Nola Family April 2026

April 2026

nola family APRIL 2026 Parent Fearlessly

Autism Support for Every Stage

Parenting with Chronic Pain

Ready for the REAL WORLD?

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 1

2 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 3

CONT ENT S April 2026

in each issue

6 8

THE MAMA FILES

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

10 12 22 28 30

SPOTLIGHT

DAD ABOUT TOWN THINGS TO DO THINGS WE LOVE

SNAPSHOTS

features

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: PARENTING WHILE MANAGING AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS A LOCAL PARENT SHARES THE QUIET STRENGTH IT TAKES TO RAISE A FAMILY WHILE LIVING WITH AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS. 14 COLLEGE PREP SERIES: BUILDING INDEPENDENCE BEFORE MOVE-IN DAY A GUIDE FOR PARENTS PREPARING THEIR TEENS FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COME WITH COLLEGE LIFE. 16 COLLEGE PREP SERIES: IS COLLEGE THE RIGHT FIT? EXPLORING WHETHER THE TRADITIONAL FOUR-YEAR PATH IS THE BEST NEXT STEP FOR YOUR TEEN. 17 18 FIDGETS: NOT A FAD AN INSIDE LOOK AT WHAT“SENSORY FRIENDLY”TRULY MEANS AND WHY FIDGETS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR MANY FAMILIES. 20 AUTISM RESOURCE GUIDE A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO LOCAL NEURODIVERSITY SUPPORT AND SERVICES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD.

PHOTO BY JOSH BRASTED

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

what’s on the web

APRIL’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL ROUND-UP YOUR GUIDE TO FESTIVALS HAPPENING ACROSS LOUISIANA.

30 WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY FUN, MEANINGFUL WAYS TO CELEBRATE AND CARE FOR OUR PLANET.

WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO PACK ON FAMILY VACATIONS THE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS YOUR FAMILY ACTUALLY NEEDS. A LOCAL GUIDE TO CRAWFISH DISHES THE BEST PLACES AND PREPARATIONS TO TRY THIS SEASON.

CONNECT WITH US

@nolafamilymag

4 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

There are stuttering. reduce effective many Doing nothing is not one of them. ways to

We can help, but you have to take the first step.

We’re here for you.

THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 5

Mama THE FILES

nola family

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WAY Client Success Representatives JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT

Running the Invisible Marathon

M y calendar has a standing monthly date with Ivy— my IV bag full of antibodies. It’s not the kind of appointment most people schedule, but it’s become part of life with primary immunodeficiency. For most of my life, being sick was just…normal. Sinus infections, allergies, and endless rounds of antibiotics were part of my routine. If I cleaned the house and ended up down for a few days afterward, I blamed my allergies. My doctor kept refills ready, we switched medications when one stopped working, and life kept moving. Eventually it became clear something bigger was going on. After years of infections that refused to stay gone, I was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency—which means my immune system doesn’t have the antibodies it needs to fight illness the way it should. Now I receive IVIG infusions once a month, and I try to schedule them on Fridays whenever possible. By

days they’re surprisingly sweet—a little quieter and a little more helpful. We usually order dinner or go somewhere easy because cooking a big meal isn’t high on my priority list after treatment… especially when that meal involves feeding three teenagers, two of whom are growing boys who seem to be hungry every 15 minutes. Living with an invisible illness has taught our family patience and flexibility. We plan around treatments, pace ourselves when needed, and adjust when my body needs a break. Because once a month I’ll show up for my standing date with Ivy—then come home, take a nap, and jump right back into the real marathon of the day: keeping up with three teenagers who treat the kitchen like it’s open 24 hours a day and a husband whose brain doesn’t always know when it’s time to shut down for the night.

noon I’m usually heading home, grabbing a snack, setting an alarm, and taking a long nap. The first few treatments wiped me out, but now the routine is manageable. Most of the time the only evidence left behind is a bruise on my arm and a strong desire to stay under my blanket for the rest of the afternoon. What makes conditions like this tricky is that most of the time no one can see it. I can walk into the office looking completely fine— hair done, makeup on, coffee in hand. On the outside, nothing seems unusual. But fatigue is constant. Not the kind that disappears after a good night’s sleep—the kind that settles into your bones and stays there. And motherhood doesn’t slow down for any of it. My kids have grown up watching me manage this, even if they don’t fully understand it yet. They know infusion Fridays means Mom might be on the couch with a book and a blanket when they get home from school. Those

ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives

ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

2025

2023

2024

6 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 7

R eading books written by or about people on the autism spectrum is a fantastic way to talk to your kids about empathy, acceptance, and why being different is a great thing. Here are a few options available at the New Orleans Public Library.

from the bookshelf

CHILDREN My Friend Julia: A Sesame Street Book about Autism is a wonderful celebration of our differences. With full-color photos and accessible text, Abby, Elmo, and the Sesame Street friends introduce young readers to autism in this age-appropriate resource. In A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond & Kate Cosgrove , readers are invited into the life of a family who communicates just as their child, Aiden, does — without spoken language. Instead, they utilize tools to embrace nonverbal methods, such as tablets, gestures, and facial expressions, challenging the idea that speech is the only way to connect. MIDDLE GRADE Go-Man: Champion of Earth is an action-packed, middle grade adventure about how one kid overcomes the differences that set him apart from his classmates to make friends and save his city. But, this is not just any superhero story. It’s also a metaphor for autism, drawing from author Hamish Steele’s own childhood experiences.

