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