How One Boy With Autism Became BFF With Apple's Siri In this New York Times article, Judith Newman contemplates the relationship between Siri and her son with autism. She wonders whether Siri's "soothing voice and puckish humor" make her more worthy of his care and affection. …
autism
Living on the Spectrum and on Sesame Street
Julia, a Muppet with autism, was welcomed to Sesame Street in April 2017. She's an old friend of Elmo's but a new addition to the neighborhood. Watch the clip below to see her debut. For more information about why Sesame Street team created a character with autism, be sure to read this Smithsonian Magazine article. Written by Ron Suskind, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who explored life …
5 Things That Made Holidays Hard For My Autistic Son
As the holidays approach, I reflect on how tricky they were for my son Joshua. There are a number of things going on at one time, which often challenge an Autistic child, regardless of where they are on the spectrum. By no means did we ever expect our family and friends to cater to us, but there are issues that affect an Autistic child that often do not affect a “typical” child. Here are some …
For Girls With Autism, Differences Matter
When you think of “autism,” does a male child come to mind? It’s understandable if you answer “yes.” Past estimates have suggested that for every female on the autism spectrum, there are three to four males. On the high-functioning end of the spectrum, estimates have been even higher — in the ream of nine males to one female. But those estimates are changing as we learn more about girls and …
Believing In Your Gut: A Pam Kozelka Post
Following the post about Joshua and his chairs, I've had a lot of people reach out to me privately to ask for other signs of Autism that I may have seen in Joshua. Generally people are asking because they have concerns about their own children and they are looking for something concrete to help them decide if their child needs help. From my experience, and from talking with other parents, …
Resources For Improving Lives for Autistic Children and Their Families
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 1 in 45 U.S. children has some form of autism. Services and support for these children and their families can have a very positive impact for both. Here is a list of where you may be able to find assistance. 1. www.autismspeaks.org -One of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations. Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource …
Discussing Your Child’s Autism With a New Teacher
Parents of children with Autism face special challenges as Autism comes in many forms and no two cases are alike. Many children who have high-functioning Autism are able to attend regular schools, but often times a new school year means that parents need to explain their child's Autism to a new teacher. Doctor Thomas Frazier of The Cleveland Clinic says that it's critical for parents and …
Raising Funds for Those Who Cannot (OEF Golf for Autism Raises Over $30,000)
It’s hard to believe, but this year was our 11th year holding the Orange Effect Foundation Golf for Autism. This year was our biggest ever, with over 160 golfers participating, and major support from our premier sponsor Petco, and our gold sponsors GIE Media and Aon (as well as a number of others). This year we were able to raise over $30,000. That money will be used immediately to make sure …
Raising An Autistic Son: Four Things I’d Change
My son is a successful sophomore in high school and I wouldn’t change a single thing about him now. He was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and received countless hours of speech and occupational therapy to get where we are today. Often as he goes through life’s milestones, I reflect back on how much we have learned and how much our family has grown. Along with that, I often think about things I …
Orange Effect Golf for Autism 2017
Life: An Unpredictable Journey
The following is a guest post from 15-year-old Joshua Pulizzi. Joshua is the son of co-founders Pam and Joe, and the inspiration behind the Orange Effect Foundation. At age two, Joshua was diagnosed with Autism. For a high school writing assignment, Joshua wrote a self-comparison to the character, Odysseus, from The Odyssey. We think his response provides insight into how some of his thinking …
At Airports, Making Travel Easier for Autistic Passengers
For Gearoid Mannion and his wife, Michelle, who live in County Clare, Ireland, air travel with their two autistic sons, Conor, 9, and Darragh, 7, is usually nothing short of a nightmare. The noise level, crowds and announcements at airports overwhelm the boys, and waiting in security and boarding lines is a concept that they don’t understand, Mr. Mannion said. “They get red in the face and start …