Last month I talked about certain aspects of emotional and physical isolation that families experience when dealing with autism in the family.  I discussed how these forms of isolation occur both within the family and outside the family into the community and social situations.  I explored ways in...

Homework is, by definition, school work that is supposed to be completed at home. Home life is, by my definition, life that is supposed to be lived at home. Arguing over homework is a far cry from living and, in my opinion, a non-productive and very negative use of mental energy. Arguing is never fun...

Standing before your students’ expectant faces, you’re determined to create a successful classroom.   You will!  These twelve tips are here to guide you.  To be truly effective, never lose sight of the secret ingredient.  Your students must know you accept them for who they are.  They must...

Last month, Autism Awareness Month, was a good month. People are beginning to fully understand Autism. And, it’s not just understanding the condition known as Autism that I’m most appreciative about, people are actually beginning to understand the real people with this mysterious condition known...

Pennsylvania’s annual state budget is, as of this writing, a month-and-a-half overdue with no pending resolve in sight. Our governor has notoriously advised that everyone will need to buckle down and tighten up, adding, “I don’t want to hear any complaining.” This may seem like a stringent attitude...

Families with autistic children face many emotional, physical, financial and social challenges. The stress that results from trying to cope with these challenges can be difficult to handle. For some families, one method of coping is to isolate from people and situations outside the family. This social...

I am happily tired. No, on second thought I am contentedly exhausted. I am working all the time, preparing and planning our wedding, writing and of course following my boy’s complicated and rigorous schedule. Although I tackle everyday activities with much love, I am mentally and physically spent....

The new school year can cause a lot of emotional stress. Parents are filled with hope for a teacher who recognizes the strengths and brings out the best in their child. Children have a new routine, a new teacher and new friends in their class. The following letter is a valuable resource. It will help...

One of the most challenging endeavors is getting a child with autism to be more independent and assertive.  Professionals and parents agree that this goal is crucial, however many children with autism remain deficient in this area of independent functioning because of a lack of comprehensive understanding...

My newest book is titled The Journey, Home From Autism. The journey began in 2001, when my son was two years old. When he digressed from a talkative and happy toddler to a reserved and virtually silent boy almost overnight I had absolutely no idea where to turn or what to expect. Over the next seven...