Lighthouse Autism Center Blog

We’re excited to share that Lighthouse Autism Center is opening a brand-new location in Cedar Falls, Iowa in June 2026. Our new center, located at 2300 Main Street, Suite #301, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, will serve up to 21 families in Cedar Falls and the surrounding communities. This marks our seventh location in Iowa and […]

Why Caregivers Need Support  In our earlier posts in this series, we explored why caregiver self-care matters and how small, realistic habits can support your well-being. We talked about pausing, protecting your energy, meeting basic needs, and finding moments of calm in the middle of busy days.  But for many caregivers, there’s a question underneath all of that advice: “How do I make space for self-care […]

We’re excited to share that Lighthouse Autism Center is expanding insurance options for military families. We’re now accepting TRICARE at select locations and states—helping more families access high-quality, center-based autism services. Lighthouse Autism Center locations in North Carolina, as well as our Mishawaka, Indiana (Edison Road) center, are now enrolling families covered under TRICARE East. […]

Caring for a child with autism is rewarding, but can also be demanding in ways that aren’t always visible. Between daily routines, therapy schedules, advocacy, and emotional labor, many caregivers find themselves running on empty, even as they continue to show up for their child every day.  Earlier this year, we explored this reality in our blog post, The Power of Pause: Why Caregiver Self-Care […]

As a new year begins, many families naturally reflect on what they hope the months ahead will bring—more peace, more balance, more support. At Lighthouse Autism Center, we’ll be taking a deeper look at the importance of self-care throughout the month of January, offering resources and encouragement to help caregivers start the year feeling supported and grounded. But […]

The holiday season is filled with excitement, celebration, and connection, but it can also bring challenges for children with autism and their families. New environments, unfamiliar faces, changes in routine, and sensory-heavy activities can create stress during a time that is meant to feel joyful. With some thoughtful planning and supportive strategies, families can navigate this […]

Holiday Cooking Activities That Encourage Participation  The holidays offer a warm, sensory-rich environment full of familiar smells, special routines, and family traditions. For many families of children with autism, though, this season can also bring new challenges like changes in schedule, busy environments, or unfamiliar sensory input. Cooking and baking together can be a wonderful way to bring calm, structure, […]

Holiday Shopping Tips to Avoid Sensory Overload  The holiday season is full of excitement, lights, music, and anticipation, but for children with autism, it can also be overwhelming. Busy stores, crowded aisles, unexpected noises, and long lines can turn what should be a joyful outing into a stressful experience for both children and parents. With some […]

Autistic children are often labeled as picky eaters, but the truth is that they face a unique set of challenges that can make mealtimes extremely stressful. Discover helpful tips on introducing new foods into your child’s diet to make mealtimes more nutritional and enjoyable for everyone at the table. Autism and Food: Tips for Introducing […]

As the weather cools off and the leaves start to change colors, fall offers a perfect opportunity for children to explore nature with all their senses. For children with autism, spending time outdoors can be calming, grounding, and full of rich sensory learning experiences. From the crunchy leaves to the smell of pine and feel […]

Lighthouse Autism Center is proud to host an upcoming webinar highlighting a breakthrough in autism diagnostics using the FDA-approved EarliPoint® eye tracking system. This innovative technology provides objective insights into how children engage with social interactions, complementing our clinical interviews and expertise. Join Dr. Steph Luallin, Senior Director of Diagnostic Operations at Lighthouse Autism Center, […]