Parents of Children
Parents who come to AANE often wonder where to invest their time, money, and energy in order to help their child and family thrive. They may feel confused by the array of interventions being recommended. They may feel guilty that they haven’t “done enough,” or feel judged by other parents or family members who claim to have all the answers. They may feel under pressure to have their child catch up to peers. And almost every parent wonders, “Will my child be okay?”
But you don’t have to panic. There is no single way to help your child or family thrive; AANE is here to help you find the path that is right for you. At AANE you have access to the collective wisdom of our parent-professional staff and extended parent community help guide you on your parenting journey. You are not alone!
Essential Resources:
Information and Education
Getting Started for Parents of Children
What is an Asperger/Autism Profile?
Diagnosis and Disclosure: Children and Teens
School Strategies and Resources
Learning During COVID-19: Special Education Advocacy Tips
Select Services and Support
Asperger/Autism 101 Workshop
Support Groups and Online Forums for Parents and Families
IEP Review
Parent Coaching
Upcoming Events
For everything AANE has to offer parents and family members, visit our main family page.
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Parents and caregivers of Autistic children and teens often find themselves consumed with school meetings and communications, managing therapies, and preparing for every eventuality. These actions are important but can quickly overshadow daily life and family dynamics. If the focus is solely on... more
Supporting Friendships
03/07/2023
Regardless of age or neurotype, the friendship-making process can be stated rather simply:
Step 1: Find other people who like the same things you do.
Step 2: Show up again and again and again.
Putting this into practice is more difficult. Caregivers in the AANE parent support groups often... more
Listening to Autistic Voices
10/04/2022
Many parents and family members of newly diagnosed autistic individuals find themselves overwhelmed in a sea of information. A neuropsychologist might hand over a packet bulging with materials, or Googling “autism” will turn up thousands of sites. Finding accurate, helpful information isn’t... more
Diagnosis Discussion Tips for Parents
07/07/2022
Many parents and family members wonder how to talk to their autistic child or teen about their diagnosis. Several variables can impact the decision, such as the child’s age, reason for the evaluation, and whether or not the child needs particular therapies or supports. While each autistic... more
Anxiety and Autism: A Parent Perspective
05/05/2022
At least 40% of autistic individuals are also diagnosed with anxiety, making it the number one co-occurring mental health concern. As parents and family members gain a greater understanding of autism, they often realize the importance of understanding anxiety as well to find effective ways to... more
Autistic Parenting Pathways
04/05/2022
Lee el Mensaje de Brenda En Español
This month we are talking about being autistic and a parent. All parents have to adjust to responding to their child’s needs as they grow and the new feelings and emotions they experience on their parenting journey. If you are an autistic parent,... more
Being an Autistic Parent
04/05/2022
Being an Autistic parent is hard.
Life for any parent is already EXHAUSTING. Add in navigating all the demands of parenting with being Autistic, and… it’s not easy.
First, there is the sensory nightmare of how incredibly loud these small, unpredictable people can be. In the early years, I... more
What an interesting journey parenting has been, some 14 years now, and yet it has only just begun. Interesting, in part, because I became a father not yet knowing that I was autistic, and once I found out, my perspective on fatherhood changed rather dramatically. The diagnosis raised several... more
I am a formally diagnosed autistic woman and the parent of an autistic adult who I parented through early intervention, public school, post-secondary experiences and now, into adulthood as I support him navigating through rehabilitation services. I am a social worker and researcher, but when it... more
Sensory Advocacy at School
03/03/2022
There are many lists and suggestions for sensory-based accommodations for autistic students. Gaining a sense of your student’s unique sensory profile is important – what causes distress and what helps them stay regulated. They may be impacted differently at school than at home. What can a... more
Original article appeared in the White Plains Examiner and Putnam Examiner January 31st, 2012. Updated content: August 2021.
Does your child have good ideas but struggle to get them down on paper? Do you frequently return to your child’s school to retrieve forgotten homework assignments? Have... more
Parenting Anxiety
08/05/2021
Lee el mensaje de Dania en Español
Running a non-profit can be stressful at times, so I have learned over the years to take care of myself in several ways. I enjoy hiking and quilting, but my hidden pleasure is binging streamed shows. I actually found two shows in the past couple of weeks I... more
Five Tips to Promote Pool Safety
07/08/2021
Summer is in full swing, and with COVID vaccination numbers increasing and pandemic restrictions lifted, many families are eagerly getting out to enjoy some time at the pool. But whether it is a public facility in your community or a backyard private pool, water safety should always be central. For... more
Emotional Regulation: Advice for Families
05/04/2021
Emotion Regulation is a concept you may have been introduced to when you discovered your family member was on the autism spectrum. The term may bring up memories of meltdowns, tantrums, irritability, withdrawn behavior, or stress. Witnessing our loved one experience intense emotions can be... more
Two Sibling Perspectives
01/06/2021
The following essays were contributed by two individuals sharing their experiences of having a sibling on the autism spectrum. Both authors wished to remain anonymous.
____________________________
Loving Ben
It would be difficult to talk about my brother Ben without mentioning... more