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Transition to college and beyond: A personal story… to emphasize my strengths. It made me more confident to make really meaningful goals that I could achieve with the right supports. My goal was to go to college. The clear best way to do that was to get my GED since my education was not … who also taught a GED class. She led me to taking her class. I also had a communication assistant who attended with me and supported me for the next seven years. Anxiety was tough, but they reassured me. My teacher didn’t judge me on my sensory … me make very deliberate decisions that are well thought through, and I can talk about my feelings. I also attend a social group. Learning about making friends is important to me.  The social group keeps people connected. My therapists have been …
My son with autism is overcoming his challenges, finding his strengths… Sandy Petrovic is a registered nurse, an author, a public speaker, an instructional advisor/tutor in a college academic support center, and the mother of a son on the spectrum. Click here for more about us and the book we co-authored from each … even consciously considered; the social rejection David experienced when he wanted nothing more than to be part of the teen group; the years that he was bullied and lonely; the panic attacks and near-depression that he endured as a result of … relish these challenges and are confident that David will master them in his own time and in his own way, with the help and support of family and mentors—much as he has handled every other hurdle in the past—and just like every other young adult …
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 …
Expert Q&A: Dr. Ryan Adams shares tips and resources to end bullying… in the UC Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a member site of the Autism Speaks-supported Autism Care Network . His research focuses on adolescents, peer victimization, bullying and depressive symptoms.   … some examples of strategies you offer in the guides?  We know the most effective way to stop bullying is giving the larger group of bystanders the tools they need to recognize when it’s happening and get involved. A lot of times, people get away … with bullying by saying they were kidding, so we teach kids that doesn’t matter. Then, we give them different strategies to support the person being bullied. For example, the easiest thing to do if you witness bullying in school is not to laugh. …
Catching up with Taniya H. … nature of the game on the court, but off the court she was adjusting to life in a new city with new coaches and a new group of teammates.   Today, as one of the senior leaders on the team, Taniya’s tenacious work ethic and passion for the … who she is and what she is capable of in this Q&A.  How important has it been to your personal growth to have found a supportive environment at the University at Albany and a head coach that understands autism and has the connection of her … and can accomplish your goals if you work hard. You can overcome obstacles and be whatever you want to be with the right support system and work ethic.   I take pride in being a representative for the autism community. I feel like as a D-1 …
Summer is here! Four tips for a smooth transition… grocery shopping and THEN we get to go to the park!”. For information on visual schedules, check out our Autism and Visual Supports Guide . Find Respite Care/Increase Therapy Time Because of the down time in his schedule and with both parents … members or friends to give you a break or to provide care during work hours. Talk to your other autism moms at a local support group to see if you can organize some play dates at local parks, pools or homes. Reach out to local autism organizations in …
Tips for autistic job seekers to find the right job… walking distance, or a ride share. Speak with a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor in your local area about the supports they can provide you. VR services are designed to help those with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome … , Indeed , ZipRecruiter and others. Join our LinkedIn Autism Employment Network here  and our Employment WINS Facebook group here . Create or Update your resume . Make sure you include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. … polite and bring a pen and a copy of your resume with you. Practice your interviewing skills in advance. Have a friend or support person help you. Try to make this as realistic as possible. Practice introducing yourself, shaking hands, …
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers… states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups. Through these waivers, states can provide services that wouldn’t usually be covered by Medicaid. For instance, … states, there are substantial waiting lists to receive those waiver services. Medicaid HCBS fund the majority of lifelong supports that people with autism and their families rely on throughout their life spans to live, remain safe and participate … services individuals need to live in the community. This may include case management, transportation, home care or direct support, respite, adult day services, employment supports, assistive technology, respite, and therapies (speech, …
Cheryl Chafos honors her late son, Zachary, by advocating for autism training among healthcare professionals… His younger brothers were now so scared they often locked themselves in the bathroom. Cheryl and Tim were looking into group homes but none would take him while he exhibited aggressive behavior. But they couldn’t handle him on their own … away.  For 19 years Cheryl spent countless hours advocating on Zach’s behalf with school staffs, doctors, therapists, support agencies and others-as well as driving to therapies, consultations and events. She had spent the last 59 days up … is needed to better recognize and address mental health issues in those like Zach with challenging behaviors and high support needs. Research and clinical programs supported by Autism CARES Act could help develop more personalized treatment …