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National Autism Association

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Everyday sounds can feel very different from one person to another. 💙

For someone with hyperacusis, sounds others comfortably tolerate may feel overwhelmingly loud or even painful. Hyperacusis is more common among autistic people, but it can occur with or without autism.

Covering their ears, becoming upset, or leaving may be ways of responding to real discomfort.

Offer understanding, reduce noise when possible, and help them access a quieter space. Persistent or painful sound sensitivity deserves evaluation by an audiologist or healthcare provider.

#Hyperacusis #SoundSensitivity #Autism #SensorySupport #AutismSupport #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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2 days ago

Every child deserves to be safe at school. 💙

Developing Story...A special education aide at Pee Dee Elementary School in Horry County, South Carolina, has been charged with unlawful conduct toward a child after allegedly punching a six-year-old nonverbal autistic student.

These allegations are deeply troubling. Autistic students deserve compassionate support, trained staff, and protection from harm. Schools must take reports seriously, investigate promptly, and ensure accountability.

A child’s communication differences do not diminish their right to safety, dignity, and respect.

#Autism #AutismSafety #StudentSafety #ProtectOurChildren #SpecialEducation #NationalAutismAssociation

#Autism #AutismSafety #StudentSafety #ProtectOurChildren #SpecialEducation #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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3 days ago

Sometimes the moments that seem ordinary to some can feel HUGE to others. 💙

Sonya shared that her 3-year-old daughter, who is Level 2 autistic, let her take a picture of her — and even smiled for the camera!

A beautiful little moment and a milestone worth celebrating.

What milestone are you celebrating this week?

#MilestoneMonday #Autism #AutismMilestones #CelebrateProgress #AutismFamilies #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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5 days ago

When a child or adult with autism wanders, every second counts. 💙

Having a plan in place before an emergency happens can make all the difference.

NAA’s FREE Family Wandering Emergency Plan helps families identify potential dangers, organize search locations, and coordinate with family, friends, and neighbors.

Be prepared. Have a plan. Share it with those who can help. 📥 Download your FREE plan at nationalautism.org under Autism & Safety → Wandering.

#AutismSafety #AutismWandering #AutismAwareness #WanderingPrevention #AutismFamilies #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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6 days ago

Today is PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day. 💚

PANS and PANDAS can cause sudden, dramatic changes in a child’s behavior and functioning, including OCD, severe anxiety, tics, sleep or eating changes, urinary symptoms, regression, and difficulty at school.

PANS involves the abrupt onset of OCD or severely restricted eating along with other neuropsychiatric symptoms. PANDAS is associated with Group A strep infection and can involve sudden OCD and/or tics.

These symptoms can have many causes, but sudden changes deserve prompt medical evaluation and greater awareness can help families get answers sooner.

#PANSPANDASAwarenessDay #PANS #PANDAS #PANSawareness #PANDASAwareness #Neuroinflammation #ChildrensHealth #Autism #AutismFamilies #NationalAutismAssociation #ASPIRE by @nationalautism

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8 days ago

Someone with autism means the world to so many of us. 💙🌎 Whether it’s your child, sibling, grandchild, friend, student, coworker, or someone else you love, they make our world brighter just by being themselves.

#Autism #AutismFamilies #AutismSupport #AutismCommunity #SomeoneWithAutism #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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9 days ago

Helping prepare autistic individuals for interactions with law enforcement can make a meaningful difference. 💙

NAA’s Meet the Policeguide offers information for parents and caregivers to help support safer, more positive interactions with local law enforcement.

Download it FREE as part of our Safety Toolkit Series at nationalautismassociation.org/downloadable-resources.

#Autism #AutismSafety #AutismResources #SafetyResources #LawEnforcement #AutismFamilies #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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10 days ago

For families who have spent years navigating sleep struggles, a good night’s sleep can feel life-changing. 💙

After years of Ryker sleeping only 2–3 hours a night, his mom Haley shared that he was treated for PANS by a MAPS clinician. For about three weeks, he slept 13 hours a night—and he now regularly sleeps a solid 8–10 hours.

That’s a milestone worth celebrating! Better sleep can make a world of difference for a child and the entire family.

Has your child reached a milestone that once felt impossible? We’d love to celebrate with you. 💙 Comment below and we may feature your story next.

#MilestoneMonday #Autism #AutismSleep #AutismMilestones #AutismFamilies #PANS #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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12 days ago

🌟 Did you know you can watch replays for free at any time? From haircuts and toilet training to IEPS and dating-- we've called in the experts! Let us know what you'd like to learn about next. Link in the comments below.
#autism #nationalautismassociation #education #leucovorin #behavior #PANS/PANDAS by @nationalautism

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16 days ago

What feels small to one person can feel overwhelming to another.

For many autistic people, sensory input builds throughout the day until one more sound, light, touch, or surprise is simply too much. Recognizing sensory overload helps us respond with patience instead of frustration
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What helps your loved one reset when it all gets to be too much? Share below. Your tip might help another family today.

#Autism #SensoryOverload #AutismSupport #AutismFamilies #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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17 days ago

"I wanted to share a huge win with my daughter in hopes that it might help another family! Before we looked into her gut health, she was exhibiting a ton of intense sensory-seeking behaviors—she was constantly chewing on things, wanting to lay or read her books upside down, stimming frequently, and having these random, erratic bouts of laughing. We finally did some functional testing and discovered she had a major yeast overgrowth in her gut. We started treating it with Nystatin, and the change has been incredible. Once the yeast cleared up, almost all of those sensory behaviors and sudden mood swings either drastically lessened or completely went away.” - Kathy M.

#nationalautism #milestonemonday #notjustautism #functionaltesting #MAPS by @nationalautism

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19 days ago

For this child, I will keep showing up, advocating, learning, loving, and believing. 💙

#Autism #AutismParents #AutismFamilies #AutismAdvocacy #NationalAutismAssociation by @nationalautism

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22 days ago