Autistic Blog

Employment can mean so much more than simply receiving a paycheck. For many neurodivergent adults, having a job can bring confidence, independence, purpose, connection, and the feeling of knowing, “I can do this.” Yet there can still be barriers that make finding and maintaining employment harder than it needs to be. Sometimes those barriers come from workplaces that do not understand neurodivergent people. Other times, they come from assumptions about what someone can or can

For families of neurodivergent students, hearing terms like IEP and 504 Plan can sometimes bring a mix of questions and emotions. There may be meetings, paperwork, accommodations, goals, and conversations about what a child needs at school. It can all feel like a lot to take in, especially when you are simply trying to make sure your child feels supported and understood. But behind every IEP or 504 Plan is a student with a personality, strengths, challenges, interests, and dr

Image credit: Freepik Why Transition Planning Matters For an autistic or neurodivergent student, transitioning from one school, classroom, grade level, or stage of life to another can feel like stepping onto unfamiliar ground. What looks like a simple change to someone else may involve new people, expectations, routines, sensory experiences, transportation, communication demands, and responsibilities. That is why stronger transition supports can make such an important differe

Building independence with autism can be an important part of thriving in life, but everyone’s journey will look different. For some people, independence may mean living alone, working, managing money, or taking care of a home. For others, thriving may mean having the right support while still making their own choices. Independence is not about doing everything completely by yourself. It is about having responsibility, making decisions, growing your confidence, and creating a

September can feel like a fresh start. Summer is winding down, school is back in session, and little signs of fall begin showing up everywhere. For many autistic people, though, September can also mean adjusting to a lot of new sensory experiences at once. The temperature changes. The days slowly become shorter. Different clothes come out of the closet. School becomes busier. Even the smells and sounds around us can feel different. These changes may seem small to someone else

Image credit: Freepik For families of autistic and neurodivergent children, the early years can bring so many emotions. There may be excitement, questions, uncertainty, and sometimes fear about what the future will look like. Parents may notice that their child communicates differently, experiences sensory input in their own way, or develops certain skills on a different timeline. It can be difficult to know where to begin, but seeking support early can open doors to learning

Image credit: Freepik Rethinking Behavior Support Matters Every autistic and neurodivergent child wants to feel safe, understood, and accepted. For autistic individuals, those needs are no different. Yet for many years, behavior support has often centered on correcting actions that adults viewed as challenging instead of understanding the reasons behind them. Today, more therapists, professionals, educators, and families are rethinking that mindset. Rather than asking, "How c

Image credit: Freepik Bringing a new family member into your home is a beautiful milestone, but it can also bring unexpected emotions. Whether you're welcoming a new baby, an adopted child, a foster sibling, or even a grandparent moving in, life is about to change. While many people focus on the excitement, autistic individuals may experience something different. A new routine, sounds, and expectations can feel confusing, exhausting, or even frightening. That doesn’t mean the

Daniel McCullough Daniel McCullough was born on August 1, 1990, in Dearborn, Michigan, and was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. While he faced challenges growing up, Daniel continued growing in confidence, independence, and his abilities throughout his life. He became a straight-A student and successfully graduated from high school. After high school, Daniel worked on vocational training and employment opportunities. He participated in vocational programs at Easter

Image credit: Freepik Summertime Looks Different for Every Family When most people think about summertime, they picture carefree vacations, fun road trips, and long sunny days filled with adventure. And while that sounds wonderful, many families with autistic or neurodivergent loved ones know that summer can feel a little more complicated than that. I’ve come to realize that summertime isn’t always restful; It takes more energy than people expect here and there. Sometimes it

Image credit: Freepik In many states, including in Florida, August marks the beginning of a new school year. While some families are busy buying backpacks, labeling notebooks, and preparing lunch boxes, many autistic individuals and their families are preparing for something far more complicated: steeling themselves for transitions that require more than organization, but deep emotional strength and a brave heart to face the unknown. They are preparing for transition. And tra

Image credit: Freepik Summer Feels Different for Autism and Neurodivergent Families Summer often feels like freedom. For many families, it means vacations, late mornings, and a break from school routines. But for families raising a child with Autism, summer can feel very different. Instead of relief, it can bring uncertainty, stress, and fear of losing hard-earned progress. This is why Extended School Year matters so deeply. When school ends, many children lose more than clas

Image credit: Freepik Water has a special kind of magic. It sparkles, moves gently, and creates calming sounds that can feel soothing to the nervous system. For many autistic and neurodivergent children, water is more than just something fun; It can feel like peace. When the world feels too loud, too bright, or too overwhelming, water can offer comfort in a way few things can. The steady movement, soft sounds, and sensory experience can help a child feel calm, regulated, and

Image credit: Freepik For many families, summer feels like a welcome break from packed schedules, school runs, and homework battles. But if you’re raising an autistic or neurodivergent child, summer can bring mixed emotions. Along with sunshine and vacations comes something many parents quietly worry about how to beat summer regression. You spend months celebrating progress. Maybe your child is finally communicating more clearly, handling transitions with less stress, or beco

Image credit: Freepik Summer Looks Different for Every Family Summer always feels like it should be magical and happy. The days are longer, the sun lingers in the sky, and everyone seems to be chasing memories: pool days, vacations, backyard laughter. But for families with autistic children, summer can feel more layered than that. The break from school can bring freedom, but it can also bring uncertainty, disrupted routines, sensory overload, and emotional exhaustion. Still,

Image credit: Freepik College Is a New Chapter—And It Can Feel Scary The word thrive may be a big word when you are stepping into college for the first time. For many autistic and neurodivergent students, college can feel like standing at the edge of a vast ocean. From far away, it looks exciting and full of possibility, but once you step in, the waves can hit hard and fast. New classes, unfamiliar faces, louder spaces, and constant expectations can quickly become overwhelmin

I graduated from high school on June 23rd, 2016 in New Jersey Today feels personal in a way I didn’t expect. Ten years ago, on this exact day, I graduated high school. It’s strange how memory works. I don’t remember every speech or every face in the crowd, but I remember the feeling. The caps. The gowns. The awkward photos. That weird mix of excitement and uncertainty that sat heavy in my chest. At eighteen, graduation felt like a finish line, like once I crossed that stage,

For many autistic and neurodivergent children, moving from elementary school to middle school, or from middle school to high school, can feel like stepping into a giant new world. New teachers, bigger buildings, changing routines, and increased expectations can create excitement, but they can also bring anxiety. For autistic students, these transitions may feel even more giant due to the challenges that often accompany changes in routine and environment. The good news is that

Daniel Durany A dedicated, autistic advocacy adult, Daniel Durany is a 2006 graduate of Texas Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, and a 2020 graduate of Texas A&M Commerce with a Master of Science in Accounting.. A passionate autism advocate, Daniel has dedicated much of his life to advancing autism awareness, acceptance, and advocacy. In 2013, he served on the Texas Council on Autism and PDD, helping shape initiatives that su

Image credit: Freepik Summer is more than a season; It is a chance to create unforgettable memories, discover new strengths, and celebrate every unique achievement. For autistic and neurodivergent children and teens, the right activities can transform long summer days into meaningful experiences filled with confidence, connection, and genuine happiness. Why Autism-Friendly Activities Matter Every child deserves opportunities to explore the world in a way that feels comfortabl