💡 AUTISM & SLEEP: WHAT'S NEW IN 2026?

Sleep problems are common in autism, impacting daily life for many individuals and families. But there's good news! Researchers are actively exploring solutions.

The Stanford 2026 Annual Autism Update highlighted the brain bases of neurodevelopment and sleep problems in autism. Understanding these connections could lead to more targeted interventions.

Practical Tip: Create a consistent bedtime routine. A predictable schedule can help regulate your child's sleep-wake cycle. Dim the lights, read a story, or play soft music to signal bedtime.

Research into sleep and autism is ongoing, but small changes can make a big difference!

🔗 https://med.stanford.edu/autis....mcenter/annual-autis

💬 What strategies have you found helpful for improving sleep in your family? Share your tips below!

🎉 NEW COMMUNITY EVENT!

📌 Autism Innovations Spotlighted at John Carroll’s ConneXtion Conference

📅 Date: 2026-04-16
🕐 Time: 190 - 200
📍 Location: Online

Autism innovations are the focus of John Carroll University's ConneXtion conference.

This event aims to highlight new ideas and advancements in the field of autism, offering valuable insights for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in learning more about autism.

Further details about speakers, registration, and specific topics covered will be available soon. Stay tuned for updates on how to join this informative conference!

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/ar....ticles/CBMiugFBVV95c

💙 We'd love to see you there!
🔗 https://news.google.com/rss/ar....ticles/CBMiugFBVV95c

📚 SUPPORTING TEENS: ADVANCING SELF-ADVOCACY SKILLS IN AUTISM (2026)

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
Recent research highlights the importance of self-advocacy for autistic teens and young adults. One notable program, the Self-Determination Learning Model (SDMLI), is being studied in conjunction with UNITED navigation to support self-advocacy skills in individuals aged 13-22. This initiative aims to empower older children to advocate for their needs and preferences. Other studies are exploring personalized interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, including those related to social engagement and family navigation.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Self-advocacy is crucial for autistic teens and young adults as they transition into adulthood.
✅ The SDMLI program, paired with UNITED navigation, shows promise in fostering self-advocacy skills.
✅ Personalized interventions are essential to meet the unique needs of each individual.
✅ School-based social and peer engagement programs like Remaking Recess (RR) can support younger children, while family navigation programs like Mind the Gap (MTG) can assist newly diagnosed children under 8 and their families.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS
➡️ Encourage your teen to express their needs and preferences in various settings.
➡️ Support their participation in self-advocacy programs like SDMLI.
➡️ Collaborate with educators and therapists to develop personalized strategies.
➡️ Provide opportunities for social interaction and peer engagement.
➡️ Seek out family navigation services for ongoing support and guidance.

📖 READ MORE
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism

💬 What strategies have you found helpful in supporting your teen's self-advocacy skills?

📚 SUPPORTING TEENS: ADVANCING SELF-ADVOCACY SKILLS IN AUTISM (2026)

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
Recent research highlights the importance of self-advocacy for autistic teens and young adults. One notable program, the Self-Determination Learning Model (SDMLI), is being studied in conjunction with UNITED navigation to support self-advocacy skills in individuals aged 13-22. This initiative aims to empower older children to advocate for their needs and preferences. Other studies are exploring personalized interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, including those related to social engagement and family navigation.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Self-advocacy is crucial for autistic teens and young adults as they transition into adulthood.
✅ The SDMLI program, paired with UNITED navigation, shows promise in fostering self-advocacy skills.
✅ Personalized interventions are essential to meet the unique needs of each individual.
✅ School-based social and peer engagement programs like Remaking Recess (RR) can support younger children, while family navigation programs like Mind the Gap (MTG) can assist newly diagnosed children under 8 and their families.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS
➡️ Encourage your teen to express their needs and preferences in various settings.
➡️ Support their participation in self-advocacy programs like SDMLI.
➡️ Collaborate with educators and therapists to develop personalized strategies.
➡️ Provide opportunities for social interaction and peer engagement.
➡️ Seek out family navigation services for ongoing support and guidance.

📖 READ MORE
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism

💬 What strategies have you found helpful in supporting your teen's self-advocacy skills?

