Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Foughtism

October always brings a little magic, doesn’t it? The crisp air, the swirl of leaves, and of course, the excitement of Halloween. For many families, this season can be both a joy and a challenge. Sensory changes, busy schedules, and new routines sometimes feel overwhelming, yet they also open doors to growth, laughter, and connection. This month in Foughtism Magazine, we lean into our theme, The Spectrum of Spooktacular, Shining Through the Seasons. Together we explore how autumn can become a season of empowerment, acceptance, and practical support for every autistic child, teen, and caregiver. Think of it as a reminder that even in the middle of transitions, there are countless reasons to shine bright. What I love most about this season is that it gives us permission to celebrate…

My Autistic Halloween: A Teen's Perspective! Hi, I’m Lucas, and Halloween has always been… complicated for me. I love the costumes, the candy, and the spooky decorations, but the crowds and loud noises can be really overwhelming. Parties are fun, but only for a little while before it starts to feel like sensory overload city. Over the years, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and set boundaries. Sometimes that means staying home to hand out candy, which is actually kind of fun, or leaving a party a bit early without feeling guilty. It’s all about knowing what works for me and not forcing myself into situations that drain my energy. One thing I’ve realized is that being autistic doesn’t mean missing out, it just means celebrating differently. I still get…

Letting Go of the "Perfect" Holiday: Finding Your Family's Joy Parents, let’s be real… the “perfect” holiday is mostly a myth. Between Pinterest boards and social media, it’s easy to feel like everyone else has it all together while you’re juggling chaos. The truth is, your family’s holiday doesn’t need to match anyone else’s expectations. Focus on what genuinely brings connection and joy, whether it’s a quiet movie night, a small craft, or just laughing over candy mishaps. Releasing pressure to do everything perfectly creates space for authentic memories and reduces stress for both you and your child. Defining celebration on your own terms means embracing flexibility. Maybe it’s skipping certain traditions, or adjusting activities for your child’s comfort, sensory needs, or energy levels. Small moments of laughter, togetherness, and…

Our Best Hack: Real Parents Share Their Halloween Tips Halloween is fun for kids but let’s be honest, it can be stressful for parents. That is why we asked real parents in our community to share their best tricks and little hacks. Mary from Chicago swears by glow stick bracelets so she can spot her twins from far away. Raj in New Jersey says he keeps an extra pillowcase in his car because one always tears. Carla laughs that she sets a candy limit but sneaks chocolate after bedtime herself. These short stories remind us that parenting during holidays is never perfect, but the shared experience makes it lighter. Readers love swapping quick tips and it builds a sense of community. Parents with kids who have ADHD, autism, dyslexia or…

Foughtism Reads: Autumn Edition This October, we’re diving into three standout reads. First up, Spooky but Friendly by Lucy Harper, a children’s story about an autistic kid navigating Halloween fun, sensory overload, and candy chaos-Sparkle Rating: 4.5/5. Next, Parenting Through the Seasons by Dr. Sam Bennett, a practical guide for managing routines, transitions, and sensory challenges-Sparkle Rating: 4/5. These books offer both fun and insights, perfect for families looking to blend learning and seasonal joy. Finally, don’t miss Wired to Wonder by autistic author Ethan Clarke, sharing his personal journey and unique perspective on curiosity, special interests, and selfadvocacy-Sparkle Rating: 5/5. Each book celebrates neurodiversity, encourages understanding, and sparks conversation. Whether reading with teens, siblings, or sharing parenting tips, these selections inspire connection, reflection, and a little Halloween magic along…

Apps for Autism: Tools for Regulation and Routine Technology can be a gamechanger for autistic teens and kids, helping them navigate routines and manage emotions with ease. Apps like Tiimo and Choiceworks provide visual schedules and customizable boards for tasks, feelings, and waiting, reducing anxiety and promoting independence. For communication support, LAMP Words for Life and Spoken AAC offer symboland text-based tools to help users express themselves confidently. Emotional regulation gets a boost with apps like Draw Emotions, which lets kids visually express feelings, and Emotionary by Me, a journaling app that supports self-awareness. These tools are perfect for daily routines, managing seasonal changes, and easing transitions, giving both caregivers and teens practical ways to feel more in control. Using these apps consistently can make everyday life calmer, more predictable,…

