Autism Mind

Autism Mind Autism Mind will change the way you think about, live with and cope with autism. Visit

https://linktr.ee/anaanselma

For the last 10 years since we opened the Social Mind Center, my perspective on autism has expanded beyond my family and our experience with living with autism. I have had the privilege of sharing the climb of autism with hundreds of families that have been impacted by autism. The journey of learning to live with autism and helping families understand their children. There is no greater truth than if you have met one person with autism. This past decade I have gotten to meet many children and teens on the spectrum. Every day I learn something new that I did not know before. On this page, I try to share with you what I am learning. Sometimes it's hard to put into words the experience. Sometimes there are no words for what I see families go through on a daily basis.

To all my family, friends, clients, and neighbors. You are loved and prayed for!
09/23/2025

To all my family, friends, clients, and neighbors. You are loved and prayed for!

09/16/2025
09/13/2025

Proposition: neurotypicals have a great theory of mind and are highly empathetic, and autistic people lack both. The reality may be quite the opposite!

09/13/2025

For many autistic individuals, the journey to self-discovery is not straightforward. This article outlines the stages and my personal experience navigating them.

08/25/2025
07/24/2025

Family and Caregiver Support for Autistic PDA families

PDA is best understood as a profile within the autism spectrum, marked by intense anxiety and a strong need for autonomy. Demand avoidance in PDA is driven by anxiety and the need to feel in control, not by deliberate defiance. Autistic people with PDA often use creative or strategic approaches to avoid demands and may show distress or regret after avoiding a demand.

🟩 Families and caregivers play a vital role in supporting individuals with PDA. Research highlights the importance of:

â–ª Parental education and training: Parents need to be equipped with an understanding of PDA and the strategies to manage demand avoidance and reduce anxiety in the home environment (Lim et al., 2024; Larner, 2023).

â–ª Collaboration between families and professionals: A team approach, involving teachers, psychologists, and other healthcare providers as needed, is essential for ensuring consistent support across settings (Doyle & Kenny, 2023; Haire et al., 2023).

â–ª Addressing parental stress: Supporting the mental health and well-being of parents is critical, because caring for an individual with PDA can be stressful, isolating, exhausting and lead to increased anxiety, depression and burnout without appropriate support and care (Lim et al., 2024; Kenny & Doyle, 2024).

There are some points from our recent blog: https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/what-does-the-research-say-about-current-best-practice-to-support-individuals-with-pda

📚On July 25, 2025, we will be hosting our PDA courses.
PDA and Autism: An Introduction
https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-pda-and-autism-an-introduction-25th-july-2025
PDA and Autism: Going Deeper
https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-pda-and-autism-going-deeper-25th-july-2025
PDA may also be called - Persistence Demand for Autonomy

Always provides next level information accurately and professionally. Insight and personal experience treating autistics...
07/15/2025

Always provides next level information accurately and professionally. Insight and personal experience treating autistics and aspergers is like no other.

🌟 Hello everyone! Tony Attwood here! 🌟

I want to personally invite you to follow the Attwood and Garnett Events page and Garnett Events, where I work alongside my exceptional colleague, Dr Michelle Garnett, an AuDHDer and clinical psychologist. Michelle and I have been working together for over 30 years in clinical practice, supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, and developing resources and strategies for the community.

While I share some updates here, following the AGE page Attwood and Garnett Events directly will ensure you have access to all our latest posts, resources, and event announcements—some of which may not appear here.

We’d love for you to join us at Attwood and Garnett Events and stay fully connected to the insights and support we’re passionate about sharing.

Looking forward to seeing you there! 😊

07/15/2025

The diagnostic criteria for autism of the DSM-5 can be confusing, ableist, and pathology-based. Let me explain what they are, and help you make sense of them.

07/04/2025
We can never stop learning about autism; we are not there yet!
06/24/2025

We can never stop learning about autism; we are not there yet!

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht ND RP: I am autistic. Fifteen therapists missed it, as well as my medical doctor. Heck, I even missed it myself, and I am a psychotherapist!

06/24/2025

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Davie, FL
33328

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm

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Our Story

As a mom with kids living with ASD, I have successfully navigated the highs and low of the spectrum. My primary focus is to expand the potential and abilities of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, "ASD". I want to help you improve your relationship with your loved one with autism by understanding how (s)he thinks and learns. This is why I founded the Social Mind Center and Autism Mind is an offspring of that helping offer useful insight for parents and the community. Understanding how autism affects my kid's thinking and their learning process was a critical component in implementing the skill building interventions necessary to improve their social and academic success. Unfortunately, ASD is more commonly identified as a disability. I want to reframe the conversation. Not everyone on the spectrum fulfills the "Rain Man" stereotype. Neither do people living with autism describe themselves as "autism sufferers." Let's talk abilities and possibilities rather than disability. Autism Mind will take volumes of information and distill the key details that will help you formulate new, or revised action plans, to help your loved one with ASD. And help you as a caretaker maintain your strength while on the journey.