BONUS: PARENTING Parenting any child comes with unique challenges. For families of autistic children, check out these books from the Library to develop skills, strategies, and perspectives. Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider’s Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children by Katie Rose Guest Pryal is a practical and empathetic guide for neurodivergent parents raising neurodivergent children. It offers strategies for advocacy, emotional support, navigating education systems, and embracing neurodiversity to foster resilience and inclusivity. Part storytelling, part self-inquiry, Parenting at the Intersections: Raising Neurodivergent Children of Color by Jaya Ramesh & Priya Saaral situates parenting children of color with neurodivergence within the context of various interlocking systems of oppression including settler colonialism, White supremacy, ableism, and capitalism. Using the voices of parents on the front lines and other experts, Parenting at the Intersections offers an invitation to parents to slow down and reflect on their own parenting journeys.

In Izzy at the End of the World by K. A. Reynolds , an autistic girl and her dog are faced with disaster. When they set out to discover the truth behind humanity’s disappearance, they’re met with the world’s greatest mysteries, as they uncover the true endurance of the human spirit to save the world. TEEN CG Drews’ Hazelthorn is a great pick for horror-loving teens. The story follows a reclusive autistic boy who inherits his murdered guardian’s estate — including a sentient, carnivorous garden. The book explores trauma, identity, obsession, and toxic family dynamics, blending botanical body horror with a murder mystery. The Young Person’s Guide to Autistic Burnout is an informative and supportive guide by autistic author and advocate, Viv Dawes. Alongside artwork from an autistic teen illustrator, Dawes gently presents information about autistic burnout — what causes it, how

to prevent it and what helps with recovery — to show teens you’re not alone.

Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.

8 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 9

WE WORK THE WATERWAYS:

spotlight

PHOTO BY ALEX HERNANDEZ

PHOTO BY J.F. BRENNAN CO.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

F rom agricultural and energy products to cargo and construction materials, countless essential goods travel through the ports that line the Mississippi River. Despite the massive role maritime shipping and logistics play in our everyday lives, many young people have never even heard of the industry—let alone considered a career in it. That’s where We Work the Waterways comes in, a nonprofit organization teaching the youth about the wide range of career opportunities within the maritime world. “Naturally, kids grow up hearing about becoming a firefighter, doctor, police officer, teacher, lawyer—but they don’t naturally hear about our industry, because it’s hidden,” says Errin Howard, executive director of We Work the Waterways. “We realized that we need to catch up to other industries that are beating us to the classroom.” Early exposure introduces workforce possibilities beyond typical career paths for high school graduates. We Work the Waterways presents maritime to students in a way kids can understand. Signature events, known as Maritime Interaction Days, are designed for junior high through high school students.

she says. Instead of booths and brochures, students are invited to take part in a day of immersive stations led by maritime professionals across the industry, where engaging, hands-on, and visually stimulating activities replicate real experiences on the job. “One of our favorite activities is the man overboard station. This involves learning about what happens when someone goes overboard. Students physically point and call out into the water, saying, ‘Man overboard!’, and they get to practice throwing the life ring out,” Howard says. Soft skill stations like resume building, elevator pitch discussions, presentations led by top leadership, and, more recently, financial literacy talks led by banks, are incorporated into the day. “We talk to students about how much money can be made in maritime, especially as you climb the ladder. It’s an opportunity to teach the kids the power of saving and starting to save early,” she explains. Their website offers a robust career hub, featuring nearly 100 careers in maritime. “There’s a picture of a person at work, the average salary range, the skills or education needed to obtain that position, a day in the life description, and a link directly to companies that

hire for these positions, leading to their job openings page,” Howard says.

The maritime shipping and logistics industry works to support an entire ecosystem of industries. In Louisiana, where the Mississippi river supports one of the largest port systems in the world, building that awareness is critical. For students growing up near these waterways, the industry also offers something else: the opportunity to build a long, rewarding career close to home. “These professionals come and take time out of their day to really interact with the kids. They’re not just there to be there. They truly enjoy what they’re doing. And I think by showing these young people that people in maritime are willing to take a day out of the office to come and engage with them and be serious and show these students respect as individuals, and that we care about them, it helps showcase how special maritime really is,” Howards says. By introducing students to maritime careers early and allowing them to interact directly with people who power the industry, organizations like We Work the Waterways are helping ensure that the next generation continues to keep the river moving. Visit weworkthewaterways.com to learn more about the nonprofit and their initiatives, and discover their outreach work featured on their social media accounts.

“We work very hard to make sure those are not career fairs—they’re interaction days,”

10 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

Tired of Marketing That Doesn’t Grow Your Business? Meet Geaux Grow: the marketing firm that drives real leads, real clients, and real revenue—not just vanity metrics.

