Editor’s Letter
F
or more than 50 years, the Autism Society has been im-
proving the lives of people affected by autism through
education, research, and advocacy. Nearly 25 years ago,
this grassroots organization launched a nationwide ef-
fort to promote acceptance and appreciation resulting
in April being named National Autism Awareness Month
in the United States. And for more than a decade, people around
the world have recognized April 2 as World Autism Awareness
Day, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to raise
awareness throughout the world and aid in research, diagnoses,
and treatment on a global level. It’s encouraging to see the at-
tention both these observances create on an international level,
from special autism events and workshops to vital fundraisers and
sponsorships.
With millions of people around the world affected by autism, this
level of consciousness is key to the future. It also reminds me there
are so many ways to connect and be heard. This month, we plan to
celebrate the power of the autism voice, because everyone matters.
If you want to find ways to unite with the autism community and
make a difference, please take a look at Katherine G. Hobbs’ piece
this month, How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April, as she
provides information on ways to raise community awareness.
Every time I see someone wearing a T-shirt or lapel pin celebrating
love for someone with autism, I feel like it’s a step toward aware-
ness and perhaps toward a better understanding. And with un-
derstanding, I can hope for acceptance.
Another word that has been running through my brain this month
is “inclusiveness.” I hope that is the next step. Inclusiveness is more
than being allowed to participate. It’s more than being invited to
the class party. It’s more than being accommodated in an activity.
Inclusiveness is being made to feel a part of something, to really
belong.
We are excited about this month’s magazine as it has a little some-
thing for everyone, from professional advice on ways to protect a
child’s educational rights to tips on developing important skills. We
also feature inspirational autism advocates, newly published book
summaries, and interesting new products on the market. And per-
haps most importantly—the voice of the autism community.
First off, we are thrilled to share Nicole Bovell’s piece Parent Rights and
IEP Placement Options You Need to Know as she explains procedural
safeguards (parental rights) when seeking the appropriate special
education services for your child. Her expert advice includes informa-
tion on laws and regulations surrounding inclusion and placement to
help guide families in the right direction.
Developing skills is an important topic in every issue of Autism Par-
enting Magazine. This month we have several articles that focus on
improving social skills and communication skills, as well as simple
tips for helping a child with autism develop good eating habits.
Take a look at Monica C. Hudnall’s, MA, CCC-SLP, piece, 4 Practical In-
terventions to Help Develop Social Skills, as she provides a variety of
evidence-based interventions that support skills development for
school-age children. Techniques such as comic strip conversations,
social narratives, technology-aided instruction, and intervention and
video modeling are sure to help a child struggling with social skills.
If your child has an augmentative and alternative communication
(AAC) device, or you are considering purchasing one, take a look
at Rebecca Eisenberg’s, MS, CCC-SLP, article Expert Tips for Getting
the Most Out Of an AAC Device as the certified speech-language
pathologist explains ways the device can make a difference in dai-
ly life. Her tips include home and school training as well as ways
to connect with others while building success with new routines.
Last month we featured a piece on teaching social skills through
video-self modeling written by Melissa M. Root, PhD, president and
founder of Root Success Solutions TM LLC. This month, Melissa pro-
vides ways this tool can help your child with autism develop good
eating habits. Take a look at Simple Ways To Improve Eating Habits
When Your Child Has ASD as Melissa shares ways to create short vid-
eos of your child to show his/her brain exactly what to do in specific
situations. And best of all, these videos can be tailored to meet your
child’s circumstances.
Perhaps it’s my in my blood, but I get very excited when we have
an opportunity to feature different perspectives in Autism Parent-
ing Magazine. As the daughter of a former editorial writer for a
large daily newspaper, I understand the power of opinion. Voices
encourage discussion and inspire change.
We have several personal narratives this month that might rein-
force your beliefs, or maybe alter your point of view. Either way,
these pieces get us all thinking and talking.
For example, several new shows on television feature people on
the autism spectrum. While many people believe putting charac-
ters with autism in the spotlight translates to autism awareness and
acceptance, Sharlene T. Smith, PhD, has some concerns about how
some characters are portrayed. Please read Atypical View from an
Autism Mom: AutismTV is Not a Hashtag! as the mother of a young
child with autism expresses her apprehension about autism-cen-
tered television shows and characters.
It seems like the benefits of service dogs for people diagnosed
with autism is always in the news—the connection between man
and dog is incredible. Rebecca Richardson, an early intervention
specialist for children and director of college governance at Ber-
gin University of Canine Studies, agrees but has some concerns
about the lack of education surrounding service dogs. Please take
a look at her piece Ethical Considerations Need to Be Made for Ser-
vice Dogs, as Rebecca explains the importance of educating fami-
lies and protecting these special working canines.
Let’s cont