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Autism Speaks rings the NASDAQ stock market closing bell for World Autism Month… Bell Ceremony. In honor of the occasion, Brian Harper, chairman of the Autism Speaks Board of Directors was joined with a group of autistic people, families and caregivers, and Autism Speaks staff members to raise awareness for World Autism … as the chairman of the Board at Autism Speaks, I have deep pride in the work we are doing to give anyone with autism the support and opportunities they deserve,” says Mr. Harper. “So far, we've connected 27 million people to vital resources like early diagnosis, adult transition support and employment training—always free of charge. Our vision to help autistic people reach their full potential is what …
Autism in Africa: Transforming care and services for a brighter future… spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities face stigmatization, delayed diagnosis and limited access to support services. In many countries, challenges in service delivery are compounded by humanitarian concerns like armed … meeting of the minds focused on advances in global science, practice and policy. As I sat among this distinguished group ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I was proud to represent Autism Speaks alongside my … and UNICEF to launch the Global Report on Children with Developmental Disabilities . Developed with technical and financial support from Autism Speaks, this report is a roadmap for advocates and policymakers in underserved countries around the …
Identical twins with autism differ significantly in severity of social traits… by our environment. It also confirms what we know about the importance of getting intervention as early as possible to support development,” said Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Thomas W. Frazier. “Repeating this study with larger groups may help us understand those environmental factors where we might be able to best support optimal development for young children at risk for autism.” Using genetic data and clinical information, researchers …
Social Skills and Autism… by the idea of new experiences. Building up social skills with practice can help enhance participation in the community and support outcomes like happiness and friendships. We have compiled social skills tips and information from experts, teachers, … school, and in the community. A special education teacher, speech pathologist, or other clinician may lead a “social skills group” that combines direct, explicit instruction with opportunities to practice and generalize these skills in more natural …
Meet Chade` K.… provided her with an overwhelming sense of relief. With the help of her neurotypical husband, Oliver, and various other support systems she discovered through her work as an avid self-advocate, Chade` is thriving in all facets of her life: She … with autism and helps to build relationships between constituents and legislators at the federal level.  This diverse group of advocates includes nearly 345 volunteers from 46 states and the District of Columbia .  Learn more about Chade` in … awareness?   To bring people on the spectrum out of shadows and make representatives of their state aware of the need to support autism. In my city, representatives were not aware of the need for the autism community. Through this program, we …
Idaho becomes the 47th state to require autism insurance coverage!… families with children who have autism, health advocates, and state officials to celebrate increased acceptance and support for individuals with autism. The ceremony began with Lt. Governor Brad Little's proclamation signing in recognition … for individuals with autism. The bulletin issued by the Idaho Department of Insurance requires all individual, small group and large group insurance plans to cover evidence-based treatment for autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis. In Cameron’s …
Should I pursue an autism diagnosis as an adult?… you to go through the effort of pursuing a diagnosis. However, you describe a number of important challenges that warrant support. You can get help for some of these issues without an autism diagnosis. For example, a psychologist may be able to … at this time. What a diagnosis can bring At the same time, a diagnosis of autism may help you access additional therapy and support programs. The availability and quality of such programs vary from state to state and from one educational … provides. In addition, many colleges have supportive programs and services for students with a diagnosis of autism. Support groups You may or may not need an autism diagnosis to join an adult support group or social skills training group in your …
Tips to create inclusive sports and recreation activities… shared interests. One option is through high-quality adaptive programs – those designed for people with disabilities in a supportive environment, from the Special Olympics to local therapeutic horseback riding lessons to school LEGO clubs. Since … individuals with and without disabilities participate together. Some activities and programs are already designed with the support needs of people with disabilities in mind. (Think: online video gaming.) But what happens when they are not? Here we … online within your county or state can open doors. One of the wonderful things about technology is there are virtual groups based on shared interest open to people across the world. These can be ideal if you feel burned out in general or if …
Social skills classes produce lasting benefits for adults with autism… or other caregivers received training on how to coach the participants outside of class. Conversation, humor and more The group classes focused on conversational skills, appropriate use of humor and electronic communication, identifying sources … in the study, the researchers propose. “Our study offers encouraging findings that, through an evidence-based, caregiver-supported intervention, adults with autism can improve in ways that may help them be more successful in these aspects of … exist for young adults on the spectrum. “It’s exciting to see a community-based treatment model using caregiver support to help improve social skills,” comments Kara Reagon, Autism Speaks associate director of dissemination science. …
Life on Campus… to become familiar with the school’s disability-related resources so that you can be sure to advocate for the services and supports to which you are entitled. While you are deciding which postsecondary path is the best fit for you, you may also … also a great idea to work on any skills you think will enable you to make your experience as successful as possible. Campus Supports for Students with Disabilities If a college or university does not offer ASD-specific programming, your family … to consider: Does the counseling center have professionals who are trained in supporting individuals with autism? Are group counseling options available on campus? How long may a student receive counseling support on campus? If sessions are …