Lead-Driven Results

AI-Powered Follow Up

40+ Years of Proven Success 40+

Transparent Dashboards

Growth You Can Measure. Results You Can Count On. Book your free marketing strategy call today! Book a Call • (504) 866-0555 GeauxGrow.com

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 11

dad about town

JASON CHURCH BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

M eet Jason Church, who many know as the owner of Move! Best Kids in New Orleans. Jason followed his lifelong dream of becoming a karate instructor, and created a welcoming programming space where both kids and adults of all interests and abilities can grow and learn valuable skills. He’s often cracking jokes with his daughters, heading out for sushi with his wife, Katelyn, or—these days— carrying around a diaper bag for their newest addition, Celine. Whether he’s with students, family, or out in the community, Jason leads with kindness and lives by the values he teaches. WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? Jason: Watching them grow and develop personalities. My almost-15-year-old is really fantastic and helpful. She’s around everything, and I am seeing her develop into a person where she likes to teach the classes and work with kids, helping in camp. My other daughter is really into gymnastics, and she’s become super physical. I just saw her first competition over the weekend, and watching her do some of that physical stuff was just really cool to see. She’s got a good personality, too. The baby, you know, she’s starting to talk and it’s so fun. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY? Jason: We enjoy getting sushi. I got engaged to my wife at Little Tokyo [restaurant], and we’ve probably been to almost every sushi place that’s around. But, Little Tokyo is one of our favorite places. Now, because of the baby, we spend a lot of time at home. We used to go to the movies a little bit, but we’re not taking a baby to the theater. So when the girls aren’t doing gymnastics or tournament teams, we’re usually around the house or out shopping, driving, and things like that. WHAT DO YOU HOPE STUDENTS GAIN FROM YOUR CLASSES AND PROGRAMS? Jason: I was taught from a young age while

Occupation: Business owner and head instructor at Move! Best Kids. Children: Kaia, 14; Eve, 10; Celine, 1 Wife: Katelyn Hobbies: Baking and decorating cakes and family time.

to New Orleans in 2013 to open up my own space and to help grow my family. I really wanted the opportunity to have a space of my own. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR CHILDREN LEARN FROM WATCHING YOU BUILD AND LEAD A BUSINESS? Jason: It’s so funny because my oldest is a perfect example. She is a very professional— but short —person. When most of my staff members first come in, she’s helping them learn what to do and how to do it. At her age, it’s always impressive, especially when they give feedback and say, “I thought she was One word to describe me is… funny, according to Kaia. Something that is always in the fridge is… milk and cheese. A parenting item I can’t live without is… specifically in life right now, the diaper bag. I feel my best… (it’s cliche, but) when I’m with my family.

in the martial arts industry that karate helps everyone, even those in other sports. With good coaches and teachers, the same values and beliefs can be instilled in any team, no matter if it’s karate or not. I wanted to expand opportunities for all kids to get involved. Because karate is kind of a niche—it’s not for everybody—we opened up our programs to dance and parkour. My future goal is to open up a gymnastics or tumbling portion. We have coaches who teach focus, respect, integrity, concentration, teamwork, and leadership. These lessons can be taught through anything and in many ways. If kids come here, they’re going to have a great experience and learn to be better people.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Jason: I’ve been doing martial arts since I was 10 years old. In my eighth grade yearbook, I actually have “to be a karate instructor” written under “What do you want to be when you grow up?” So it’s kind of funny that I was able to become a karate instructor. I moved

12 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

way older, right?” because she talks to them, and she can answer the phone and talk to parent. I hope the other two learn and grow to develop the same thing—to be mature, professional people that can communicate well with others around them, to be helpful, and to give to the community, too—giving without the expectation of something in return. WHAT VALUE DO YOU HOPE TO PASS ON TO YOUR KIDS? Jason: One of the biggest lessons that I learned from my parents and try to get across to them is to treat other people the way that you want to be treated. That, especially in business, is sometimes a little stressful, because sometimes the right choice isn’t always the best business choice; but if it comes down to two options, I always pick the choice that is going to work best for people: what the right thing to do is. DO YOUR CHILDREN TAKE AFTER ANY OF YOUR PERSONALITY TRAITS? Jason: They have my sense of humor, for the most part. I like to think of myself as a punny person, and they do appreciate my dad jokes—although not so much in front of their friends—but for real, they do. And sometimes me and my older daughter, we literally say the same joke at the same time about something. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? Jason: My two karate instructors growing up. I model most of my behaviors, values, and beliefs based on what they were able to instill in me in martial arts. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE DADS? Jason: It’s tough because I don’t think I am perfect or have it all figured out either, but I would say to try your best. If you’re worried about not being good enough, I think that already puts you in a different category than a lot of people. You must be doing a good job if you’re worried about it. If you think you’re actually really good at this or think you have it all together, you might need a little more reflection because there’s always room for improvement for growth. WHAT’S YOUR BEST DAD JOKE? Jason: I have so many! Actually for my honeymoon, we went to Universal Studios and Disney World, and we went to the Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory. I submitted a couple jokes, and they used one of my jokes during it: Why do fish live in salt water? Because pepper makes them sneeze.

