by Teal C. | Jun 1, 2023 | Autism Blog, Uncategorized, Views from the Spectrum
Routines and Autism Sticking to routines can be important for autistic people. I mean, I’ve always been a stickler for routines and still am to this day. Even in an unfamiliar environment, it has been more necessary to set my own routines and know what I need to do...
by Teal C. | Apr 1, 2023 | Uncategorized, Views from the Spectrum
Masking: Benefits & Burnouts Masking is hiding self-soothing behaviors that others may find “weird.” This involves such things as stimming or intense interests. Stimming is usually self-soothing techniques that involve anything to help, cope, or manage outside...
by Kylie Richardson | Sep 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
At Commonwealth Autism, our work is made possible by the generosity of partners who believe in creating a more inclusive world. Today, we are proud to spotlight Karis Management and Movement Mortgage for their incredible commitment to giving back. Through the Impact...
by Kylie Richardson | Jul 23, 2025 | Autism Blog, Uncategorized
Lace Up Your Running Shoes For This 5k for Charity Dominion Energy is holding another 5k to support Richmond nonprofits! Are you a runner? Are you a walker? Are you a need-to-get-some-sun-for-summer-er? Here’s your opportunity! This is going to a fun run at...
by Kylie Richardson | Jul 17, 2025 | Autism Blog, Uncategorized
Eric Bailey’s success story with the Career Readiness and Employment program (CRE) began in early 2024. Since his first meeting with Commonwealth Autism, Eric has received his driver’s license, become a full-time employee at Good Foods Grocery, and...
by Kylie Richardson | Jun 24, 2025 | Autism Blog, Blog, Career Readiness and Employment
Speed Interview Day In this most recent cohort, Sarah McCaig (Career Readiness and Employment Manager) asked staff members to participate in a speed interview day where interns could ask questions to Commonwealth Autism staff as if they were hiring managers asking...
by Kylie Richardson | Jun 23, 2025 | Autism Blog, Career Readiness and Employment
Orientation Day: To Wear A Belt Or Suspenders, That Is The Question “You can wear belts or suspenders, but you can’t wear a belt AND suspenders, because that’s a (fashion) crime.” Sarah McCaig (Manager of the Career Readiness and Employment Program) Today,...
by Kylie Richardson | May 6, 2025 | Autism Blog, Blog, Uncategorized
Celebrating The 2025 Commonwealth Autism Chef’s Cook Off Challenge By Tyler Hart The 2025 Chef’s Cook-Off fundraiser benefiting Commonwealth Autism was a success! Because of the generous support of event sponsors, attendees, and donors, we raised over $80,000—our...
by Teal C. | Dec 12, 2024 | Autism Blog, Blog, Uncategorized
Sensory Toys and Autism Sensory toys for people with autism ranges greatly from a fidget spinner to a chew necklace and even to a Rubix cube. They help people regulate their emotional needs as well as their sensory needs. They help calm a person with autism down and...
by Teal C. | Aug 19, 2024 | Autism Blog, Blog, Uncategorized
Benefits of Therapy & Autism Coming to terms with my diagnosis was a trouble-free experience to make sense of. My parents never hid my diagnosis or what they were doing from me, which helped tremendously unless it was a surprise. I was emotion driven and went...
by Kylie Richardson | Jul 11, 2024 | Autism Blog, Blog, Uncategorized
Group Home and Development In mid-June of 2011, I made the move to Richmond with the plan of moving into a group home. Before all of that, my dad and I checked out some other locations that just didn’t seem to fit me at all. They both didn’t fit the ideals for what...
by Teal C. | Jul 11, 2024 | Autism Blog, Blog, Uncategorized
Before Moving to Richmond Going to school was not all I was expecting it to be. The struggles, trials and tribulations, and even failed relationships were just the beginnings of my adulthood. The inevitable rush from high school to adulthood was never a perfect step...