Q: What do you call a witch who lives at the beach? A: A sand-witch! Q: Why did the ghost go to school? A: To learn how to be a spook-tacular student! Q: What do you get when you cross a vampire with a snowman? A: Frostbite! Q: What do you call a skeleton who won’t fight? A: Lazy bones! Q: Why don’t mummies take vacations? A: They’re afraid they’ll unwind! Q: Why did the zombie go to art class? A: He wanted to brush up on his skills! Q: Why did the vampire get hired at the bakery? A: He was great at making bite-sized treats! Q: What is a ghost’s favorite dessert? A: I scream! Q: How do pumpkins get around town? A: On a squash bike!…

Meet this month’s spotlight, Olivia Bennett, a vibrant 9-year-old with a love for robotics and Halloween crafts. From the moment you see her, Olivia’s curiosity and energy are contagious, drawing everyone into her world of creativity and wonder. She spends hours tinkering with small motors, building tiny robots, and figuring out how things move and connect. Her bedroom is a mix of glittery pumpkins, miniature circuits, and piles of colorful wires, each piece representing her fascination with how the world works. What makes Olivia sparkle isn’t just her technical skills, it’s her unshakable joy and determination, her ability to turn a simple hobby into something extraordinary. Olivia’s friends and family often notice how she lights up when she talks about her robots or Halloween decorations, her hands moving excitedly as…

Managing Transitions: From Summer Sun to Autumn Routine Q: How can parents help autistic children adjust to the new school year and changing seasons? Dr. Emily Carter, Child Psychologist: Transitioning from summer fun to autumn routines can be tricky, but planning ahead really helps. Visual schedules are lifesavers… showing your child what to expect reduces anxiety. Start introducing new routines slowly, like earlier bedtimes or structured homework sessions, so the change feels natural rather than overwhelming. Preparing kids for darker evenings and cooler weather with gentle conversations or even a quick indoor walk can make a big difference. Q: Any tips for building lasting routines during this seasonal shift? OT Jason Miller: Consistency is key, but flexibility matters too. Use visual cues for meals, school prep, and evening wind down,…

The Language of Acceptance: Moving Beyond Awareness Parents, words matter… and they can either empower or unintentionally isolate your child. Take Jamie, an autistic teen, whose parents learned early that identity-first language resonates with him, while his cousin prefers person-first phrasing. The key is asking your child what feels right and respecting that choice. Using correct language in schools, holiday events, or community activities not only affirms your child’s identity but also models respect for peers. Language is a tool of advocacy, helping educators, friends, and family see your child as capable, valued, and understood. Advocating effectively means speaking up confidently while remaining approachable. Bring gentle reminders to teachers, volunteer coordinators, or event organizers about your child’s preferred language, sensory needs, or ways to engage inclusively. Celebrate small wins when…

Interoception: The "Eighth Sense" and Why It Matters Ever heard of interoception? It is sometimes called the eighth sense and it is all about how our brain notices signals from inside the body. Think hunger, thirst, needing the toilet or even the way our heartbeat speeds up when we are nervous. For many autistic children this sense can feel a little blurry. Mia, a mom in our community, shared how her son Alex often missed the signs of being thirsty until he was cranky. Understanding interoception can really help parents, caregivers and teachers support kids with autism, ADHD and sensory needs in daily life. It is not just science talk, it is a real tool to make life calmer and smoother at home and at school. So how do we…

Sensory-Friendly Events This October Looking for inclusive Halloween fun this October? Here’s a curated list of sensory-friendly events designed for children and adults with autism and sensory sensitivities: • All Treats, No Tricks Halloween Party - Join us on October 25 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Colors of the Alphabet in North Richland Hills, TX. This calm, inclusive celebration offers a safe, welcoming play space thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities. • Free Autism-Friendly Fall Festival - Happening on October 24 at SOS Tomball in Tomball, TX, this festival features a variety of activities tailored for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. • FALLoween Festival - Els for Autism presents this sensoryinclusive celebration on October 11 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Els Center of…

Your Questions, Answered by a Speech and Language Pathologist Q: My teen struggles to ask for breaks at busy Halloween events. Any tips? A: Hi, I’m Megan Lewis, a Speech and Language Pathologist. First, prep ahead! Create simple, visual cues your teen can show when they need a break, like a small card or gesture. Practice using it at home so it feels natural. Try role-playing different scenarios-like a noisy party or trick-or-treating-so your teen can rehearse asking for help calmly. Q: How do we respond without embarrassing them? A: Keep responses short and positive, like, “Okay, let’s take a pause.” Offer a calm space if possible, and celebrate their effort. Simple communication tools can make high-stimulation events manageable and even fun. Parents, remember… modeling patience and support goes a…

