I've been lucky at a lot of things in life. Amazing family, the best group of friends, and really great jobs. I went to college to be a social worker and my first few jobs in that field helped define what I was meant to do. They were both challenging and fulfilling. Then came motherhood. By far my favorite job of all. I love every second of it. Then fate kicked in and I was able to help my …
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Assistive Technology for Kids With Autism
We fund speech generating devices for children and young adults who are nonverbal or who have limited communication. For many, access to a speech device opens up a world of opportunity and empowerment. Learn more about one mother's journey to empower her son with speech through use of assistive technology. Finding Cooper's Voice: Assistive Technology For Kids With Autism …
Do We Need Speech Therapy Over the Summer?
With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start considering your child’s speech needs during that long, 10-week hiatus. I get asked all the time, is it ok if my child goes all summer without speech therapy? My answer—No! While summer brings a necessary respite from intensive study, it is not a time to stop everything. All children, whether they have speech needs or not, regress to …
Conquer the High Cost of Speech Therapy
Families with a speech disordered child often face a financial burden due to the high cost of speech therapy and other needed treatments. In fact, a survey published in Public Health Reports found that 40% of American families with children with special needs report feeling the strain of the financial toll that those healthcare needs cause. The survey further reported that children with …
Pets Can Help Autistic Children Learn to Share and Comfort Others
Neuroscience journalist Maia Szalavitz explores the connection between pets and an autistic's child's ability to bond. As demonstrated in a French study of 40 children with autism and their families, whether and when a family acquires a pet can affect a child's ability to bond with humans. Read more in this article written for TIME Magazine. …
The Truth Behind Speech Disorders and Stress
Speech disorders affect millions of children each year, with almost 8% of kids under 17 showing some sort of communication disorder. The inability to connect with peers can be an emotional drain on school-age kids, leading to a myriad of both physical and mental problems that can persist into adulthood. Many children who are coping with a speech impediment experience a great deal of stress …
Dear Moms: Stop Beating Yourself Up
I suspect like many Moms, I get reflective as Mother’s Day approaches. But do I have time to be reflective? Maybe not. I have to make sure that all the Moms and Grandmas and Nanas in our life get cards, and gifts where appropriate. And I have to make sure that we see them that day. Oh, and one is out of town, so maybe send flowers and candy? Should we host dinner? What will be on the menu? If the …
Children’s Books That Promote Autism Awareness
An April 2018 New York Times article told of a new study that shows the widespread impact of reading with young children. The study revealed that social and emotional development takes place, in addition to learning language and literacy. It also showed that reading with a child can decrease behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity, and short attention span. In addition to all of these …
The Orange Effect Foundation Responsible For Orange Wave
CLEVELAND - April 11, 2018 - PRLog -- An orange wave is taking over the country. After a March 2018 board meeting, The Orange Effect Foundation is proud to announce that since it began awarding grants in late 2015, the foundation has funded over 85 children in 17 states nationwide. The most recent set of grants, awarded in mid-March after a thorough application review process, provides 26 children …
Cavaliers Expand Accessibility For Fans With Sensory Issues
It's NBA Playoff Season (Go Cavs!) and whether you prefer to catch the game from your couch or are fortunate enough to have tickets to a game, several arenas have recognized that watching a pro game can be sensory overload for some fans. In fact, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the first to offer a sensory room in a U.S. sports facility in March 2017 (like I said, GO CAVS!) These rooms feature …
State of the Arts to Enhance Learning
The arts have always been an avenue to aid the development of all children. Teaching children how to express themselves and their emotions through artmaking is not new, as we spend more time with our children at home. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) denotes that 'Art therapy' enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, …
Get Ready to Golf!
As the Orange Effect Foundation (OEF) continues to grow, we are now fundraising full time to meet the demand of children and families with need. That said, our golf outing is still our biggest fundraiser. Registration is now open for the 12th Annual OEF Golf for Autism. It's hard to believe that this amazing event started all the way back in 2007. It's wonderful to see the support of so many as …
