THEJOYSOF AUTISM

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1. Who is going to take care of your child after you are gone and where will they live?

2. How much will that care cost and how are you going to pay for that care?

3. Do you have a special needs trust and do you know how much money you will need in it? How are you going to fund it? How are the funding instruments taxed when you die?

4. What government benefits are available to your child and how do you apply for them?

5. What is the Medicaid waiver and how do you apply for it?

6. How will you communicate your plan to family members?

CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY

Beatrice (Bea) Moise, MS, BCCS

A mother of two young children on the spectrum reminds us that home should be a safe space filled with acceptance and peace.

SHAPING OUR FUTURE PARENTS AS PARTNERS: PROMOTING COLLABORATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

Rose Adams, OTD, OTR/L

Discover how the concept “Parents as Partners,” can be used to model your interactions with those supporting a child through their education.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: ALLOWING MENTAL EXERCISE THROUGH EVERYDAY SKILLS

Dr. Chris Abildgaard, EdD, LPC, NCSP, NCC

Learn why it’s essential to encourage mental exercise for your child when prompting them to complete everyday tasks.

COULD MY CHILD WITH A DISABILITY BECOME BILINGUAL?

Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD

Discover the many advantages of allowing special needs students to take a foreign language course.

EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS

NAVIGATING AUTISM: 9 MINDSETS FOR HELPING KIDS ON THE SPECTRUM

Join Dr. Temple Grandin and psychologist Debra Moore in a second collaboration to learn about nine different mindsets needed to successfully work with autistic youths.

GROWING PERSPECTIVE-TAKING SKILLS THROUGH EXPERIENCES

JC Ellinger

A parent shares how providing someone with a variety of life experiences can set up mental resources to help connect with outside perspectives.

KATE MAKES IT GREAT!

SETTING AND MAINTAINING HOUSEHOLD BOUNDARIES WHEN THERE ARE SPECIAL NEEDS

Kate C. Wilde

Redefine your thoughts on boundaries and learn tips for keeping them effective once in place.

FINDING SUPPORTS WHEN THERE IS A FAILURE TO LAUNCH

John Civita, MS Ed

Learn why it’s invaluable to secure supports when young adults are transitioning to the next phase of development.

MANAGING LIFE WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS: YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST COMPETITOR

Coral Levkovitz

A young self-advocate recommends people stop comparing themselves to others and instead refocus on personal progress.

THE JOYS OF AUTISM

Melanie K. Milicevic

Read a mother’s passionate account of the three main joys autism has granted her and her son despite some hardships.

37 EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS SEE ME: THE INVISIBLE AUTISTIC BOY

This book, written and illustrated by autistic middle school teacher David Petrovic, BA, MAT, promotes the power of kindness and the acceptance of differences in others and ourselves.

EXCEPTIONAL ADVICE FROM MESHELL BRIDGING THE SCHOOL AND PARENT CONNECTION

Meshell Baylor, MHS

Tips on developing a cooperative relationship between parents and school staff told from both perspectives.

NURTURING SPECIAL INTERESTS AS CAREER FOUNDATIONS WHEN THERE ARE DIFFERENT ABILITIES

Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip. Help someone nurture their special interests into viable career paths and marketable skills by offering support and direction.

USE YOUR VOICE WHEN TALKING ABOUT LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Karen Kaplan

Recognize the necessity of asserting oneself when it comes to acquiring resources, developing skills, and managing a team for a loved one with exceptional needs.

FINANCIAL FOCUS FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD FOR LIFE

Ryan F. Platt, MBA, ChFC, ChSNC, CFBS

Set up plans to financially support a child even after you pass on.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS CHILD

Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD Review 10 suggestions for preparing yourself or someone else for the workforce.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND FAMILIES

Rebekah Poe

Learn how all caregivers of a child must work together to attain the best education possible.

HOW I LEARNED TO TAKE HEALTHY RISKS

Ron Sandison, MDiv

Find out from an autistic man how he learned to manage his anxiety by following a seven-step decision-making process.

THE FRIENDSHIP & DATING DUO ONLINE SCAMS: HOW TO BE SOCIAL WITHOUT FALLING VICTIM

Jeremy Hamburgh and Ilana Frank

Uncover the prevalence of online scammers and learn how to prevent them from taking advantage of people.

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS AND YOURSELF

Jeniffer Gillette-Dionne

Take time to remember you aren’t alone in needing mental or emotional support as a parent; don’t exclude yourself from the effort of caring for your loved ones.

SAFETY GOALS WITH NICOLE ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION: HEIGHTENED DANGERS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Nicole Moehring

Learn about the various types of abuse and exploitation and how they may present.

AN AUTISTIC ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Karen Simmons

Read on as the founder of Autism Today shares views on love, forgiveness, and autism, as well the 12 principles behind her personal philosophy.

EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS

THE AUTISM PARENTS’ GUIDE TO RECLAIMING YOUR LIFE

Award-winning writer Deanna Picon provides proven techniques and a clearcut action plan to build a good life.

OPENING UP ABOUT PARENTAL TRAUMA

Nicole Dauz

Stop shying away from the emotional burdens of parenting and learn how being open about your experiences can help you and others lance your trauma to heal together.

ALL THINGS OT HOW TO IDENTIFY A NEUROAFFIRMING THERAPIST

Laura A. Ryan, OT, OTR, OTD Learn how neuroaffirming therapy practices interact with occupational therapy, as well as eight signs a therapist embraces the approach.

THE POWER OF PET THERAPY

Kate Rosenthal

Discover the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of pet therapy.

NATURE NOTES

PRACTICAL SKILL BUILDING THROUGH CREATIVE COLLAGE

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA

Recycle old garden and seed catalogues to create a collage to promote sensory experiences, motor skills, imagination, and more while connecting with nature.

EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS