Yesterday was an emotional day for the autism community in our country. Actually, I should say communities; we are not a united bunch by any means, with a myriad of issues dividing us. But that’s for another post. Yesterday there was a congressional hearing on autism – the first one in a decade – and…
Autism and iPads slideshow: Inspiring young people to make a difference
This Wednesday my young son’s school will be holding a jog-a-thon fundraiser, with 25% of proceeds going towards the purchase of iPads for children with autism. As the head of the parent organization that’s spearheading the fundraiser, I wanted to reach out to the kids at this tiny private school in the heart of Orange…
High School Hero Helps Protect Special Needs Girl from Bullies
Carson Jones is a senior at Queen Creek High School in Arizona. He’s got good looks. Lots of friends And he’s the star quarterback of his undefeated football team. Chy Johnson is a freshman at the same high school. She has special needs. She’s spent the greater part of her life as a flashing target…
All Treat, No Tricks for Our Non-verbal Son this Year
Ten years old. And finally, tonight, he was able to independently say “Trick-or-Treat,” thanks to his iPad and Proloquo2Go. We practiced last weekend during a Halloween event at a local zoo and he caught on quickly. The best part – other than seeing the delight on his face once he realized he was able to…
Special Needs Children and Bullying: Planting the Seeds of Change
Everyday, as you send your special needs child off into the big wide world, consider this: “Contrary to popular opinion, and contrary to the thesis of some anti-bullying programs, bullying is not about anger or conflict. It’s about contempt – a powerful feeling of dislike towards someone considered to be worthless, inferior or undeserving of…
Video: Autistic Man Abused by Caregivers
This is going to be hard to watch. But watch it anyway. Watch it because this 23 year-old young man matters. Watch it because it deserves to be seen. Watch it because it will make you uncomfortable. If you watch it, and it doesn’t make you uncomfortable, then we’ve got ourselves a real big problem…
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.
I’ve taken him every single day since the new school year began on August 23rd. It was a deal I made with him, to ease the transition from being at home for the summer to going back into the classroom for six hours each day. Between working on his IEP goals, attending speech, occupational, and…