National Autism Association

06/05/2026

Food struggles in autism are real — and families should not feel alone in it.

Picky eating can be complex, frustrating, and deeply emotional. But progress is possible, and sometimes the smallest steps are the biggest victories.

Thank you to Julie Matthews for sharing hope, practical guidance, and encouragement for families navigating feeding challenges. 💙

Watch the full webinar in NAA’s Autism Atrium at nationalautismassociation.org.

06/04/2026

Hope is not always loud.

Sometimes it looks like trying again after a hard day.
Finding another way. Taking one small step forward. Holding on when things feel heavy.

To every autism parent, caregiver, and family who keeps showing up: we see your strength, your love, and the hope you carry — even on the hardest days. 💙

06/03/2026

Different experiences can still lead us toward the same hope: a community where families feel supported, heard, and never alone.

We may not always agree on every detail, but we can still choose compassion, respect, and the willingness to stand beside one another. Stronger together. 💙

06/03/2026

🩵 think | do | be KIND 💙

06/01/2026

Hannah’s family once wondered if she would ever speak. Today, she is in kindergarten and continues to reach new milestones with hard work, patience, and so much determination.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress looks different for every child — and every milestone matters. 💙 Thank you to Amberly C. for sharing this milestone.

Her mom shares, “Some days are still challenging, but seeing her grow, communicate, learn, and gain confidence has been the greatest blessing. We are so proud of her and wanted to share this to encourage other families that every milestone matters.”

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05/30/2026

Wandering can happen quickly and silently.

If a child is missing, search nearby water first — pools, ponds, lakes, creeks, retention ponds, and any other water source nearby. Every second matters. 💙

Visit NAA’s website for free autism safety resources for families, first responders, teachers, and communities.

05/29/2026

Picky eating in autism is common, but it’s not always simple.

Sensory sensitivities, gut discomfort, food reactions, anxiety, routines, oral-motor challenges, and past negative experiences can all play a role in why a child may avoid certain foods or get “stuck” on the same few foods.

Understanding the why can help families respond with more compassion, less pressure, and better support.

Watch "Beyond Picky Eating: Understanding the “Why” and Supporting Better Eating in Autism" webinar with Julie Matthew, MS on expanding your child’s diet on NAA’s website. Link in the comments.

05/29/2026

Update: We are heartbroken to report that MJ Ashmead has been found deceased in a pond near his subdivision.

Our deepest condolences go out to MJ’s family, friends, and the entire community during this devastating time.
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Celina, TX area friends: Please be on the lookout for this missing 8-year-old and share this post to help spread the word. "MJ was last seen on Rostherne Drive in the Sutton Fields neighborhood and may be wearing training pants and carrying a tablet."

If you see this child, call 911 immediately. If a child with autism is missing, always search water first.

🚨 CRITICAL MISSING CHILD ALERT 🚨

The Celina Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating MJ Ashmead, an 8-year-old male who has been reported as a critical missing child.

MJ was last seen on Rostherne Drive in the Sutton Fields neighborhood and may be wearing training pants and carrying a tablet.

If you have seen MJ or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Sgt. Kennedy immediately at 469-617-8809 or Collin County Dispatch at 972-547-5350.

Please share this post to help bring MJ home safely and reunite him with his family.

Stay Safe, Celina!

05/27/2026

I SHINE JUST AS BRIGHT AS ANY OTHER STAR.
IF EVER I APPEAR SMALLER IT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE TOO FAR.

05/26/2026

We don’t give up on the hard days.
We learn.
We adjust.
We advocate.
We love harder.
We show up again tomorrow.
That’s autism parenting. 💙