Global Autism Awareness

Meet Sesame Street's First Character with Autism: 'We Want to Create Greater Awareness and Empathy'

2015-10-21T20:17:00.000-04:00

Sesame Workshop's first muppet with autism, Julia

MARYBETH NELSON

BY ROSE MINUTAGLIO

Fuzzy favorites Grover, Abby and Elmo are joined by their newest muppet pal, Julia, a character with autism, in Sesame Street Workshop's new nationwide initiative.

Launched Wednesday morning, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to reduce "the stigma of autism" with the introduction of the first muppet with autism.

The initiative, created for communities and families with children ages 2 to 5, includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video, digital story cards designed to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism and storybook materials for providers, organizations and caregivers. > More

Managing ASD Wandering Tendencies on all Fronts…

2015-04-15T14:06:00.000-04:00

By Lori McIlwain, National Autism Association

For parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are prone to wandering or bolting away, it can feel like an overwhelming challenge to keep them safe in any setting. Over the last three years, roughly 13% of ASD wandering incidents happened from a school or school-related environment according to the National Autism Association (NAA). Other settings can be just as frightening. Trips to the store, a relative’s home, or vacation settings can create opportunities for escape, leaving parents hesitant to leave the home.

While it’s very possible that a wandering incident can occur outside of the home, the right steps can help reduce the risk.

SCHOOL SETTINGS
Simply discussing the issue of wandering with your child’s school holds extraordinarily value. If your child has a history of wandering or bolting, ask his or her school for a functional behavioral assessment (FBA). Based on its findings, a behavioral intervention plan (BIP) should be developed and used consistently between home and school. Here are other tips to consider:

For a child who demonstrates bolting behaviors due to fear or stress, ask the school to assign a “safe place” in the building your child can go to. The goal is to keep your child in the building and easily located.
For extreme wandering cases, petition the school to assign a 1:1 aide for your child. Ask a doctor to write a note on your child’s behalf if necessary. (A medical code is established for children with autism who wander. Talk to your child’s doctor about the medical code v40.31.)
Make sure the school has all emergency response protocols up to date. Ask for a copy of these protocols.
Don't forget buses and field trips: any safety plan at school should carry over into bus/transportation and field trip settings.
Transitions to different classrooms can be a time of high risk. Ask the school to ensure your child is never left unattended. We recommend a “hands off, eyes on” approach.
Make sure the school knows that if your child is ever missing, they should immediately call 911 and search areas of highest threat first, such as water and busy roads. Also ask in writing that you be notified of any wandering incident, large or small.

To continue reading, click here.

Lori McIlwain has a 15-year-old son with autism and is co-founder and board chair of the National Autism Association (NAA). In 2007, Lori began advocating for federal resources that would reduce and eliminate emotional trauma, injuries and deaths associated with autism-related wandering/elopement. She has also advocated for federal laws that would eliminate dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in public and private schools. Through NAA, she has launched multiple safety initiatives and direct-assistance programs.

'You Don't Outgrow Autism': What Happens When Help Ends at 21?

2015-04-13T18:06:00.000-04:00

BY KATE SNOW

Nickolas Kubicsko and his family were about to take their first family vacation in seven years.

There was no question where they'd go: The Happiest Place on Earth. Twenty years old at the time, two years ago, Nick had been obsessed with Disney movies since he was a little guy.

WATCH: The full Dateline report on young adults with autism

Microsoft set to hire people with autism

2015-04-08T11:40:00.000-04:00

CBS NEWS

Microsoft has announced plans to hire people with autism.

Working with specialist employment agency Specialisterne, which trains and finds positions for people diagnosed on the autism spectrum, the pilot program begins in May with 10 full-time positions in the company's Redmond, Wash., corporate headquarters.

"Microsoft is stronger when we expand opportunity and we have a diverse workforce that represents our customers," said Mary Ellen Smith, corporate vice president of worldwide operations who has a 19-year-old son diagnosed with autism, on the company blog.

>> MORE >>

Dating with Asperger’s: A new documentary follows a lonely Aspie’s search for love

2015-03-11T21:51:00.000-04:00

Asperger's syndrome can make dating a challenge, but loneliness proves more a debilitating hurdle in this new film

MATTHEW ROZSA AND LISKULA COHEN

David Matthews in "Aspie Seeks Love"

This review was written by Matthew Rozsa, who is a high-functioning autistic, and Liskula Cohen, who is not, so that it could incorporate both perspectives.

There is a universality to the suffering captured in “Aspie Seeks Love,” a new documentary by Julie Sokolow that premiered at Cinequest over the weekend. As it chronicles its protagonist’s dogged attempts to enter a successful romantic relationship, the film reveals an agenda much deeper than discussing Asperger’s syndrome or the broader autistic spectrum. At its heart, “Aspie Seeks Love” is a parable about loneliness — a condition which afflicts everyone at some point in their lives and for far too many proves incurable.

That’s the fate David B. Matthews, the titular Aspie, spends the bulk of the film trying to avoid. A Pennsylvania writer and artist who wasn’t diagnosed with AS until he was 41, Matthews possesses all of the tell-tale signs of high-functioning autism — remarkable intelligence, social awkwardness, a wealth of personality tics and other idiosyncrasies. Occasionally a viewer might feel like the film is making him appear more eccentric than he really is (the questioning about his masturbation practices was certainly intrusive and unnecessary), but for the most part Sokolow’s subject comes across as disarmingly relatable. MORE >

Autism advocate Temple Grandin: 'Old-fashioned '50s parenting' can help kids

2015-03-07T20:58:00.000-05:00

Temple Grandin

By Sue Thoms | sthoms1@mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Temple Grandin, a professor and author who has autism, called for a bit of old-fashioned 1950s-style parenting to teach social skills and help children develop their talents.

"I'm seeing too many smart kids get hung up on their autism. They are fixated on that. We've got to build on their strengths," said Grandin, speaking Friday, March 6, at the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children Conference at the Amway.

Grandin, who grew up in the 1950s, said the expectations and social rules she learned in childhood can help children stretch themselves and develop work skills.

MORE >

Dad's birthday request for son with autism goes viral

2015-03-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

(Photo: Taka Yokoyama / WFAA)

Jason Whitely, WFAA11:45 p.m. CST March 5, 2015

McKINNEY – Loneliness is an unspoken symptom of autism.

Hunter Kleis is high-functioning, but he is non-verbal.

"He might not speak. He might not have social skills, but he likes to have fun. He likes to have people around," said Hunter's father, Chad Kleis. "He likes to enjoy things like anybody else."

Still, the 8-year-old does not get invited to sleepovers. There are no birthday parties to go to, either, and classmates have never really come to his birthdays.

"We do things with him," Kleis said, becoming emotional, "and make sure he understands that he's my best friend." MORE >

Cineplex launches Sensory Friendly Screenings for people with autism

2015-02-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

Christian Killough, and his father Steve Killough, foreground, watch 'Puss in Boots' during a special sensory friendly showing at the Rave Theater in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011.(AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)

TORONTO - Cineplex Entertainment is launching a special screening program for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The Canadian movie theatre company says its Sensory Friendly Screenings will include 2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower volume and smaller crowds.

Theatres will also allow families to bring in outside food and take a break from screenings in a nearby "calm zone."

Cineplex says the screenings will take place in select venues on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., before theatres open to the general public. MORE >

Study of siblings with autism reveals surprising results

2015-01-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

IVAN SEMENIUK - SCIENCE REPORTER
The Globe and Mail

With symptoms that can range from missed social cues to severe linguistic and cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has proved a complex condition for geneticists to get their heads around.

Now the largest study to date based on the whole genome sequences of siblings with ASD, together with their non-autistic parents, is throwing a genetic spotlight on those complexities and yielding some surprises.

Among them: In only one third of the cases where the autism of one sibling with ASD was linked to a genetic variant did the other sibling with autism share the same variant.

At face value, such a result might seem to defy common sense. Autism is thought to affect about 1 in 68 children, which means the odds of two siblings having the disorder for entirely unrelated reasons should be very low.

