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Weekly motivation and expert guidance for parents of autistic children
Latest Posts
Salt Isn't Sugar
This week, we’ll explore how our assumptions and beliefs we hold about our kids can either limit or can open up new possibilities. I’ll share the wisdom of an old Chinese fable and you’ll hear an excerpt from my book Challenging the Myths of Autism.
Build Resilience in your Child
For this week’s A.I.M., we look back to a conversation I had with four amazing mom’s, each raising an autistic child, and who collaboratively host a top parenting podcast called Mom’s Talk Autism.
How to be a Visionary
In today’s A.I.M. we look at the tension between acceptance and change.
What is
AIM with Jonathan Alderson?
Jonathan Alderson, author of Challenging the Myths of Autism and ThriveGuide founder, shares insights and strategies learned from 25+ years working with autistic children.
Based on a foundation of love and acceptance, each weekly AIM article empowers parents with positive attitude, clear intentions, and motivation to help their autistic children thrive.
Latest AIMs
Salt Isn't Sugar
This week, we’ll explore how our assumptions and beliefs we hold about our kids can either limit or can open up new possibilities. I’ll share the wisdom of an old Chinese fable and you’ll hear an excerpt from my book Challenging the Myths of Autism.
Build Resilience in your Child
This week, we look back to a conversation I had with four amazing mom’s, each raising an autistic child, and who collaboratively host a top parenting podcast called Mom’s Talk Autism.
Certain Boundaries
Adults must set boundaries and then be certain about the boundaries they set.
It Bears Repeating
This week, aim your focus on being extra accepting of your child’s repetitive behaviors.
The Power and Pitfall of Routine
Why do so many autistic kids meltdown to crisis-level when even just a tiny part of their routines is changed?
Stop and Smell the Roses
Learning occurs best through exploration and experimentation.
False Hope Really is False
“Clara’s condition unfolded over time…. We knew some things before she was born… we knew there was some issue with her heart, but we didn’t quite realize the severity of it until after she was born….” - Roger, Father of Autistic Daughter, Clara
Stare More!
We’re all taught to not stare at others because it’s rude.
Stop Controlling
How can I get my child to do what they’re told?
How to be a Visionary
In today’s A.I.M. we look at the tension between acceptance and change.
Better Together
So why are parenting styles important?
The Wrong Kind of Praise
Buckle in for some surprising facts. There’s no better way to spend 10-minutes or less to A.I.M. your week in the right direction!
Let Language Happen
This week, I invite you to listen to this young autistic boy speak about his experience of learning to talk.
Enjoy the Silence
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is perhaps one of the most famous of the Persian poets and once wrote: “Listen to silence. It has so much to say”
Receptivity is Key
Teaching person-to-person (i.e., not through a computer or books) is entirely dependent on a mutually respectful and motivating relationship. A successful teacher-student relationship is based in love, trust, and cooperation.
Focus on You!
In February of 2020, one of the NBA’s most famous all-stars Shaquille O’Neal shared an anecdote about his former teammate Kobe Bryant at the deceased Bryant’s Celebration of Life: During one game, when Kobe didn’t pass the ball, Shaquille barked the old adage “Hey, Kobe, there’s no “I” in team!” Apparently Kobe replied, “I know. But there’s an “M-E!” And smiled.
Love is a Verb
As a parent, you already know that what you think and how you feel can influence how you behave. Your actions go through the filter of your attitude.
Word Play!
This week, your focus is to strike the balance between expecting more language and longer phrases from your child, while keeping communication with them light and effortless.
Smooth Sailing
One concept I learned is to “hold steady”. When your sail is full, and you’ve set a straight course, the best thing to do is to not mess with anything…
Connect through PLAY!
There has been a great divide between behavior therapies and play therapies, historically in the field of autism therapy. But this is changing...
Be Curious!
Children and adults with autism experience their environment and social interactions differently...
Break the Habit!
