Thanksgiving brings people together, but it can also bring a lot of expectations. A house full of relatives. A meal at an unusual time. Familiar routines put on hold. Questions about school, work, and what comes next. For some teens and adults with autism, these gatherings are something to look forward to. Others may enjoy parts of the day while finding the noise, conversation, or changes difficult to manage. As we make our Thanksgiving plans, it helps to ask: What would make

When we think of Halloween, we often picture costumes, trick-or-treating, and a busy evening out. But those traditions aren’t everyone’s idea of a good time. For some teens and adults with autism, Halloween is something to look forward to. For others, the noise, masks, crowds, or change in routine can make it a lot to manage. There’s room for both. We can offer opportunities to enjoy the season while letting each person decide what works for them. Ask What Sounds Fun Before m

Interns When we think about social skills, most of us assume they just… happen. We learn to say hello without being told. We pick up on body language without thinking. We instinctively know when to speak, when to listen, and how to respond. But for many teens and adults on the autism spectrum, these skills are not automatic. They are not intuitive. They are learned—step by step, often through trial, error, and frustration. And that’s exactly why programs like PEERS program ex

Garrett, Morgan, and Luann Hope 4 Autism was born out of a deeply personal experience. As the godmother of two incredible young men, Garrett and Morgan—both on the autism spectrum—I had the opportunity to walk closely alongside their journey. But I didn’t walk it alone. Their mom, Jessica, was living it every single day. Together, we saw both the beauty and the challenges. We saw their strengths, their potential, and their desire to connect and contribute. But we also saw th

For many teens and adults with autism, one of the most difficult challenges they face isn’t schoolwork or even finding a job—it’s making...

Back to School August is here—and with it comes the familiar whirlwind of school supply shopping, new routines, and maybe a few...

Masking = Not being your authentic self For many individuals with autism, navigating social interactions can feel like walking through a...

Interns Socializing Navigating the social world can be challenging for anyone, but for teens and young adults with autism, it often...

Supporting Autistic High School Students Establishing effective communication with secondary schools is crucial for ensuring the academic...

Signs your teen may be on the autism spectrum.

Welcome to Autism Insights, a dedicated space for fostering understanding and appreciation of the unique strengths and challenges...