Autism Parenting Journey

Autism Parenting Journey LICSW | Certified Autism Specialist | Creator of The CALM Compass – From chaos to calm, practical tools for parenting autism with confidence.

It was 1994 when I first heard the term, “Asperger Syndrome” (AS). Up to that point, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings ranging from psychiatric hospitals to residential treatment centers to intensive home and school based therapy programs before settling into outpatient clinics and my private therapy practice in 2011. The children and adolescents that came to me had profound mental h

ealth conditions or disorders that ranged from Bipolar disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Depression, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Tourette’s and Tic Disorder to name a few. More often than not, these youth often had two, three, or even four co-occurring diagnoses. Throughout these treatment settings, I had met hundreds of people who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and couldn’t help them because I never knew it existed. Twenty years later, I find myself professionally immersed in the wonderful and complex world of those who think differently. I think back to the mid-1990’s when I worked with people who were misdiagnosed because the term “Aspergers” wasn’t widely acceptable by mental health professionals. The youth at this time did not even have the chance to understand ASD because the very professionals charged in their treatment didn’t know it existed. Even today, I still hear story after story about how individuals, many adult, were diagnosed with many different disorders and conditions excluding Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder and yet they still feel “something else is going on…” Interesting side note, at the same time it was ignored or at best reduced to an diagnostic anomaly here in the US, Asperger Syndrome and the creation of subsequent supports was quickly becoming widely acceptable and available in Australia and the United Kingdom. Since then, I have dedicated my career to providing quality and caring clinical social work services to people of all ages in the form of individual, family, and group psychotherapy, ASD trainings & seminars, and consultation for individuals and their families who are challenged by ASD and related mental health problems. I am grateful to all of my clients past and present for telling me their stories and teaching me the many positives as well as the difficulties of living with ASD along the way.

"Connection over perfection" 👏🏽 Well said, Franklin Center
03/26/2026

"Connection over perfection" 👏🏽 Well said, Franklin Center

HomeAbout Franklin CenterBlogsSpring Break Resource Guide School Break Resource Guide Spring break is right around the corner! While some may welcome the...

03/26/2026

Parents needs more support.

That’s why I’m starting a new group in April 👉 The CALM Compass Parent Support & Learning Group is a structured, supportive space where parents and caregivers can:

🧭 Learn practical strategies you can use immediately
🧭 Better understand your child’s behavior and needs
🧭 Build confidence in how you respond day-to-day
🧭 Connect with other parents on a similar journey

This group is for new members of The CALM Compass for NO additional cost. Join the program to get access to the group today at: thecalmcompass.com

03/25/2026

🛟 Water safety can be lifesaving.

Join the Autism Society of America and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) on April 13 at 12 PM (ET) for a meaningful conversation during Autism Acceptance Month.

Together, we’ll share resources, real solutions, and ways we can all help keep individuals safe around water.

➡️ Register today and be part of the impact: https://bit.ly/41hCbsu


National Drowning Prevention Alliance

03/11/2026

It’s important to think about and plan for how to help your child disclose their autism and neurodiversity with others. By being intentional about this, preparing for it, and initiating a series of conversations together (not just 1!), you can help them feel supported and find safety in their community.

"So good to learn about autism in so many different parts of the spectrum. Mitch was easy to listen to and a wealth of k...
03/05/2026

"So good to learn about autism in so many different parts of the spectrum. Mitch was easy to listen to and a wealth of knowledge. All staff could benefit...especially if autism is something that they don't understand." 🧡

I just received this feedback from a recent presentation I did for a group of educators in Minnesota. To bring training to your group, check out my video below and get in touch with me.

I'm planning an upcoming teacher training which inspired this video. Be sure to hit subscribe for more videos like this one - Autism Tips for Parents, Caregi...

03/04/2026

Replace reminders with this 🗣️

"The CDC says it’s three times as common in boys vs. girls. But a growing body of research suggests the reality is more ...
02/27/2026

"The CDC says it’s three times as common in boys vs. girls. But a growing body of research suggests the reality is more complicated." Autism in girls often presents differently than in boys.

