Haley Moss is a 15-year-old autistic girl. She has been fighting autism since she was 3, and although she is high functioning, she has experienced the hardships that encumber autism. As a teen in high school, she finds herself ostracized from her peers; she’s not interested in the same things the other girls are. Her classmates also find her to be extremely shy, she does not engage in conversation unless she is spoken to first. But all these aspects are not because she dislikes peers, it is her autism that causes her to be socially awkward. At only 15 years old, Haley has achieved a success that other teens her age have not. She recently wrote a book about the hardships of middle school, “Middle School, the Stuff Nobody Tells You About” where she talks about her experiences in middle school. The book also gives advice to fellow teens under the spectrum, as well as their parents, and teachers. She not only wrote the book, but illustrated it as well. She is highly talented in the arts and has already displayed her work in several expositions and won awards. Haley’s autism has given her a different perspective in life, but…

Having children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders can be a challenge at all stages of development. During the child years, both male and females go through hormonal changes. These changes can bring emotional and physical barriers, adding to the already difficult burden of the symptoms related to their disorder; for girls, menstruation and for boys, voice alterations and hair growth. Both genders will also be exposed to social changes and increased academic expectations. It is important for parents to be highly involved in their growth and behavioral, social, and cognitive development in order to make their child years the smoothest transition to adulthood as possible. Middle school is one of the toughest transitioning events of all. That is why I will try my best to guide you through all of the steps necessary to make your experience a successful and even an enjoyable one! Parenting your ASD Child through Social and Academic Changes Social Issues As a parent, you need to be prepared to deal with the issues of peers.  You need to be a strong model and influence for your child so that he/she can overcome the tribulations of middle school. Their symptomatic differences in behavior are many times…