One possible explanation is some of the variants the study looked at will prove in time not to be implicated in autism. Or there could be other still-hidden inherited factors that the siblings share that may increase the likelihood of ASD in some way. “Then, if they have another mutation, they’re pushed across the autism threshold,” says Stephen Scherer, director of the Centre for Applied Genomics at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto who led the study. MORE >

CDC estimates 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder

2014-08-22T19:00:00.001-04:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with an autism spectrum disorder. The number of children identified with ASD ranged from 1 in 175 children in Alabama to 1 in 45 children in New Jersey.

The surveillance summary report, “Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children Aged 8 Years – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2010,” was published today in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Researchers reviewed records from community sources that educate, diagnose, treat and/or provide services to children with developmental disabilities. The criteria used to diagnose ASDs and the methods used to collect data have not changed.

The data continue to show that ASD is almost five times more common among boys than girls: 1 in 42 boys versus 1 in 189 girls. White children are more likely to be identified as having ASD than are black or Hispanic children.

READ MORE

If you suspect that your child may have ASD:

Talk to your child’s doctor about your concerns.
At the same time, call your local early intervention program or school system for a free evaluation.
It’s never too late to get help for your child.

For additional information on:

Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network and this report, visitwww.cdc.gov/autism.
CDC’s autism research, visit www.cdc.gov/SEED
Community Report from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
Developmental milestone checklists and other resources to help families track their child’s development, visit www.cdc.gov/milestones.
What to do if you are concerned about your child’s development, visit www.cdc.gov/Concerned.
State’s early intervention contact information, visitwww.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html.
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive, is part of a coordinated federal effort to encourage developmental and behavioral screening and support for children, families, and the providers who care for them. Watch for updates at www.hhs.gov /watchmethrive (expected to be announced later today).

Children With Autism Have Extra Synapses In Their Brains

2014-08-22T17:54:00.001-04:00

www.iflscience.com | by Lisa Winter

Photo credit: (Left) Excess synapses in the brain of a child with autism (Right) Properly pruned synapses of a developmentally typical child. Credit: Guomei Tang/Mark S. Sonders/Columbia University Medical Center

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in 68 children born in the United States. In an effort to find out why, a group of researchers led by David Sulzer at Columbia University Medical Center examined the synapses in the brains of children with autism. They discovered that during childhood, children with autism do not undergo regular synaptic pruning, resulting in having an excess. This also identified a potential conversion of genetic targets that could be used to create a new treatment for ASD. The paper was published in the journal Neuron.

Throughout childhood development, regular cellular processes get rid of about half of the synapses the child was born with. Synapses allow neurons to communicate with one another through chemical or electrical signaling. Though some have speculated that excess synapses could be a sign of autism, there had not been any studies on the matter until now. Read more

8 Successful People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2014-06-17T15:59:00.000-04:00

By Dayle L. Fraschilla | Answers.com

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) each have different abilities and levels of functioning. What the future holds for each child with ASD is as unique as their individual personalities. As we learn more about autism and other disorders on the spectrum, we can better understand individuals living with ASD. Below are eight successful and widely-known people with ASD who can be positive role models for children growing up on the spectrum.

World Autism Awareness Day — April 2, 2014

2014-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

April 2, 2013 across the Globe

The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 3, 2014. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is on April, 02 every year. It was designated under by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day," adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.

The World Autism Awareness Day Resolution had four main components: (1) the establishment of April 2 as WAAD, (2) participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD, (3) raise awareness of Autism on all levels in society, (4) Security-General should deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.

What It's Like on the Autism Spectrum

2014-03-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

Intense stories of family with autism spectrum disorder, as submitted by Atlantic readers

James Hamblin | theatlantic.com

In The Atlantic print magazine this month, Hanna Rosin tells the story of her son Jacob's diagnosis with Asperger syndrome, in the context of the psychiatric community's recent change in the definition of the disorder to part of what's now known as autism spectrum disorder.

