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Special Interests are the Key to Autistic Success, Employment, and Satisfaction
It is now widely accepted that special interests, for autistics, can serve as a powerful motivational tool, and in many cases present the only opportunity they have for future employment and independent living. This has been recognized by such prominent autistics as Temple Grandin and Stephen...
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Finding Calm in Nature: Parent Perspectives on Outdoor Experiences
Engaging in nature activities like nature walks, park visits, and trail hiking has been linked to improved mental health outcomes across populations. Research indicates that nature exposure reduces stress, enhances mood, and supports emotional regulation in children and adolescents (Jimenez et al.,...
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Increasing Accessibility: Mindfulness-Based Practices for Autistic Folks
Mindfulness-Based practices have been shown to increase one’s interoceptive abilities, present-moment awareness, and ability to regulate emotions (Simione et al., 2024). These are aspects that autistic people tend to have challenges with. Often, mindfulness and meditation practices focus on...
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Building Prerequisite Skills for Spectator Participation in Community Events: Supporting Family Outings for Children with Autism
Family activities often extend beyond the home and into the community. Participation in community events can be an important part of family life. Leisure activities such as joining a team, enrolling in a class, or developing a hobby provide opportunities for individuals to engage with their...
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Beyond Barriers: Making Mathematics Accessible for Autistic Students
Why Math Instruction Matters for Students with Autism Mathematics is often perceived as a discipline marked by abstraction and complexity, frequently associated with low academic performance among students in general. For students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these challenges may be...
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Online Recreation and Autistic Teens: A Parent’s and Carer’s Guide to Safe, Supported Gaming
It’s a Thursday evening. I am just about to dish out dinner when my son Haydn runs into the kitchen with a massive grin on his teenage face whilst doing a happy autistic dance. He yells (I wince as my own autistic hearing struggles when he is so excited), “Oh my God, T, A, C and L (names...
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The Performing Arts: More Than Access to Recreation for Autistic Children and Adults
The school district I attended between 4th and 9th grades included a professionally managed theater arts program. In fifth grade, my class was treated to a live performance of Pippi Longstocking. The following year, I was cast in a small, non-speaking role in Tom Sawyer. My parents enrolled me in...
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Beyond ADA Compliance: Advancing Recreation Accessibility Standards for Autistic Adults
Recreation is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. For autistic adults, it is essential for quality of life, mental health, and social inclusion. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures physical access but does not address the unique needs of autistic adults. To truly provide...
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Creating Inclusive Recreational Spaces for Autistic Adults: The Role of Parks, Community Centers, and Workplaces
In theory, the community center gym was accessible. The ramps were well maintained, automatic doors readily available, and the hours of operation were clearly posted. However, when Jessie arrived after work, the fluorescent lights were glaring, the music was blaring, and every machine was occupied....
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Bringing the Arts into Direct Support: How Theatre Programs Empower People with Developmental Disabilities
A career on Broadway isn’t the only way to incorporate a love for theatre into a job. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often find meaningful ways to include the arts and performance into their work every day. Shayna Stroh, a DSP at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE), who has...
