Editor’s Letter

In this issue, we break down the autism

How Does Autism Evaluation Work?

A MOTHER DETAILS WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN AUTISM EVALUATION, AND ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO NOT SHY AWAY FROM THE PROCESS—REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME.

Taking the Bite Out of Nail Trimming

A PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST SHARES TIPS TO MAKE CUTTING YOUR CHILD’S NAILS EASIER ON EVERYONE INVOLVED.

What is the DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Diagnosis?

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND RESEARCHERS OFTEN CONSULT THE DSM-5, A MANUAL SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS THE BIBLE OF MENTAL CONDITIONS. IN THIS ARTICLE THE CRITERIA FOR AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS ACCORDING TO THE DSM-5 WILL BE EXAMINED.

My Child Has Autism: Am I a Helicopter Parent?

READ ON FOR 10 CLUES TO HELP PARENTS IDENTIFY “HELICOPTER PARENTING”, AND HOW TO FIX IT.

Executive Skill Challenges and Solutions for Kids with Autism

A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST DISCUSSES FIVE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS THAT CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM MAY FIND CHALLENGING. DR. KULMAN PROVIDES PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW PARENTS CAN INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY AND GAMING TO IMPROVE THESE CRUCIAL EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS .

What is the ICD Code for Autism?

EXPLORE THE ICD CODE AND FIND OUT HOW IT IS USED FOR, AND IMPACTS, AUTISM DIAGNOSIS.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Pets

AN AUTISTIC ADULT TEACHES READERS THE VALUE OF PETS FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM AND PROVIDES ADVICE TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN ON HOW TO CARE FOR THEM.

MyWorldSpeaks

MyWorldSpeaks.org

Is Autism Diagnosis Meaningless?

LEARN ABOUT THE RISING RATES OF AUTISM DIAGNOSIS, AND THE VALUE OF AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR FAMILIES.

Sensory Friendly Cinema: Making Movie Magic for ASD Kids

A LOVING SISTER SHARES THE BEAUTY OF INCLUSIVITY IN COMMON FAMILY ACTIVITIES, DETAILING HOW SIMPLE ACCOMODATIONS ENSURE CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM CAN SHARE IN ALL THE FUN .

It’s Okay to be Different

A MOM REVEALS HOW DIFFERENCES BRING BEAUTY, AND CHALLENGES CAN BRING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE.

My Child is Autistic…Now What?

FIND HELP WITH PROCESSING AND MOVING FORWARD AFTER YOUR CHILD’S AUTISM DIAGNOSIS.

Jennifer Sousa: A Beauty Queen on an Autism Mission

MS. CALIFORNIA PETITE, JENNIFER SOUSA, IS USING HER VOICE TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO FAMILIES TOUCHED BY AUTISM.

What is the Average Age of Autism Diagnosis?

LET’S EXPLORE THE REASONS WHY THE AGE OF AUTISM DIAGNOSIS CAN VARY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND ACROSS GENDERS.

Dear Zach

A MOTHER OF TWO BOYS COMMENDS HER YOUNGEST FOR THE ROLE HE PLAYS IN THE LIFE OF HIS BROTHER.

What is the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale?

FIND OUT WHAT THE GILLIAM AUTISM RATING SCALE IS, WHY IT WAS CREATED, AND HOW IT HELPS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM.

How to Become a Behavior Intervention Specialist

LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SPECIALIST.

Lessons Learned From Years Gone By

A MOM OF AN AUTISTIC TEEN SHARES WISDOM SHE HAS LEARNED THROUGH THE YEARS.

Preparing for Your Family’s Future After Your Death

A FINANCIAL ADVISER SHARES SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR FAMILY IS PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE.