Autism Parenting Weekly Digest: College Success, Community Events & New Research
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these autism-friendly events:
- April 2: World Autism Awareness Day - Global online events
- April 10-16: National Autism Awareness Week - Virtual and local events nationwide
- April 15: Parent Support Group Meeting - Online via Zoom (7pm EST)
This Week's News
College Program Helps Autistic Students Thrive
The Saint Mary's College Autism Program is gaining attention for its success in supporting students with autism through specialized mentoring, social skills training, and academic accommodations. Parents report the program helps with the challenging transition to college life.
Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hours Expand Nationwide
Major retailers including Target and Walmart are expanding their sensory-friendly shopping hours, offering dimmed lights, no music, and trained staff to create calmer shopping experiences for autistic individuals and their families.
New Guide Helps Parents Navigate IEP Process
The Department of Education released an updated IEP guide with clearer language and step-by-step instructions to help parents advocate for their child's educational needs.
Research Spotlight
Early Motor Skills May Predict Later Autism Traits
A new study suggests that infants who show delays in reaching motor milestones (like sitting up or grasping objects) may have a higher likelihood of developing autism traits by preschool age. Researchers emphasize this doesn't mean all children with motor delays will develop autism, but it could help identify children who might benefit from early screening.
Parent-Led Therapy Shows Long-Term Benefits
Exciting research from the University of Manchester shows that parent-delivered social communication therapy for young autistic children can lead to lasting improvements in social interaction skills, even years after the therapy ends. This highlights how parents can be powerful agents of positive change.
