Autistic Blog

Image credit: Freepik Picture this: your child is surrounded by classmates, yet somehow feels completely alone. For many families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, that quiet isolation is painfully familiar. Social cues can feel like a foreign language. A simple “hello” can require enormous courage. Bright lights, loud noises, and unpredictable routines can make the world feel overwhelming. It’s never about not wanting to connect. Often, the desire is there: strong and ach

Night to Shine 2026 back on Friday, February 13th 2026 The night didn’t just sparkle—it embraced. Night to Shine 2026 was not simply an event circled on a calendar. It was a movement of unconditional love that stretched across cities, churches, and continents. For one extraordinary evening, the world slowed down long enough to say something powerful to individuals with special needs: You are seen. You are valued. You are royal. And that message changed everything. What Is Nig

Great moments shared with my friends at the All-Friends Network event on 2/3/26 Connections and friendships sit at the heart of what makes life meaningful. They bring warmth on hard days, laughter in unexpected moments, and the comfort of knowing you belong. For autistic individuals, forming and maintaining friendships can sometimes feel confusing, exhausting, or even overwhelming, but it is absolutely within reach. With understanding, patience, and the right kind of support,

Celebrating neurodiverse hearts in 2026 has been less about creating a slogan and more about noticing the real moments that make inclusive education meaningful. This year taught me that celebrating neurodiversity isn’t just a feel‑good idea—it’s a daily commitment to understanding how different brains experience the world, how emotions rise and settle, and how small steps can create big shifts. Every day brought something worth celebrating, even if it arrived quietly. Connect

Focusing on my well-being allows myself as an autistic person to experience genuine happiness and peace January often arrives carrying the weight of expectations. New goals, renewed motivation, and a cultural push to improve can feel unavoidable. For autistic individuals, however, the start of the year can bring heightened stress rather than inspiration. Supporting autistic peoples' well-being in January begins with understanding that this season affects people differently, a

As 2026 begins, many people feel pressured to set ambitious goals and commit to dramatic self-improvement. For autistic individuals, this traditional New Year mindset often leads to stress, overload, and eventual burnout. An authentic approach to goal setting offers a healthier alternative—one that is informed by neuroscience, lived autistic experience, and long-term sustainability rather than unrealistic productivity standards. This blog explores how autistic people can crea

As the world prepares to enter into 2026, chill New Year celebrations are evolving. While many people enjoy loud countdowns, fireworks, and crowded parties, these traditional festivities can be overwhelming for autistic individuals. Sensory overload, social pressure, and unpredictable environments often turn what should be a joyful moment into a stressful experience. This is why the idea of a New Year for autistic minds is becoming increasingly important in 2026. A chill New

Image credit: Freepik Every new year arrives carrying a quiet promise, but stepping into 2026 feels like stepping into a sunrise—warm, hopeful, and filled with a new light shaped by the stories and struggles shared by the autism community. These everyday moments, quietly threaded through our lives, teach us that true understanding isn’t found in guides or shortcuts—it grows slowly, through patience and heartfelt attention. It grows from patience, presence, and love. And this

Image credit: Freepik Winter break often brings a mix of emotions for families with autistic children. There’s excitement, hope, and love—along with sensory overload, unpredictability, and moments where everything feels like too much. It’s okay to hold both. And it’s in those in-between spaces that wonder often appears, gentle and unexpected. When Winter Feels “Too Much” For many autistic children, winter is filled with triggers—bright flashing lights, busy stores, new smells

Holidays are meant to feel magical, warm, and full of connection—yet for many autistic people, they can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting. In 2025, families and professionals are embracing a softer, more effective, compassionate approach through modern ABA strategies designed to support, not push, autistic individuals. And sometimes the most powerful lessons come through real stories. Understanding What Makes Holidays Overwhelming Sensory Overload Bright lights

December can feel long, cold, and dark. But for many people in the neurodiverse community, it’s also a month full of small, beautiful lights—lights that don’t just come from lamps or decorations, but from moments of calm, connection, and joy. In 2025, more people are understanding that this season can be more than overwhelming—it can be illuminating in ways that matter deeply. Why Light Feels Special in December Darkness That Highlights the Glow When the days are short and ni

Image credit: Freepik Inspiring growth often begins in the most unexpected ways, especially when parenting a child on the autism spectrum. This journey is unlike any other—it’s filled with challenges that test patience, triumphs that warm the heart, moments of confusion, and bursts of joy that make everything worthwhile. Along the way, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) becomes more than just therapy; it transforms into a language of hope and a steady anchor of guidance. While t

Image credit: Freepik Courage isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It wears many faces, from the soldier standing in the heat of battle to the individual navigating the daily challenges of autism. In 2025, as we continue to celebrate both Veterans and the autism community, it becomes clear that courage is universal, yet uniquely personal. This article is a heartfelt tribute to those whose bravery often goes unseen but whose impact resonates deeply. Courage is not always loud or

Image credit: Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend It is epilepsy awareness month! Life often feels like a journey of unpredictable turns, but few experiences are as challenging as facing two medical diagnoses — autism and epilepsy.  For individuals and families, it can feel like walking through a storm without a map. The uncertainty, fear, and emotional exhaustion can be crushing, yet in the middle of that storm, hope still flickers — gentle but unbreakable. Understanding Autism

Image credit: Freepik Halloween is a time filled with excitement, costumes, candy, and spooky fun—but for autistic children, it can also be a whirlwind of overwhelming sensations. Bright lights, loud noises, crowded streets, and unexpected surprises can turn what should be an enjoyable experience into something stressful. However, with thoughtful planning, understanding, and creativity, Halloween in 2025 can be transformed into an enjoyable celebration for every child, regard

Image credit: Freepik In 2025, the definition of talent is shifting faster than ever before. It is no longer confined to polished résumés or flawless interviews. Instead, it’s about creativity, resilience, and authenticity. And at the heart of this evolution lies a group of people whose incredible potential has long been overlooked — individuals with autism. Embracing autism isn’t about meeting quotas or ticking diversity boxes. It’s about unlocking real talent — the kind tha

Image credit: Freepik Neurodivergent adults often face unique challenges in the workplace. Whether it’s navigating social interactions, managing stress, or understanding unspoken workplace norms, even highly talented individuals can struggle to shine. This is where Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy steps in—not just as a tool for children, but as a powerful, transformative approach for adults ready to thrive in their careers. Let’s explore the four big ways ABA therapy

Luisa Rinaudo Luisa is more than a speech therapist—she’s a beacon of compassion. With years of experience, she has worked tirelessly to...

Image credit: Connecticut House Democrats October 2025 marks another powerful year of celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). With a theme “Every Exceptional Ability Counts” , this month reminds us that talent comes in countless forms. Beyond challenges and labels, people with disabilities bring unique perspectives, creativity, and resilience to the workplace. Let’s dive into why this celebration matters, how far we’ve come, and the steps we can still take t

Image credit: Freepik Raising or teaching a child with autism is both a privilege and a challenge. There are moments of joy so bright...