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 13

More Than Meets the Eye:

Parenting While Managing an Invisible Illness

BY JULIANNA STEEN

E ver been secretly suspicious of the healthy-looking person who snagged the handicapped spot while you hoofed it from half a mile back? Just because someone may look healthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are: CDC research reveals that more than one in four adults in the US deal with some type of disability every single day. That means over 61 million people struggle with debilitating hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living—and many of these are not visible disabilities. There’s a good chance they are grappling with what the Invisible Disabilities® Association calls an invisible disability, which they define as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” Of course, since you can’t see these symptoms, it’s easy to dismiss them—until all of a sudden you’re trying to parent while managing your own invisible illness. AMY’S STORY Family Resource Group’s Publisher Amy L. Foreman always knew something wasn’t quite right with her health. After all, it only

infusions drain her limited energy, she says the tradeoff is worth not getting sick all of the time. “For me, fatigue is constant,” Amy admits. “I am always tired, regardless of how much sleep I get or don’t get. It’s not the kind of tiredness that goes away with a good night’s rest—it’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that becomes part of daily life. And yet, I still show up. I still take care of my responsibilities. I still try to live fully.” She explains that she doesn’t want pity or for people to treat her differently; rather, she just needs a little extra grace, flexibility, and recognition that her sickness is real and challenging, even if it’s not visible.

took one day of cleaning the house to knock her out for a few days because of the dust. However, she just sucked it up and chalked it up to allergies. Eventually, though, in May of 2016, Amy shares the moment when that changed: “The right side of my face went numb, and a trip to the ER showed my sinus cavities fully blocked requiring me to have sinus surgery to clear them out.” After years of almost endless sinus infections—and countless allergy shots, pneumonia vaccines, and refills of antibiotics and steroids—she was finally diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency. According to the Immunity Deficiency Foundation, primary immunodeficiencies (PIs), also called inborn errors of immunity (IEI), are “a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.”While no PI functions the same, all disrupt the body’s immune system. Amy’s affected her body’s antibodies, the proteins needed to fight off illnesses, which led her to a constant state of sickness. The solution? In September of 2025, her doctor recommended she start regular Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. While the

PARENTING WHILE MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS

Sometimes just doing basic tasks like walking into the office, riding the elevator, and sitting down at her desk requires Amy’s body to work overtime. “Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they feel okay,” she states. “Invisible doesn’t mean insignificant—it just means you can’t see the battle they may be fighting.”Throw in motherhood, and you’re looking at a tough balancing act. So how do you do it? “Most of us who have dealt with this for a long time have made adjustments in our lives that work for our families and

14 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

our lifestyles,” Amy explains. “We learn our limits. We plan carefully. We pace ourselves. We build routines around treatments, doctor visits, and recovery time. It may look ‘normal’ from the outside, but it takes intention and resilience behind the scenes.” THE EVERYDAY CHANGES Practically, you’re going to have to set some new boundaries to protect your health. This may look like letting the kids help out around the house—even if you feel guilty for letting them, as Amy’s husband Brandon likes to say, “pull their weight.” It might mean avoiding certain chores completely: For instance, Amy is no longer allowed to dust or vacuum the house. On treatment days, the Foremans tend to go out to dinner or order takeout so Amy doesn’t have to cook. It also requires going with the flow, and being okay setting the kids up with a quick snack and a movie so you can rest for an hour. Most importantly, in order to “pull off” parenting while battling an invisible illness, you have to be willing to ask for help when you need it. Your family and friends are likely on the outskirts, just waiting and willing to step in and help the moment you ask. Let them, even if it feels embarrassing to admit you can’t do it all. HOW TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic or invisible condition, Amy suggests that you get your facts together first before talking with your children. “Once you fully understand your illness and what your options for wellness are, you can explain to your children the game plan,” she says. “I know my kids do better if I give

them the problem but have the solution ready to follow so they don’t spiral or go to Google or ask Alexa a million questions. It’s not the end of the world. Yes, your lifestyle will change, but at least you have answers now and can start getting the proper healthcare that you need.”They may not fully understand, and that’s okay. Amy’s kids are still confused why she was always sick growing up and why she has to get monthly IVIG treatments. But keeping them informed (age-appropriately) and in the loop is important. And who knows? Perhaps they’ll learn a few things along the way, like patience—or how to clean! KEEP FIGHTING Parenthood on its own is hard enough. Adding a chronic illness into the mix can make it feel nigh unto impossible some—or rather, most—days. Nevertheless, Amy describes it well: “Parenting while managing an invisible illness feels like running a marathon every single day— showing up fully for your very active kids even when your body is exhausted and no one else can see how hard you’re pushing just to keep going.” But don’t lose heart! You don’t need to be the “perfect” parent—after all, there’s no such thing. Do your best, ask for help when you need it, take naps when you can, prioritize what you need to do vs. what you can delegate, and keep loving those kiddos. Wondering if your never-ending infections and health problems are something more? Take IDF’s free primary immunodeficiency (PI) self-assessement.

