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August is that gentle nudge—a reminder that summer isn’t over just yet, but change is peeking around the corner. Whether you're
squeezing in a few more sunny adventures or slowly shifting into back-to-school mode, it’s a time for grace, patience, and small joys. For families navigating autism, every transition brings its own rhythm—and every step forward is something to celebrate. Here’s to savoring the sunshine,
easing into new routines, and greeting what’s next with open hearts. Warmly,
Karen
Back to School Helping Kids with Autism Head Back to School with Confidence
The return to school can bring excitement—and a bit of anxiety—for kids on the autism spectrum. With some thoughtful planning, you can help make the transition smoother and more positive. - Create a consistent routine at home to provide structure and
predictability, which helps ease anxiety.
- Adjust sleep and wake times gradually before school starts so the shift doesn’t feel sudden.
- Use visual schedules with pictures to outline daily routines—from morning to after-school—to give your child a clear sense of what to expect.
- Visit the school in advance, walk the halls, explore the classroom, and introduce your child to their teacher to build familiarity.
- Pack a sensory-friendly toolkit with calming items like fidget toys or noise-canceling headphones to support comfort throughout the day.
- Stay connected with
school staff, sharing your child’s strengths, challenges, and calming strategies so they feel supported from day one.
With patience and preparation, the new school year can be a confident step forward for your child.
"And that's just part of who I am" This short animated video features Jacob, a young autistic narrator, confidently sharing, “I’m autistic…
and that’s just part of my brain.” Through simple visuals and heartfelt words, the video powerfully promotes understanding and pride in neurodiversity. It’s a beautiful reminder that autism is a lifelong part of identity—worthy of acceptance and
celebration.
Volunteers Help Us Build a Brighter Future—One Volunteer at a Time
At Autism Today Foundation, we’re powered by more than 60 amazing volunteers from around the world. From writers and editors to designers, advisors, and social media champions—they bring a rich mix of talents, cultures, and lived experiences to our mission.
Thanks to our incredible volunteers, we're able to reach more families, share more stories, and build a brighter future for the autism community. Interested in joining our volunteer team? We’d love to connect with you!
Unlocking Potential: Inclusive Hiring for Autistic Talent Discover The Inclusive Workplace, a free, bilingual online hub co‑created
by Autism Alliance of Canada and Inclusion Canada, stocked with over 100 community‑developed resources—from eLearning modules to guides—designed to foster truly inclusive hiring practices. This empowering platform supports both job seekers on the autism spectrum or with
intellectual disabilities, and the businesses ready to welcome their talents, making workplace inclusion not just possible, but impactful. With Government of Canada support, it’s a timely and accessible answer to ongoing workforce challenges—complete with plain‑language text and
universal‑design features to ensure everyone can engage effectively. So whether you’re exploring new career paths or striving to build a more diverse team, The Inclusive Workplace is your toolkit for positive, practical change.
Employment Why Hiring Autistic Talent Works
MSP Design Group recently highlighted key insights on the benefits of hiring autistic team members—pointing to unmatched qualities like attention to detail, focus, and loyalty. Embracing neuroinclusive hiring not only unlocks valuable skills but also results in lower turnover rates and high workplace engagement. By rethinking traditional recruitment—using clear job descriptions, accessible interviews, and reasonable accommodations—organizations can tap into a motivated, dependable talent pool. Companies that champion this approach benefit not just socially, but also through increased productivity,
innovation, and a stronger, more diverse workforce.
Diagnosis Celebration Teen Turns Diagnosis Into Celebration—and Starts a Conversation
Seventeen-year-old Avery Thurrott recently hosted a unique “diagnosis reveal” party—complete with a cake and guessing beads—to share her autism, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar II, and complex PTSD diagnoses with loved ones. What began as a playful twist on gender reveals quickly went viral, sparking important discussions about neurodiversity, late
autism diagnoses in girls, mental health stigma, and finding validation through celebration.
Avery’s openness is helping others feel seen and confident in pursuing their own paths to understanding.
Latest news around the world Gaming Robot Lights the Way for Young Autistic LearnersA team in India has created a fun, space-themed robot to help kids with autism
learn and play. The robot can sense how a child is feeling and adjusts its games to match their needs. It’s a new and exciting way to support learning and confidence through play. - Click here 15-year-old with autism paints world's largest canvasIn Nigeria, a non-verbal autistic teen, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, set a Guinness World Record by painting a 132,000+ ft² canvas titled “Impossibility Is a Myth”—a vibrant and hopeful symbol of self-expression and autism acceptance - Click here Promising Stem Cell “Mini-Brains”In South Korea, BTS member Suga has partnered with
Severance Hospital to launch the Min Yoongi Treatment Centre, dedicated to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Drawing from his experience as a musician and advocate, Suga has donated approximately $3.6 million to fund the facility, which aims to blend the power of music and therapy. - Click here
Autism from the Soul Employment Opportunity
Deborah L. Penry, a parent of a child with special needs, created a thoughtful and humorous “Employment Opportunity” handout to reflect the realities of parenting a child with developmental disabilities. Framed as a job posting, it highlights the lifelong commitment, advocacy, and resilience the role demands. Her creative approach offers
insight, fosters empathy, and serves as a meaningful resource for both parents and professionals in the community.
Share your story, image or video here. We'd love to hear from you!
Autism Family Mediation Considering separation? Court is stressful. Mediation is different. Here's why more families are choosing a peaceful alternative. If you're considering separation—or already navigating that process—you may be wondering what path is right for your family.
At Ultimate Mediation, they believe in preserving relationships, protecting children’s peace, and reducing stress for everyone involved.
Here’s what makes mediation different:
- Neutral & child-centered: Our focus is always your child’s well-being
- Led by a seasoned expert: Ronald Caissie brings 30+ years of compassionate mediation experience
- Far more affordable:
Mediation costs about 10% of what legal action would
- Purpose-driven: Session fees support the Autism Today Foundation
Plus, you can begin with a free initial session to see if it’s a good fit.
No pressure. No courtroom. Just a better way
forward.
Books Little Rainman - By Karen Simmons, Founder of Autism Today
Little Rainman offers a window into the mind of a child with autism, told in his own words and illustrated with vivid, picture-based storytelling. FLUSH! goes the toilet - and Jonathan watches in awe. This moment captures Jonathan's sensory curiosity. For him, flushing isn't mischief - it's magic, motion and discovery. Whether you’re sharing it with your own family or
using it to help others understand neurodiversity, Little Rainman continues to inspire empathy, acceptance, and understanding.
Karen’s first book, originally published in 1996 by Future Horizons, is getting a much-deserved facelift! We’re updating it with the latest autism information and giving it a vibrant upgrade—from black and white to full color. Stay tuned for updates!
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