Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2026 i Foughtism

The holiday season has a way of filling our minds and senses to the brim, even when we think we are handling it well. Many families in the autism community enter January feeling tired in a way that a simple nap cannot fix. This month, instead of calling for extreme changes or intense resolutions, we invite you to treat the New Year as a quiet system restoration. Think of it like giving yourself time to plug in and recharge without guilt. Every person has an internal rhythm, and honoring that rhythm is an act of confidence. It is also an act of self respect. When we listen to our sensory needs, routines become steadier and joy feels more natural. Honestly, that sounds way better than forcing ourselves into someone elses…

Anxiety Calm Strength Kindness Mindfulness Selfcare Breathe Therapy Emotions Cope Safe Feelings Balance Hope Support Talk Journal Listen Help Stress Instructions: Find each item or complete each prompt As you go, pause and notice how you feel, what you see, hear, smell, or think. Try to stay in the moment with each one. You can check them off or write a short note for each! Find something soft and take a moment to feel its texture. Find something that smells nice. What does it remind you of? Find something that makes a sound. Close your eyes and just listen. Find something cold and notice how it feels against your skin. Find something bright or colorful and really look at it for 10 seconds.…

The Power of the Special Interest: From Passion to Purpose. When Liam Porter was a child, he spent hours taking apart old keyboards and teaching himself tiny bits of code for fun. While other kids joked that he lived in a world of numbers, Liam felt calm in that space. His autism gave him a deep focus that let him explore details most people skipped. What started as a simple special interest slowly grew into a library of knowledge. Teens who hear his story often say it feels good to see someone succeed by following a passion instead of changing themselves to fit in. Today Liam works as a software developer creating accessibility tools for people with disabilities. He laughs when he remembers that his parents once worried he would…

Same Food Safe Smoothie Template. Smoothies are a great way to explore new flavors while keeping predictable foods at the center. This build your own template works well for autistic kids, teens, and adults who feel safer with familiar tastes. Start with one liquid like milk, oat milk, or plain water. Add one safe fruit or vegetable, something your body already trusts, …. …. like banana, strawberry, or cucumber. Blend it once so the base feels familiar. Then comes the fun part. Choose one optional new ingredient and add only a tiny amount. It can be spinach, cocoa, nut butter, or even a new berry. Teens often joke that it feels like a food side quest, and parents love that it adds nutrition without stress. Here is a simple method…

Meet Alex: Our Cartographer of Constellations. Alex is ten and proudly calls himself a map maker of the night sky. If you ever see him posing with his star chart, you can almost feel the excitement buzzing around him. Alex is autistic and he says the best part of astronomy is how the sky keeps its promises. The stars show up in patterns that do not suddenly change or try to trick him,….. ….and that steady rhythm gives him a kind of calm that many of us wish we had. He jokes that he trusts the Orion belt more than his school timetable, and honestly, same. His love for predictable patterns has become a beautiful doorway into confidence and curiosity. This year, Alex has a bold goal. He wants to…

The Science of Habit Formation in the Autistic Brain. Q, Dr Maya Collins, many autistic teens and adults say habits either come super easy or feel impossible. Why is that? A, The autistic brain often works with something called monotropism which means attention naturally settles into one strong focus. This is not a weakness at all, it is actually a powerful tool for routine building. When a person enjoys sameness, their brain can create stable pathways faster than expected. I tell my clients that this is like having a built in supercharger for habits. Once a routine clicks, it really clicks. The trick is choosing habits that feel meaningful rather than habits that are forced. Q, How can families use this in daily life? A, One method I love is…

Sustainable Caregiving: Moving Beyond Burnout in 2026. Parenting in the autism community often feels like running a marathon without stopping to breathe. Many parents describe burnout as a mix of exhaustion and worry, and honestly, it is more common than people admit. Evidence based care reminds us that the first step is setting boundaries that protect your own energy. This includes identifying non negotiable rest periods, even short ones, that allow your nervous system to settle. Teens in the house might tease you a little, but they usually get it. When parents regulate their stress, family routines run smoother and kids feel safer. It is not selfish to rest, it is actually part of sustainable caregiving. The next step is building a support web, a network of people and tools…

Foughtism Reads: Neuroaffirming Futures! This month our book list celebrates stories and guides that honor autistic strengths. First is The Rock Hunter by Claire Benton, a picture book about a young autistic geologist who sees beauty in every stone. Parents say it helps children feel proud of their special interests. Sensory rating for the audiobook is low auditory load, which makes it gentle for sensitive listeners. Our second pick is Speak Up Stronger by Jordan Hale, a teen friendly guide on self advocacy. It offers real examples about asking for support, naming needs, and building confidence. Teens often say it feels like advice from a cool older cousin, which makes it easy to follow. For parents we recommend Understanding the Why by Dr Sarah Miles, a resource that reframes behavior…

Q, Why did the puzzle piece join the study group? A, It wanted everything to fit together nicely. Q, Why did the robot ask for a break during coding class? A, Its circuits needed a moment to cool off. Q, What did the calendar say to the routine chart? A, We make a great team when we stay in order. Q, Why did the notebook love math class? A, It enjoyed filling in all the predictable patterns. Q, Why did the cushion sit near the quiet corner? A, It liked supporting calm moments. Q, What did the fidget toy say after a long school day? A, I think I have been twisted enough for today. Q, Why did the magnifying glass join science club? A, It always wanted to look…

My Sensory Success Time Capsule. This activity invites kids, teens, and even parents to create a time capsule that celebrates sensory joys. Start by finding a small box or jar that feels special. Then choose three or four items that represent your favorite sensory experiences. It can be a tiny fabric square that feels soft, a drawing of a taste you love, a note describing a smell that makes you smile, or even a picture of a sound that calms you. Write a short message to your future self explaining why these sensory moments feel important. Teens can add humor if they want, something like dear future me, I hope you still love bubble tea. Parents can join too which makes this activity feel like a shared tradition. Seal the…

January Calendars: Low-Social-Demand Gatherings! Walker Art Center Sensory Friendly Sunday, Minneapolis MN Date: January 11, 2026, times vary by program. Location: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis MN. Details: Monthly sensory friendly sessions for visitors with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. Reduced noise and lighting, relaxed entry and pacing, accessible staff on site. Check the Walker calendar for exact program times and any registration requirements. walkerart.org. Signs of Winter, Nature Sensory Stroll, Millington NJ Date: January 31, 2026, morning session. Location: New Jersey Audubon, specific nature center listing. Details: Gentle sensory focused walk on level trails, emphasis on quiet observation of winter textures and sounds. Recommended for families who prefer low crowds. Register on the New Jersey Audubon events page. Surface may be uneven or muddy in places, bring appropriate…