Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 196 Communicating with Confidence Dear Readers, As October begins, many children are settling into school and getting to know their teachers and classmates. While decorations in their environments may feel a bit scary at this time, communicating with others in social settings doesn’t have to be. Whether they use gestures, an AAC device, or sign language, they should feel confident doing so. This months theme is Communicating with Confidence, and every parent and caregiver wants to know their child or young adult is not struggling with this at school, work, or in other social situations. Our expert articles and parent essays are meant to support you in helping your child in this and other areas. No matter how your child expresses themselves, they deserve to feel confident while doing so. While we cannot always shelter them from the skeletons, ghosts, or bats that pop up in stores or around the neighborhood, we can try to provide a safe space for them to make spooktacular connections within our families and with others. Happy reading!