Life on the Spectrum

Here I sit on a sunny winter’s day. My little boy is looking right into my eyes as I read him a book. He’s pointing to every word, eagerly waiting for me to turn to the page where I roar like a lion… and there it is—that huge smile on his face, the pure joy of our interaction. I never imagined this day would finally come. Some parents might never fully appreciate the power of a simple point until you’ve waited five long years for it to happen. Communication is the foundation

The holiday season is a whirlwind of emotions for many families—a magical blend of joy, anticipation, and togetherness. But for parents of children with autism, it can feel very emotional, where the highs of tradition clash with the realities of our unique journeys.  Today, I want to share a personal reflection on this festive time and offer some practical tips to help other parents make the transition smoother for their autistic children. The Rollercoaster of Festive Emotion

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”  – Eleanor Roosevelt I have this quote taped to my fridge, right next to the grocery list and a crooked drawing of a rocket ship. On the hardest days (the meltdowns, the school emails, the 3 a.m. worry spirals), it feels like the only thing still holding me together. Hi, I’m Pascale. Mom to one extraordinary 7-year-old boy who experiences the world in technicolor intensity. For years I thought “independe

As parents of children on the autism spectrum, we’ve all had those moments where the world tilts just a little off its axis—a new stim, an unexpected meltdown, or a skill that blooms overnight. But nothing prepared me for the day my daughter’s voice… vanished. Not her words, thank goodness, but the sweet, lilting melody that had become the soundtrack of our home.  Let me take you back to our story with Soleil and share what we’ve uncovered along the way about sudden voice cha

I used to dread Saturdays. By Friday night, my stomach would knot up. I knew the next morning would bring the same exhausting loop: “No, we can’t eat pancakes for breakfast again.” “No, we can’t watch the same Bluey episode seventeen times.” “No, you have to wear pants to the park.” Every “no” felt like dropping a pebble into an already overflowing bucket of tension. By noon, my eight-year-old son, Jonah—who is autistic and mostly non-speaking—would be in meltdown mode, an

If you’re a parent of a child with autism, the word  elopement  might send a chill down your spine. It’s not about running off to get married—it’s about your child bolting away, often without any sense of danger. No fear of traffic, strangers, water, or heights. Just an impulse to move, explore, or escape sensory overload. And in that split second, your heart stops. I’ve been there. More times than I can count. The Terror of “What If?” Picture this: You’re at the park. Your c

The joy of Flapping As a parent navigating the beautiful world of autism alongside my son, I’ve learned so much about the unique ways he experiences and expresses joy. Today, I want to share a personal story that’s close to my heart—one that revolves around a simple yet profound behavior: hand-flapping. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my child do that?” or felt the urge to “calm them down,” this post is for you. We’ll dive into what stimming is, why it happens, and why emb

As parents raising children on the autism spectrum, we're constantly navigating a world full of tools, therapies, and tips that promise to make life a little easier. One topic that comes up time and again in our Bloom groups is screen time—specifically, the role of iPads and tablets. Is that glowing screen a lifeline for communication and learning, or a potential pitfall leading to overstimulation and dependency? The truth, as with most things in autism parenting, lies somewh

Why do certain sounds feel like a fire alarm in the brain? Why does a clothing tag become the villain of the day? Let’s unpack sensory processing differences in autism with empathy, science, and practical strategies you can try tomorrow. What Is Sensory Processing, anyway? Imagine your brain as an air-traffic control tower. For most people, it smoothly directs thousands of sensory “planes”—sights, sounds, smells, touches, movement—without a hitch. For many autistic individua

Picture this: It’s 6:30 AM, your child is still in bed, refusing to move. You try to dress them —   screaming, breakfast? Food on the floor. By 7:15, you’re both in tears, and the school bus is pulling up. Sound familiar? That was my life every single day. Leo would meltdown at every transition. From eating to brushing teeth to shoes — it was like he couldn’t  see  what came next. I felt like the worst mom. I remember one morning in particular. Leo had thrown his bowl of oatm

Gestalt language processing —a unique way many autistic individuals experience and use language. It’s not just random repetition; it’s a meaningful form of expression. We’ll explore what it is, how it differs from echolalia, and most importantly, how you can harness it to connect more deeply with your child.  What Is Gestalt Language Processing? In neurotypical language development, children often l earn words one by one, building sentences like stacking blocks: “ball” become

the role of service dogs in supporting Autistic children

A Heart’s Journey Through an Autism Diagnosis: When One Parent Struggles with Denial

Spending time with animals has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved social skills, and better emotional regulation.

Every day, parenting a child with autism feels like walking through a garden filled with unexpected blooms and hidden thorns. It’s a journey of discovery, patience, and deep love. I’ve learned that while the path may be winding, there are practical strategies that can help us nurture our children’s unique strengths and navigate challenges with grace. Embracing Autism Parenting Strategies That Make a Difference When I first started this journey, I wished for a simple guide—a m

Today, I'm diving into a topic that affects many children on the autism spectrum: pica. If you’ve noticed your child eating non-food items like dirt, paper, or small objects, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what pica is, why it’s more common in autistic children, the potential risks, and most importantly, how you can support your child through it. What Is Pica? Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent craving and consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substa

The depth of two black eyes plunged deep within me is the first memory I have of my beloved nephew, barely two months old. I will never forget the strength of this little being newly arrived on earth. Having a nephew is an invaluable gift when the relationship with one's own brother is perfect and harmonious, just like with his wife. I remember the announcement of the pregnancy, the day of his birth, and the wave of instant love that overwhelmed me, even from a distance. I co

Supportive South Africa for autistic kids

Practical Tips for Parents to Try at Home As parents of autistic children, we're always on the lookout for tools that make a real difference in our kids' lives. In 2025, exciting advancements in technology are transforming autism therapy, making it more accessible and personalized. From AI apps that help with communication to virtual reality (VR) experiences that build social skills, these innovations aren't just for clinics—they're coming into our homes. In this post, we'll

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a recognized profile on the autism spectrum, characterized by unique ways individuals interact with the world. Not all autistic individuals experience PDA, but understanding it is vital for parents, educators, and caregivers supporting those who do. What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? PDA is a behavioral profile within autism spectrum disorder (ASD), marked by intense resistance to demands, any perceived expectation or requireme