Stages Connect

Topic

About Autism

44 articles

Understanding autism — signs, diagnosis, and the basics.

Browse other topics

Classroom Strategies ARIS & Curriculum ABA & Therapy Language & Communication Life Skills & Transitions Emotions & Social Skills Autism Resources Family & Home Life Behavior & Sensory

All About Autism

44 articles

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month: 8 Ways to Support and Empower Autistic Individuals

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month: 8 Ways to Support and Empower Autistic Individuals

The chirping of birds in the morning, the budding flowers on the trees, and the influx of tax forms can only mean one thing: April is on its way. There are so many reasons to look forward to April—warm weather, blossoming gardens, and celebrations of our planet, including Earth

Laura Danforth

Mar 19, 2025 · 5 min read

Fostering Autism Acceptance in School Districts: A Guide for School District Administrators

Fostering Autism Acceptance in School Districts: A Guide for School District Administrators

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and support autistic individuals, culminating in World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. As a school district administrator, you have the unique opportunity to champion acceptance, improve district-wide understanding, and e

Cindy Bowers

Mar 18, 2025 · 5 min read

ABLLS Vs. VB-MAPP Assessments: What’s the Difference?

ABLLS Vs. VB-MAPP Assessments: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most common assessments used to evaluate autistic children are the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) and the Verbal Behavior - Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). These assessments are very similar, but some differences may ma

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Oct 23, 2022 · 5 min read

Autism and Dance Therapy

Autism and Dance Therapy

Dancing is a universal language, and many on the autism spectrum can easily learn it.

Grady Bolding

Oct 1, 2022 · 6 min read

From Disorder to Divergence: Charting the Progress of Perceptions of Autism

From Disorder to Divergence: Charting the Progress of Perceptions of Autism

The dramatic shifts in societal views of autism from being a moral failing to a celebrated part of neurodiversity have not been linear or binary. These views have been mixed throughout time and can be divided into three main categories: the Moral Model, the Medical Model, and th

Amairani Asmad

Sep 24, 2022 · 6 min read

The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum

The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum

Time on the Spectrum Think about time. Does every task take longer if you’re on the autism spectrum, or if you have a child on the spectrum? Does your family have special rules regarding when and how things get done, based on how one particular person experiences the passage of

Signe M. Kastberg

May 28, 2022 · 5 min read

May Is Physical Fitness Month!

May Is Physical Fitness Month!

Adapting Activities for Your Autistic Child: Silent Disco Anyone?

Kenna McEvoy

May 8, 2022 · 7 min read

A Mother's Day Tribute to Autism Moms

A Mother's Day Tribute to Autism Moms

Happy Mother’s Day! A tribute to all mothers, but especially to the mothers of children on the autism spectrum Most every mom looks forward to that one day of the year when they may get to sleep in, eat breakfast in bed, receive lovely cards and flowers from their spouse and chi

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Apr 27, 2022 · 5 min read

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation Today!

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation Today!

6 Ways to Prepare Your Autistic Child for a Successful Vacation Summer can be a fun time to plan vacations, but – for many on the autism spectrum – new environments, different locations, and sensory sensitivities can present a challenge when making travel plans.

Kenna McEvoy

Apr 17, 2022 · 6 min read

Conquering Negative Thoughts When Parenting Autistic* Children

Conquering Negative Thoughts When Parenting Autistic* Children

Every parent thinks negatively from time to time, but the negative and often fear-filled thoughts parents of autistic children struggle with can be off the charts because they are so different from the typical worries of other parents. Conquering these negative thoughts is not e

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Apr 9, 2022 · 6 min read

World Autism Acceptance Month: From Autism Awareness to Autism Action

World Autism Acceptance Month: From Autism Awareness to Autism Action

April 2 is the start of the internationally recognized World Autism Awareness Month. In recent years, many have advocated, and some changed the name to World Autism Acceptance Month, citing that awareness is simply not enough. I could not agree more, and if it were up to me, I’d

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Apr 2, 2022 · 6 min read

Recognizing Signs of Autism in Girls

Recognizing Signs of Autism in Girls

Autism in Girls Can Look Different than in Boys: Support for Girls Sometimes Needs to Look Different Too Check out our free handout on this topic, Specific Support Strategies for Girls With Autism .

