There is a fine line between advocating for your autistic child and coddling them. At the same time, pressuring an autistic to make too many changes simultaneously or too quickly is equally damaging. This is why parenting autistic kids is so challenging - it's a constant balancing act.

Author copies of My Dinosaur Shoes & The Clean-Up Monster are here! They are available for pre-order from Amazon, B&N, Bookshop.org, and Barefoot Books. I can't wait for the world to meet Roscoe & Ivy!

Calling out the White House’s lies is exhausting but crucial: “The Amish do have autism, though they may be diagnosed less often because they can be reluctant to seek specialized medical care, & there are multiple schools in Cuba specifically for children w/autism.” www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/o...

I’m autistic. Not because of Tylenol. Not because of vaccines. Not because of some headline. I’m autistic because that’s how my brain works. Stop treating us like a problem. Start listening to us.

This is a great thread! For me, I enjoy phone calls if they are scheduled and with my favorite people.

Age verification? I recorded songs from the radio onto a cassette tape.

i'd rather be cringe and whimsical than mean and miserable

This is an incredible post. If you have an autistic child, I encourage you to read it (regardless if your child is in ABA or not). Some seriously great tips.

The neurodivergent experience of asking someone for feedback and genuinely wanting feedback and being frustrated when they just say “it’s great!” vs when they ask you for feedback and you invest time/energy in providing thoughtful feedback and they get upset you didn’t just say “it’s great!”

10 & I went to her 1st concert Saturday! She has loved Linkin Park for years & was SO excited to see all of the members in person (especially Mike & Emily). I remember listening to Hybrid Theory in my Sony portable CD player at 13 years old thinking (knowing) it was perfection.

This was me all summer. I was desperate for adult interaction but so overwhelmed by life that I didn't reach out to anyone for weeks. I'm so grateful to have (most) of my routine back.

As an autistic girl/woman who was hurt the most by fellow girls/women, this is important advice. I cherish the few genuine female friends in my life.

Btw just because somebody didn’t know they were neurodivergent when they were younger, doesn’t automatically mean they were seen as a gifted child.

ADHD diagnoses save lives ❤️ New research shows that treating ADHD can: • improve mental health • reduce risk of accidents • lower substance misuse • decrease likelihood of criminal behavior (linked to impulsivity etc) Early diagnosis and support aren't just helpful - they're life-changing #AuDHD

My 2 oldest went back today. Per my 10 y/o, the bus driver is mean & yelled at the kids for standing, being too loud, etc. She devised a scheme to make the new driver leave: "Mom, all of us are going to be SUPER QUIET. That way, she will be mad that she can't yell at anyone & quit!" I approved.

Credit goes to Trauma Geek (FB) #Autistic #autism #actuallyautistic

I saw this set at an estate sale. I didn't know anything about it - just that it was beautiful. I learned later it's called "lusterware" (due to the opalescent finish) & was made circa 1920s in Czechoslovakia. It included 8 teacups/saucers/plates + a serving platter - no imperfections.

As a bubbly, warm & almost child-like, autistic woman, others will sometimes attempt to take advantage of my perceived naivety. What they don't realize is that they aren't the first ones to try, and I am *exceptional* at pattern recognition.

Edit to add: This is also an "autistic person problem." I'm extroverted, but I don't like being caught off guard by social interactions that I didn't anticipate - especially when I'm focusing on a grocery list.

In a world where AI is seemingly everywhere, it brings me joy to see all of the beautiful, creative artists on #kidlitpostcard day!

A day in the life of an autistic person… TOO MUCH GOING ON by @worry__lines

This is me. I know friends' siblings' birthdays from 25 years ago, but I didn't realize I put a box of envelopes in our fridge yesterday. PS: It doesn't have a creator on the image. If anyone knows who it is, put it in the comments!

Tuesday

I think many autistic people are into parallel play because it accommodates the need for one's own space at their own pace, while being in the company of others they feel safe with. Group gaming, reading parties, and art & LEGO studio are this way and they are all popular among autistic people.

Book 3 came out in paperback today! esymessmith.com/2025/07/30/s...

I was awake at 4am this morning and saw my friend, Doe. She looked at me for a bit, then went back to eating grass. I don't know anything about photography - those 2 light beams coming from either side of the street lamp were happy accidents.

