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Social interaction can be one of the biggest challenges for many people on the autism spectrum. Understanding others, knowing how to respond, and making friends might not come naturally and that’s where Social Skills Training (SST)  steps in. Social Skills Training helps autistic individuals learn, practice, and build the tools they need to navigate social situations more comfortably and confidently. Let’s explore what it is, how it works, and why it can be so valuable. Wha

When we think of autism therapies, speech and occupational therapy often come to mind. But Physical Therapy (PT)  plays an important role too, especially when it comes to improving movement, balance, and overall physical health. If your child or loved one with autism experiences challenges with motor skills, posture, or coordination, PT might be a valuable part of their support plan. Here’s what you need to know about Physical Therapy and how it can help. What Is Physical The

Occupational Therapy, or OT, is a key support service many autistic individuals benefit from. But what exactly is OT, and how does it help people on the autism spectrum thrive in daily life? If you’re curious about how OT can make a difference, this blog will give you a straightforward overview of what Occupational Therapy involves, why it’s important for autism, and what kinds of skills it helps build. What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy focuses on helping peo

Communication is at the heart of human connection and for many autistic individuals, expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs through language can be a significant challenge. That’s where Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)  plays a crucial role. SLT is one of the most commonly recommended therapies for people on the autism spectrum, helping individuals improve not just their ability to speak, but also their overall communication skills, understanding, and social interaction. L

When you think about autism therapies, approaches like ABA or speech therapy might come to mind. But there's another model that focuses less on behavior and more on connection, flexibility, and thinking in real time , it's called RDI , or Relationship Development Intervention . RDI isn’t just about teaching specific skills. It’s about helping autistic individuals, and their families, build the tools needed for dynamic thinking , strong relationships , and real-world problem-s

In the world of autism intervention, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Families and professionals often seek an approach that’s not just evidence-based, but also respectful, flexible, and developmentally appropriate . That’s where the SCERTS Model  comes in. Rather than focusing solely on behavior or isolated skills, SCERTS takes a broader, more relationship-centered  approach to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, especially in areas like communication, emoti

When it comes to autism therapies, many families are introduced early on to structured programs like ABA. But for those looking for a more relationship-based, child-led approach, DIR/Floortime  offers something different and often transformative. Rather than focusing on changing behavior, DIR/Floortime focuses on connection, emotional development, and meeting children where they are. What Does DIR/Floortime Stand For? DIR  stands for: D evelopmental: supporting emotional and

If you’ve ever wondered how autism research, training, and services are funded in the U.S., there’s one key piece of legislation you need to know: the Autism CARES Act . Originally passed in 2006 and most recently reauthorized in December 2024 , this federal law plays a huge role in shaping autism-related initiatives across the country. Whether it’s improving early diagnosis, expanding support for adults on the spectrum, or training healthcare providers, Autism CARES is the e

When it comes to autism therapy, we often hear about behavioral interventions like ABA. But what about emotional health, anxiety, or managing negative thought patterns? That’s where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  comes in. Originally developed to treat depression and anxiety, CBT has become an increasingly valuable tool for helping autistic children, teens, and adults understand their emotions, manage stress, and navigate everyday social and emotional challenges. What Is

Every April, you’ll see blue lights, puzzle piece pins, and hashtags like #AutismAwareness splashed across social media. While raising awareness was once a necessary first step, we’ve reached a point where awareness alone doesn’t cut it. Autistic people don’t just need to be noticed. They need to be accepted , supported, and included in real, meaningful ways. Let’s talk about the difference between awareness  and acceptance , and why that difference matters. Awareness Says “A

For families navigating an autism diagnosis, one of the first therapies they’re likely to hear about is ABA therapy . Often described as the "gold standard" in autism treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)  has been widely used for decades to help individuals with autism build important skills and reduce behaviors that may interfere with learning or social interaction. But ABA is also a complex and sometimes controversial topic, so it’s worth taking the time to understand

When words fall short, music speaks. For many individuals on the autism spectrum, especially those who struggle with verbal communication or sensory regulation, music can be more than just a source of enjoyment. It can be a powerful therapeutic tool. Enter music therapy , a growing field that uses rhythm, melody, and sound to foster communication, emotional expression, and connection. So what exactly is music therapy, and how does it help individuals with autism? Let’s ta

In recent years, conversations around autism have become more widespread but so have misunderstandings. As someone passionate about spreading accurate information and empathy, I want to take a moment to answer a fundamental question: What is autism?  Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, this post will give you a thoughtful and inclusive overview. What Is Autism? Autism, formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopme

You’ve probably seen headlines like “1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism” and felt alarmed or confused. Is autism truly surging? Or are we just seeing more of what’s always been there? Let’s explore the evidence behind the numbers, break down what’s driving the trends, and talk about what it all means. The Numbers Over Time According to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network: 2000: 1 in 150 eight-year-olds 2016: 1 in 54 2020: 1 in 36 2022

Autism is often misunderstood, even by people with the best of intentions. Many have grown up surrounded by outdated stereotypes or overly clinical definitions that don’t reflect the real, everyday experiences of autistic people. Whether you're a teacher, coworker, parent, or just someone curious, here’s what more people understood about autism. 1. Autism Isn’t a Tragedy or a Defect Autism isn’t something to “fix.” It’s not a disease, and it doesn’t make someone less human,

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people communicate, process sensory input, and experience the world. Because it's a spectrum , the way autism presents can vary widely from person to person. While no two autistic individuals are alike, there are some common traits and experiences that often show up, some obvious, others more subtle. Understanding these manifestations can lead to better support, earlier recognition, and greater

For a long time, autism and ADHD were seen as two separate diagnoses, mutually exclusive, even. But now we know that many people live at the intersection of both neurotypes , often referred to as being “AuDHD” (Autistic + ADHD). In fact, recent studies suggest that 30% to 80% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD , and vice versa. But what does that overlap actually feel like? How do these two conditions interact in daily life and why is this intersection so oft

While autism is commonly reported to affect four times more boys than girls, growing evidence reveals that this gap reflects underdiagnosis, not an actual difference in prevalence . Experts estimate that up to 80% of autistic girls remain undiagnosed by age 18  ( autismspeaks.org ). Here’s why autism in girls and women often goes unnoticed and why that matters. 1. Masking and Camouflaging: The Invisible Talent Girls often learn early how to blend in: They study and imitate  p

When most people hear the word “spectrum” in relation to autism, they imagine a straight line from “not very autistic” on one end to “very autistic” on the other. This idea often leads to assumptions like “high-functioning” vs. “low-functioning,” or that someone is “just a little autistic.” But here’s the truth: the autism spectrum isn’t linear.  It’s not about being “more” or “less” autistic, it’s about how  autism shows up differently from person to person. Let’s unpack wha

1. Genetics: A Complex But Clear Foundation Autism is highly heritable, between 60–90%  of risk comes from genetic factors ( thescottishsun.co.uk ,   iacc.hhs.gov ). UT Southwestern’s large 2024 study identified hundreds of new genetic variants  across diverse families, expanding the known gene catalog linked to ASD ( utsouthwestern.edu ). Genetic causes range from rare single-gene mutations  (seen in ~27% of those with ASD) to the combined effect of many common variants . 2.