Last updated September 14, 2026
The short version
I’m a parent, not a professional. Everything here comes from my own experience raising three autistic sons and from research I’ve done for my own family. None of it is medical, legal, financial, or educational advice.
Please talk to qualified professionals about your child’s specific situation.
Who I am, and who I’m not
I’m a mom of five boys. Three of them are autistic. Two are nonverbal. I’ve been in this since my oldest was small, and I write about what I’ve learned.
I am not a doctor, therapist, psychologist, behavior analyst, special education attorney, financial advisor, or teacher. I have no professional credentials in any of these fields.
What I have is experience in my own house, and a habit of researching things thoroughly when my family needs answers.
Medical and therapeutic content
Nothing on this site is medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Don’t use anything you read here to diagnose a condition, delay seeking professional care, or replace guidance from your child’s doctor or therapy team.
If you’re worried about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician. If your child is in crisis, contact a medical professional or emergency services.
Autism presents differently in every person. Strategies that transformed our mornings may do nothing in your house. That’s normal and it isn’t your failure.
Financial content
I write about budgeting, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, insurance, and the long-term cost of raising an autistic child.
I am not a financial advisor, accountant, or attorney. I’m a mom on a tight budget researching these things for my own family and writing down what I find in plain English.
Special needs financial planning has real consequences if it goes wrong. A trust set up incorrectly can cost your child their benefits eligibility. Before you act on anything in this category, talk to a qualified special needs planner, estate attorney, or benefits counselor.
Legal and educational content
I write about IEPs, 504 plans, school accommodations, guardianship, and transition planning.
I am not an attorney or an advocate. Special education law varies by state, and your school district’s practices may differ from mine.
For anything involving a dispute, due process, guardianship, or a decision with legal weight, consult a special education attorney or a trained advocate.
Research and accuracy
When I write about something I haven’t lived, I say so.
I check my sources and I do my best to be accurate. Autism research changes, guidance gets revised, and older posts may fall behind. If you spot something wrong or out of date, please tell me — I’d rather know.
Products and recommendations
I only recommend things I’ve used or would buy for my own kids.
That doesn’t mean they’ll work for your child. Read reviews, check return policies, and start small.
I don’t recommend or accept advertising for anything marketed as a cure, treatment, or therapy claiming to fix or reverse autism.
Your decisions are yours
You know your child better than I do. Everything here is offered as one parent’s experience, not as instructions.
By using this site, you accept that any decisions you make are your own responsibility.
Questions
Reach me through the contact page or at gritandgush@gmail.com.
Grit & Gush LLC PO Box 1188 Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 United States