The Essential how-to by parents—for parents
Melissa Areffi The New York Times reports now that Police interaction is also a huge dilemma for autism parents and caregivers. Charles Kinsey, a caregiver for a group home for adults with autism, was shot in the leg after trying to subdue and calm down a patient that wandered off premises. Again – I don’t know all … Read more
Autism Volunteers – working mothers – every time you turn around someone is asking for our time. Lately, I have heard about schools and “volunteering.” We have all been there. Private schools, public schools, charter schools, special schools. It really doesn’t matter, does it? It’s like the Sopranos of the PTA. As a parent of … Read more
Navigating Autism authors Melissa & Andy Areffi had a chance to sit down with Melissa Paul from Sac & Co and talk about their book and tips to parenting kids on the spectrum. We always find it amazing how small TV studios really are. Check out their website at SacandCo.net for more great interviews and … Read more
As parents we need to help our kids. When Kennedy, Alex and Bella were diagnosed they all had different stimming behavior. One they had in common was spinning. We tried to get them to stop and that didn’t work so we tried to find a way to make it useful. How can spinning be useful? … Read more
Check out Melissa’s review of the upcoming LA Times travel show this weekend at the LA Convention Center. http://www.modernmom.com/blogs/melissa-and-andrew-areffi/la-times-travel-show-preview By Melissa and Andrew Ar… on February 20, 2013
I got a newsletter from my kids’ school, where the awards were given for things like math, science and literature – okay, I know that’s not where my kids’ strengths are. Then I saw it – photography, art and film making. And I had to respond – why wasn’t my kids’ class participating in this? … Read more
We all see so many gems of advice for keeping your marriage fresh and alive – dress up, role play, romantic dinners and/or getaways, making time for each other. Uh huh. I don’t know about you, but I’m too exhausted or frankly don’t have the time for that these days. It always feels like lately … Read more
@skyeems4 recently asked us a question on Twitter. “Any suggestions on “fixing” a tactile problem w toilet paper? I have tried every brand, texture, color..:-(” Our son, Alex, and our eldest daughter Kennedy also have tactile issues. Our immediate suggestion was to try flushable wipes since it would probably be a familiar sensation from when … Read more
What does every mom or dad with a newly-diagnosed son or daughter with autism need most? A chatty, friendly, deeply informed best friend who is relentlessly honest but also realistically positive about the most effective ways to get through the confusing maze of choices that every parent of a kid on the spectrum faces. Melissa … Read more
North Hollywood California Charter principal says, “I don’t want THEM coming here” I have been going through the special education system in LAUSD for over six years now with my 3 kids. Like with anything you are thinking about buying, or places you’re thinking about going, you check them out, right? I read reviews on … Read more