Project Chance serving Kids with Autism
Project Chance has a mission to train service dogs with a specific skill set needed to aid each child diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. With an integrative approach of combining academics, clinical therapies and parental support, our dogs help children to be able to achieve maximum potential and independence in executing therapeutic, social, and physical tasks at a higher rate of success throughout their life.
13th Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament
The annual โFlounder Pounderโ charity fishing tournament is coming up on its 13th Annual tournament! โFlounder Pounderโ began in 2010, spearheaded by parents Chip and Teresa Davis. When their son Tyler was diagnosed with autism, they wanted to create an event that gave back to the cause.
โWhat should more people understand about autism?โ Your responses are so important to read
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
Tell us: Whatโs something you wish more people understood about autism?
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve 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 whoโve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
One 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 childrenโs developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
After 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.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
I 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, 2019Rohrerโs 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 16โs.
3 of the coolest photographed events for Autism Awareness Month
As 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
Could there be a connection between a motherโs 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 thatโs 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 theyโre exposed to pesticides, or about the areas in which they live.
Meet the fresh face of autism awareness: Julia, from 'Sesame Street'
For fans of Julia, the 4-year-old Muppet with autism on โSesame Street,โ 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. โThere is considerable work to be done in overcoming obstacles that may delay a diagnosis -- the first step toward improved future outcomes,โ said Angela Geiger, CEO of Autism Speaks.
What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends advice
Parents 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.
SeaWorld Orlando now certified autism center
ORLANDO, Fla. โ On World Autism Awareness Day, SeaWorld Orlando announced that it has been designated as a certified autism center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). SeaWorld Orlando joins Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove to become the first family of parks, in the worldโs leading theme park destination, to be certified. โWe are incredibly proud to be the first family of Orlando theme parks to achieve these certifications,โ said Mark Pauls, SeaWorld Orlando park president. These certifications followed sister park Sesame Place, the first theme park in the world to reach this accreditation in April 2018. SeaWorld Orlando recently debuted Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando, a fully immersive and interactive 6-acre land providing all the fun, laughter and learning of "Sesame Street."
What are the best musical instruments for children with autism?
Whether itโs 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
For 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 doesnโt require much communication with other team members to succeed, because itโs 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.
Discovery Cove in Orlando now Certified Autism Center
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Children and adults with autism can now swim with dolphins and snorkel among tropical fish at Discovery Cove with a certified crew trained to help navigate the encounter especially for them. The completion designates Discovery Cove as a Certified Autism Center, making it the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the U.S to be certified as such. โDiscovery Cove has long been recognized for its adventure-filled yet relaxed environment with a variety of open, clear spaces that make attractions and services more accessible. and reduces sensory overload for guests with cognitive disorders,โ said Kyle Miller, president of Discovery Cove. Robust pre-visit planning resources will be added to the parkโs website, including a sensory guide developed by certified autism experts.
Study: Light, sound sensitivity ease with age for those with autism
New research shows people with autism might experience some changes in the condition as they get older, including improved light and sound sensitivity. The study, a collaboration between the University of York and Stanford University, showed sensory responses change between childhood and adulthood in people with autism. People with the condition often report sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds, making it difficult to thrive in certain environments. For children with autism, researchers think that as they age they naturally learn to tolerate more light and sound. This research could ultimately lead to understanding more about why autism has an impact on how people with autism perceive visual or other sensory stimuli.