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Meet Lindsey W. … helped you since being diagnosed?   Some of the resources that helped me include speech therapy, occupational therapy, play group therapy, behavioral therapy and friendship group.   When facing new challenges and life changes, how do you cope with the anxieties that can come along with that?   … include listening to music to help me relax, doing what I enjoy such as video editing, utilizing my fidgets, relying on my support system, and staying focused on positive thoughts.   What is your connection to Autism Speaks and how has the …

Meet Martha… When Martha’s son, Josh, was growing up, Martha faced many challenges finding him the services and supports he needed to overcome his speech delay and behavioral challenges. Now, at age 21, Josh has grown into a bright, … graduation, he went off to a neurodiverse college for a year. That was incredibly stressful for him—they didn’t have the supports they purported to have for him. Then the pandemic happened, so he came home and did some online courses. Now, we’re … strengths and to support them to follow their dreams. Try to seek out support wherever you can, whether it’s in a support group, friends or family. Listen to your heart. If you feel like a situation isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change. The …

Meet Rebekah F.… looking for new ways to bring the best out of her students. She tailors lesson plans to highlight their strengths and support their weaknesses and pulls from personal experiences that have provided her with the type of insight many teachers … advice from books and informational packets from the pediatrician, Rebekah’s parents would eventually help her obtain the support she needed to get on track to reaching her full potential, but it was a long, winding journey filled with many ups … me realize at 20 years old that I could do better too. I watched Star Trek every night and later came to join a Star Trek group where I found people that I was able to talk to and get better at my social skills. Because it took me so long to be …

Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD)… lead to a better understanding of your child’s behavior and give you access to critical autism resources, interventions and support that have been shown to improve outcomes. A formal diagnosis could: A formal diagnosis can legitimize a family’s concerns about their loved one’s development and open the door to greater community and support. Help parents and family members better understand, support and guide their loved one Explain why your loved one is … 2nd Edition, 2024  (Froehlke and Sattel) Professionals Recommendations to Providers Handout Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group USA (DSMIG-USA) Association of University Centers on Disabilities   AAP Guidelines National List of Down Syndrome …

One family’s story of navigating their son’s Down syndrome/autism dual diagnosis … also made Jake eligible for additional services, such as the state autism waiver, which provides him with community supports. The diagnosis also helped family members and school- and community-based providers to better understand the reason … It was also through the organization that I learned about and subsequently joined the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) DS-ASD committee, which provides expertise to healthcare professionals who work with individuals with Down …

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 …

Meet Erin M.… I read about their experiences, and they gave me the words to recognize what I was going through.  What services and supports have you received since being diagnosed? How have they help you?  Occupational therapy – helped with creating sensory diet and troubleshooting issues like finding clothes too itchy or coming up with creative coping skills.  Group therapy – we work on social skills and communicating with other people, as well as things like goal setting and …

Meet Elfy A. … about the newest trends in the world of technology, riding horses and even traveling, this 8 th grader has a rock-solid support system and big dreams! “He is an adventurous teenager and is always so happy. He understands English and Spanish … meet our advocacy goals by sharing their personal experiences and information on policies related to autism. This diverse group of advocates includes over 400 volunteers from 49 states and the District of Columbia and include people with autism, …

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 …