The Reading That Didn’t Sound Like Reading I’ll never forget watching my daughter read aloud in 5th grade. She could decode the words—mostly—but it sounded robotic. Every. Word. Was. Read….
More Gatherings, More Challenges December brings multiple family gatherings—Christmas Eve at one house, Christmas Day at another, holiday parties with extended family. Each event repeats the challenges of Thanksgiving, but…
The Soundtrack of the Season Starting in November, Christmas music plays everywhere—grocery stores, malls, restaurants, even gas stations. For my daughter with autism and auditory sensitivities, the repetitive songs, loud…
When Lights Are Too Bright Christmas lights transform neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands, but for my daughter with autism and visual sensitivities, blinking lights, bright colors, and overwhelming displays can cause…
When Shopping Becomes Overwhelming December shopping means crowded stores, loud Christmas music on repeat, bright decorations everywhere, and sensory overload at every turn. For my daughter with autism, Christmas shopping…
The Santa Photo Tradition Visiting Santa at the mall is a cherished Christmas tradition—but for my daughter with autism, sitting on a stranger’s lap, loud mall environments, long waits in…
Two Weeks Without School Winter break means no school for 10-14 days. While neurotypical kids celebrate, my daughter with autism faces two weeks of disrupted routines, unstructured days, and anxiety…
When Christmas Becomes Too Much Christmas decorations transform our homes into winter wonderlands—but for my daughter with autism, blinking lights, artificial pine scents, and visual chaos can turn our home…
What Is a Potluck? “We’re going to a potluck Thanksgiving.” My daughter looked confused. What’s a potluck? Why are we bringing food if we’re guests? Who decides what we bring?…
Sleeping Away From Home Sometimes Thanksgiving involves sleeping at a relative’s house. For my daughter with autism, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, different sounds, new smells, and disrupted bedtime routines…