Rethinking New Year's Resolutions Here's what happens every January: everyone sets big ambitious goals. Lose weight. Exercise daily. Be more patient. Achieve more. Transform completely. And for families with neurodivergent children , those resolutions often include things like: get my child to do X, fix Y behavior, master Z skill. Then by February, you're behind on the goals. Feeling like you've failed. Beating yourself up for not doing enough. Setting intentions for neurodi

The Social Performance Trap Let's talk about what happens at most holiday gatherings. Your child walks in and immediately gets swarmed. "Give grandma a hug!" "Say thank you for the present!" "Go play with your cousins!" "Tell everyone about school!" "Why are you being so quiet?" And when your child doesn't respond the way adults expect—when they don't make eye contact, or they walk away, or they need space—suddenly you're getting looks. Comments about manners. Suggestions abo

The Sensory Reality of December Nobody talks about this part. Everyone focuses on magic and joy. But for families with sensory-sensitive kids, the holidays are an endurance test. Think about what December actually involves: Visual:  Flashing lights everywhere. Bright colors. Screens playing holiday content on loop. New decorations change familiar spaces. Auditory:  Holiday music constantly. Crowds. Loud gatherings. Excited voices. Tactile:  Itchy sweaters. Tags on new gifts.

The Holiday Routine Paradox Let me guess: you've been told that kids with autism need routine. You've also been told that the holidays are supposed to be magical, spontaneous, full of surprises. Here's what I've learned: it can actually be both. But it requires rethinking what we mean by routine and letting go of what the holidays are "supposed" to look like. Predictable holiday routines  aren't about controlling every moment. They're about creating enough structure that your