My latest feature article at Suite 101, Transitions for Autistic Teens, is the start of a new series of articles I will be writing that focuses on issues surrounding adults with autism. Much of the publicity centered around autism these days is on children. However, these children with autism grow up to become adults with autism. As the diagnostic rates increase, the adult autistic population will naturally grow. Providing support and services for teenagers with autism as they transition to young adulthood is important.

In addition to my feature article, I also stepped back in to the Partners and Parents section of Suite 101 and wrote an article on The Top Internet Toy Stores and Kids Natural Personal Care Items.  The online toy stores I spotlighted are FAO Schwarz, Fat Brain Toys, Rosie Hippos and Toys R Us.  For the personal care items article, I chose to discuss the benefits of using products by California Baby, Burt’s Bees and Dr. Bronner’s.

Children who are on special or restricted diets often miss out on special holiday-themed treats.  Easter is around the corner; thankfully there are some companies out there who understand these special diets and create special items for the holidays.  One such company is Squirrel’s Nest; they have candy specifically made for those who follow the Feingold Diet.  Our family has been a Feingold family for nearly three years now, just because my children are on a special diet it doesn’t mean that they have to miss out on jelly beans and chocolate bunnies.  My latest blog post at Suite 101 talks about Feingold Friendly Easter Baskets. 

The Autism Society of America (ASA) is the subject of my latest article at Suite 101.  I had the opportunity to attend the 2007 ASA conference in Scottsdale, Arizona and was impressed by the breadth of the organization.  Topics of conversation ranged from the controversial (biomedical) to the historic (the age of refrigerator mothers).  I learned a lot and was uplifted listening to two autistic teenagers speak.  This year’s conference will be held in Orlando and I’m not yet sure if I will be able to attend.

I have also updated the Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome Blog at Suite 101.  This week’s topic is Autism and Melatonin and looks at a recent study released by Vanderbilt University attesting to the efficacy of melatonin use in assisting those with autism who also have sleep disorders.

I’ve been inspired by the beautiful view I have from my backyard. Looking at the beautiful Superstition Mountains has pushed me to write about the beauty of the Arizona outdoors.

Arizona Outdoors Vacation

Arizona’s Superstition Mountains

I plan on several more articles detailing the beautiful outdoor offerings from the State of Arizona. It’s the middle of winter and our daytime highs, in the desert, are in the 60s. This is perfect weather for hiking. If snow is more your speed Arizona also has several snowy recreation areas. The state is diverse, I love it!

More articles about Arizona Travel include:

Tucson’s Top Five Spas

Miraval Life in Balance Resort, AZ

The Canyon Ranch Tucson Spa Resort

Super Bowl XLII Glendale, Arizona

Today was a busy writing day, my last article is not related to Arizona travel - Top Toddler Websites.  This article earned an Editor’s Choice Award from the Partners and Parents editor at Suite 101.

I am already living more green (aka environmentally friendly) then most of my family but for the New Year I have hopes to go a little more natural.  With that in mind I did some research and wrote an article Alternatives to Air Fresheners:  Natural Ways to Keep Your House Smelling Fresh.  Conventional air fresheners are extremely toxic, some containing unhealthy amounts of phthalates.  I used to put essential oils on my lightbulbs, after writing this article I’ve discovered that wasn’t the best choice.  I’m planning on purchasing oil warmers to replace our conventional air fresheners.

Welcome to MHOWriting.com.   My name is Melissa and I have been freelance writing off and on since the 8th grade.  Over the past 12 months I have refocused my energy on writing and am now hoping to branch out and explore different avenues.  For more information on my history, and what motivates me, please read the About Me page.  MHOwriting.com will contain links to my most recent online articles and information about other freelance writing gigs I have been hired for. 

I was recently approved as a contributing writer for Suite101.com; Suite 101 has been a fixture of the internet for over 10 years.  The site currently employs approximately 800 writers and features more than 100,000 articles in over 400 different topics.  To date I have published a variety of articles as a contributing writer for Suite 101.  If you would like to subscribe to my RSS feed click here:  Melissa Hincha-Ownby’s Suite 101 RSS Feed.

Suite 101 Articles:

Holiday Survival and Autism:  How to Survive the Holiday Season with a Child with Autism

International Christmas Traditions:  Add Some International Flair to Your Christmas Celebration

Gold Canyon, Arizona Golf Courses:  A Guide to the Golf Courses in Gold Canyon, Arizona

The Feingold Diet - Help for ADHD:  Can Diet Affect Behavior?

As you can see the topics are a bit varied but I am still getting my feet wet, so-to-speak, so I’m exploring different subject matters.  If you are a web-based freelance writer and have any words of wisdom or would like to exchange links, please leave me a comment.