Spectrum Strong

10/15/2026

❤️ AAC AWARENESS MONTH: EVERY WAY OF COMMUNICATING IS VALID.

Not every voice sounds the same. And that’s a beautiful thing. ❤️

Some people communicate by speaking. Some use an iPad, a communication device, pictures, gestures, signs, or a combination of ways.

There is no right way to communicate. There is no right way to be heard.

❤️ Different ways to communicate. Equal dignity. Equal respect. Belonging without conditions.

You belong here.

10/14/2026

Why does a child LOVE crashing into the couch… but cover their ears when the vacuum turns on?

Why do they love big bear hugs one day… but pull away from touch the next?

Sensory processing isn't all or nothing. And it isn't the same every day.

In this episode of 90 Seconds of Learning, we're talking about sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, and why sensory preferences can change depending on stress, fatigue, illness, the environment, and how much input a nervous system is already processing.

💥 Movement might feel amazing.
🔊 A certain sound might feel overwhelming.
🤗 Deep pressure might be calming....until it isn't.

It's not a contradiction. It's information and clues as to what they are experiencing in that moment.

Instead of asking, “Why are they doing that?”

Try asking:

“What might their nervous system need right now?”

That question can change everything. 💙

10/08/2026

Hey friends! 👋💙

We are SO excited! We’ve been busy updating our events calendar, and we have some really exciting dates coming up! 🎉

There’s still time to register for our Halloween event 🎃👻, but don’t stop there! Head over to spectrumstrong.net and click Events to check out all of our upcoming dates.

We can’t wait to see you at one (or more!) of them! 💙

You belong here.

The Spectrum Strong Autism Parent Network is a supportive community of parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum. Our mission is to connect, empower, and uplift families by sharing experiences, providing resources, and advocating for acceptance and inclusion. We strive to foster a sa...

10/07/2026

“High functioning.” “Low functioning.”

We hear these terms used to describe autistic people all the time, but do they really tell us what a person needs?

The truth is, autism isn't a simple line from “less autistic” to “more autistic.” A person can have significant strengths in one area and need substantial support in another. Their needs can also change depending on the environment, the task or the demands being placed on them.

In this episode of 90 Seconds of Learning, we're talking about why functioning labels can oversimplify a very complex, multidimensional experience and why a spectrum wheel or “pie” can be a more helpful way to think about the many different areas where an autistic person may have strengths and support needs.

Most importantly, we're shifting the question from:

❌ “Is this person high or low functioning?”

to:

💙 “What does this person need to communicate, participate, learn, and thrive?”

Because the goal isn't to put someone on a line.

The goal is to understand the whole person.

Watch this episode of 90 Seconds of Learning and let us know what you think!

10/02/2026

💛 DID YOU KNOW? SPECTRUM STRONG HAS THREE PILLARS?

You may know us for our events, resources, workshops, and community—but everything we do is rooted in three important pillars.

🤝 FAMILY CONNECTION & EDUCATION
We create opportunities for parents, caregivers, and families to build relationships, learn from experts, and gain practical tools that support everyday life. Because sometimes the most powerful thing is realizing, “I’m not alone.”

🌎 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & AWARENESS
We work to increase autism awareness, promote acceptance, and provide education to organizations and community members who interact with autistic individuals. We want our community to be a place where autistic people are understood, included, and accepted.

🎓 SPECTRUM STRONG SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
We provide direct financial assistance to help families access resources that may otherwise be out of reach. Because sometimes the resource exists—but the cost creates the barrier.

These three pillars guide the work we do every day.

Connect families. Educate our community. Remove barriers. 💛

And at the heart of all three is one simple belief:

✨ You belong here. 💛

www.spectrumstrong.net⁠

10/01/2026

🎃👻 October is here! 👻🎃

That means there are ONLY 24 DAYS until our Halloween event! 🧡

We would LOVE to have you join us for an afternoon of Halloween fun! Come dressed up, enjoy the festivities, and make some memories with us. 🎃✨

💛 Remember—all Spectrum Strong events are FREE! 💛

We can’t wait to see you there! 👻🎃

Register now at www.spectrumstrong.net

09/30/2026

🍎 90 Seconds of Learning: Food Sensitivities & Feeding Differences

“They’re just being picky.”

But what if there’s more to the story?

For many autistic children, eating involves much more than taste. Texture, smell, temperature, appearance, predictability, and even a familiar brand or package can make a big difference.

That’s why a food that seems “exactly the same” to us may feel completely different to a child.

And while sensory differences can play a role, they aren’t the only piece of the puzzle. Medical or GI concerns, oral-motor differences, developmental factors, and environmental factors can also contribute to feeding difficulties.

So instead of asking:

❌ “Why won’t they eat?”

Try asking:

💭 “What might be making this food difficult?”

The goal isn’t simply more bites. It’s supporting a safe, healthy, and sustainable relationship with food.

Join us for this week’s 90 Seconds of Learning as we take a closer look at food sensitivities and feeding differences. ❤️

09/28/2026

🌟 SAVE THE DATE! 🌟

Mark your calendars! 🗓️💛

SAVE THE DATE — April 24, 2027! 🎉

Our Spectrum Strong 5K is coming back in 2027, and we can’t wait to bring our community together again! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️✨

We’re already dreaming up another amazing day filled with acceptance, inclusion, connection, and community. 🫶