This year, our Thanksgiving celebrations may look smaller than in years past, but our gratitude is greater than ever before. We’re so thankful to the members of the autism community who are committed to creating an environment of mutual support and understanding.

During National Caregivers Month, we recognize the parents and caregivers, teachers and therapists, who are systems of support for people on the spectrum. In this edition of E-Speaks, we share stories of thanks and admiration from autistic people, parents, siblings and caregivers. We also provide resources to support family members of people with autism and self-care tips to making the most of the holidays, even during the pandemic.

In our own words: What I’m most thankful for

Marshall, 23, Blake, 27, and siblings Sarah, 12, and Frankie, 14, share gratitude for those whose love and support have shaped their autism journeys. .

Five tips to take care of YOU

Caring for a child or adult with autism can be both rewarding and challenging, and even more so during a pandemic. Here are five tips for some much-needed TLC during these unprecedented times.

The Autism Response Team is here to help

Have questions about autism? Need someone to talk to but don’t know where to turn? Looking for reliable resources and information about local services? You’ve come to the right place. The Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to be there for people with autism, their families and caregivers when they need us most.