Choosing an ABA provider for your young child? Here’s what actually matters.
A diagnosis can be an entry point to services for an autistic child, though the path after that isn’t always obvious. For families of young children, choosing an autism service provider or ABA therapy center is one of the first decisions they’ll make. Your child may spend a great deal of time with the people you choose, and […]
What are social stories, and how do you use one with an autistic child?
A social story is a short, personalized narrative that walks a child through a specific situation, what typically happens, why it happens, and what they might see, hear, or feel along the way. Originated by educator Carol Gray in the early 1990s, social stories were designed to make an unpredictable moment predictable by putting it […]
What is masking, and what does “high-masking” autism really mean?
What is masking, exactly? Masking is a form of camouflaging where an individual hides or suppresses certain traits to avoid judgment, often replacing them with more ‘typical’ behaviors. For autistic people, that can mean forcing eye contact that feels uncomfortable, scripting conversations in advance, suppressing the urge to stim, or mirroring other people’s facial expressions […]
The day I realized I was disappearing into autism
When Milly was first diagnosed with autism, I entered a world I didn’t know how to navigate, but somehow I was expected to move through it as if I already had a map. We were in the early intervention process here in New Jersey, and almost overnight my life became evaluations, phone calls, referrals, forms, insurance questions, […]
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for autistic youth: what does it look like?
Finding the right therapy for your neurodivergent child can be difficult. There are many options and modalities out there. Some types of therapy try to eliminate “problem behaviors” but are not necessarily focused on teaching children the psychological strength and flexibility to be able to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs. How does ACT […]
Autism care daily: The nature of small wins
A two-mile hike should not feel like wilderness navigation. But with my son Mack, it does. Not because he cannot walk two miles. He can. Not because he does not enjoy being outside. He does. Not because the trail itself was especially difficult. It was not. It was a new park. A reservation trail. Trees, […]
How to make Fourth of July autism-friendly (and actually enjoyable)
For many families, the Fourth of July is all about cookouts, fireworks, and patriotic chaos. But for neurodivergent kids — especially those with autism — it can be an overwhelming storm of sensory overload, disrupted routines, and social pressure. If your child is autistic, or you’re parenting a mix of neurotypes, you already know: what […]
When good grades aren’t enough: understanding your child’s right to 504 accommodations
Before we explore Section 504 and your child’s rights, consider the story of Sarah, a devoted mom to 10-year-old Ethan. Ethan is a bright, gifted student who consistently earns excellent grades and impresses his teachers. Yet, at home, Sarah witnesses the real challenges Ethan faces: social overwhelm, sensitivity to noise, and intense distress when routines […]
More than “picky eating”: the science of building a sensory-safe mealtime
Does this feel familiar? Your child walks into the kitchen. They see something new on their plate. Maybe something is in a different spot than usual or two foods are touching. And before anyone can sit down, the whole meal has already fallen apart. Your thoughts spiral. You wonder if it’s a phase. Or a […]
Understanding pragmatic language and autism: supporting social communication through connection and regulation
Many parents are told their autistic child has difficulties with pragmatic language or social communication. Often, this conversation begins when a child struggles with peer interactions, conversational back-and-forth, or navigating social expectations at school. Families may hear phrases like social skills deficits or recommendations focused on teaching children how to behave or communicate more like their peers. These […]
