autiism.com

Talking to Autistic Kids About Emotional Abuse: Recognizing, Understanding, and Responding

Emotional abuse can be particularly challenging for children with autism, who may process emotions and social interactions differently. As parents, guardians, or trusted adults, it’s vital to help autistic kids recognize emotional abuse, understand its forms, and know how to seek help. This post explores six types of emotional abuse—blame-shifting, gaslighting, deflecting and red herrings, […]

What to Say When Relatives Say Homeschooling is “Holding Your Child Back” from Socialization

Navigating homeschooling with a neurodivergent child often means answering a lot of questions, especially from well-meaning family members. While you know homeschooling is what’s best for your child, not everyone understands why you’ve chosen this path. One of the most common critiques homeschool families hear is, “But what about socialization? Isn’t it better for them […]

Autism and Art: Encouraging Creativity Through Hands-On Projects

Art is a universal language — a way to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas without words. For children on the autism spectrum, art can be an especially powerful tool. It offers a safe space for self-expression while building important skills, all in a fun and therapeutic way. Through hands-on art projects, children can engage with […]

Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Tips for Creating a Calm Environment at Home Creating a sensory-friendly space in your home can make a world of difference when it comes to finding comfort and calm. Whether you are sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures, designing an environment that feels safe and soothing is key to your well-being. You do not need […]

Autistic Child/Person or Child/Person with Autism

When it comes to talking about autism, the language we use matters. You may have heard both “autistic person” and “person with autism” used to describe individuals, and there is often discussion about which term is more respectful or accurate. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both terms are acceptable, and the preference […]

Embracing Strengths: Why Focusing on Skills Works Better Than Deficits

When raising or supporting a child with autism, it can be easy to focus on the challenges they face. Traditional approaches often emphasize addressing deficits — the skills that a child struggles with or areas where they may not meet typical developmental milestones. However, in our experience, focusing on strengths, talents, and interests has lead […]