Addressing Puberty in Girls with Autism
In my 25 years of raising a daughter on the autistic spectrum, I’ve NEVER read a more horrifying statement than this one: “Pediatricians are urged to be prepared to discuss menstrual management options like birth control as well as surgical options like hysterectomy.”...
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A Daughter with Autism – What I Learned from Dad
In the spirit of Father’s Day, I thought it would be fun to invite my daughter, Samantha, to be my guest blogger. When asked what she’d learned from her dad, this is how she responded. I learned so many important things from my dad that I’m honored and grateful to...
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Autism Families – Choosing Your Best Vacation Venue
Most people go on vacation because we crave a change of scenery, a break from our routine, and the opportunity to relax and share new experiences with our loved ones. However, many ASD kids HATE disruptions in their routines. If you intend to go away with a child on...
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Lifelines for Women with Autism
This week I read Safety Skills for Asperger Women – How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life, by Liane Holliday Willey, even though my own daughter with autism doesn’t have Asperger’s Syndrome. Normally, I avoid books about Asperger’s because Samantha doesn’t speak,...
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Actors with Autism – Opportunities or Pipe Dreams?
Consulting with professionals in job development for my daughter on the autistic spectrum, I can almost hear their unspoken incredulity when I suggest they help Samantha* find an agent and audition for TV, theater, and movie roles for young women with disabilities....
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Making Dreams Come True
Autism Awareness month has ended, but I’m happy to report that DreamStreet, a theater group for adults with developmental disabilities, is going strong and gaining well-deserved attention. Founded in 1998 as a non-profit organization, DreamStreet Theater Company...
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An Unusually Exciting Mother’s Day
Even though my nest is half-empty (because my son, Matt, is in LA), I’m approaching this Mother’s Day bubbling over with excitement and pride over both my twins and the memoir they inspired. Not only that, but Matt’s movie, Being Charlie—co-authored with Nick Reiner...
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Is it Politically Correct to Call People on the Spectrum Autistic?
As this year’s Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, I wanted to bring attention to the impact labels and names can have on people with special needs. If you check the definition of autism at https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/autism, you’ll see: “a mental...
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15 Minutes of Fame for an Autism Mom
When Andy Warhol said “everyone should have 15 minutes of fame,” he was right. For autism parents who work 24/7 to help their children reach their full potential, receiving praise and recognition for our efforts is especially sweet. I’m delighted that Autism...
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My Picture Perfect Party – Autism Book Launch
Until last week, I tackled my unusually challenging life in relative obscurity. On April 7th all of that changed with the publication of my memoir and the book launch party for My Picture Perfect Family – What Happens When One Twin Has Autism. For my whole life, I’d...
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My Book
Consulting
About Marguerite
Marguerite Elisofon is a New York City writer and the author of My Picture Perfect Family, a memoir about how her family navigated life with a child on the autistic spectrum before the internet and support groups existed. She also blogs about parenting young adults and disability related issues in The Never Empty Nest. Her writing has been featured in a variety of publications, including Time and NY Metro Parents magazine, and her family’s story has been featured by the NY Post, Fox News, The Daily Mail, and on Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty Sexy Funny radio show. A Vassar graduate, Marguerite was born and raised in New York City, where she still lives with her husband, Howard, in their mostly-empty nest. She is available to speak about a wide variety of issues relating to twins, parenting, and autism. 