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San Antonio has first-in-US program offering new approach for children with autism
Read full article: San Antonio has first-in-US program offering new approach for children with autismThe San Antonio-based Autism Community Network is now offering services for a new program called Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy, or PACT.
Nonprofit pushes for awareness of resources for special needs families following abandoned teen
Read full article: Nonprofit pushes for awareness of resources for special needs families following abandoned teenA 15-year-old girl with autism was allegedly abandoned and left near garbage dumpsters by her mother in June.
Autistic girl allegedly abandoned near garbage dumpsters now living with other relatives, CPS says
Read full article: Autistic girl allegedly abandoned near garbage dumpsters now living with other relatives, CPS saysThe mother of the girl, Natalie Rose Munno, 38, has been arrested on charges of abandoning a child.
Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’
Read full article: Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’A teacher who helps preside over a program for students with autism, Carrie Jones knows full well some aspects the general public might not understand.
‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to read
Read full article: ‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to readConsidering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?
Read full article: Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
Read full article: 5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemicOne way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
What is autism masking? Understanding this complex survival strategy in adults
Read full article: What is autism masking? Understanding this complex survival strategy in adultsAutism can be explained medically as a bio-neurological development disability, but to get into the nuanced details is quite a bit more complicated.
Officer helps in rescue of teddy bear after boy with autism makes 911 call
Read full article: Officer helps in rescue of teddy bear after boy with autism makes 911 callA young boy’s parents are grateful to a police officer who showed up at their home after an unusual 911 call from their 12-year-old son with autism.
Musical not just adapted for children with autism, it was designed just for them
Read full article: Musical not just adapted for children with autism, it was designed just for themThe creators of the show, “Farm! A Musical Experience,” designed the play specifically for children with autism, and for other kids who are neurodiverse.
Young man with autism authors book about inclusion, aims to stock school libraries and educate all
Read full article: Young man with autism authors book about inclusion, aims to stock school libraries and educate allFor much of his life, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, has dealt with exclusion from his peers.
‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their community
Read full article: ‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their communityFor Anthony and Sammy Taormina, there are two dates that define their lives as people with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
‘He doesn’t need to be there’: Leon Valley man urging for release of son with autism after arson arrest
Read full article: ‘He doesn’t need to be there’: Leon Valley man urging for release of son with autism after arson arrestAlthough Mark Hernandez says he is devastated by the loss of his home, he’s more concerned about his son, who has autism, being behind bars.
What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends advice
Read full article: What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends adviceChief Science Officer for Autism Speaks Dr. Thomas Frazier the Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 9, 2018 in New York City. Dr. Thomas Frazier is the chief science officer of Autism Speaks, an advocacy organization that sponsors research and conducts awareness activities throughout the country. Parents can also access (an) Autism Speaks 100-day kit for additional information and resources. Frazier: "In general, parents of children with autism know their child and learn what they can and cannot do. Parents of children with autism who understand how to prompt and reinforce appropriate functional behavior are the most effective parents.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
Read full article: Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat peopleAfter dealing with exclusion by his peers over the years, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, penned and published a pamphlet in which he basically guides people on how to treat those with disabilities.
4-year-old has a truly unforgettable day at his happy place. And no, it’s not Disney World or Chuck E. Cheese.
Read full article: 4-year-old has a truly unforgettable day at his happy place. And no, it’s not Disney World or Chuck E. Cheese.Jaxon Maples is a 4-year-old boy with autism, and many days, he has trouble communicating and speaking clearly. But there is one place where those things aren’t a problem for him.
Amy Schumer has the best-ever response to Instagram troll asking about autism
Read full article: Amy Schumer has the best-ever response to Instagram troll asking about autismComedian Amy Schumer took to Instagram earlier this week to ask if anyone would be interested in seeing a docuseries about her pregnancy and birth. She was met with a slew of positive comments, although there always has to be that one person online who just goes too far, right? Don’t forget: Schumer’s husband, chef and cookbook author Chris Fischer, has high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Schumer devoted a few minutes of her special earlier this year to the topic. Schumer wasn’t going to roll past that autism comment.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
Read full article: Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat peopleI struggled to fit in with my neurotypical peers at school, my job, on social media, and even at a teen youth group. Posted by Tim Rohrer - Tips4Inclusion on Saturday, April 13, 2019Rohrer’s mother, Amy, said her son has gotten a remarkable response. This guide will help you get a better understanding of people with disabilities and what they really need in their lives. The signs of a disability as listed above are involuntary and it does not make up who they really are. Invite them to parties such as birthday parties, pool parties, BBQ parties, graduation parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and Sweet 16’s.
3 of the coolest photographed events for Autism Awareness Month
Read full article: 3 of the coolest photographed events for Autism Awareness MonthAs April draws closer to its close, perhaps it's the right time to stop and reflect on all the autism outreach and autism awareness campaigns that the month has brought. For example, by now, some people are aware that a good handful of iconic buildings "go blue" in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Autism SpeaksAnd check out this international soccer match, held in Mexico on April 7. Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesFinally, did you know people in the baseball community are working toward creating a universally accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Jack Bulik Park? Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty ImagesDid you catch any local events that took place in your community?
