This Month's Highlights
What I Cannot or Will Not Do: There is a Difference
Does a PDA diagnosis support those on the spectrum or build more separation?
Karen Kaplan, MS
Parenting a Child with PDA
Insight on how to connect with a child with pathological demand avoidance.
Andrea Grant, BA, PGDip, PGCert
Hydration and Behavior: The Surprising Link
Can drinking enough water help regulate a person's behavior?
Rochelle Manor, PhD and Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABN, ABPdN
Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin
This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about various behaviors.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
Bridging Generations: Grandparents Building Lifelong Bonds
The role of grandparents in supporting autistic children and their families.
Valarie Whiting, PhD
Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies for Children with Autism
Resolving conflicts can improve social and emotional well-being.
Mitch Leppicello, MSW, LICSW
Groundbreaking New Genetic Discoveries in Autism
New genetic research identifies specific autism genes & provides hope for new treatments.
Jan Stewart
Unlocking Your Child’s Voice
What is functional communication, and how does it benefit children with autism?
Karen Massey, BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), MRCSLT, MHCPC
Success Story: Students and the Autism Quilt - Kyle
Karen Kaplan shares memories of students who found success in life and learning.
Karen Kaplan, MS
Technology: Early Autism Diagnosis and Intervention
Can technology help parents access early diagnosis and intervention?
Dr. Sharief Taraman
PDA and School Struggles
Here are some suggestions for children with PDA who may be struggling in school.
Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
The Benefits of Microlearning for Individuals with ASD
An adult on the spectrum explains the benefits of new learning methods.
James Link
Transitioning from Provider to Parent During the IEP Meeting
A pediatric speech-language pathologist provides some tips for a productive IEP meeting.
Maggie McGarvie
Ask Dr. Malcolm
Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.
Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD
Beyond Goodbye: Securing Your Child’s Future
A lawyer and mother of a teen with autism provides advice for planning for the future.
Lisa Candera, Esq., CLC
Now You’re Cooking on the Spectrum
If you or your child face challenges while cooking, here are some tips to help.
Alex Manners
Autism Warrior: A Fashion Advocate and Model
How one autistic model is reshaping inclusion with autism-friendly fashion.
Sharon Longo, BA
What’s New on the Bookshelf? Autism in the Hood
The author shares experiences working with autistic students in Brooklyn, New York.
Benjamin Wolfson, MEd, BCBA
How to Teach Your Neurodiverse Child Daily Life Skills
Science-backed guide helps parents of neurodiverse children boost independence.
Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, and Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D
Dear Readers,
Sometimes, May can be unpredictable: Cool temperatures, warm days, bright sunshine, or dark storms. Like raising a child on the spectrum, a parent might not know what to expect at any given time if certain triggers, like sensory overload or unexpected changes in routine, cause meltdowns. For a child with pathological demand avoidance (PDA), anything that presents as a demand can result in a flood of emotion or a tornado of overwhelm. That is why this month’s theme is “Unlocking PDA.”
While none of us can control the weather, we can choose to have an “umbrella” and a backup plan for other areas of life. When parenting an individual with autism, especially if they have been diagnosed with PDA, the same is true. So many factors can affect our child’s mood or present a challenge. Difficulties in communication, not having proper hydration, and struggles in school or with shifts in routine can bring unexpected behaviors. Recognizing the triggers and planning for them in advance, if possible, can mean the difference between getting caught in a downpour without a raincoat or having boots to trek through a muddy puddle.
As you head into this month, instead of seeing each unpredictable event as an unexpected squall, be prepared to put on a jacket, raise your umbrella, and dance with your child in the rain. Oh, and be sure to look for the rainbow at the end of the storm!
Happy reading!
Sharon Longo
Editor
Autism Parenting Magazine
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