Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 52 | Page 4

Table of contents 6 TIPS FOR TEACHING THE MOST IMPORTANT SOCIAL SKILLS Learn about the most important social skills a child should develop to make his/her social life successful and enriching. Brett Novick, MS 10 SMART WAYS TO DEAL WITH SEXUALITY AND AUTISM A retired police officer and the director of school safety and security for a large school district provides important precautions to consider as a child with autism matures into an adult. Joseph Pangaro 14 5 WAYS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUCCESS WITH YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS GRANDCHILD In celebration of National Grandparent's Day celebrated this month, the mother of child with autism shares some simple tips for grandparents who want to play a vital and proactive role in their grandchildren’s lives. Deanna Picon 17 SUPER SOCIAL STORIES TO USE IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR Terrific social stories that center on middle school, friendships, and riding the school bus, prepared by a young woman with Asperger's syndrome. Leanne Strong 21 A LOVING DAD'S WISH FOR HIS GROWING ASD SON: WAITING FOR SUPERGIRL A devoted father shares his dream for his son with autism to find a supportive and loving spouse in the future. J. David Hall 25 SKATEBOARDING BOY WITH ASD UNCOVERS THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME The founder of The McClane Gang describes the benefits of skateboarding for children with autism. Grant Fieldgrove 4 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 52 28 MY VOICE: CONQUERING THE BEGINNING A young woman with Asperger's syndrome describes the challenges she experienced growing up and how she worked to follow her dreams. Carla Burn 32 MY VOICE: WHY AUTISM IS MY GIFT A young man with autism describes why he enjoys volunteering his time and making a difference in the world. Nick Turziano 34 MY VOICE: FOLLOWING MY SPECIAL LIFE DREAM A young woman with autism describes her journey toward becoming a Registered Behavior Technician, now helping children with ASD. Kaelynn Partlow 36 MY VOICE: HOW AUTISM HAS MADE ME WHO I AM A young man diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome shares his personal thoughts on autism. Zachary Stoner 38 MY VOICE: WHY I HIDE A well-known musician, painter, and writer with Asperger's syndrome reflects on life with autism. Yap 41 GREAT WAYS EXERCISE CAN BENEFIT KIDS WITH AUTISM FOR LIFE Learn about how the parents of a child with autism created a specialized gym to benefit the physical, emotional, and social development of children with autism spectrum disorder. Adam Leapley