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 15

COLLEGE PREP SERIES:

questions on their own, while you quietly offer support besides them. Do they know how to speak to professionals? Observe their phone call tone and email etiquette—do they speak with confidence and respect? Small steps make a difference. Whether it’s ordering food at a restaurant, asking for assistance in a store, checking out at a register, cashing a check at the bank, or picking up a prescription from the pharmacy, everyday interactions build confidence. Without these steps, children miss important chances to develop communication skills, which may lead to social anxieties that become more difficult to outgrow. BUILDING EMOTIONAL STRENGTH Your child will immediately face countless decisions when starting college. It won’t be easy, but learning their limits (when to rest versus pushing hard in academics, friendships, and activities) is crucial. Equally important is utilizing on-campus support, asking for help when needed, and setting healthy boundaries. After all, independence doesn’t mean handling everything alone. PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED Many teenagers don’t know how to change a flat tire or schedule an oil change. Knowing campus police numbers, the nearest urgent care facility, and personal information like insurance details all contribute to emergency preparedness. EVERYDAY HABITS For your child’s sake, they should know how to leave laundry day without shrunken, pink- stained shirts. An understanding of how to cook easy, balanced meals goes a long way versus living off of fast food. Changing a lightbulb, unclogging a drain, sweeping the floor, and washing their sheets often are also habits worth having. GUIDING WITHOUT TAKING OVER Before your child leaves for college, start shifting your guidance. Allow them to make more of their own decisions and experience consequences and outcomes. Offer advice, but hold back on fixing problems for them. Remind them of responsibilities while encouraging independence. Consistency in these areas must be built before they leave, because soon, choices will be entirely theirs to make. Every student’s journey is different, but with support and practice, they can enter college and adulthood feeling prepared with valuable life skills.

Building Independence Before

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS Move-In Day

A time comes when parents unload boxes into dorm rooms or wave goodbye as their not-so-little kid pulls out of the driveway of their childhood home, car packed to the brim, heading towards a new stage of life. The dorm room door shuts. The rearview mirror no longer reflects home. And just like that, in these moments, independence begins. I know that moment well—I’ve lived it myself. And as a first-year college student, I quickly learned that the biggest challenges weren’t just lectures and exams, but the life skills and responsibilities that suddenly became my own. From managing money and time to maintaining communication and well-being, independence requires preparation before a student’s move-in day. While parents may only be a phone call away, learning how to navigate these responsibilities helps set the foundation for adulthood.

things they want versus what they truly need. Establishing a form of income, like a part-time job or monthly allowance for expenses like groceries, social life, and personal needs, and creating—and sticking to—a budget is necessary. It’s equally important to send them off with an understanding of how to withdraw money from an ATM or deposit a check at the bank. TIME ACCOUNTABILITY The world of relying on a parent’s wake-up call is no longer. The first step to success is timeliness: Setting the alarm, waking up, and getting to class—on time. Whether using a digital calendar with alerts or a weekly planner to track important due dates, staying on track eliminates long-term stress and feeling behind. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION Has your child ever scheduled their own doctor’s appointment? It’s understandable if they haven’t, but it’s essential they learn how. At their next appointment, encourage them to check in, complete paperwork, speak directly with their pediatrician, and answer

SMART MONEY HABITS There’s a difference between purchasing

16 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

COLLEGE PREP SERIES:

Is College the Right Fit C ollege isn’t a golden ticket to success, and it’s no longer the default option. For today’s teens, life after high school could mean a university campus, a BY AMELIA ROESSLER welding apprenticeship, a military contract, or launching a small business. The real challenge isn’t choosing college—it’s choosing the right fit. A recent survey found that 90 percent of Gen Z students say they trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school. The bad news? Parents say they don’t know enough about the vast majority of valuable education and training options their child could pursue and are especially in the dark about anything that isn’t either pursuing a career directly or getting a bachelor’s degree. After all, there are a finite number of traditional colleges, but a seemingly infinite number of pathways beyond college. And it’s not a glass slipper moment—several options could fit just as well. THE BIG DECISION Thinking about college seriously starts in high school. Todd Rinehart, a university vice chancellor for enrollment, says even though many higher education schools visit high schools, there is a lot of information out there about applications, financial aid, and what a school is like right on a school’s website. He says national enrollment in colleges has been trending down recently. He cites a decline in the number of high school seniors and smaller graduating classes as a reason, coming from the birth rates that have not returned since the 2007 recession. “I think what’s concerning in recent years, even before we started to see the decline in seniors in high school, you started to see a smaller percentage of graduating seniors going to college.” Maybe your student doubts if they could succeed at college. Rinehart thinks otherwise, saying students should try to avoid imposter syndrome. “I’m not saying that college is the right match for every person. It certainly isn’t, but I think for most students who really want a pathway to college, there’s a way to get there, and they can definitely do it,” explains Rinehart.

