5 Questions to Consider as Your Child Builds Digital Independence
For many Autistic kids, technology can be much more than entertainment. It can be a way to communicate, explore interests, connect with others, and build greater independence. That can also […]
Making It Happen- More Than a Decade of Football, Inclusion, and Community
In 2014, Mary Fruits took her eight-year-old son, Clyde, on a family trip to Appleton. They went camping for the weekend and attended an Autism football camp at a local […]
Back to School Again: Autism and A New School Year
The summer season arrives, and Wisconsin wakes up to bright sun, warm air, outdoor concerts, bike rides and walks down the street, and just maybe a little time splashing in […]
Going Back to College (Now That I Know I’m Autistic)
This is not my first year of college. I’m going into my junior year at UW-Madison, so I have done this before. However, this is the first time I am […]
Back-to-School Toolkit: Helping Your Child Prepare for a New School Year
As summer winds down, many families are beginning to think about the return to school. A new school year often brings exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and make new connections- […]
Supporting Families After the Storm: Free Visual Resources
When a tornado impacts a community, the days that follow can bring unexpected changes, uncertainty, and big emotions. While every family’s experience is different, visual supports can help provide predictability, […]
After the Storm: Supporting Autistic Kids and Teens
Sudden disasters disrupt the two things Autistic kids often rely on most — predictable routines and a stable sensory environment. In the days right after a storm, the goal isn’t […]
5 Simple Ways to Add Structure to Summer (Without Scheduling Every Minute)
Summer is the season of sunshine, beautiful weather, and a break from the rigid school routine. But for Autistic children and those with sensory processing differences, the sudden transition to […]
Celebrating the Fourth of July Your Way: Autism-Friendly Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Holiday
The Fourth of July doesn’t have to look the same for every family. For some, it may be a full day of celebration. For others, it may be a smaller, quieter day at home. And for some, it may simply be another day on the calendar.
What matters most is not how closely the day matches tradition, but whether your family feels safe, supported, and able to connect and celebrate in a way that works for them.
Why Summer Isn’t a Break for Every Autism Family
My boys thrive on routine. They do best when life is predictable, consistent, and structured. Those routines help them maintain skills, build independence, and navigate their world with confidence. School provides opportunities to practice communication, social interactions, following directions from different adults, and working towards important life skills every single day.
When summer arrives, much of that structure disappears overnight.