The Importance of Parents and Caregivers of Autistic Loved Ones Practicing Self-Care
Caring for a child or loved one with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. Parents and caregivers often devote a significant amount of time and energy to meeting the needs of their autistic loved ones, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. However, it is crucial for these individuals to prioritize self-care for […]
Empowering Autistic Children for Financial Independence
Navigating the complexities of financial independence can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s essential for parents and caregivers to equip their autistic child with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle daily money transactions and, eventually, larger financial responsibilities. This guide aims to offer strategies and insights for teaching autistic […]
The Importance of Mental Health in Families with Autistic Children and Loved Ones
Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being for individuals and families worldwide. When a family includes an autistic child, addressing mental health needs becomes indispensable— not only for the child but also for their siblings and parents. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a variety of challenges, including difficulties with social interaction, communication, […]
Ways to Enjoy the Holidays
There is no place like home… especially for the holidays. Here are some enjoyable ways to ensure that your autistic loved one has a fun and memorable break this holiday season. Home for the holidays: Ways to make sure your autistic child enjoys their break | Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/home-holidays-ways-make-sure-your-autistic-child-enjoys-their-break Holidays can be […]
Parent and Caregiver Self-Care During the Holidays
The holidays are both demanding and stressful for parents and caregivers. It is especially important to practice self-care. Author Eleanor Brown said it most beautifully; “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” […]
Autism and Halloween
Halloween is a tradition that most families have participated in for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, it can be hard on children with autism because of the bright lights and loud noises, having to say trick or treat at each home, navigating the large groups of trick or treaters and social interactions, a change in […]
How a Child Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits
On March 23, 2023, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reported that 1 in 36 children is affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism). Having an autistic child can require parents/caregivers to make immense lifestyle changes to determine whether their child receives the care they need to thrive. Frequently one parent may become the […]
Autism is Expensive
A study conducted in 2020 found that “the average per capita cost of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is $3,566,881” (The lifetime social cost of autism: 1990-2029). Investopedia performed a research study of their own and found that raising a child without ASD in the United States in 2022 from the time they are born to […]
Respite care
Autism Speaks defines respite care as, “short-term care for a child or adult that allows the primary caregiver relief.” Respite care can be rewarding, needed, and highly beneficial to those caring for loved ones with autism. The key is using Respite Care in ways that benefit your family, your time, and your mental health. For […]
The Importance of Parents Finding Relaxation
Parents take on several tasks every single day: scheduling, routines, doctor’s appointments, meals, homework, school, practices, and so much more. For many families around the globe, an autism diagnosis makes that list even longer. Rather than spending time planning family vacations for the summer, most parents of children with autism are preparing themselves and their […]
The Role of Siblings to Autistic People
For families beginning the autism journey with a new autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, parents may ask, “What does this mean for my family?” Or, “What does this mean for my other children?” The critical thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many families wonder how their other children, older or younger, will process […]
The Role of Parents and Caregivers to an Autistic Child
For every child, the role of a parent/caregiver goes further than the word “caregiver.” It means advocator, supporter, friend, comforter, protector, and more. For a child that needs assistance communicating their wants and needs, the role of a parent/caregiver becomes essential to their mental and physical growth. So how can a parent adequately be a […]
Transition for a Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder – Life after High School
Every day we continue in life is another day to learn something new, create a new goal, or build relationships. As children and adults grow in their understanding of the world around them, they are learning. For those with autism, learning life skills is crucial for development and transition into life after school. A high […]
The Importance of Inclusion
The Center for Disease Control describes disability inclusion as “understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society and making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to their best abilities and desires.” Most children, from a young age, are taught to include everyone […]
From Awareness to Acceptance
For many, April brings a time to reach out to their loved ones, wear blue, and educate and empower those around them. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. The goal is to teach others about autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism). Answer questions like how the world can bring awareness and acceptance to help […]
Why is the Term “Asperger Syndrome” No Longer Used?
Asperger Syndrome began the beginning stages of study in 1944 by Hans Asperger. Asperger was a child psychologist who recognized a few boys he studied with average intelligence and language development that still portrayed behaviors aligned with Autism. These behaviors include a lack of social interactions, understanding nonverbal communication, obsession with a specific subject, and […]
Hope For Three Creates First Autism Awareness License Plate in Texas
Sugar Land, TX (June 25, 2021) – Following the end of this year’s 87th Texas legislative session, Hope For Three Autism Advocates received approval for Texas’ first autism-related specialty license plate. The new plates are available for purchase from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in September for $30 annually, or with five-letter customization for […]
Let’s Hear it for Dad!
Let’s Honor “Ausome” Dads!! We’re looking to spotlight “ausome” dads in our community. Please submit a photo (2-3 max) of a dad/male caregiver, his kids with names, ages of kiddos, and a quote from dad, or a short story. We’ll highlight on our Facebook page on Father’s Day weekend! Please submit photos by NOON, June […]
Save Now, Spend Later
A diagnosis of autism can not only be shocking for a family’s emotions but their pocketbook too. A shock in the pocketbook can be caused by the estimated $60,000 per year* after the initial diagnosis. Why is having a child affected by autism so expensive? The increase of financial responsibility is sometimes caused by the […]
Take Me Home Program
Why Take Me Home? December 7, 2020, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office began utilizing a database to help residents who have wandered away or eloped with cognitive disabilities return home. The “Take Me Home” program has been a huge stepping-stone in parents, family members, and caregivers of those with autism sleep better at night. […]
The “Up and Coming” Therapy
Many “up and coming” therapies, “cures,” and suggestions to handle or aid in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) have shown face in the last several years. Though most are bogus and unproven to work, one therapy has shown very promising results recently, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)! Animals have been revolutionizing the medical world for […]
How Autism Is Impacting Graduation Rates
College is a challenging time for every student, but for those individuals with autism, it can be incredibly difficult. The transition from the relative structure of high school to the vastly different processes of college can be a big hurdle to overcome. These challenges mean that less than 20% of students with autism had graduated […]
Autism Awareness Month
For over 50 years, April has been the designated Autism Awareness Month, helping to raise awareness and educate local communities on the condition. Increasing public awareness of autism has never been more important, and it is currently the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. When the first Autism Awareness Month was held in 1970, estimates […]
Top Virtual Activities for Children with Autism
Are you looking for virtual activities or online learning opportunities for your child? At Hope For Three, we know how challenging it can be to find engaging and suitable online activities for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism). The last 12 months have been difficult for everyone, particularly for children with ASD. That […]