eyes wide open to know that you will transform personally and academically, but you still have another 60 years of your life and your career that will also be influenced by a lot of other things besides that you went to college.” CAREER ALTERNATIVES You spend 18 years preparing your child for the world after high school, so what do you do when your child comes home and says, “I don’t want to go to college”? First, make sure it isn’t just nerves—have them meet with a college counselor or their high school counselor to help alleviate some misguided expectations and ease the nerves. If it truly is that the traditional four-year college route is not for your child, but they still want to continue their education, there are other options. Many accredited online and community colleges also offer associate or bachelor’s degrees. Vocational fields and jobs in construction, manufacturing, welding, electricians, mechanics, and plumbers are facing personnel shortages due to an aging workforce, according to Stephen Tave, president and CEO of American Higher Education Development Corporation. These hands-on jobs also come with a built-in advantage—they’re essentially AI-proof. Not to mention that vocational colleges are significantly more affordable than other universities, require less time to earn a degree, and graduates enter the workplace sooner. No matter what decision is made, Rinehart says to just enjoy the process and try not to stress over it. “I think people get discouraged and stressed out of the gate, and really, they should just enjoy it. There’s nothing more fun than being on a college campus and just visiting different schools,” he explains. The goal to help your child succeed isn’t necessarily to chase prestige or follow tradition, it’s to help your teen choose a path that fits who they are and who they’re still becoming.

Local school systems are expanding opportunities beyond the traditional four-year degrees for the students who may choose a different path. NOLA Public Schools has a college and career readiness success hub designed for students and families and offers a seamless way to discover programs and opportunities across Orleans Parish. Whether searching for advanced academic courses, career pathways, or college preparedness programming, the hub makes it simple and exciting to find the perfect fit for career goals and aspirations. QUESTIONS TO ASK As a parent, all you want is to see your child succeed. You can help by starting conversations on self-reflections of their goals, researching options, and discussing finances openly. Encourage them to explore career interests, think about what they are good at doing and what they find joy and passion in, visit different types of campuses, and consider alternatives like trade schools or a gap year. Act like a sounding board and guide them toward a school or path that fits best for them, rather than one with prestige. “I think families need to be evaluating colleges on three levels,” says Rinehart. “Is this particular school a personal match for me, is it an academic match, and is it a financial match?” And if a school or college in general is not a fit—it’s ok! If your child is unsure, a gap year is perfect to work and explore interests, helping them mature and define their goals. Recent studies show that 90 percent of students who take a gap year before going to college return to school. IF COLLEGE IS RIGHT Rinehart encourages families to visit all different types of schools—public, private, small, medium, large. “You can start to get a feel for what resonates with you and what excites you,” he says. He emphasizes that families should not expect college to be a golden ticket to success—a student is not automatically transformed, guaranteed with a job, promised a certain salary, and set for a successful life and career until they retire. “Life is a journey, it’s not as simple,” he explains. “You should come into college

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 17

FIDGETS: NOT A FAD

BY AMANDA CIANI

I n 2017, American teachers had a new classroom enemy: the fidget spinner. Almost every homeroom had an abundance of students with pockets full of fidget spinners galore. Kids clacked them on their desks, flung them at their peers, traded them at lunch, and cried when they lost their favorite fidget. Some schools even went on to place bans on the popular sensory toy. But eventually, the cool factor of the fidget spinner faded, and the youth moved onto the next big craze. Did fidget spinners get an unfair, bad rap? Probably so. But consider this: These sensory tools gained popularity as toys because when they were used as intended, they worked! Merriam-Webster defines the noun of fidget as, “something (such as a toy) that is designed to be held and manipulated (as to decrease stress and anxiety).” It may be suggested, however, that fidgets are so much more than just a toy, and they are truly so much more than just a fad. Let’s dig into the world of fidgets, how they work, who they benefit, and also consider reintroducing them to the classroom (and boardroom, and beyond).

A FIDGET FOR EVERYONE Believe it or not, reader, you have probably fidgeted in your lifetime. Whether twirling your hair, clicking a pen, or bouncing a knee, fidgeting helps humans manage stressful moments and can even increase focus. There are SO many types of fidget tools on the market, and available to 3D print, in 2026. Deep Pressure Fidgets: weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and shoulder vests, compression clothing, and more. Gross Motor Fidgets: balance boards, trampolines, swings, rocking stools, exercise balls, and more.

Visual Fidgets: bubblers, glitter jars, sand jars, lava lamps, and more. HOW FIDGETS WORK While it may appear that fidgets just keep the user occupied, there is much more than meets the eye in terms of the purpose and the benefits of these sensory tools. Fidgets actually work in multiple ways, with a variety of benefits. First , fidgets can help with sensory processing. Many life experiences can be overwhelming with unpredictable or abundant sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes, too. By providing predictable sensory stimulation and input through touch, pressure and movement, fidget users can regulate and balance their nervous system. Second , they can support self-regulation. Small, repetitive movements can provide an individual with a sense of calm and possibly reduce their stress and anxiety. Allowing the body to find a rhythm allows a release of nervous energy. Third , fidgets can help build sustained attention. Through releasing a bit of energy, fidgeting can improve focus. Allowing

Oral Fidgets: chewerly (chewable jewelry), gum, sour candy, z-vibes, and more.

Repetitive Motion Fidgets: chain fidgets, click rollers, fidget spinners, fidget cubes, spinner ringers, and more.

Resistance Fidgets: firm putties, hand grips strengtheners, resistance bands, and more.

