed Under: | Mental Health / Autism | |
| Posts on Regator: | 35 | |
| Posts / Week: | 0.2 | |
| Archived Since: | April 9, 2010 | |
Blog Post Archive
Mother’s Day: Tips on Reaching Out to an Autism Mom
The autism mom you know needs you now more than ever. Any way you can continue to be there for her is appreciated. read more
Autism Awareness Month - "Kindly We Really Want Love"
For years it was assumed that those with autism did not feel emotion because they did not show emotions the way neurotypicals do. It was assumed they did not want friends because they didn't know how to make friends. Yet, we hear more and more from young people on the spectrum that they want connections with others; they want friends. read more
Creating Connections for Children and Teens with Autism
Many children and teens with autism do not naturally create Circles of Participation and Circles of Friendship. Teaching children and teens on the autism spectrum how to develop and sustain relationships is part of our responsibility as parents. read more
Creating Natural Supports For Those With Autism
Most of us have naturally been creating different circles of supports, since birth. If a person has difficulties in initiating and establishing social relationships and in communicating with others, it is likely that their circles of supports are small and that they need expanding. read more
Autism and Violence
Connecticut's chief medical examiner, Dr. H. Wayne Carver has stated that Asperger's Syndrome is not associated with violent behavior, and that it is not considering it as a reason for Adam Lanza's rampage on Friday. read more
Coming of Age: The Story of Luke
The Story of Luke is the story of a young man with autism who wants to live his own life: he wants a job and a girl. Luke, who has autism has been brought up by his grandma and when she dies, he and his grandpa are forced to give live with dysfunctional relatives who don't really want them. read more
On Growing up with Autism : There is Always Hope
People continue to learn all their lives and people severely impacted by autism are no different. As parents we need to allow them opportunities to make mistakes or get in a pickle for them to grow into more independent adults. We can’t always be there to protect them. read more
Happy Mother’s Day, Maman. Joyeuse fête des mères!
When people see what life with my autistic son, Jeremy, entails they often ask, “How do you do it? How do you handle raising a child so impacted by autism, besides having Rebecca?” read more
Autism and Parenting: Preparing Yourself for Your Child's Transition to Adult Life
Transition is a process, and with the right perspective it can be enriching and rewarding. We started by defining what was important to us based on our principles, exploring our options, envisioning and creating new ones and then developing a game plan and that worked for us. read more
Autism Awareness Every Day: Preparing for Real Life
Research shows that mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are worrying across their child’s lifespan, particularly at that time of transition from public education services, and worrying more than other families of young adults with disabilities. read more
How Can We Help Keep Children, Teens, Adults With Autism Safe?
A school environment that strictly enforced a policy of "bullying will not be tolerated" is important and necessary. It is crucial to teach the same safety rules you would to any child, using teaching methods that have been successful for that child. read more
What Are the Safety Concerns for People on the Autism Spectrum?
Children on the autism spectrum are at a higher risk of being hurt, victimized or wandering off, to name a few worries that are high on the list of parental concerns. read more
Judge to Hear Request to Ban Film About Autism
The documentary, The Wall, consists of interviews of 30 French psychoanalysts (many of them lead psychiatrists at treatment centers and department heads of notable French hospitals) who place the blame for autism on mothers who are either too cold or too incestuous towards their children. Primary Topic: Autism read more
Teens, Autism and Work: Build on Passions and Find Mentors
Mentors can help figure out how to turn an interest into a job, or into a means to earn money. Another important area to consider is what your teen or student likes or is passionate (ie obsessed) about. For most on the spectrum, a job will be their one connection to the community, and their main activity. Primary Topic: Autism read more
Preparing your teen or young adult for work in the real world
When thinking about employment for your child or student on the spectrum, there are a few aspects that need to be focused on. Primary Topic: Autism read more
Autism - It's a Family Thing
A couple of years a go I was asked to write an article on The Affects of Autism in Families and in Partner Relationships, for the May/June 2008 issue of Family Therapy Magazine. Lately I have been getting emails in regards to autism and marital stress, and I thought I would reprint part of the article here, since the informaiton is still valid. read more
Is their autism getting worse when they reach puberty?
Something happens when children turn into teenagers. They go from demanding your attention to wanting their independence. read more
Autism Awareness: Free On-line Conference April 9 &10 Keynote Temple Grandin
That's why in honor of Autism Awareness Month, I'm co-sponsoring a free on-line conference with momsfightingautism.com on April 9 and 10. Many parents can't attend conferences because of the cost or lack of respite coverage for their child, others live in rural areas. On these two days, they can attend on-line a conference for free.Temple Grandin is the Keynote. read more
Open Letter to Governor Jerry Brown: On Budget Cuts and the Lanterman Act
Open Letter to Governor Jerry Brown: What is the point of a Lanterman Act - which is civil rights legislation for those with developmental disabilities - if there are no monies to enact and protect these civil rights? Budget cuts enacted over the past few years have already eaten away at some of these rights. read more
Why the holidays are so difficult for families with autism and what can help
Often parents in the autism community will joke that we become more religious during the holiday season: we pray our children will behave while we are visiting relatives.... and above all - we pray that we will have the strength to politely ignore the judgments passed upon us and our ‘misbehaving' children. read more