LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autism authors Monica Holloway and Areva Martin see firsthand, as parents to teens on the spectrum, the benefits that self-advocacy can bring to people with autism. They offer the following tips for self-advocacy, inspired by their own personal experiences and resources offered by Autism Speaks and the Autism Society :
1. Start early . Introduce self-advocacy in a positive and familiar way. Start with small decisions and limited exposure to encourage rewarding participation.
2. Identify any obstacles . Help your child participate in the way that is most comfortable and feasible for him or her.
3. Disclosure . Self-advocacy may involve disclosure of a diagnosis when ready.
4. Instantaneous feedback . Give your child the satisfaction of seeing instant change for their input.
5. Negotiate . Work with your team to make a plan that works for all involved.
6. Explain and empower . When possible, help your child articulate or express him or herself about the decision in the ways that are the most feasible for your child.
7. Finalize . Affirm input with praise.
Says Holloway, "We encourage all our families and professionals to work together to help create self-advocacy opportunities as our children with autism grow into adulthood."
ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills , a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically-acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People . Holloway lives with her son and husband in Los Angeles. http://www.monicaholloway.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills https://twitter.com/monica_holloway
ABOUT AREVA MARTIN : Martin is mother to a son with autism, award-winning Harvard-trained attorney, author of The Everyday Advocate, on-air legal expert, nationally recognized children's rights advocate, co-founder and president of leading advocacy organization Special Needs Network, and managing partner of the Los Angeles-based law firm, Martin & Martin, LLP, where she practices special education, labor and employment, and disability discrimination law. http://www.arevamartin.com
Media Contact Jess Block Nerren 909-706-8525
