# AutismhoodMedia newsletter > A newsletter to inspire positive autism awareness ## Recent Posts - [The Spaghetti standard](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/the-spaghetti-standard): In the world of advocacy, we often talk about "finding your voice." But for my son Sheamus, now 17, the challenge isn’t just speaking it’s the internal detective work of identifying what he actually wants for himself. If you ask Sheamus what he wants to eat, the answer is a scripted, reliable reflex: Spaghetti or chicken tenders. The irony? He actually loves a wide variety of foods. He has a sophisticated palate that enjoys flavors far beyond the basics. But when put on the spot to define a "... - [Seventeen Candles, Quiet Joy](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/seventeen-candles-quiet-joy): On February 8th, my son Sheamus turned 17. Seventeen feels like a tall number. It stands there, shoulders back, almost adult-sized, asking you to notice the years that carried you here. We kept it simple. We always do. The small party happened on Saturday, the day before his actual birthday. Just the circle that matters most. Me, Sheamus, and my mom, his grandma. No crowd noise, no pressure, no forced smiles. Just comfort, familiarity, and the kind of calm that lets an autistic teen actually ... - [Letting go, Leaning in](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/letting-go-leaning-in): Letting Go, Leaning In: What My Son Taught Me About Support, Trust, and Growth Parenting an autistic teenager means living in a constant dance between teaching, reinforcing, relearning, and sometimes quietly stepping aside. With my son Sheamus, that dance has been my daily rhythm for years. I’ve taught him basic living skills over and over. Cooking. Laundry. Social awareness. Safety. The fundamentals that build independence. Some of them stick. Some of them fade, not out of defiance, but out ... - [Teaching vs Placating](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/teaching-vs-placating): Teaching vs. Placating: The Quiet Shift That Changed Everything There are two very different ways to work with autistic students. One is to teach them. The other is to keep them comfortable. From the outside, those two approaches can look almost identical. A calm classroom. A compliant student. No complaints coming home in the backpack. But underneath, they are worlds apart. I learned that difference the hard way with my son Sheamus. When School Was a Place of Growth In elementary and middle ... - [The Shampoo Struggle](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/the-shampoo-struggle): The Shampoo Struggle: Sensory Sensitivity and Sheamus’ Hair Care Journey When people think about raising an autistic child, they usually imagine school meetings, communication challenges, or finding the right therapies. Very few picture the battlefield that can be a simple bottle of shampoo. But in our house, hair care has always been serious business. Sheamus has intense sensory sensitivities. His world is experienced at full volume, and that includes smells, textures, and how things feel on... - [Coming full circle](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/coming-full-circle): There is a strange, beautiful kind of nostalgia in returning to a place that once held your hopes for your child’s future. This week, our family took a step back in time and a giant leap forward. My son, Sheamus, is at a massive crossroads. He’s 16, standing on the edge of adulthood with his 17th birthday quickly approaching on February 8th. As he prepares for that final stretch of his teenage years, I realized that the support he had as a toddler was exactly what he needed again to navigate ... - [Navigating The New Year](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/navigating-the-new-year): Moving into a new year is often marketed as a time of "fresh starts" and "exciting changes," but for many autistic individuals, the transition can be a source of significant anxiety. The shift from the structured (or chaotic) holiday season back into "normal" life, combined with the abstract concept of a new calendar year, can feel overwhelming. Here is a guide on how to provide meaningful, sensory-aware support during this transition. Navigating the New Year: A Guide to Supporting Autistic I... - [Pedals to purpose](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/pedals-to-purpose): From Pedals to Purpose: Supporting Sheamus at 16 Every parent wants their child to experience the freedom of movement. For my son Sheamus, who is now 16 going on 17, that journey started years ago with a simple exercise bike. For children and teens on the spectrum, coordination isn’t just a physical skill it is a gateway to independence. As we navigate the threshold of adulthood, the lessons we learned on that stationary bike have evolved into the building blocks of his teenage years. The Evo... - [Seasonal Depression and winter wellness](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/seasonal-depression-and-winter-wellness): Seasonal Depression and Winter Wellness: Supporting Autistic Individuals Through the Cold Months When winter rolls in, the world slows down. Days get shorter, light fades faster, and the air feels heavier. For many people, that shift can trigger seasonal depression but for autistic individuals, the impact is often deeper, more complex, and more misunderstood. Winter can intensify sensory overload, disrupt routines, change