“Change a child’s life.” Those words were the first thing I saw as I dejectedly walked out of the office of my undergraduate thesis advisor. He had just told me my summer research internship was cancelled due to lack of funding. This was going to be a HUGE opportunity for me as I was accepted to a joint program at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to study the impacts of …
autism spectrum disorder
Consistency During a Lockdown
These times are unprecedented. Many of us are just going day-to-day making sure we brush our teeth. That’s okay. One day at a time has never had more meaning. I’ve heard from a few parents whose children receive speech or occupational therapy. They are distraught because they know how important consistency is, but they are following the rules and staying home to stay safe. They are asking …
How to Cope with Disrupted Family Routines During COVID-19
Autism Speaks shares some helpful advice for dealing with the sudden and drastic change in routines that our households are currently experiencing. These changes are especially challenging for children who have autism. Visual daily schedules, increased physical activity, organized family fun. These are just a few ways to return routine to these very disrupted days. If you have a special needs …
Change is Hard. Change is Scary. Change is Good.
This post originally appeared in the monthly Orange Effect Foundation e-newsletter. It’s February. Here in Cleveland that can often mean a lot of time at home because the weather can be so cold and the skies so gray. For me that means the new year's resolutions start wearing off. Exercise becomes less frequent and dessert becomes more frequent. I tried to do some reading on …
How Many Kids Can We Help on August 3rd?
Announcing the 14th Annual OEF Golf for Autism I remember the day my wife and I walked into the clinic to get the results on our oldest boy. He was two-years-old. He couldn’t talk yet and rarely made eye contact. We were young parents without a clue of what to do. The therapist at the clinic was going to tell us what to do with our son. We were thankful for that. Unfortunately, what we …
Ryan’s Story
I've listened enough. It's time for me to speak, however it may sound. Through an electronic device, my hands, or my mouth. Now it's your time to listen. Are you ready? Neal Katz, Self-advocate A few weeks ago, Ryan, with his fuzzy PJ pants on, galloped into the kitchen with a determined look in his eyes. He approached the drawer that holds his GoTalk device so he could request his …
Early Treatment for Autism Is Critical, New Report Says
Citing 12 years of research and clinical study, the American Academy of Pediatrics as issued a new clinical report on autism that urges early identification and referral for treatment, even if a formal diagnosis has not been confirmed. Although the average age of diagnosis is age four, the new goal is to obtain a diagnosis by age two. In addition, diagnostic categories such as Asperger's syndrome …
Leaning into Being Different: How One University Got My Autistic Son’s Attention
My son Joshua recently turned 18 and is now formally applying to colleges and universities. It’s hard to believe. He (and his mother) worked so hard to get him to this point. I remember when he was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age two. The doctor said that Joshua would never go to a regular school. We are all so excited for him to begin his college experience. Like most high …
My New Year’s Resolution This Year is Simple
This article was featured on the Autism Speaks blog in January 2019. It’s only the first week of January, and I’m already wavering on my “reduce chocolate” resolution. Maybe some things are for the best. Generally I am a person who takes New Year’s Resolutions seriously. The holiday reminds me of my teaching days, when the end of August usually found me setting up my classroom, excited …
Don’t Always Listen to the Professionals
When she was about 16 months old, we noticed that our daughter’s language was not developing in the same way that her older sister’s had. We were concerned, but were told not to worry as she was so young at the time. As time passed and her language still was not emerging as one would expect, our pediatrician recommended early intervention services through our local Board of Developmental …
For Some Children with Autism, Dance is a Form of Expression
Researchers are studying how movement helps children with special needs improve social communication and motor skills. Learn more in this recent New York Times article. …
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for Travelers with Autism
Travel just became a bit easier for many families. A growing number of theme parks, hotels and special attractions are introducing autism training and sensory guides, providing resources in times of need, and assuring families they won’t be judged. Learn more in this recent New York Times article. …