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Meet Greg and Julie Y.… Yawitz is one of the lucky ones, able to turn her passion for crafting into a career thanks to her parents’ unwavering support. Each morning she hops in the car with her mom, Julie, a former adolescent therapist and special events coordinator, to head over to their newly opened AR Workshop , a do-it-yourself craft studio that offers individual and group classes to create the latest on-trend designs on customizable decor accessories. Working alongside her mom also … with countless families through the years through the Autism Speaks Walk events, and they continue to fundraise and walk in support of “Kaitlyn’s Crew.” “The best part of being on the board is directly helping the people who need it the most. If …
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 …
Meet Helen P.… expressions often left her feeling like an outsider. But when her family moved to North Haven, Connecticut, she met a group of friends who encouraged her to embrace the unique traits that make her who she is. It was at that point when … was right! I hope one day my work can inspire others to chase their dreams too. How important has it been to have a strong support system of family and friends in your life? My family is very supportive of my dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer for National Geographic and whatever else I want to pursue. …
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 …
Meet Kaitlyn Y.… hops in the car with her mom, Julie, to head to their do-it-yourself craft studio franchise that offers individual and group classes to create the latest on-trend designs on customizable decor accessories. Diagnosed with autism at age three, … in the world right now, where would you go? Why? Chicago, to see my aunt and uncle and their dogs. Who are your biggest supporters & how have they touched your life? My sister, Alyson. Ann Deddens (my tutor). Jesse (my job coach). Mike Darling … of advice you can give other parents who have a child/children on the spectrum? Build a village of people that will help support you and your child. We have been so fortunate to have amazing professionals guide us through this journey. We have …
Meet Nils S.… my peers. Over the years, I've improved significantly upon these issues by taking numerous theater classes; social skills groups; regular psychotherapy sessions; and actively participating in social activities. Through these activities, I've … museums and institutions to inquire about potential employment prospects. I feel that a lot of people have been major support systems for me. These have included family friends who have provided emotional and financial support; different faculty and staff members from school and college who have written strong letters of recommendation on my …
Meet TeeKayy… lost the will to live at this point. This was the most difficult and darkest time in my life, but thankfully I had the support of my true friends. They all had my back and helped me to keep my head up during a time when I needed it the most. I … team. This allowed me to feel like my true self, but also allowed me to hide amongst my teammates and be part of a group that accepted me. It was also the decision that eventually led to me being forced out the closet when rumors started …