Fellow Autistic Reminder: Even if you don't feel like you're stressed, listen to your body. Acne breakouts, eczema flare-ups, migraines, and shoulder/ upper back pain are all indicators for me when I am nearing burnout mode. Take care of yourselves as best as you can.

I'm an unplanned kidlit author. In 2021, I searched for a PB portraying an autistic main character as a human. Not a superhero or a burden. It didn’t exist. I was angry. 4 years later, Roscoe & Ivy were born. I am forever grateful for @katedepalma.bsky.social recognizing the need for these books.

Replace "Thrift store" with "Estate Sale" and this accurately describes my summer.

When people learn me or my kids are autistic, we hear similar responses. This is a great explanation of how it feels to hear that.

Autistic folks, don’t forget to stay hydrated in this heat! Some of us don’t easily feel heat or thirst but your body still needs water ❤️

Somehow we're little under three months away from SIR CALLIE AND THE FINAL STAND coming out (!?!?!?!) Please purchase from your local indie if you can, and if you pre-order through The Novel Neighbor, the book will come with some ✨ Cool Swag ✨ thenovelneighbor.com/item/ZoOPMvN...

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If you can't get through on the phone, you can also fax some of them!! faxzero.com/fax_congress...

Post a song from the year you turned 12

The publisher will be rubbing their hands together. They think they’ve found the next Susan Cain. Just heard the guy interviewed by Radio New Zealand. Who they’ve really found: a psychiatrist who does not understand #Autism. Got an “otrovert” child? Yeah nah they’re Autistic.

The Bert & Ernie dynamic works IRL. My husband is the Bert, I'm Ernie. Our personalities balance out. He's calming when I'm overwhelmed. I'm chatty in social situations, so he doesn't have to be. He works, I'm a SAHM bc it helps our executive functioning. Anyone else in a Bert & Ernie relationship?

This exact thing happens in our home at least once a week

As a parent, it isn't your job to protect your neurodivergent kid from everyday challenges. W/o healthy struggle, we don't grow. It IS your job to be consistent, patient, loving, & understanding. Also, you need to educate other adults in your kid's life to minimize stress & increase confidence.

When autistic kids help lead therapy goals: “It is very rewarding to see caregivers and their children work together, achieve goals and be proud of their progress. By empowering kids with autism to set their own path, they are able to thrive.” showme.missouri.edu/2025/giving-...

Dr. Amy wrote this excellent blog piece for Psychology Today about Sensory Sensitivities and Food, and discussed my guidelines from my food aversion acceptance cookbook and guide COLOR TASTE TEXTURE. Everyone give it a read!

4 y/o had a meltdown at the pool. I forgot to grab his life vest. The Fixer in me wanted to drive home & get it. Instead, I let the older kids get in the pool & held 4 as he screamed.Several minutes passed & he decided he wanted to get in without it. He did great & didn't mention it again. 1/2

Our interior Halloween decorations went up in July last year. June is probably a better choice.

Introduce yourself with some jobs you have done: - Joann Fabrics (RIP) employee - Barista - Daycare Teacher - MRI tech - Ultrasound Tech - Polymer clay jewelry creator - Children's Author

“With Ben, it’s nothing personal. I just hadn’t anticipated having an interaction with him at that precise moment and in that context. So basically, I had to no choice but to run like I was fleeing from a humanoid monster with tentacle-like arms.”

We need all the community we can get #autism #disability #ND @autisticbooks.bsky.social @autism-101.com @thinkingautism.com @thedailytism.com go.bsky.app/wbCudt

As a 1st-gen Greek American, I've often wondered if hyperverbal autistics are generally raised by/around more traditionally loud/extroverted cultures. This post bolsters that thought. Can someone do a study on this?

Simultaneously navigating Autism & ADHD can be quite complex. There is only a narrow band of activity where they run parallel to each other … otherwise it’s an extreme balancing act ... and any kind of upset in our environment can be catastrophic ...

The right moment is now because I still have them. I'm pretty sure that means I win life.

The end of the school year is overwhelming for many autistic parents & children. In our home, this is the most stressful time of the year, leading to lots of emotional dysregulation & meltdowns. Be gentle with your kids and yourselves.