One of the ongoing challenges of helping children with autism thrive is understanding behaviors that can seem baffling. When they’re toddlers, they’re easily misdiagnosed if they don’t fit the stereotypes of kids on the spectrum — especially girls. Older kids can also struggle to have their needs met by even the most supportive parents and teachers when they aren’t able to communicate clearly.
childmind.org has many resources that can help clear up some common sources of misunderstandings. Read through the articles listed below to hear from autism experts as they explain how repetitive or self-harming behaviors may have medical causes, how sensory processing issues can trigger meltdowns, and what is behind picky eating and other mealtime challenges. They also discuss ways to help kids on the spectrum build communication skills, so they can express their own wants and needs more effectively.