Pregnant women and pesticides: Exploring the possible autism connection
Read full article: Pregnant women and pesticides: Exploring the possible autism connectionCould there be a connection between a mother’s exposure to pesticides during her pregnancy, and an increased risk for autism in her child? Scientists have been researching the potential effects of pesticide exposure on infants and developing fetuses, and they recently determined that exposure to the most commonly used pesticides was in fact linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder. When they looked at diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder that also came with intellectual disabilities, they found on average 30% higher rates among children who were exposed to the pesticides while in utero. Perhaps that’s why Ondine S. von Ehrenstein, an associate professor at UCLA who led the study, chose to examine these pesticides in humans. Some women might not even know if they’re exposed to pesticides, or about the areas in which they live.
Meet the fresh face of autism awareness: Julia, from 'Sesame Street'
Read full article: Meet the fresh face of autism awareness: Julia, from 'Sesame Street'For fans of Julia, the 4-year-old Muppet with autism on “Sesame Street,” you are in luck. Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization that sponsors research and conducts awareness activities, has launched a new campaign in conjunction with "Sesame Street" that features Julia and aims to promote early autism screening. The campaign consists of digital, print and resources available in English at ScreenForAutism.org and in Spanish at DeteccionDeAutismo.org. The content highlights the importance of early screening. “There is considerable work to be done in overcoming obstacles that may delay a diagnosis -- the first step toward improved future outcomes,” said Angela Geiger, CEO of Autism Speaks.
What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends advice
Read full article: What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends adviceParents of children with autism likely have a lot of questions before, during and after a diagnosis. Frazier took time out of his busy travel schedule during Autism Awareness Month to answer some questions on autism and provide tips for parents. Family and caregiver quality of life are key to successful development for all children, but especially children with autism." Frazier: "In general, parents of children with autism know their child and learn what they can and cannot do. Parents of children with autism who understand how to prompt and reinforce appropriate functional behavior are the most effective parents.
Amy Schumer: Husband's autism why 'I fell madly in love with him'
Read full article: Amy Schumer: Husband's autism why 'I fell madly in love with him'When Amy Schumer met her now-husband, Chris Fischer, she saw some signs that he might be a little different. “... We went for a walk, about a year ago, and I fell,” Schumer recalls in "Glowing," her new Netflix special. “And I remember laying on the ground, looking up at him, and I wasn’t mad,” Schumer said. "The tools that we've been given has made his life so much better and our marriage and our life more manageable," Schumer said. … I think there are a lot of people with autism who go undiagnosed, when I think their life could be better if they got those tools.”Well said!
What are the best musical instruments for children with autism?
Read full article: What are the best musical instruments for children with autism?Whether it’s to provide relaxation or to develop coordination or motor skills, playing music instruments is a great activity for kids who have autism. UkuleleStrumming strings on this instrument helps develop motor control, and it has four strings compared to a full-size guitar with six strings. Xylophone/glockenspielAnother small and inexpensive instrument (ranging from $50 to $100), this helps kids with autism develop impulse control and hand-eye coordination. BongosSimply hitting bongos can be a good way to enjoy sound and work off some energy. But if there's a desire to get more in-depth, learning to play them along to music develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Sports, activities that are best for children with autism
Read full article: Sports, activities that are best for children with autismFor parents of children with autism, some might be understandably hesitant to put them in sports or other leisure activities. While team sports that rely a lot on communication and cooperation might be tougher for some children with autism, there are sports and activities that are great for universal participation, according to an article on verywellhealth.com. Those activities are better suited for kids with autism. Bowling: This is a sport that doesn’t require much communication with other team members to succeed, because it’s so individualized. Individual sports/activitiesHere are some notable non-team sports and activities that can be good for children with autism or other sensory disorders.
Mom creates bed, business for special-needs families
Read full article: Mom creates bed, business for special-needs families“It wasn’t born to be a business,” Morris said. Morris’ business is personal. Ten years ago, and with the help of some friends, Morris came up with a solution now called the Safety Sleeper. She launched a crude website and tiny basement business called Abram’s Nation. At the request of other families, Morris came up with a product called the Weight Mate, which is used to calm and comfort children.
What’s Up South Texas!: Boy on autism spectrum dominates the game of Scrabble
Read full article: What’s Up South Texas!: Boy on autism spectrum dominates the game of ScrabbleRicky Rodriguez was diagnosed with autism at 18 weeks. “I’ll see the word and I am like ‘There is no way that is a word,’” Erin Rodriguez said. “Around this time, my oldest was practicing for the spelling bee,” Erin Rodriguez said. He is really good at losing now and when he wins big, we are all super excited. “I think he can be a really good play one day if he continues to work hard like he is doing.