Guiding Exceptional Parents

05/29/2026

This gift article from The New York Times does a great job documenting what parents (and kids!) report.

I wish government would go after these practices instead of family members who are paid caregivers for disabled family members.

The industry has grown rapidly, straining state budgets. A focus on finances has led to overbilling, fraud and even harm.

05/27/2026

Join me on May 30th at the Transition to Adulthood Clinic!

Supporting an autistic teen through the transition to adulthood means preparing for much more than graduation. From higher education and employment to independent living and long-term support, this stage often requires thoughtful planning and new systems of care.

An important part of the process is understanding the shift from school-based special education services to adult disability resources and benefits, many of which must be applied for after high school ends.

This is an event to get professional help applying for DORS, DDA, and SSI.

I will have a table at the event until noon. Come say hello!

Learn more here: https://www.xminds.org/event-6540199

05/25/2026

I've long thought of the "autism spectrum" this way - with a complex pattern of strengths and challenges. This is a fantastic tool to help people understand what your autistic child is experiencing.

Read here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-autism-spectrum-isnt-a-sliding-scale-39-traits-show-the-complexity/

The autism spectrum is big, vibrant and complicated, a new graphic of 39 traits shows

05/20/2026

Great article from Eric Jorgensen about the importance of being able to use ABLE accounts for managing day-to-day expenses.

Or at Least, Incomplete

05/14/2026

Things aren't always what they appear. It's important to dig beneath what you see on the surface to find out the real cause of behavior.

A grandmother’s sudden fear of snakes hid a surprising emotional truth—and revealed how anxiety can act as a powerful signal rather than a mystery or malady.

05/12/2026

Join us tomorrow (May 13th), on PDA Day, for a global community event by PDA North America.

This is a day dedicated to increasing understanding, fostering support, and sharing practical strategies for living with PDA. Speaker topics range from what pre-burnout looks like to "unlearning" authority.

I'll be speaking at 11:15 am on PDAers transitioning to adulthood!

This will be recorded and sent to all who register.

Find your free ticket here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pda-day-community-event

05/11/2026

When a child “refuses,” shuts down, or escalates… it’s easy to see behavior.

But often, it’s actually regulation.

And when we respond to behavior without understanding regulation, things escalate faster instead of getting better.

At the Unlocking Regulation Summit, you’ll learn what’s happening underneath those moments and how to respond without increasing stress.

It's free to attend. Virtual. May 18–21. After registration, video sessions are free for 24 hours.

I'll be speaking on how kids learn to regulate... and why it takes time.

Learn more here: https://parentingadhdandautism.com/unlocking-regulation-2026/?affiliate=sarah_wayland

05/07/2026

Big emotions don’t go away.

But children can learn to move through them faster.
With less intensity. Less fallout.

That’s regulation.

And it can change a lot for the better:

- Mornings
- Transitions
- After school
- Your confidence in the hard moments

If you’ve been stuck in the same patterns no matter what you do, this is worth your time.
Join us, for free, May 18–21.

On May 21 I'll be speaking on how kids learn to regulate... and why it takes time.

Learn more here: https://parentingadhdandautism.com/unlocking-regulation-2026/?affiliate=sarah_wayland
And find my book here: https://www.isthisautism.com/

05/06/2026

A really good discussion about how to adapt SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) when working with autistic children. No clear answers, but an important portal to understanding what is possible.

4 likes, 2 comments. "SPACE for anxiety in Autistic Children: A neuroaffirming conversation with Amara Brook and Amy Killy"

05/02/2026

A distinct neural circuit has been found for a third type of ADHD (severe combined (inattentive + hyperactive/impulsive) with emotional dysregulation). The emotional aspect of this form of ADHD can be really challenging, both for those who have it and those who love them. It’s good to see research showing that it is part of the profile.

A recent study suggests there may be three different biotypes of ADHD. The findings suggest that each ADHD subtype may have its own distinct chemical reactions in the brain, which could improve how the condition is diagnosed and treated.