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Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents with Autistic Children
Being a parent or a caregiver of a child with autism can present great challenges, often affecting the parent or caregiver’s psychological and physical well-being, especially their stress and depressive symptoms (Lunskey, 2017). Parents report feelings of despair, sadness, anger, denial, and...
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The Mental Health Effects of Autism Stigma
Autism, in itself, is not a disorder of mental health. Yet autistic people are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The connection is not biological alone — it is social. Much of the psychological distress experienced by autistic individuals stems from how they are...
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Managing Anxiety: Tools and Strategies for Emotional Balance
Key Points: With autism comes a high level of comorbid anxiety due to characteristics of ASD that contribute to anxiety such as sensory sensitivities and difficulty with unpredictability. The most successful way to help support anxiety in individuals with autism includes a multifaceted...
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Exploring the Overlooked Connections: Sensory Processing Impairments and Communication Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorders
(Note: “Aspie” is my preferred term for people on the Autism Spectrum) Effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships and personal growth. Sensory and emotional processing disorders affect children on the Autism Spectrum and may persist into adulthood, affecting all...
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Navigating Mental Health and Life Transitions for Autistic Youth
Meet Josh, a 19-year-old autistic young adult who recently graduated from high school. Josh thrived in the small, structured environment of his school, where individualized support helped him focus on his interests and manage his daily routine. However, the transition to college overwhelmed him...
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Empowering Voices: The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Effective Communication for Autistic Individuals
Self-advocacy is a critical skill requiring communication for individuals on the autism spectrum, enabling them to express their needs, rights, and preferences effectively. It plays a significant role in their personal and academic lives, particularly as they transition into adulthood and face new...
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Creating Sensory-Friendly Health Care Environments for Autistic Patients
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and limited or repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD might also experience sensory sensitivities, such as heightened responses to lights, sounds,...
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Navigating Autistic Burnout as an Autistic Parent
Being an autistic parent is hard. When your kids are also neurodivergent, this can make life even more challenging when trying to navigate everyone’s complex, often diametrically opposed needs. When we need space, a lot of the time our children need connection and closeness, and we can become...
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How to Overcome Dental Health Challenges for Children with Autism
Dental visits can be difficult, if not impossible, for children and teens with autism and developmental disabilities. These challenges can preclude important preventative care that impacts underlying health issues. In these situations, dental care also becomes a quality-of-life issue - not only...
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How My Autism Diagnosis Helped Me Accept Myself and Lead a Happier Life
Throughout my life, I have faced significant challenges. These were most notable as a child, particularly in terms of social and sensory issues. My sensory issues used to be extreme. I couldn’t bear to be in a room where any cupboard doors were open, the sight of certain fruits caused me strong...
