Search

Meet Kim M. … seventeen months old, she felt alone, overwhelmed, and terrified.  When the autism diagnosis came, she gave her son all the support she could to give him the best chance at an independent life.  By the age of 6, Kim says, “his father and I knew … his own. Despite all his progress, he would need 24/7 supervision until the day he died.”   She wanted to create a loving, supportive, safe forever home for her boy. “It has become the driving force of my life,” she says.   Throughout the years within this community, she has made many friends with parents who also have profoundly autistic kids. Within this group, the idea for HomeLife21 was born.   The friends' group came up with the idea to create their version of a group home …
Meet Matty W. … and CEO Angela Geiger said it best:  “Over the years, we have heard from the vast and diverse autism community – from our supporters to our critics, and from those whose autism is their greatest strength to those for whom autism can be a daily … and a half years old.   Through even the toughest times, Mark and his family have been Matty’s biggest cheerleaders and support system, advocating for him and fundraising in support of Autism Speaks and the life-changing research that can lead … diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disabilities. Initially, Matt was assigned to an Alliance for Infants support group because he was under age three. This group consisted of special educators and children with similar developmental …
Want to make a difference? An autism advocate shares her tips… the tide for countless Hispanic families. Autismo en mi Vida, her pioneering non-profit, is not just offering bilingual support; it's revolutionizing the way Spanish-speaking families perceive and tackle autism. And with the platform of the … insights for families eager to ignite change in their communities. Have questions? Contact our Autism Response Team for support in Spanish (1-888-772-9050, ayuda@autismspeaks.org ) and English (1-888-288-4762, help@autismspeaks.org ) You’ve … need? Eight years ago, I formed Autismo en mi Vida with four parents I met in my son’s therapy office. It was a very small group and we just wanted to find people that we could talk to—somebody who could understand what we were going through, and …
Autism Speaks recognizes Oklahoma Commissioner Mulready for work on autism insurance coverage… Department Commissioner Glen Mulready with an Autism Speaks 2022 Public Service Award for championing initiatives that support coverage of autism therapies and treatment for people with autism in Oklahoma. From his work as an insurance … the state law's diagnosis age restrictions as discriminatory. And with the passage of SB 1240 , state-regulated small group and individual plans will be required to provide meaningful autism insurance coverage beginning in 2023. “Oklahoma's … and a long-time volunteer advocate for the Oklahoma autism community also had the opportunity to thank Mulready for his support. Individuals in Oklahoma interested in shopping for an insurance plan that provides insurance benefits for …
Finding Information on Autism-Related Genes … 15q duplication syndrome, copy number variation Pheland-McDermid syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome . A number of advocacy groups and organizations provide information, parent and child support, research funds and services for those affected by these specific genetic disorders. (See list below.) … aware of an organization that specifically addresses Xp22.31 deletions. There are, however, a few Yahoo and Facebook parent support groups for Xp22.31 deletions. The National Society for Genetic Counselors provides a platform for finding genetic …
Life Skills Programs… Vista Vocational Independent Living Programs for people with autism are postsecondary programs that offer services and supports to help individuals live and work successfully. Instruction needs to incorporate best practices identified for … technology should be utilized to enhance learning and function. Instruction may occur individually or in small or larger groups. Functional academics are taught to enhance independent living and vocational functioning. Education may also include … experiences in a variety of work settings, both paid and non-paid. Scaffolding techniques and job coaches or professional supports should be utilized to ensure proper transition in the work place. Individuals with autism learn the vocational …
Study finds higher rates of gender diversity among autistic individuals… can improve their quality of life,” said Thomas W. Frazier, Ph.D., chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “By looking at groups of autistic people across several different types of data collected, this study gives us a more realistic idea of how … should focus on how to better meet their healthcare needs and what medical and mental health providers can do to best support their patients.” Read more about how parents can support autistic, gender-diverse youth in this Got Questions? article from Dr. Eric Butter, a clinician at the Division of …
Navigating Adult Services… Tool Kit was prepared by Autism Speaks Board Member Val Paradiz, PhD. Adults with autism are often eligible for services to support them in various aspects of their lives. Services vary from state to state, but most involve a team component … on services below is not exhaustive by any means, it provides some basic information to help you and the person you support begin to navigate programs and options. Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is a Federal Social … with autism lives (his/her own private home, in the home of the individual’s parents or other family members, or in other group and residential home settings). In addition to services covered by medical assistance, the following additional …
Autism Speaks opens applications for Local Impact Grants… enhancing their lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Autism Speaks’ Local Impact Grants support a variety of programs, including: Education and training programs for autistic individuals Recreation, athletic and … services, including vocational training, life skills, residential services and others Assistance for sensory equipment and supportive technology Summer camp scholarships for financially disadvantaged people with autism Since 2013, Autism Speaks … therapists and peers. Timeline:   April 15:  Application opens   May 16:  Application closes   May 23 – June 17:  A group of independent evaluators from across the country reviews and scores applications  June 27 – July 8:  Review …
Adult autism diagnosis… autism diagnosis One reason to pursue an ASD evaluation is that an adult with a formal diagnosis could be eligible for supports, services and protection under the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . The act spells out specific rights, … discrimination based on difficulties associated with autism. A diagnosis could also lead to state-provided vocational support services. This can include vocational rehabilitation programs that provide counseling and job placement services for … to Self-Empowerment for Autistic Adults Adulting on the Spectrum podcast Find your community Join our private Facebook group,  Adulting on the Spectrum , created to provide a space for autistic adults to cultivate friendships, find support and …