Break your habits so that your child can form new habits. We are all creatures of habit. We just are...
Lead from Behind!
“Leading from behind” is a term Barack Obama borrowed from Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela, was one of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid activists...
Praise Effort Not Result
It turns out that the most common way parents and teachers use praise has been shown by scientists to cause a “perverse incentive” for children to try less and to take less creative risks...
Eagle Eye
In the world of professional poker, players study the micro-behaviors of other players to see when others are nervous or confident about the cards they are holding.
Let Language Happen
This week, I invite you to listen to this young autistic boy speak about his experience of learning to talk.
Enjoy the Silence
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is perhaps one of the most famous of the Persian poets and once wrote: “Listen to silence. It has so much to say”
Receptivity is Key
Teaching person-to-person (i.e., not through a computer or books) is entirely dependent on a mutually respectful and motivating relationship. A successful teacher-student relationship is based in love, trust, and cooperation.
Focus on You!
In February of 2020, one of the NBA’s most famous all-stars Shaquille O’Neal shared an anecdote about his former teammate Kobe Bryant at the deceased Bryant’s Celebration of Life: During one game, when Kobe didn’t pass the ball, Shaquille barked the old adage “Hey, Kobe, there’s no “I” in team!” Apparently Kobe replied, “I know. But there’s an “M-E!” And smiled.
Love is a Verb
As a parent, you already know that what you think and how you feel can influence how you behave. Your actions go through the filter of your attitude.
Word Play!
This week, your focus is to strike the balance between expecting more language and longer phrases from your child, while keeping communication with them light and effortless.
Smooth Sailing
One concept I learned is to “hold steady”. When your sail is full, and you’ve set a straight course, the best thing to do is to not mess with anything…
Connect through PLAY!
There has been a great divide between behavior therapies and play therapies, historically in the field of autism therapy. But this is changing...
Be Curious!
Children and adults with autism experience their environment and social interactions differently...
Break the Habit!
Break your habits so that your child can form new habits. We are all creatures of habit. We just are...
Lead from Behind!
“Leading from behind” is a term Barack Obama borrowed from Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela, was one of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid activists...
Praise Effort Not Result
It turns out that the most common way parents and teachers use praise has been shown by scientists to cause a “perverse incentive” for children to try less and to take less creative risks...
Eagle Eye
In the world of professional poker, players study the micro-behaviors of other players to see when others are nervous or confident about the cards they are holding.
Like the Songs Says
How do you get a child to stop whining and crying so much?
Better Health = Better Learning
What's the #1 gap in the field of autism?
Mastery to Mistakes
They say “it’s human to make mistakes” and you should “learn from your mistakes”. But did you know, science supports this!
Be The Change
“Be the Change” reminds us to focus first on what changes we ourselves can make in order to inspire and model to others.
Play Therapy for Autism:
It Starts with a Belief
Parent’s attitude (which is what you think and how you feel) CAN make an important difference.
How to Help an Autistic Child Learn: Practical Tips from Jonathan Alderson
It is paradoxical that many educators still differentiate between a time for learning and time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” - Leo Buscaglia.
Adults must set boundaries and then be certain about the boundaries they set.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Learning occurs best through exploration and experimentation.
Better Together
So why are parenting styles important?
The Wrong Kind of Praise
Buckle in for some surprising facts. There’s no better way to spend 10-minutes or less to A.I.M. your week in the right direction!
Stare More!
We’re all taught to not stare at others because it’s rude.
Stop Controlling
How can I get my child to do what they’re told?
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Created by Autism Specialist.
Jonathan Alderson, Ed. M., draws on 25+ years of supporting autistic children.
Completely free resource.
No strings attached. Just a way for us to support as many families as possible.
Completely free resource.
No strings attached. Just a way for us to support as many families as possible.
Created by Autism Specialist.
Jonathan Alderson, Ed. M., draws on 25+ years of supporting autistic children.
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