How to support autistic and 2e kids
April is Autism Acceptance Month! If you’re parenting an autistic child, chances are you’re already thinking about what helps your child feel comfortable in their own skin, connect with others, and move through the world in a way that keeps them regulated (and true to themselves!). And then there are all the terms that start popping up — masking, stimming, restraint collapse — some familiar, some completely new.
This week, we’re diving deeper into autism with a mix of refresher reads and new articles on masking, stimming, restraint collapse, PDA, and supporting twice-exceptional (2e) kids that answers the top questions we get from parents.
“I’m trying to understand my child”
- I want to make sense of my child’s autism diagnosis, explore possible co-occurring conditions, and find the right therapies. All about autism→
- I’m noticing that my child works really hard to fit in and “mask” their neurodivergence, even when it’s exhausting. Read our new article on masking→
- My autistic child seems “fine” at school but falls apart when they get home. Read our new article on after-school restraint collapse→
- I want to understand more about my child’s stims and how to support them without shutting them down. Read our new article on stimming→
- How do I support my child’s stimming while also handling stims that are harmful or overwhelming for our family? Read our new article: should you stop your child’s stimming?→
- My child shows high ability in one area while also qualifying for a disability in another. They’re also way ahead of their peers in some ways, but out of sync in others. Read our new article on twice-exceptional (2e) children→
“I’m trying to figure out school supports, IEPs, and 504s”
- How do I work with my child’s school to support their sensory needs and stimming? Read our new article on stimming at school→
- I’m trying to support my child who’s both gifted and has a disability, but their school doesn’t quite “get” either side. Read our new article on supporting 2e children at school and in the IEP→
- Can I get a rundown on what supports my autistic child should have at school in their IEP or 504 plan? School supports and IEP & 504 accommodations for autism→
- My child masks so well at school that their needs aren’t getting met because the school thinks they’re fine. Read our new article on school supports for high-masking children→
Undivided Refreshers
- Explore the nuances of autism in girls
- Learn about pathological demand avoidance (PDA)
- Expand your picky eater’s diet the OT way
FREE live Q&A → Getting Ready for a CA Summer with Regional Center and the Self-Determination Program
Thursday, April 30, 12:00 p.m. PT
Last week to register! If your child is a Regional Center client in California, summer may open the door to services like additional respite hours, social-recreation programs, camps, and individualized supports. Join us for a FREE live conversation and Q&A with Undivided’s California Public Benefits Specialist and Self-Determination Program Consultant as we talk about how families can prepare for summer now. Register for free here→
FREE live Q&A → California Legislative and Budget Updates — May 2026
Thursday, May 21, 12:00 p.m. PT
As Medicaid and special education change at the federal level, we’re seeing the impact on California systems that our families rely on. Join us for a FREE webinar with Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, to hear about how the state’s proposed 2026-27 budget will affect services for individuals with disabilities and how we can advocate for what our kids need. Register for free here→
Office hours → Special education and IEPs
Wednesday, April 29, 12:00 p.m. PT
If you have questions about your child’s accommodations, services, goals, or anything else in their IEP, join us for office hours with Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey. During office hours, you can ask your question in our members-only Zoom session and get answers right away. If you’re not a member, sign up here to participate→
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
- Autism in Girls → Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. PT. Join us again with Dr. Abha Gupta, MD, developmental-behavioral pediatrician and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and Dr. Lauren Stutman, PsyD, licensed psychologist and founder of CARE-LA, as they discuss all things autism in girls.
- Autism Nutrition → Sunday, April 26, 10:00 a.m. PT. Autism Dietician Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, sits down with Undivided’s Lindsay Crain to discuss her best tip for helping autistic kids with picky eating and sensory challenges. Catch this re-stream this weekend.
This week in our parents-only Facebook group: recommendations for parent training, due process help, troubleshooting SDP, Disney hit songs in ASL, and more! Join the discussion→
Does your child need an autism diagnosis to get school services? Check out the answer from Dr. Sarah Pelangka on YouTube→
Jess Patay, parent and founder of We Are Brave Together, tried Undivided’s new IEP Assistant! Hear her thoughts on Instagram→
Help other families raising autistic and/or 2E kids find our expert resources! Share Undivided articles on LinkedIn→
