Autistic
Back-to-School Transition Tips for Autistic Students
Back-to-school season — for many families, it’s a mix of excitement, preparation, and maybe a little anxiety. But when your child is on the autism spectrum, this transition can feel like navigating a stormy sea without a compass. The emotional weight of change, new environments, and expectations can be overwhelming for autistic children and their […]
Martin Slyngstad, Autistic Author, Keynote Speaker, and Special Olympics Athlete
Martin Slyngstad’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, hope, and resilience. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, many might have underestimated him. But Martin proved from the start that he was unstoppable. His life has been a continuous journey of breaking barriers—first through the written word, then on stages filled with eager listeners, […]
Mary Russell, Swimming Champion & Autistic Advocate
Advocacy began in the quiet embrace of water for Mary Russell. The pool never hurried her or demanded explanations; it accepted her just as she was. Water became her first true friend—a place where she felt safe and understood. Her story goes far beyond swimming; it’s about turning struggle into strength and using every stroke […]
Life-Saving Water Safety Tips for Parent of Autistic Children
Life-saving moments happen every time your child with autism is near water, and if you’re a parent, you know how fast your heart can start pounding in those seconds. You’re far from alone in this—countless families live with the same constant, nerve-wracking worry. Water safety isn’t just a precaution; it’s truly a matter of life […]
4 Ways to Ease the Shift From School Bells to Summer Days for Autistic and Neurodiverse Students
Transitioning from the familiar rhythm of school days to the open-endedness of summer can feel like stepping off a sturdy bridge into unknown waters for many autistic and neurodiverse students. The sharp contrast between the structure of the school environment and the unpredictability of summer days often stirs up anxiety, confusion, and even sadness. But […]
Guest Feature, Michaela, Autistic Advocate & Entrepreneur
Michaela’s journey is more than impressive—it’s deeply meaningful. Her recent achievement of a master’s degree didn’t just come with a diploma; it came with powerful realizations about her identity. Around the same time, she learned she was autistic—a discovery that turned her world upside down, and yet, somehow made it feel finally right. This dual […]
5 Reasons Volunteering Can Empower Autistic Individuals
Volunteered for CARD-USF on 5/1/25 Emotional understanding is often missing when we talk about autism. Autistic individuals are often seen through a narrow lens—misunderstood, underestimated, or left out. But what if we saw them for who they truly are? What if we created space for their voices, their gifts, their presence? Volunteering isn’t just about giving […]
3 Solutions for Teaching Self-Advocacy in ABA to Autistic and Neurodivergent Clients
Solutions start with honesty—ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) has come a long way, but there’s still so much room to grow. Especially when it comes to something as deeply human and essential as self-advocacy. For autistic and neurodivergent clients, the ability to say, “This is what I need,” or “No, I don’t like that,” is not just […]
Guest Feature, Dr. Mark Fleming, Autistic Advocate & Entrepreneur
Mighty comebacks don’t always roar—sometimes, they move with quiet strength, just like Dr. Mark Fleming. When you hear the words “comeback,” you probably picture an athlete charging back after injury, or a celebrity reclaiming the spotlight. But sometimes, the most powerful comeback is quiet—rooted in heartache, resilience, and the unwavering belief that your voice matters, […]
6 Ways Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals Can Become Their Own Best Advocate
Navigating life as an autistic or neurodiverse individual can be both beautiful and challenging. The world may not always be designed with neurodivergent minds in mind, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay silent or unseen. Self-advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about embracing who you are, setting boundaries, and creating a life that […]