Tactile Fidgets: stress balls, putties and doughs, tangles, pop-its, velcro strips, sensory rings, worry stones, and more.

18 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

AND BEYOND!) Kids will be kids! And children playing with fidgets in an unintentional, unruly way may have teachers considering rules regarding fidgeting. However, when used intentionally and with clear expectations, they can be a helpful tool rather than a distraction. A classroom with students that are regulated, calm and focused is also a classroom that is set up for success and lots of learning! KULTURECITY SENSORY INCLUSIVE CERTIFIED VENUES Did you know there are lots of amazing local attractions that have become certified through KultureCity as sensory inclusive venues? They have obtained continuous training, offer guests sensory bags and taken additional steps to make their venue more welcoming to those with sensory needs. Making accessibility a daily occurrence helps create an accepting and inclusive community! Learn more at kulturecity.org and check out KultureCity’s amazing work at:

Louisiana Children’s Museum 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans lcm.org Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans Quiet Room and sensory bags caesarssuperdome.com Smoothie King Center 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans Quiet Room and sensory bags smoothiekingcenter.com The Historic New Orleans Collection 520 Royal Street, New Orleans hnoc.org The National WWII Museum 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans nationalww2museum.org Newcomb Art Museum 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu So whether a child is using a fidget at home or at school or whether an adult is embarking on a fidget finding journey of their own, it is clear: Fidgets are so much more than just a fad!

the body to move in a concentrated and rhythmic way can give the brain the focus needed to attend a task in a more meaningful way. REGULATED. CALM. FOCUSED. The abundant and deep benefits of fidgets definitely should urge society to reclassify them from mere toys to true tools. WHO BENEFITS FROM FIDGETS An individual does not require a diagnosis of any sort to enjoy a fidget’s benefits. Anyone looking to hone their focus or enjoy an exhale of relief from the world’s stressors can pick up a fidget and give it a whirl. Feel itchy with stress? Take a moment and try bouncing a leg, flexing fingers to a beat, chewing some sour-flavored gum, or squishing a stress ball. With all of that said, individuals with anxiety and neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders may benefit from adding fidgets to their arsenal of everyday tools used to navigate life. The benefits are the same. The main difference between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent use of fidgets would be that the level of need would affect the frequency of use . RE-INTRODUCING FIDGETS TO THE CLASSROOM (AND BOARD ROOM,

Audubon Zoo 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans audubonnatureinstitute.org

Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium 1 Canal Street, New Orleans audubonnatureinstitute.org

2026 FAMILY FAVORITES GET READY! NOMINATIONS BEGIN APRIL 15 nolafamily.com/family-favorites/

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 19

Autism Support & Services

PHOTO BY KIEN PHAM ON UNSPLASH.COM

E very child deserves the right support, but knowing where to begin can sometimes be overwhelming—especially when you’re navigating diagnoses, therapy options, and educational resources all at once. In the New Orleans area, families have access to a wide range of specialized services designed to help them thrive. This guide brings those trusted resources together in one place, making it easier to find the right fit for your child. With the right team and tools, families can move forward feeling supported, empowered, and never alone.

ABA - APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS THERAPY Arches ABA Therapy 19374 North Third St., Covington

crescentbloomconsulting.com

433 Metairie Rd., Suite 515, Metairie (504) 833-6730 brennanbehavior.com

Gulfsouth Autism Center 3013 27th St., Metairie (504) 291-6200 7252 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans (504) 323-3450 gulfsouthautismcenter.com Pathway Therapeutic Partners 300 Clay St., Suite B, Kenner (504) 289-0380 Within Reach 1515 Demosthenes St., Metairie (504) 885-4327 withinreachnola.com DIAGNOSIS Autism Spectrum Disorders Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Clinic Human Development Center, 411 S. Prieur St., New Orleans

Butterfly Effects 2612 Metairie Rd., Metairie (888) 880-9270 butterflyeffects.com Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) 4613 Fairfield St., Metairie (504) 544-0740 centerforautism.com

(504) 444-3647 archesaba.com

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) 5700 Citrus Blvd., Suite A-1, New Orleans (504) 434-4310 500 River Highlands Blvd., Suite

700, Covington (985) 317-3598 310 Gateway Dr., Suite A, Slidell (985) 605-7666 autismtherapies.com

ChatterNola 2901 Ridgelake Dr., Suite 102, Metairie

Behavior Bee Autism Center 4700 Wichers Dr., Suite 100, New Orleans (504) 766-6553 behaviorbeeautismcenter.com

(504) 354-8078 chatternola.com

Crescent Bloom Consulting New Orleans info@crescentbloomconsulting.com

Brennan Behavior Group

20 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

Childhood Collaborative 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey (504) 349-7600 jpschools.org NONPROFITS The Arc of Greater New Orleans 925 Labarre Rd., Metairie (504) 837-5105 arcgno.org

childrensautismcenter.com

(504) 556-7500 hdc.lsuhsc.edu/asd/

Crane Rehab Center Pediatrics 3105 18th St., Metairie (504) 866-6990 cranerehabpediatrics.com Deep Roots Behavior Support 2901 Ridgelake Dr., Suite 107, Metairie (504) 229-2499 deeprootsnola.com

