Dear Readers,
E
veryone has a unique perspective. Whether
you’re the type who sees the glass as half empty or half full, the way you define your world depends greatly on how you perceive it. It’s what
makes each of us special.
This month, in light of our many differences and perceptions, we are publishing several personal perspectives on autism spectrum disorder. Our contributors are moms, dads, and siblings, all people who
are either on the spectrum, or love someone who
has been diagnosed.
First, we are thrilled to include 14-year-old Talia Brierly’s fresh perspective as big sister to 13-year-old Max.
In her piece, Brothers are Beasts, Talia describes her
sisterly role with great honesty as she believes having a sibling on the spectrum has helped her grow
and has given her a special view of the world. Even
when you can’t understand someone’s story, she explains, you can love them.
Matt Davis provides us with an insightful perspective
this month in his piece, Autism and Thinking Differently. Matt openly reveals the unexpected personal
changes he has experienced as a father such as a
heightened sense of sympathy toward children since
his son Isaac was diagnosed. Every child, Matt recognizes, is in need of comfort, comprehension and
consideration.
In her piece, Going Solo, Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty
describes the great apprehension she felt the first
time she took her two lively autistic sons out on her
own. Kimberlee reveals not only her fears as a mother, but also the immense feeling of success and hope
for future outings once she took that first step.
As we all know, sometimes siblings of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can feel a
little left out at times. Pathfinders for Autism’s Shelly
McLaughlin, who has a son with autism, has provid-
ed us with some helpful parental advice on creating
a cohesive and happy household for all in her article,
Top 8 Parent Tips for Siblings.
We also have an interview with Lori DeMonia, author
of the award-winning children’s book, Leah’s Voice.
Lori’s book, which provides a heartwarming perspective on siblings and autism, was inspired by the
special relationship between her two daughters, one
of whom was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.
On the news front, we have the latest on the Autism
CARES Act which was recently passed in the U.S., setting aside $1.3 billion in federal funding for autism
over the next five years as well as the new Medicaid guidelines which may affect your family. We also
have an article written by Maayan Jaffe called How
does the Affordable Care Act Benefit People on the Autism Spectrum? which gives us a look at the impact of
coordinated care on the I/DD community and how
the Recovery Movement (client-centered services)
could benefit people on the autism spectrum.
Here’s to always celebrating our differences as families and a heightened understanding from all people.
Kind regards,
Amy KD Tobik, Editor in Chief
Disclaimer:
Autism Parenting Magazine tries its best to deliver honest, unbiased reviews, resources, and advice but please note
that due to the variety of capabilities of people on the spectrum that these are recommendations and are not guaranteed by Autism Parenting Magazine or its writers.
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