World Autism Month: New Book Helps Military Families Create Stability for Their Children on the Spectrum

Each April, World Autism Month shines a spotlight on the growing number of families navigating life with autism. For military families, that journey often unfolds against the backdrop of deployments, relocations —and even wars — making it especially challenging to maintain the stability many children on the spectrum rely on.

“In times of conflict, war and global uncertainty, it becomes even more important for military families with children on the autism spectrum to create a safe and consistent environment at home,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime B. Parent. “That can be difficult when duty calls.”

Retired Lt. Col. Parent and his wife, educator and autism specialist Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, know those challenges firsthand. Their new book, The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum, draws on decades of experience to help military families navigate autism while managing the unique realities of service life. Their insights blend practical strategies with empathy, helping readers manage healthcare, education, benefits, and transitions during service and beyond.

“Even when services technically exist, waitlists, eligibility differences between states, and gaps between military and civilian systems can leave families feeling like they’re always starting over,” Tracy Parent said. “The emotional labor of this repetition — on top of the everyday demands of military life — can be exhausting.”

Honest and thorough, The Mission at Home is the only book of its kind that goes beyond school and healthcare concerns and provides additional information to help families:

• Ease transitions for children with autism after a military move

• Manage a military career with a child with autism or another disability

• Plan for school transitions and advocate effectively for their child

• Navigate TRICARE, EFMP, and other military programs with confidence

• Develop a long-term financial strategy

• Prepare for life after service, including housing and employment options

• Reduce stress and strengthen family resilience through proven tools

“Autism requires lifelong work and strategies,” Jaime Parent added. “Your mission at home matters as much as the one in uniform.”

The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release date: February 19, 2026

ISBN-13: 978-1538196823 Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Home-Navigating-Assignments-Education/dp/1538196824

About the Authors

Jaime B. Parent is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel of the Biomedical Science Corps and a passionate advocate for military veterans and individuals with autism or other intellectual disabilities. He is a sought-after speaker at veterans and disability events as well as conferences in healthcare, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, including the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME). Parent also established the EN-Abled Vet program, a one-of-a-kind internship that teaches disabled veterans entry-level healthcare computer skills, which was featured on television (CBS2 Chicago) and radio (WCBT Chicago).

Elizabeth Tracy Parent, Ed.S., is a dedicated educator, administrator, trainer, autism advocate, and military spouse with over 20 years of experience supporting children with autism and neurodiverse needs throughout multiple military moves. As a skilled consultant and presenter, she has partnered with school districts across the United States and internationally, including in Russia. She has developed online trainings and courses used globally, equipping educators and families with practical strategies for

inclusion, disability awareness, behavior management, executive functioning, and educational intervention.

For more information, please visit www.themissionathome.com or find the authors on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeparent/ and www.linkedin.com/in/eliztracy-parent122.