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of New Orleans 4904 Magazine St., New Orleans (504) 383-3815 cbtnola.com Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development at Ochsner Health 1319 Jefferson Hwy., New Orleans (504) 493-2019 69318 LA-21, Covington (985) 607-6476 ochsner.org/boh Rebecca Graham, Ph D 8558 Hwy. 23, Unit 3, Belle Chasse (985) 778‑3654 drrebeccagraham.wixsite.com/website Southern Psychological Specialists 3525 Prytania St., Suite 608‑611, New Orleans (504) 233‑9006 southernpsy.com The Autism Center at Manning Family Children’s Hospital 210 State St., Building 11, New Orleans (504) 896-7272 manningchildrens.org/services/behavioral- health/the-autism-center Tulane Doctors - Center for Autism & Related Disorders (TCARD) 131 S. Robertson St., 14th Floor A, New Orleans (504) 988-3533 medicine.tulane.edu/tulane-doctors/tcard/ aba-therapy EDUCATION Easterseals Chartwell Center 935 Gravier St., Suite 720, New Orleans (504) 523-7325 easterseals.com/louisiana Spears Learning Center 3999 Hwy. 190 East Service Rd., Covington (985) 871-0689 spearslearningcenter.net St. Michael Special School 1522 Chippewa St., New Orleans (504) 524-7285 stmichaelspecialschool.com St. Thérèse Academy 5601 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans (504) 513-4400 sttheresenola.org

Autism Society of Greater New Orleans P.O. Box 7028, Metairie (504) 603-6548 asgno.org

Inspire Behavior Solutions 619 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 517-2022 inspirebehaviorsolutions.com Kim4Kids 4317 El Dorado St., Metairie (504) 517-5437 kim4kidsnola.com

Disability Rights Louisiana 8325 Oak St., New Orleans (800) 960-7705 disabilityrightsla.org Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans 700 Hickory Ave., Harahan (504) 888-9111 fhfofgno.org Raphael Village 530 Jackson Ave., New Orleans (504) 524-5955 raphaelvillage.org Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources (SOAR) 31 Industrial Pkwy., Building A, Ponchatoula (985) 370-2300 soarwithautism.org THERAPIES Behavioral Health & Human Development Center 4517 Lorino St., Metairie (504) 454-3015 liveandlearnwell.com Bloom in Nola 516 N. Hennessey St., New Orleans (504) 291-2215 bloominnola.com Bloom Therapy Group 2529 Jena St., Suite 104, New Orleans (504) 688-3568 bloomtherapygroupnola.com

Nola Speech and Feeding 1837 Magazine St., Suite 309, New Orleans (504) 376-3036 nolaspeechfeeding.com

Southern Oaks Pediatric Therapy Multiple locations, Greater New Orleans Area (504) 872-5378 southernoakspediatric.com Therapeutic Learning Center 3329 Metairie Rd., Metairie 524 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 120, Elmwood (504) 565-7300 tlcnola.com

The Art in Me 1617 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 481-7359 artinmenola.com

The Thompson Center for Autism 131 West Harrison Ave., New Orleans (504) 264-7079 thompsonautism.com New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center 1636 Toledano St., New Orleans 4051 Veterans Blvd., Suite 223, Metairie 4700 Wichers Dr., Suite 105, Marrero (504) 897-2606 noshc.org Nola Art Therapy and Counselling, LLC 1000 Veterans Blvd., Suite 310, Metairie (504) 220-1483 nolaarttherapy.com

Bright Start 3926 Barron St. C204, Metairie (504) 517-5108 brightstartnola.com

Children’s Autism Center 1215 Prytania St., 5th Floor, New Orleans (504) 322-1121

Jefferson Parish Early

NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2026 21

APRIL 2026

things to do

1 CRESCENT CITY CLASSIC Join thousands of runners in Downtown New Orleans to support a wide range of causes for the annual 10k on Easter weekend. The race begins in the early morning, with festivities—including an after party hosted by Michelob Ultra—through 1 p.m. April 4. ccc10k.com/ccc10k

FRENCH QUARTER EASTER PARADE

The festive neighborhood tradition features colorful floats, classic cars, and costumed-float riders and attendees celebrating the Easter season. Expect family-friendly fun in the historic French Quarter. April 5. fqeasterparade.com

HOGS FOR THE CAUSE

The lively, family-friendly barbecue and music festival at UNO Lakefront raises funds to support families beating pediatric brain cancer. The festival runs through April 11 with food, live entertainment, and community fun. April 10–11. hogsfest.org

SIX THE MUSICAL 5 Saenger Theatre hosts the electrifying pop concert-style retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives with multiple PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS showtimes running through April 19. Parental discretion is advised for children under 10. April 14–19. s aengernola.com

HANDYMAN HAL COMES TO TOWN! Join Hal for a night of hit songs, chaotic surprises, and silly moments as he builds a secret project with cool tools, special guests, and help from the audience at the Orpheum Theater. April 12. orpheumnola.com

HEADS UP! Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information.

22 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32

nolafamily.com

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease