Ava Has Autism is a parent-created educational publisher sharing visual supports, sensory strategies, and life-skills resources for autistic and neurodivergent children.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying… You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As both a former special educator and a parent to a child with autism, I had to unlearn something important: Not following directions is usually not about defiance. It’s often about understanding, processing, and support. And once I shifted how I approached…
When your child isn’t speaking, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. You may find yourself wondering: I’ve been there. My daughter Ava was nonverbal—and that experience changed everything for me. Not just as a parent, but as a former special educator. I quickly realized something important: Speech is not the only way to…
What does an autism-friendly special education classroom actually need? This guide covers essential tools like visual schedules, communication boards, life skills resources, and regulation supports to help students succeed.
Using SEL Books and Fantasy Characters to Help Kids Manage Big Feelings Children do not always respond to lectures about behavior. But they lean in when you tell them a story. Storytelling creates emotional safety. It allows children to explore anger, frustration, jealousy, fear, and disappointment through a character — instead of feeling exposed themselves.…
How to Use Visual Schedules, Picture Communication & Structured Supports at Home and School Visual supports are one of the most powerful tools for autistic children — yet many families are unsure how to use them effectively. If you’ve ever wondered: This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visual…
Essential independent living skills for autistic teens before age 18. A practical checklist for hygiene, safety, food, and home management.
There are moments in childhood that feel big — new places, new people, changes in routine, unexpected events, or experiences that come with a lot of unknowns. For many autistic children, these moments can feel overwhelming or confusing — not because they aren’t capable — but because the world often moves fast and communication isn’t…
No one warns you how completely your nervous system will be absorbed when you become a special-needs parent. You don’t just parent.You monitor.You anticipate.You regulate.You advocate.You stay alert even when you’re exhausted. And slowly, quietly… you disappear. Not because you don’t matter — but because everyone else needs you more. This journal was created for…
Eli has an incredible amount of patience.Not the kind that’s taught in moments of calm — the kind that’s learned quietly, over time. He waits.He adjusts.He understands without being asked to. From an early age, Eli learned that Ava needs more time, more support, more attention. Not because anyone chose favorites, but because that’s what…
Before autism.Before communication boards.Before therapy binders and sensory charts… I was sitting at my kitchen table with a notebook and a pencil, drawing routines for my firstborn, Michael. Michael has ADHD.He’s in his twenties now, but when he was little, no one gave me visual schedules or executive function tools. There were no Pinterest boards…
Ava Has Autism 