MSI Press Blog

As autism awareness month winds down, for relatives and teachers of children with autism, as well as those who work with them, we have collected a list of blogs that might be helpful. Here is the list, with links (we have checked them, but if you find some that do not work, please do let us know).  Some of these blogs identify other blogs, so search, search! If you have a blog related to autism not mentioned here, send the URL to editor@msipress.com, and we will add it to the list below. Age of Autism Atypical Familia, with resources Autism Adventures Autism Site Blog Autism Speaks Autism with a Side of Fries : Living the Life with a Son on the spectrum, who proves that a side of fries makes anything better Autistic Mama : Parenting an autistic child? She can help! Awesomism Mom Bacon and Juice Boxes Embracing Imperfect Faith, Hope, and Love...with Austism Finding Coopers's Voice: The Secret World of Autism Friendship Circle Full Spectrum Ma...

  April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to honor and support individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the countless advocates working to raise awareness and foster acceptance. This month is a reminder that autism, or more accurately, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is not a singular experience. It’s a spectrum, a diverse range of traits and characteristics that affect individuals in unique ways. What Is Autism? Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world around them. While it is often characterized by differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and intense focus on specific interests, no two individuals with autism are alike. Each person on the spectrum has their own strengths, challenges, and ways of navigating life. Some may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may lead independent, successful careers. Many individuals with autism have extraordinary abilities or talents...

  Excerpt from Choice and Structure for Children with Autism (McNeil) -  Chapter 1 Introduction Choice & Structure for Children with Autism is about identifying and celebrating the role of structure in supporting autistic children. We want children with autism to do more than exist—not just live, but confidently engage in home life. We desire for them to do more than survive. We hold out hope that they grow to the best of their individual potentials. Research and experience have shown autism advocates that structure is a great tool to that end. Children with autism absolutely thrive within high levels of structure. In the following chapters, I hope to show how that structure does not need to be rigid, overbearing, or difficult.   Many Long Days at Home Our regular routines of school and work during the week and predictable weekend activities help all of us maintain balance. We know the schedule, we plan for the expectations, and we live these routines comfortably. W...

Communication No running, No jumping, No talking, No shoes – No shirt – No service.   Speaking in this style of negative phrasing is as common and ingrained as answering the telephone with “Hello.”   To the majority of society, the message is direct, concise, and typically easily understood.    Unfortunately, children with autism struggle with deciphering statements requesting the negation of an action. While it is not impossible for these children to learn some regularly used negative statements, it takes more effort and exposure to the exact phrasing to produce understanding. If we look carefully at the information provided by current researchers and practitioners of autism we could pinpoint some of the children’s receptive communication difficulties.   Autism causes deficits to varying degrees in the ability to understand verbal sounds and attach meaning to them.    Further, if the children do understand the individual spoken w...

  excerpt from Choice and Structure for Children with Autism COMPREHENSION AND COMMUNICATION   Cues: Children with autism need clear and predictable cues to help them know what to do, when to do things, where to go, or what to get. Basically, they need cues to assist their comprehension of your requests. You may or may not be aware of it, but you are already using predictable cues with your children to let them know what expectations you have. A cue is anything that is done, said, shown, or positioned to signal an expectation to act, refrain from acting, or indicate that there will be upcoming information. A cue can be as obvious as standing in front of your child with a ball and asking, “Do you want to play basketball?” A cue can also be as subtle as raising an eyebrow and taking a deep breath before answering a request for another chocolate bar. With this breath, most children already know the answer is, “No.” Children with autism, by nature of the diagnosis, do not pick...