Now that summer is finally upon us, I wanted to share a few tips that might make your days more carefree as you spend more time outdoors (at last!) 
New to the neighborhood?
Summer can be a good time to reach out and get to know your neighbors. Plan a brief visit to your neighbor’s house, to introduce yourself and your child (a photo may also work). Take a few moments and describe some of the positive, as well as challenging, behaviors of your child. I always emphasized the issue of wandering and stressed that if a neighbor saw Ryan out by himself to engage him in conversation and walk him home. You can provide your neighbor with a simple handout that has your name, address, phone number, and emergency contact information.
Teach your child about water safety
Living in Erie, water safety is a critical issue. However, in any community, children with autism are often attracted to water sources such as pools, ponds, and lakes. Since most children with ASD are rule-driven, setting specific rules around how your child is to handle being around water can be relatively easy. Just make sure you practice those rules in real life situations. When Ryan started his swimming lessons at 2, he refused to put his head under water. Today, he swims laps in the LECOM pool an hour at a time.
Consider a Medical ID Bracelet or a personal tracking device
Depending upon your child’s age and verbal skills, you may want to purchase an ID Bracelet for your child. Include your name and telephone number and state that your child has autism. If your child will not wear a bracelet or necklace, a temporary tattoo with your contact information is another option.
Another option is a tracking device, a small unit that you can place in your child’s pocket or backpack. It works with your computer or mobile phone to allow you to monitor your child’s location. Others involve a handheld unit for the parent which tracks the location of the child’s wristband.
Wandering prevention
Some children with ASD act impulsively and may run away or wander. Using deadbolt locks, keeping doors and windows locked and installing an alarm on doors are some ways to help prevent wandering while indoors. For children who respond well to visual cues, consider placing STOP or DO NOT ENTER signs around as these can be powerful reminders. We have lots of doors in our house, so I installed alarms on all of them so that I would know when Ryan exited if I were in another room.
Of course these are just some ideas to help keep your child safe during the summer. If you have any other great advice, please share below!
, I’ve come to understand that this is a common struggle for many children and adults with autism. Ryan’s life is certainly Rule-Driven; he wants to desperately follow the rules, but when unanticipated situations occur he becomes anxious, as does not know how to respond. This is especially true in situations that require an emotional response. Empathy is one of those responses that I have worked very diligently to teach Ryan. Some would suggest a lack of interest or concern for others is a characteristic of children with autism. I would suggest that this is an issue with generalization and not the lack of empathy. In other words, Ryan and some with autism struggle to apply lessons of kindness and empathy to all situations, in all locations. Simply put, Ryan needs rules for each and every situation.
Although it may not always seem to be the case, scientists and researchers are constantly uncovering more information related to autism, offering insights into the origins, possible causes and even at times potential cures. I come across dozens of articles on a weekly basis, some of which seem more important than others. After the positive response I received when I posted 
Pennsylvania Governor Wolf has proposed a $120 million dollar state funding increase for high quality pre-K programs. His rationale is that this will boost high school graduation rates, and ultimately reduce the number of people incarcerated in PA. That same $120 million investment now could end up 
Up at 5:30 a.m. and drove over to LECOM by 6 a.m. However, we had one important addition to our morning routine — we voted! As soon as Ryan turned 18, he registered to vote and has been voting in each and every election since then. We’ve discussed the importance of voting, and why you should never, ever miss. Prior to the election, we review the ballot and discuss the various responsibilities of each of the positions being voted on. He is always especially interested in the judgeships because he knows that only lawyers can be judges, and his Uncle Thomas was a judge. Of course, there is also his fascination with Law & Order!
All About Autism 