We received a lot of thoughtful responses from readers who have experience with the disorder in their own lives, themselves or their families, about how the diagnosis has affected them, and what the changes in definition mean to everyone. Here are excerpts from some of those stories.

I remember starting home-based behavioral therapy and that three months after... CONTINUE >

—Kammy Kramer; Eagan, Minnesota, USA

MORE STORIES

What I still can’t comprehend is how he’ll be able to go on living in a world not designed for him.

It’s the most important thing in his life, so why is it not for everyone else?

I am used to people asking what his savant abilities are, as they assume that all people with autism must have one.

Every parent of a child on the spectrum can tell you about that play date. You watch the other kids, then you watch your kid.

That said, I am fine calling myself either thing, or nothing at all.

Our differences can indeed be key to our success. But the challenges of autism remain real.

How Do I Tell My Son Everything About His Autism?

2014-02-26T00:30:00.000-05:00

Carrie Cariello | Huffington Post

So, we've got this guy in middle school now. And he is all sorts of cool. Savvy. Phrases like let's play have been replaced by let's hang out. He makes egg sandwiches for himself in the morning and wants to walk home from the bus stop alone in the afternoon. There is swagger in his neon-sneakered step.

I imagined we would sit our 10-year-old son, Joey, down when the time came and have the Sex Talk. But about six months ago I realized he knows way more than we think; juicy details and tidbits gleaned from the back of the school bus and movies and music. Every once in a while he'll ask something like, "So you and dad had sex five times?" And I will say, yes, just five.

I figured we'd sit our other son, Jack, down at some point and have a similar discussion, about him and autism. And I've been dreading this talk, the You Have Autism talk, much more...

MORE >

Top 10 Quotes From the Sound Off For Autism Speaks Celebrities!

2014-01-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Here are some of our favorite quotes from celebrities participating:

Jim Parsons

“Penny! (knock knock) Penny! (knock knock) Penny!”

~ (Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory)

Peter Dinklage

“When you’ve known me longer, you’ll learn that I mean everything I say.” ~ (Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones)

Adam West

“Come on, Robin, to the Bat Cave! There’s not a moment to lose!”

~ (Batman from The TV Series Batman)

CLICK HERE: To see more and purchase custom messages.

Keep Calm...

2013-11-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

Signs of Autism Poster

2013-07-03T15:14:00.000-04:00

Reaching Out to Close Racial Gap in Autism Diagnoses

2013-05-28T13:30:00.000-04:00

by s.e. smith

Controversial organization Autism Speaks might actually be doing something right with a new campaign to close the racial gap in autism diagnoses between white and minority children. Several studies, such as a small study released last year, indicate that minority children, particularly Black and Latino kids, are diagnosed with autism at a rate much lower than that of whites.

A simple matter of autism demographics? Researchers argue no — in fact, the diagnosis is being missed, with minority children being diagnosed later than their white peers, suggesting that something is going wrong with early childhood interventions.

Racial health disparities can be seen across a broad number of diseases and communities, illustrating racialized forces at work within the health care system. Some minority communities... Read More >

What in the World Is Going On May 2013 Edition

2013-05-08T12:42:00.002-04:00

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

A story that’s grabbing headlines this month is the Telford’s struggles with their adult son who has severe autism. Amanda Telford left her son at the Ottawa offices of Developmental Services Ontario, the Ontario government agency that connects adults with disabilities to services in the community because she said she can no longer care for him. Phillipe has complex needs and requires 24 hour supervision. The long waiting list for residential placements leaves families like the Telfords trying to manage on their own at home. Amanda Telford, social worker, said she and her husband ... more »

The reality of finding a job with autism

2013-04-30T13:43:00.000-04:00

Sarah Still has Aspergers and has spent years working a variety of jobs that don't seem to fit her needs.

