📌 Welcome to Autism Embrace Navigating an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or self-advocate, you’re likely searching for answers, support, and a sense of community. We’ve been there too. That’s why we created Autism Embrace—a place where families don’t
Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world. Some kids may process sensory input differently, have unique communication styles, or approach problem-solving in ways that aren’t always recognized in traditional environments. Supporting neurodiverse children isn’t about changing them—it’s about
When our son was first diagnosed with autism, I thought I was prepared. After all, I had spent years as a special education teacher, supporting students with different learning styles, sensory needs, and communication challenges. I understood accommodations, IEPs, and the power of early intervention. But when it became personal—
Some moments in life define us—not the grand, sweeping events, but the small, consistent acts of kindness that remind us we belong. For my family, one of those defining moments didn’t happen in a grand gesture or a headline-worthy act. It happened in a little bakery, over a
Communication is one of the most profound ways we connect with the world, but for many children with autism, finding their voice—whether verbal or nonverbal—can be a long and unpredictable journey. I know this because I lived it. When my son was young, verbal communication was a struggle.
A decade into autism motherhood, I thought I’d have it all figured out; that I’d understand more, that I’d get better at it. Somewhere along the way, I stopped hoping that autism would disappear, accepting it as part of who my son is. Many of the things
As a parent of a child with autism, I've learned that the world, though often well-intentioned, is rarely equipped to meet my son's unique needs. When first responders are called to a scene where there is an individual with autism, a misunderstanding has the potential to
Teaching children with exceptionalities has been my passion, career and life for many years. Little did I know my career and personal life would cross over. The transition from special education teacher to special education stay-at-home mom left me feeling like I was entering the special education world for the
It’s only been a year. A year with therapy, meetings, tears, laughter, meltdowns and milestones. A year with an autism diagnosis. December 3, 2014 was a day our family changed; it was hard to conceptualize the enormity of how we were going to change in the 365 days to
Being a “helicopter mom” wasn’t something I planned on. I always knew I would stay home for a few years, if possible, but surly I wouldn’t have a problem with hiring babysitters and dropping the kids off for a few nights out or some quality time with my
Dear Kate, You met us after a long year. You came into our lives one year after our son’s autism spectrum (ASD) diagnosis. You have been with us five days a week, three to four hours a day ever since. You are an extension of our family. You have
Doesn't fit the mold – and that's okay. There is no mold, no one-size-fits-all when it comes to our children. Isn’t that the beauty of it all? They are uniquely themselves, they all bloom when it’s their turn, they all have different needs, communication styles