I might have mentioned this one before but it bears repeating. Our child’s elementary school has an end-of-the-year open house each year. It’s an event where the entire family is invited to go to their child’s classroom and get a glimpse at what kids having doing at school the entire year.

What is the “shy newbie?” This is a term I created. To me, it means the individual who won’t talk about autism yet they most likely have someone in their life on the autism spectrum.

Every once in a while I like to revisit some classic autism-related characteristics. This time I’m going to revisit obsessions.

Recently, I was reminded that my son always seems to have one or two obsessions. One of the latest ones I find very interesting and it makes me love him even more while also reminding me of one of the hallmarks of his diagnosis... autism.

I recently completed my sixth turn as the Volunteer Chair for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks Los Angeles Walk. This position is a committee position and I have to organize and post 300 volunteers for walk day.

I believe that I can go up to any person and ask, “Do you know someone on the autism spectrum?” and that person will know SOMEONE.

That person will have a nephew, a co-worker’s son, or a hairdresser’s niece. This is just my belief but when I’ve actually gone out into the world and tested this theory, the results generally support it.

How much of a presence should I be at my child’s school?

I am a big believer of being a “presence” at my child’s school. I do it for some typical reasons…and for one very specific reason.

What are my typical reasons?

I recently attended yet another autism conference.

Now, for me, attending a conference is about education. I want to learn what’s new in the autism world. I already have a working knowledge of autism but I like to keep up with the latest.

A problem for me is I am not that outgoing.

What do I do at a conference?

In my last blog, I discussed going to an annual autism conference (paid for by regional centers if you live in California). I discussed why I go. In this blog, I will discuss three specifics about attending a conference.

Recently, I discussed some tips on traveling without your autistic child. I specifically discussed how I had attended my annual writer’s conference in San Francisco and how I dealt with leaving my child for several days.

What happens when another parent contests your child’s autism?

You wouldn’t think I’d have to bring up this topic, except that this issue has happened to me.