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 …
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Highlighting Orange Effect Kids
As 2019 has come to a close we want to share with you just a few of the amazing kids that we have been able to help because of you. Liam Age 5 His family’s insurance covers less than two speech therapy visits a month, but 2x/weekly sessions were recommended by his therapist. OEF helped close that gap. His family is over the moon with his progress with the additional …
Orange Effect Foundation 2019 Grants Exceed $130,000
Communication devices and therapy provided for dozens of children across the United States CLEVELAND - Dec. 17, 2019 - PRLog -- The Orange Effect Foundation Board of Directors is proud to announce that in 2019, more than $130,000 was awarded to children in need across the United States. These grants for speech therapy and speech devices will ensure that the recipients, …
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 …
Surrounding Yourself with the Right Stuff (and the Right People) in 2020
The Orange Effect Foundation had an amazing 2019. We added additional board members who brought the group full circle on being able to help with application review, feedback, and fundraising. We had two amazing fundraising events! Our annual golf outing and a fun night at Platform Brew Co. We set some big goals for fundraising and although we didn’t hit them yet, we are well on our …
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. …
Holiday Shopping Ideas for Every Kid on Your List
These 8 key categories will teach you how to spot the best toys for language learning and getting cognitive wheels turning! Go Old School The classics are classic for a reason! Baby’s first Christmas? Check out these Uncle Goose classic blocks. Second time around, upgrade to these awesome Hape blocks. Maybe you’re kiddo is a bit older and ready for Legos. My favorite …
Happy Thanksgiving!
A Time To Be Thankful
November is one of my favorite months (besides June because that’s my birthday!). November is a month I have chosen the last several years to use for reflection and gratitude. It is the month of Thanksgiving after all! Over the years I have done many things during November. One of which is to write (yes, hand write and mail) a card every day to someone I am thankful for. Other years I do a …
No, My Son Isn’t Rude. He’s Autistic, and We’re All Doing the Best We Can.
Midway through American Airlines Flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK, shortly after our microwaved meatball dinners were tossed out like frisbees, the flight attendant asked my son Ian if he wanted another beverage. He intently played his Tetris game on the backseat video console without replying or glancing her way. Missing most of that exchange, I looked over in time to hear the flight attendant …
To Parents of Children With Autism Who Worry About the Future
Dear Parents of Children with Autism, You are true warriors. You’re the most determined individuals on Earth. You’re tired. You’re probably in need of a shower because you haven’t been able to leave your child’s side for even a few minutes. You may be running around trying to balance work and meeting your other family needs. Yet you’re here, pushing through each day giving your child with …