Below is a link to a podcast I listened to recently that inspired a Thursday email being sent out to my email list!

Episode: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/science-friday/articles/autism-rates-appear-to-be-even-across-sexes-diagnosis-is-not

Join my email list here to hear my take on it: https://asdparentingjourney.com/email/

There’s a long-held idea that autism is more prevalent in boys than girls—the CDC says it’s three times as common. But a growing body of research suggests the reality is more complica...

02/25/2026

I received these really cool sensory toys from that I’ve been enjoying with my clients! Check them out!

There has always been plenty of mis-information about Autism in the mainstream media. It takes away from what is really ...
02/24/2026

There has always been plenty of mis-information about Autism in the mainstream media. It takes away from what is really important: early intervention and additional supports for individuals with Autism and their families.

In this article from the APA, Cameron Neece, PhD, director of the Child Research and Treatment Evaluation Lab says, “I feel that we’re one of the rare disciplines that has tried, as intentionally as possible, to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of neurodevelopment.”

Individuals who are neurodiverse thinkers and learners have many gifts and talents. It has been my mission, over past 35 years of clinical practice and through The CALM Compass, to support and celebrate those unique abilities.

Recent policy shifts have stoked fears of stigma and surveillance and undermined crucial care.

02/04/2026

Try this instead of using yes/no questions 💭

Being specific and offering choices whenever possible helps prevent power struggles and helps kids learn what to expect.

These strategies come from inside The CALM Compass Program: Navigating Autism and Neurodiversity 🧭

Save $50 with the code: CALM at thecalmcompass.com

01/21/2026

How to respond to, “No!” 😳

No is a difficult word to respond to, so what if instead of hearing “No” as no, you understood it as…

I can’t…
It’s hard…
This isn’t the right time…

This reframe may help you stay calm and regulated and prevent a power struggle 🙌🏼

Hi 👋🏽 I’m Mitch, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Autism Specialist with 30+ years of experience. I support parents and caregivers in understanding Autism better. Check out my online parenting program, The CALM Compass, for additional resources and tools to use on your journey.

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700 Commerce Drive Ste 295
Woodbury, MN
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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
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It was 1994 when I first heard the term, “Asperger Syndrome” (AS). Up to that point, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings ranging from psychiatric hospitals to residential treatment centers to intensive home and school based therapy programs before settling into outpatient clinics and my private therapy practice in 2011. The children and adolescents that came to me had profound mental health conditions or disorders that ranged from Bipolar disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Depression, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Tourette’s and Tic Disorder to name a few. More often than not, these youth often had two, three, or even four co-occurring diagnoses. Throughout these treatment settings, I had met hundreds of people who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and couldn’t help them because I never knew it existed. Twenty years later, I find myself professionally immersed in the wonderful and complex world of those who think differently. I think back to the mid-1990’s when I worked with people who were misdiagnosed because the term “Aspergers” wasn’t widely acceptable by mental health professionals. The youth at this time did not even have the chance to understand ASD because the very professionals charged in their treatment didn’t know it existed. Even today, I still hear story after story about how individuals, many adult, were diagnosed with many different disorders and conditions excluding Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder and yet they still feel “something else is going on…” Interesting side note, at the same time it was ignored or at best reduced to an diagnostic anomaly here in the US, Asperger Syndrome and the creation of subsequent supports was quickly becoming widely acceptable and available in Australia and the United Kingdom. Since then, I have dedicated my career to providing quality and caring clinical social work services to people of all ages in the form of individual, family, and group psychotherapy, ASD trainings & seminars, and consultation for individuals and their families who are challenged by ASD and related mental health problems. I am grateful to all of my clients past and present for telling me their stories and teaching me the many positives as well as the difficulties of living with ASD along the way.

https://asdparentingjourney.com