Editor’s Letter
O
ver the past few months I have been delighted by
the number of graduation announcements and
messages I have received from friends beaming
with excitement. “It was wonderful to see [my
son] walk across the auditorium stage and accept
his diploma from the school principal,” emailed one friend
whose son with autism recently graduated alongside his class.
Another parent shared with me her daughter’s plans, which
include a job training program and part-time work; goals they
have worked so hard to reach. I am thrilled for these families
as I am all too aware of their challenges and the daily commitment they face in ensuring a secure future for their children.
I am also mindful of the countless families who haven’t received the same level of autism support or resources. As these
children transition into adulthood, sadly they find themselves
without school-based services. And too often parents are left
scrambling to find new environments and programs to meet
changing needs. So how can families prevent their children
from falling through the cracks as they enter adulthood? It’s
an ongoing concern, making this an issue you can’t miss.
Knowing how vital it is to have support at times like these, we
reached out to several experts for advice. First, we introduce
you to Meghan Mulvenna, founder of Special Travelers, LLC.
In her piece, Expert Advice: Bridging the Gap Between Learning
and Living, Meghan explains why it’s critical for families to
take the lead on bridging the gap for children on the spectrum, and offers her tips on ways to take that first step; her
guidance is sure to make a difference.
Second, we want to introduce you to Michael L. Stuart, an
autism parent and educator with 35 years experience. When
it was time for Michael’s 24-year old son, Aaron, to transition
to the workplace, he was not able to find a job. Motivated to
prepare his son, diagnosed with severe autism, Michael created Operation Meaningful Life, a program that helps people
with special needs to get suitable training. Please take a look
at his piece, Special Needs Training Program Promotes a Life of
Productivity and Achievement, and read how Michael’s inspirational program is changing so many lives.
We also have a piece from Robin Flutterby Borakove entitled
New Support Program Keeps Adults with ASD Happy. An autism advocate diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, Robin
has created a program to help adults with autism who have
lost their vital, care-giving parents. Her concept is to partner
people with varying needs so they can support one another;
it’s an appealing notion which promotes both friendship and
the possibility for independence.
One of our regular contributors, Nick Malcuit has provided a
poignant piece this month, called A Message to Special Needs
Parents: Dream Often and Dream Big! As the stepparent to two
young men with autism, Nick shares a few of his eldest stepson’s journal entries (with permission) which highlight his journey toward success; from learning to drive to graduating from
college, this young man’s personal account is sure to inspire.
The ability to provide the autism community with expert
guidance is a top priority here at Autism Parenting Magazine.
We often hear from parents who are at their wit's end when
it comes to bedtime. If this is a challenge in your household,
please read Aditi Srivastava’s piece called Simple Ways to Help
Your Child with ASD Sleep Without Medicine. Aditi is a pediatric
occupational therapist who provides an innovative approach
toward helping your child sleep.
Does your child with autism have issues with feeding and/or
swallowing? You may be interested in Marybeth Ames’ article
called Taking an Important Look at Autism and Habitual Dysphagia as the university instructor with decades of experience
in medical, clinical, and school-based therapy, e xplains this habitual swallowing dysfunction and its connection to autism.
As you probably know, finding ways to calm and relieve everyday pressures can be a challenge for kids with autism. In an effort to make change, we connected with pediatric occupational
therapist Amy Smith and she shared her creative Calming Cookie Dough concept, which only requires the use of a therapy ball.
Please take a look at Simple Ways to Help Relieve Your Child’s Stress
for an inexpensive way to organize your child’s sensory system,
relax, and be better suited to handle life’s stressors.
Speaking of stress, is the thought of donning a costume and
heading door-to-door collecting candy this month a little overwhelming for your child? Please take a look at Gabi Morgan’s Top
Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Participate in the Halloween
Fun if your child wants to take part but is a little apprehensive.
If you’re in search of an inspirational read, be sure to take a
look at our selection of personal narratives written by readers
like you. In An Illustration of Love: Two Angels in a White Cadillac, Colette Evangelista describes how a near tragedy miraculously turned into renewed optimism. Another beautifully
written piece was provided by Terra Singletary, an educator
and mother to a young adult with autism. Her tender account of their connection and journey in Excelling in Life with
Asperger’s - A Unique Perspective, is sure to warm your heart.
Wishing you the love, guidance, and support your family
needs as you prepare for the future.
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, these are recommendations and not guaranteed by Autism Parenting Magazine or its writers. Medical
information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained within Autism Parenting Magazine is for informational
purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding treatment.