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, …
Blog
What I Learned Fighting My Insurance Company
… or Keys to Successfully Acquiring Speech Therapy Services through a Managed Care Organization. The Orange Effect Foundation receives applications from families who seek assistance because their insurance does not cover speech therapy. This article lays out specific steps to challenge and possibly overcome a denial. Last spring we learned that our son, Riley was diagnosed with severe …
Spreading the Orange Effect: An Interview With Pam Kozelka
Pam Kozelka, Executive Director and Founder of the Orange Effect Foundation, discusses the work of the foundation and plans for the annual golf fundraiser held this past August. Listen to her interview with WEOL AM930 and learn more about those we assist and how we empower speech through grants for speech therapy and speech devices. …
4 Incredible Reasons Why Your Non-Verbal Child Needs Speech Therapy
Why would a nonverbal person need speech therapy? After all, they can’t talk. Why would they need help with their speech? This is a common misconception that even professional caseworkers have. Yet, with the augmentative and alternative communication available in the field, you are doing your nonverbal child a disservice by not giving them a “voice.” It is imperative that someone who has …
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 …
How Technology Can Help Children Find Their Voice and Share It
The Orange Effect Foundation—created by Content Marketing Institute co-founders Joe Pulizzi and Pam Kozelka—supports children and young adults with speech disorders. While many people are familiar with speech therapy and education, assistive technologies play a big role in helping children overcome their limitations. As program manager Maureen Stanton explains, “Speech-generating technology can …
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 …
