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When Transitions Become Routine: Supporting Autistic Adults Through Daily Change
Routines and transitions are a big part of our lives. When my alarm goes off in the morning, I jump right out of bed and head directly to the coffeemaker. And while my coffee is brewing, I make my bed and then brush my teeth. Always in that order. By then, my coffee is ready. I slow down and take...
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A Therapist’s Guide to Teaching Autistic Adults Self-Directed Living Skills
Supporting autistic adults in creating self-directed lives, guided by their own preferences, goals, and values—is one of the most meaningful roles a therapist can play. Whether you are a behavior specialist, psychotherapist, social worker, counselor, or life skills coach, fostering autonomy...
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Letting Go, Holding On: Life After Raising an Autistic Son
My war is mostly over, and I miss it terribly. Raising Billy, my son who has autism, was like going through a war, every day a battle. And now he is 33 and he is gone. Not completely gone -- he lives in a group home 10 miles away, and it only takes me 22 minutes to get there. But I no longer...
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Empowering Resilience: How Occupational Therapy Supports Autistic Adolescents with Depression
Adolescence can be a challenging time for anyone, but for Autistic teens, the journey can come with unique emotional, social, and sensory hurdles. Depression is more common among Autistic youth than their neurotypical peers, often going undiagnosed or misunderstood. Research shows Autistic...
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Activities to Try While Waiting for Occupational Therapy Services
When diagnosed with ASD, children are often referred to occupational therapy (OT) services due to common limitations experienced with self-care, feeding, sleeping routines, play skills, social development, fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive...
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How to Create a Safe and Engaging Sensory Experience at the Pool
The pool is a great tool to use to cool down and engage individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the summer. Not only can water exploration in the pool provide socialization opportunities in a natural environment, but water can meet essential sensory needs as it provides deep pressure...
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The Changing Times and Tools of Assistive Technology: One Man’s Story of College Success
Patrick Kelty is a 27-year-old adult with an autism spectrum disorder whose life was changed by multiple forms of assistive technology. From that first elementary school reading tool, his life has immensely improved. Elementary School In his elementary years, PK (as we call him) benefitted...