By Jareen Imam, CNN

Editor's note: As we wrap up Autism Awareness Month on Tuesday, visit the CNN Facebook page for a live discussion on autism and the workplace at 2:30 p.m. ET. iReporters and experts will be taking questions and sharing their experiences.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Sarah Still is on the autism spectrum and has tried for years to find a job that suits her
More organizations are specializing in placing those with autism into jobs
Experts explain why it is difficult for those on the spectrum to find jobs on their own
Support at work can help those on the spectrum stay in jobs longer

(CNN) -- Smiling is something 30-year-old Sarah Still constantly has to remind herself to do, especially when she is going into a job interview.

Still has Asperger's, a high-functioning form of autism. For the past 10 years, she has experienced the highs and lows of being on the autism spectrum while trying to work in professional settings.

It is not as though Still cannot get a job -- in fact, her resume is full of them, ranging from room attendant at Yellowstone National Park to receptionist at a massage parlor. It's keeping the jobs that has been the issue... more >

How do I teach sexuality to a person with ASD?

2013-04-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

*Answer:* Teaching sexuality is often a daunting task whether you are a parent or professional. When it comes to ASDs, there is a two-fold problem: physical development is often typical while cognitive and social-emotional development are delayed and some sexual behaviours may be rooted in other causes such as sensory issues, rigid patterns of behavior, or the enjoyment of negative attention. You have to be a detective and investigate the reasons why sexual behavior is being exhibited; the cause may not be what it appears to be. For example, excessive touching of the genitals may ... more »

AT-HOME FITNESS TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

2013-04-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

More than half of the nation’s children with Autism are overweight. Being overweight can cause numerous problems such as: bone and joint issues as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This has influenced Suzanne M Gray, a fitness expert, to create exercise programs for individuals with autism.

Gray is the CEO of Right Fit Sport and Wellness Center in Willowbrook, IL, and has been creating fitness programs and working with individuals who have special needs for more than 30 years. She has seen how exercise improves an individuals’ motor skills, muscle tone, and socialization skills. Exercise is also beneficial in eliminating self-destructive and self- stimulating behaviors in children with Autism.

Her latest program, “Five to Stay Alive,” consists of at-home activities recommended for children with autism to help fight obesity. They include:

1. Around the Block. Create a neighborhood path for children to follow and have your child run this path a designated number of times per day. He/she could wear a pedometer to measure steps and calories and track progress.

2. Raise the Bar! You’re a Star! Start with a dowel rod and raise it over head and back down. Eventually this can be substituted for weight bars.

3. Chair Squats. This movement is required for most power moves of the lower extremities and most athletic events.

4. Push-ups. If your child is able, have them do a designated number of push- ups every day.

5. Jumping Jacks. Again, depending on where children are on the spectrum, will make a difference in how many they can do.

Chart all progress on a chart and keep track of repetition and loads. Offer incentives as motivators such as stickers or a fat-free dessert.

Kids with Autism benefit greatly from exercise. A structured routine is essential to see results. Another fitness tip is to combine music and play with exercise because it enhances the child’s sensory response while boosting independence, happiness and self-esteem. “The biggest benefit”, says Gray “is weight loss”. Be sure to check out Suzanne’s book, “101 Games and Activities for Youth with Autism”, and her DVD “Raising the Bar: Exercises for Youth and Adults with Autism”, for more information on fitness for individuals with Autism. To learn more about Suzanne Gray log on to www.right-fit.com.

Air travel made easier for children with autism

2013-04-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (KARE) — Travel can be stressful for anyone, but for kids with autism, crowded airports and security screenings can be downright scary.

Since the beginning of the year, Minneapolis-St. Paul International has been part in a new program to help the kids prepare for air travel.

For the Nielsen family, the already overwhelming adventure at the airport brings additional worries... more >

What in the World is Going On April 2013 Edition

2013-04-12T15:13:00.002-04:00

April is Autism Awareness month. April 2nd marks World Autism Day, which was created by the United Nations in 2008. Autism Speaks celebrates this day with their Light It Up Blue Campaign. Check out their blog which gives daily updates as they count down until April 2nd. See how people around the world are planning to light it up blue to raise autism awareness. And speaking of Autism Speaks, they just launched their Employment Tool Kit. The creation of the kit started back in June 2012 with an employment Think Tank which captured the current state of employment for adults with autism... more »

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.