sleep cycles, and increase fatigue. And while seasonal depression is co... - [The power of A positive attitude](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/the-power-of-a-positive-attitude): The Power of a Positive Attitude: Why It Matters for Caregivers of Autistic and Special Needs Individuals Caring for a neurodivergent loved one is one of the most demanding, emotionally layered, and deeply human roles anyone can take on. It requires energy, patience, flexibility, and a level of emotional presence that many people never fully understand. But at the center of it all is something that shapes every moment, every decision, and every outcome: attitude. A positive mindset isn’t abou... - [Holiday adjustments](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/holiday-adjustments): Making the Holidays Brighter for Autistic Loved Ones: Practical Tips for a More Enjoyable Season The holiday season brings lights, gatherings, laughter, and traditions beautiful moments that can also come with sensory overload, social pressure, and big changes in routine. For many autistic children, teens, and adults, this time of year can feel overwhelming rather than joyful. But with awareness, preparation, and compassion, families can create a holiday experience that feels safe, comfortabl... - [Autistic withdrawal](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/autistic-withdrawal): Why Some Autistic Individuals Become More Withdrawn as They Get Older As autistic individuals move into their teen and adult years, people often notice a shift: less socializing, more time alone, and a growing preference for quiet spaces. Outsiders sometimes misinterpret this change as shyness, fear, or a lack of interest in others. But the reality is far deeper and far more human. For many autistic people, becoming more withdrawn isn’t about avoiding the world. It’s about protecting their we... - [Transition from teen to adult](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/transition-from-teen-to-adult): The Transition from Teen to Young Adult: What It Means for Autistic Individuals The journey from teenage years to adulthood is a big milestone for anyone, but for autistic individuals, this transition often brings unique challenges and opportunities. It’s a time filled with change new expectations, increased independence, and decisions about education, work, and relationships. Understanding this stage is key to supporting autistic teens as they step into adulthood with confidence and self-awa... - [What is online content, really?](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/what-is-online-content-really): And Why It Matters So Much to the Special Needs Community In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected and misunderstood, online content has become more than just videos, blogs, or social posts it’s a lifeline. It’s where our stories meet. It’s where parents, advocates, and autistic individuals find each other across screens and time zones. For the special needs community, online content means connection and connection means survival. 🌍 Feeling Part of a Community When you’re raising a ch... - [The Many Faces of Tupperware](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/the-many-faces-of-tupperware): Let’s be real Tupperware is as much kitchen gadget as it is lifestyle. I mean, sure, it was originally designed as a container for storing food, but if you’ve ever lived in a neurodivergent house (or, honestly, a house in general), you know that Tupperware has been well, well beyond that a long time. Basically, it’s the Swiss Army knife of plastics. 1. The Obvious: Food Storage (and Possibly Mystery Leftovers) Priorities are food, yes, yes. Tupperware ensures your pasta is saucy, your cereal ... - [Seasonal Transition](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/seasonal-transition): From Summer Heat to Autumn Chill: Dressing for Comfort and Inclusion The days are getting shorter, mornings feel a little crisper, and suddenly iced coffee doesn’t hit the same. Yep, summer is on its way out and fall is settling in. For a lot of people, this season feels exciting pumpkin spice everything, colorful leaves, and finally pulling out those cozy layers. But for many autistic folks, this change can also come with some sensory curveballs, especially when it comes to clothes. Because ... - [The Hoodie Effect](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/the-hoodie-effect): The Hoodie Effect: More Than Just Summer Style Why Teens Are Still Wearing Hoodies This Summer: Something Bigger Than a Fashion Trend One modern phenomenon among teen teens is sporting hoodies and jogger suits on the hottest summer days. On the surface, it might raise an eyebrow among parents, instructors, or fellow classmates: why in the world would one choose extra clothing when it’s hot? However when investigated further, the choice often has little to do with style. To most young adults n... - [Let’s touch grass ](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/lets-touch-grass) ## Blog Information - [Homepage](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/): Main blog page - [RSS Feed](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@publication-1756155307671): Subscribe to updates ## Optional - [All Posts](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/): Complete post archive - [Sitemap](https://paragraph.com/@publication-1756155307671/sitemap-index.xml): XML sitemap for crawlers