Autism

If I Hadn’t Been in Class the Day We Talked About ‘Rules,’ My Classmates Would Have Some Strange Ideas about Autism
In class a few days ago, we started reading the book “Rules.” The book is about a girl about my age who has a brother…

How I’m Helping My Child With Special Needs Navigate Remote Learning
My children always start school two weeks before everyone else. So after two weeks of e-learning—or what I am calling two-weeks “in the trenches”—I feel…

No, It’s Not OK to Leave My Child Behind, Even in a National Crisis
As a disability advocate and a parent of a child with autism, I’m hearing stories from other parents of children with autism that break my…

My 7-Year-Old Helped Frame Her IEP Goals
Having a child with a disability, and becoming disabled myself, has put me through a boot-camp that prepared me for the war for quality services…

The Moment When You Realize Just How Much You #LoveTeaching
A few years ago I was asked to be a mentor teacher. Not to a new teacher at my school, or even in my district,…

My Daughter Has Autism and She Isn’t Just Learning Black History, She’s Ready to Teach It
Almost everyone in my family is a quick talker and quick answer-er. In fact, we hardly ever have a family discussion where people can complete…

Drop Your Assumptions About Kids With Special Needs and Their Families
As a parent of a child with special needs, I pay a lot of money to provide the services that she needs to be successful…

Fellow Black Parents, It’s Time to Break the Silence About Our Kids With Disabilities
My mom and society have taught me that it is rude to offer advice when no one asks for it. But Black folks aren’t talking about…

My Child With Autism Doesn’t Need or Want Your Pity
After attending an informational session for families about autism, Asperger’s and the difficulties of navigating being disabled and supporting your “differently wired” family member (their…

6 Tips to Keeping Your Child With Autism Safe at School
Most parents, as a rule, place their children’s safety as a top priority. But for parents of children with autism, the reality is that it…