For many, the notion of "curing" autism misses the point. Rather than seeking to eliminate it, a more fulfilling approach is learning how to live in harmony with it—negotiating daily life's challenges and embracing the unique perspectives it offers. This blog post explores the concept of negotiating with autism, akin to looking it right in the eyes and saying, "Let's make a deal." By adopting strategies that acknowledge autism's challenges while leveraging its strengths, individuals can lead rich, empowered lives.

Understanding the Negotiation
Negotiating with autism involves a deep understanding of one's own autism spectrum traits. This includes recognizing how sensory inputs, social interactions, and communication styles differ from neurotypical norms and how these differences impact daily life. It's about finding ways to adapt environments and expectations to better suit these needs without compromising one’s sense of self.

Strategies for Daily Negotiations

1. ...

Transitioning to adulthood is a significant milestone for all young people, including those with autism. This period brings forth challenges and opportunities, from pursuing higher education and entering the workforce to living independently and managing personal relationships. For individuals with autism, these transitions require careful planning and support to ensure success and well-being. This blog post aims to guide families and individuals through the process of transitioning to adulthood with autism, providing practical strategies and insights to ease this critical phase.

Educational Transitions
As young adults with autism move from high school to higher education or vocational training, they face unique challenges. Key strategies include exploring educational settings that offer supportive services, using disability resources offered by institutions, and considering programs specifically designed for students with autism. Preparing for this transition through summer programs...

Isolation and social interaction each play unique roles in the lives of children with autism. While social skills are crucial for integration and communication, periods of solitude can also provide essential benefits, such as self-regulation and personal reflection. This blog post explores the hidden effectiveness of strategic solitude, why it is vital, and how to maintain a healthy balance between being alone and engaging with others. Understanding this balance can help children with autism navigate their social environments more effectively and foster a sense of well-being.

The Value of Solitude

Solitude allows children with autism the space to process sensory information and experiences at their own pace, free from the overwhelm that social situations can often bring. It encourages independence and self-discovery, providing a safe environment to engage with personal interests and activities that might not be possible in a group setting. This time alone can be crucial for mental...

Art and music are not just forms of entertainment; they are powerful tools for expression and communication, especially in autism education. The non-verbal nature of these creative mediums makes them particularly effective for those who find traditional verbal communication challenging. This blog post explores how integrating art and music into educational settings can benefit individuals with autism, enhancing their ability to express emotions and connect with others. Additionally, I challenge you, the reader, to engage in a creative project and share your favorite music tracks, exploring how they influence your mood and expression.

Art offers a visual means of communication and can be therapeutic for individuals with autism. It allows for self-expression without the pressure of words, helping to bridge the communication gap. In educational settings, art projects can be tailored to individual interests and abilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Moreover,...

Hello there! Welcome to AutismWorks! My name is Tyler McNamer. As we get things set up for the brand new website, I would like to keep you updated on all the neat things that will soon be added onto the site; and you have gotten the chance to be up on the front seat and take a glimpse at the idea of what it is like to have autism.

To start off, I would like to take the moment to define what autism is generally about. Autism is commonly characterised by having the difficulties in communicating with other people. These difficulties include speaking, having eye contact, developing conversations and keeping them, self control, and listening. Autism presents itself in many different ways.  People who are on the lower functioning part of the spectrum cannot take care of themselves; the simple things such as eating, putting on clothes, speaking, and moving are extremely challenging for them. People who are in the higher functioning portion of the spectrum, can do most things...