We’ve carefully selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information. If you would like to tell us about a blog, nominate them by emailing us at bestblogs@healthline.com!
Autism is a developmental disability that affects how people interact with others and communicate. As with other pervasive developmental disorders, it is a complex condition that can bring with it a feeling of isolation as well as other hardships.
About 1 in 68 people in the United States has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnostic numbers have increased by over 100 percent since 2000. That’s largely because people with autism are being diagnosed earlier in their lives, which means more effective management and lower lifelong medical costs. As of today, there is no known cause or cure for autism, so early intervention and informed condition management are vital.
Autism can present many challenges, but those challenges aren’t the full story. Check out these blogs for in-depth, quality information, as well as support and encouragement.
The Autism Blog by Seattle Children’s Hospital
For clinical perspectives on autism, you couldn’t do much better than the Seattle Children’s Hospital’s blog on autism. Contributors fill you in on the latest news, offer parenting tips and advice, and answer reader-submitted questions. There’s also a monthly blogcast featuring interviews with autism experts and mindfulness exercises to help any anxious or stressed parent.
Tweet them @seattlechildren
The Autism Dad
Father of three Rob Gorski has handled the challenges of special needs parenting for over a decade. He writes frankly about the effects his children’s various needs have had on his life, including the impact they have had on his marriage. His posts cover new and ongoing issues his children are facing, and while they often cover sensitive issues, Rob almost always ends them on a positive note, acknowledging a new milestone one of his sons has achieved.
Tweet him @The_Autism_Dad
Autism Daddy
Frank Campagna details the heartbreak and very personal struggles of raising a nonverbal teenage son who has autism and epilepsy, as well as the good times. From joking about all the unusual things his family has to pack for vacation, to coming to terms with the unfairness, Campagna tells it as he sees it. His writing brings peace of mind to an often painful subject.
Autism Mom
Personal and thoughtful, Autism Mom is about how author Elizabeth came to discover, and learned to support, her autistic son, who she refers to on the blog as the Navigator. While everyone’s path is different, this blogger hopes her writing will be useful to families with a newly diagnosed child. She shares time-saving tools, strategies, and ideas. Elizabeth’s blog also provides awareness for those who are not familiar with autism.
Tweet her @EWBAutismMom
Autism Speaks
From opinions and personal accounts to the latest news and medical advice, Autism Speaks offers a range of resources from across the autism community. Read inspirational stories, like how one father was inspired to run marathons in order to raise money for autism awareness, and comic strips about how to communicate with an autistic teenager, drawn by a mom who has one.
Tweet them @autismspeaks
Emma’s Hope Book
Emma, 14, has always struggled to communicate, but once she started to type, her passion and ideas flowed. On Emma’s Hope Book, she shares her short stories and poems, as well as her experiences with and opinions about autism, including insight on the shortcomings of the educational system and how it deals with autistic children. Enlightening and powerful, Emma’s blog is a must read.
Tweet her @EmmasHopeBook
Four Plus an Angel
Jessica Watson is mom to three young children and a teenage daughter who has autism. On her blog, she discusses the journey of uncertainty and hope her family has travelled since her daughter was diagnosed over a decade ago. She gives ideas on positive activities for Autism Awareness Month and thoughtful gift guides for friends with autism.
Tweet her @JessBWatson
The Mighty: Autism Spectrum Disorder
With multiple contributors, The Mighty covers autism from many perspectives. The blog often poses thoughtful questions, asking readers to send their opinions. Readers can also connect with others who are learning to accept their children’s differences and their own. From planning birthday parties to patient advocacy, this blog has it all for caregivers and parents.
Tweet them @TheMightySite
Squidalicious
Well-known as a writer and speaker on autism, Shannon Des Roches Rosa has been blogging about the condition since her son’s diagnosis in 2003. She shares personal family stories, clears up misconceptions, rounds up all the latest happenings and breakthroughs in the autism space, and continues to push for better public understanding. Her posts are candid, engaging, and often funny!
Tweet her @shannonrosa
Stimeyland
Quirky and engaging, Stimey details a mother’s adventures with her three children with autism and associated disorders. Stimey, who herself was diagnosed with autism in 2012, embraces fun and positivity, and suggests laughing in the face of challenges. Her posts, which cover everything from family art projects to taking her son to a Blink-182 concert, are always sure to make you smile.
Tweet her @Stimey