Kenna McEvoy

Feb 27, 2022 · 5 min read

Top Strategies for Supporting Time Management for Those With Autism

Top Strategies for Supporting Time Management for Those With Autism

Time management is an important concept to consider when supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Because time management and executive functioning skills (e.g., emotional regulation, impulse control, self-monitoring, working memory, organization, planning, initiating, and

Kenna McEvoy

Feb 6, 2022 · 7 min read

The Power of Optimism When Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum

The Power of Optimism When Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum

Without a doubt, raising an autistic child can be extremely stressful and challenging. Learning to embrace a more optimistic mindset, focusing on the strengths and abilities of your autistic child while also pursuing helpful new information and practicing self-care can make an e

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Jan 25, 2022 · 5 min read

Pushing the Envelope: Autism Rates are Increasing

Pushing the Envelope: Autism Rates are Increasing

A Letter from the CEO: 1 in 44 Children are Now Being Diagnosed with Autism So Why is this Good News?

Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

Dec 4, 2021 · 3 min read

Greta Thunberg and her Superpower

Greta Thunberg and her Superpower

Exploring the Positive Side of Autism and Building on these Strengths to Help Your Child Thrive Let’s step into the shoes of a parent who has been informed her child is diagnosed with autism....

Isabelle Eng

Dec 4, 2021 · 5 min read

My Sister and Me – Both Autistic

My Sister and Me – Both Autistic

One of my older sisters, Shaylin, was born in September 1995, in Knoxville, Tennessee, a lovely, blue-eyed infant, the second daughter of my happy parents. From the time my parents took her home to Jefferson City, to about her first birthday, everything seemed normal. By twelve

Olivia Diaz

Sep 13, 2021 · 6 min read

Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are

Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are

What is the difference between “people-first” and “identity-first” language with regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? How do culture, identity, and statistics play a role in this question? How do you define yourself; how do you prefer to be recognized; and how do you know w

Signe M. Kastberg

Sep 4, 2021 · 11 min read

10 Things a Grandmother of an Autistic Child Would Like Other Children to Know

10 Things a Grandmother of an Autistic Child Would Like Other Children to Know

Autism Awareness and Acceptance to Prevent Bullying There has been a lot of talk about Autism Awareness and Acceptance through the years, and while we still have a ways to go, much has improved since my grandson was first diagnosed as autistic in 2009. At that time, I knew next

Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Jul 29, 2021 · 9 min read

Autism and Substance Use Disorders: Is There a Connection?

Autism and Substance Use Disorders: Is There a Connection?

A review of the research, risks, protective factors, and components of addiction, and a preview of treatment options for autistic individuals who struggle with the disease of addiction. 1

Signe M. Kastberg

Jul 18, 2021 · 9 min read

5 Diverse Portrayals of Autistic Adults on TV

5 Diverse Portrayals of Autistic Adults on TV

From Stereotypes to Paving the Way for a Diverse and Authentic Understanding of Autistic Individuals Taking a closer look at Abed Nadir, Hank Rizzoli, Matilda, Drea, and Nicholas In recent years, we have been seeing more diverse representations of autistic adults in the media, i

Christa Mullis

Jul 11, 2021 · 7 min read

Under- and Over-diagnosis of ASD: Do Race and Social Class Matter?

Under- and Over-diagnosis of ASD: Do Race and Social Class Matter?

Many research studies indicate that contextual factors play a role in who gets diagnosed, the type of diagnosis, who gets treatment, and the type of treatment provided. 1

Signe M. Kastberg

Jun 13, 2021 · 6 min read

Are My Child's Speech Delays a Sign of Autism?

Are My Child's Speech Delays a Sign of Autism?

True or False: Speech Delays = Autism? Parents become understandably anxious when a child doesn’t meet age-expected speech development milestones. There is a delicate balance between total panic at the sign of speech delays, and taking a step-by-step approach to understanding wh

Signe M. Kastberg

May 30, 2021 · 5 min read

Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for Autistic Children

Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for Autistic Children

What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s autism diagnosis is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are some of the questions that parents, therapists, and teachers ask about an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) d

Signe M. Kastberg

Jan 10, 2021 · 5 min read