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The amazing day my son with autism first said 'I love you'… make him say it. I’ve had a lot of help over the last three years, most of it in the form of lucking out with an incredible group of individuals who’ve helped Brandon blossom into who he is today. With their support, no matter how tired or frustrated I’ve been or how hopeless it seemed at times, they pulled me through some dark …
Looking back at my son's diagnosis 12 years later… son or daughter needs you to be upright and breathing. Look for parents who have been there, done that. Whether it’s a support group or a friend of a friend, look for support. Better yet, look to an individual with autism. Who better to educate you about autism? Find your person. You will …
Expert Q&A: Explaining the conditions that accompany autism… In this Q&A, Amanda Bennett Palladino, MD, MPH, shares some of the most common conditions that accompany autism and offers support and resources to those coping with co-occurring conditions. Amanda Bennett Palladino is a developmental and … their care team. I frequently refer families to the Autism Speaks website to access the free Tool Kits that are designed to support families in addressing some of the most common co-occurring conditions. Families can find resources related to … caring for people with autism. Find local experts and/or advocates, participate in a research study or community advocacy group, find an online community if you can’t find a local one. The resources are there, in one form or another, if you just …
Bullying and Mainstreaming in the Schools… these striking results may be that children with ASDs mainstreamed in schools are not being fully integrated into the peer group and remain isolated even in a classroom full of other children. It would be a mistake to undermine efforts to … setting. Rather, parents and educators need to ensure that children who are placed in inclusive classrooms have sufficient support to thrive and are protected from bullying. A child’s Individualized Education Program is a natural place to set …
Teamwork and time management: Lessons from Autism Speaks intern, Binh… involved data entry and analysis and database management, which I liked. I mostly worked for the Science and Services and Supports group. Much of my work was around the function of the Autism Speaks website. There are a lot of URLS and I could see how the …
Karl Wittig, a retired electronics engineer, reflects on his late diagnosis and career journey… spectrum disorder. His diagnosis gave him a deeper understanding of his differences and allowed him to find a tight-knit support group of other autistic adults. In this Q&A, Karl talks about his journey to an autism diagnosis and his three secrets to … I had finally nailed it. After my diagnosis, I became very engaged in the autistic communities. I started going to support meetings, which I’ve been going to and facilitating ever since. I’m part of an organization now called Aspies for …
How Legoland Florida became more inclusive for guests with autism… on the autism spectrum. Available at Guest Services, the no-cost “Blue Hero Pass” allows the guest and his or her family or group to bypass the standby line at popular attractions. Specially equipped spaces in our Annual Pass, First Aid and Baby … and grow how we approach guests with autism spectrum disorders.” Meanwhile, during World Autism Month, we’re showing our support for the many guests with autism spectrum disorders who visit us from around the world: Like we did last year, we’re … $15 of the proceeds from each ticket sold to the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks supporters can purchase theme park tickets at a discounted rate of $45 plus tax, a $48 savings. This offer is only available …
Advocacy Perspective: During Black History Month, A Call To Action To Advance Health Equity … adverse health challenges. Autism Speaks was a frequent flyer in my office on the Hill. I often met with a very diverse group of AS ambassadors. They not only advocated for the autistic community but for health equity generally. I saw as they … services. These data indicate that too many Black autistic children are going undiagnosed - without the services and support they need and deserve. Our approach to change this is through community-based services that empower those who are … with autism and developmental disabilities or delays how to use their everyday routines and home activities to best support their children’s communication and behavioral health needs. Our Public Health Team’s work – which has impacted lives …
Peter B., an autistic college student, shares strategies that have helped him live independently… figured it out when I moved into the dorm at 19 because I was forced to do it regularly. When I was younger, I needed support to do different tasks, but I've since built up structures in my life that allow me to do them independently. For … on me, but the instruction was largely focused on theoretical content with no actual practice opportunities outside of that group. In retrospect, I think I might have gotten better results in another environment. If you had to share one lesson with … Roadmap to Postsecondary Education Read a clinician’s tips for teaching self-care skills to autistic youth with high support needs … Peter B., an autistic college student, shares strategies that have helped him live independently …
How My Family Faces Roadblocks… got lots of individual attention, speech and occupational therapy. When it came time to enter Kindergarten, his teacher supported him going into a regular classroom with an aide, which is what my daughter wanted as well. The principal was on … want either of these options (a roadblock), so her team (the speech and occupational therapist, plus his pre-K teacher) regrouped and came up with an IEP plan that had lots of supports, including preferential seating, a behavior modification plan, options to test in a small group setting, etc. At …