🌟 NATURALISTIC DEVELOPMENTAL BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS (NDBIS) FOR AUTISM: WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW!

Exciting news! Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are gaining momentum as effective, evidence-based approaches for supporting autistic children.

📌 What are NDBIs? These therapies focus on leveraging a child's natural interests and daily routines to teach new skills. Think play-based learning and embedding therapeutic strategies into everyday moments!

✅ Stanford's Annual Autism Update in 2026 highlighted the importance of NDBIs, particularly when combined with parent self-regulation techniques. This means parents learning strategies to manage their own emotions and responses, creating a more supportive environment for their child's development.

💡 Why is this important? NDBIs are often more engaging and motivating for children, leading to better outcomes. Plus, empowering parents with self-regulation skills can reduce stress and improve family well-being!

🔗 Learn more about NDBIs:
https://med.stanford.edu/autis....mcenter/annual-autis

💬 What are your experiences with play-based therapies or incorporating learning into daily routines? Share your tips in the comments!

🌟 NATURALISTIC DEVELOPMENTAL BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS (NDBIS) FOR AUTISM: WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW!

Exciting news! Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are gaining momentum as effective, evidence-based approaches for supporting autistic children.

📌 What are NDBIs? These therapies focus on leveraging a child's natural interests and daily routines to teach new skills. Think play-based learning and embedding therapeutic strategies into everyday moments!

✅ Stanford's Annual Autism Update in 2026 highlighted the importance of NDBIs, particularly when combined with parent self-regulation techniques. This means parents learning strategies to manage their own emotions and responses, creating a more supportive environment for their child's development.

💡 Why is this important? NDBIs are often more engaging and motivating for children, leading to better outcomes. Plus, empowering parents with self-regulation skills can reduce stress and improve family well-being!

🔗 Learn more about NDBIs:
https://med.stanford.edu/autis....mcenter/annual-autis

💬 What are your experiences with play-based therapies or incorporating learning into daily routines? Share your tips in the comments!

🎉 NEW COMMUNITY EVENT!

📌 Jason Kelce hosts 5th annual Team 62 for Eagles Autism Foundation

📅 Date: 2026-04-14
🕐 Time: 090 - 100
📍 Location: Ocean Drive, Philadelphia

Join Jason Kelce for the 5th annual Team 62 event at Ocean Drive, raising money for the Eagles Autism Foundation!

This special event supports the Eagles Autism Foundation's mission to fund innovative research and programs that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism.

Come out and show your support for a great cause, and enjoy a memorable experience with fellow fans and community members.

For more information, please visit [the source article](https://news.google.com/rss/ar....ticles/CBMixAFBVV95c

💙 We'd love to see you there!
🔗 https://news.google.com/rss/ar....ticles/CBMixAFBVV95c

🔬 UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: COMBINING THERAPIES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

For parents navigating the world of autism therapies, understanding how different approaches can work together is key. Recent research highlights the potential benefits of combining interventions to address the diverse needs of children on the spectrum.

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

➡️ UCLA researchers are currently exploring the effectiveness of combining JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) play-based therapy with PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) speech therapy. This study aims to understand speech heterogeneity in autism and develop more personalized interventions. The combined approach could be especially beneficial for children who need support with both social communication and speech production.

➡️ The UNITED framework, being implemented in schools and communities, also demonstrates the power of combining interventions. This framework uses Mind the Gap (family navigation), Remaking Recess (school-based social engagement), and Self-Determination Learning Model of Instruction (self-advocacy) to provide comprehensive support across different age groups.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

📌 Combining therapies can address multiple areas of need simultaneously.
📌 Personalized approaches, like the JASPER/PROMPT study, are crucial for tailoring interventions to individual strengths and challenges.
📌 School and community-based frameworks can provide holistic support for children and families.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS

✅ Talk to your child's therapists about the possibility of integrating different approaches.
✅ Consider interventions that address both communication and social skills.
✅ Explore school and community programs that offer comprehensive support.

📖 READ MORE

University of California Health Autism Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism
UCLA Autism Clinical Trials: https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💬 What combinations of therapies have you found helpful for your child? Share your experiences below!