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Autism and Family Life

Autism can pull a family apart -- or help bring it together. Here are ideas and inspiration for handling the demands, challenges and opportunities that come with an autism diagnosis.
Genetic Autism - Genetic Autism and Your Family
Does genetic autism run in your family? Tell your story!
Red Flags: When Does the Sibling WithOUT Autism Need Help?
When your brother or sister is autistic, your life can be complex. Sometimes, typical siblings of children with autism need a little extra help.
Should Parents of a Child with Autism Have More Children?
Should parents of a child with autism have more children? What are the possible risks and benefits? Drs. Robert Naseef and Cindy Ariel discuss the implications of parents of a child with autism having more children.
Does My Child with Autism Need More Friends?
Some parents with children on the autism spectrum are naturally social people. They grew up with lots of friends, and it hurts to see their child alone or hanging out with just one other person. Drs. Robert Naseef and Cindy Ariel discuss what social life might look like for a child on the autism spectrum.
Autism, Anxiety and Nightmares
Autism, anxiety and sleep disturbances often go together. Drs. Robert Naseef and Cindy Ariel address a parent's concerns about nightmares, and offer specific advice.
What's the Best Way to Welcome My Autistic Grandchild?
How can a grandparent living far away prepare to welcome an autistic grandchild? This article by Drs. Bob Naseef and Cindy Ariel offers ideas and direction for grandparents who want to support and embrace their autistic grandchild.
How Do I Get the Support I Need from My Family?
When you or your child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, your family may not offer the support you need. They may deny the diagnosis or even place the blame on you. Family therapist Dr. Cindy Ariel offers advice on this issue.
How Can a Family with an Autistic Child Find Support and Friends?
After their child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, parents may feel isolated from the world. Instead of taking part in typical parent-child activities, they're managing therapy. Drs. Naseef and Ariel offer practical suggestions on how to cope.
Balancing the Needs of an Autistic Child and a Typical Sibling
Children with autism need a lot of support - but so do their siblings. Psychologists Bob Naseef and Cindy Ariel offer their insights on balancing the needs of children on and off the autism spectrum.
Autism and Museums: A Perfect Match?
If you've been staying home with your autistic family member, now is the time to rediscover the cultural community. Many museums are becoming attuned to autism, and creating special opportunities for your family to visit. Is there an autism friendly museum near you?
Helping Dads Get Involved with Their Autistic Children
In many families with autistic children, the mom takes a leading role. She may become researcher and therapist, advocate and manager. This can leave a dad feeling disconnected from his child -- and even his family. How can dads get more involved with their autistic child? Here are in-depth responses from Drs. Bob Naseef and Cindy Ariel.
Helping Siblings Understand and Cope
What's it like to have a sibling on the autism spectrum? Depending upon circumstances, it can be tough. The Autism Society of America offers these tips for helping your "neurotypical" child handle this complex relationship.

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