The Ultimate Guide to a Sensory Safe Halloween. Halloween can be pure fun, but for families raising autistic children and teens, it sometimes comes with sensory overload. Costumes are a big deal, so think soft fabrics, no scratchy tags, and skip the heavy masks that can feel uncomfortable. A cozy hoodie or themed pajamas can be just as festive, and honestly, way less stressful. When it comes to trick or treating, plan ahead. Choose familiar neighborhoods, go at quieter times, and always have a backup plan in case the night gets too overwhelming. Parents and caregivers, a little planning can transform this holiday into a sensory safe adventure. Candy is part of the deal, but let’s be real, too much sugar can cause chaos. Try sorting candy together and setting…

Sparkly Sensory Bottle: Calm-a-Lantern Creating your own Halloween themed sensory bottle is a super fun way to keep calm during the busy spooky season. First, gather a clear plastic bottle, clear glue, water, orange and black glitter, and some Halloween sequins or small charms. Start by filling about one third of the bottle with clear glue, then add water until almost full. Shake gently to mix, then sprinkle in your orange and black glitter along with the sequins. Twist the cap on tightly and shake again… watch as the glitter swirls like tiny Halloween magic! Use your Calm-a-Lantern whenever things feel overwhelming. The swirling glitter can help teens and kids focus, regulate emotions, or just take a mindful moment in the middle of trick or treat chaos. You can even…

To My Neurotypical Sibling: How You Can Help This Halloween Hey sibling squad, this one’s for you. Halloween can feel like a blast for most kids but for your autistic brother or sister it can get tricky with costumes, noise, and candy chaos. That’s where you come in. Think of yourself as the ultimate sidekick, like Mia who held the candy bucket for her little brother Jake so he didn’t have to stress about sticky wrappers. Or Ethan who picked a quiet street so his sister Lily could still enjoy trick or treating without the overload. Little choices like that can make a massive difference. Being an ally is not about giving up your fun, it is about creating joy together. Maybe after trick or treating you suggest a calm…

Special Interest Spotlight: How Passion Projects Power Potential Special interests can be more than hobbies, they can shape futures. Take Oliver, who obsessed over astronomy as a kid, memorizing constellations and tracking planets nightly. His passion didn’t fade with age, it grew. Today he works as a planetary scientist, sharing his love of the cosmos with students and peers alike. For autistic children, these deep interests are not just “quirks,” they are windows into potential, motivation, and unique expertise. Parents and caregivers who nurture these passions can see their children thrive in ways that traditional learning sometimes misses. Then there is Mia, who loved coding simple games at eight and now develops software for educational platforms. Her focus and dedication turned a childhood fascination into a meaningful career that helps…

Finding Your Tribe: Support Groups & Online Communities Navigating the journey of autism can feel isolating, but connecting with the right communities can provide invaluable support. Here are some national and online organizations where parents and autistic teens can find understanding and resources: Autism Speaks Online Community: A comprehensive platform offering forums, resources, and local support groups. AANE Discussion Forums: Moderated Google Groups for parents of autistic children, teens, and adults, providing a space for shared experiences and advice. MyAutismTeam: A social network connecting parents of children with autism, allowing them to share experiences and advice. ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network): An advocacy organization offering resources and support led by and for autistic individuals. These platforms offer a range of support, from emotional connection to practical advice. Whether you're seeking…

No-Bake Pumpkin Play Dough Looking for a fun, sensoryfriendly activity this autumn? Try making No-Bake Pumpkin Play Dough with your teen or child. It’s safe, simple, and smells amazingperfect for sensory play or a quiet, creative afternoon. You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree or pumpkin spice for that festive vibe. Mix everything in a bowl, knead until smooth, and watch as the dough comes together in a soft, squishy texture. Kids love squishing, rolling, and shaping it, and it’s a great way to explore textures and scents while staying safe in the kitchen.Once your dough is ready, encourage your child to create pumpkins, spooky shapes, or abstract designs. Store it in an airtight container to keep it soft for days…