Autism and the First Job That’s right. My eighteen-year-old son with autism has a real job. How did he get it? Through a school work program that assists young adults with special needs with work experience. He had this exact same job lined up a few days before the 2020 pandemic shut down. He was all ready to go to his interview! That got canceled. So did most of … [Read more...] about Autism and the First Job
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Autism and Backward Chaining
Autism and Backward Chaining I had never heard this term before…backward chaining. I read up on it and discovered it’s a useful way for parents of children with special needs to help a child learn everyday life skills. What is backward chaining? Here’s the way I understand it… Chaining is a way to teach multi-step or complex skills. A complex skill involves … [Read more...] about Autism and Backward Chaining
Workability and Autism
Workability and Autism What happens with a teenager with autism? Well, first they’re getting closer and closer to becoming adults. My son is only a year and a half away from eighteen. An adult. His first year in high school, as a freshman, we focused on the transition to high school. Getting comfortable. Adjusting to no longer having an aide and having a foreign … [Read more...] about Workability and Autism
Body Image and Shopping With Your Teen
As New York’s fall Fashion Week closed down last week, parents nationwide wrapped up another September high-pressure fashion ritual: back to school shopping. Few parents would describe this particular custom as fun. But for those of us with plus-size kids, it can be especially excruciating. As parents, we want our kids to feel good about their bodies and appearance, no … [Read more...] about Body Image and Shopping With Your Teen
Young Adults with Autism Talk to Teenagers with Autism
My son and I recently attended a group’s resource meeting. This localized group (it’s located in the “Foothills area of northern Los Angeles County) holds meetings once a month. These meetings have paid speakers who come to discuss a wide range of topics—from eating issues to genetics to floor time therapies. Being a member of this group, I have attended many meetings. This … [Read more...] about Young Adults with Autism Talk to Teenagers with Autism