From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the park
LEGOLAND Florida was the first LEGOLAND park in North America to become a Certified Autism Center and with four quiet spaces and sensory guides all over the park, theyโre making it easy for families to plan a vacation and get the most out of it.
โWhat should more people understand about autism?โ Your responses are so important to read
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
Tell us: Whatโs something you wish more people understood about autism?
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
5 activities for children with autism whoโve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a childrenโs developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
A guide to sensory-friendly activities, resources in Central Florida
As World Autism Awareness Month is about to begin, we highlight what Central Florida has to offer with multiple sensory-friendly activities, as well as resources for families with members on the autism spectrum. Here is a list of some of those places, ranging from theme parks to resource centers.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
After dealing with exclusion by his peers over the years, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, penned and published a pamphlet in which he basically guides people on how to treat those with disabilities.
Amy Schumer has the best-ever response to Instagram troll asking about autism
Comedian Amy Schumer took to Instagram earlier this week to ask if anyone would be interested in seeing a docuseries about her pregnancy and birth. She was met with a slew of positive comments, although there always has to be that one person online who just goes too far, right? Donโt forget: Schumerโs husband, chef and cookbook author Chris Fischer, has high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Schumer devoted a few minutes of her special earlier this year to the topic. Schumer wasnโt going to roll past that autism comment.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
I struggled to fit in with my neurotypical peers at school, my job, on social media, and even at a teen youth group. Posted by Tim Rohrer - Tips4Inclusion on Saturday, April 13, 2019Rohrerโs mother, Amy, said her son has gotten a remarkable response. This guide will help you get a better understanding of people with disabilities and what they really need in their lives. The signs of a disability as listed above are involuntary and it does not make up who they really are. Invite them to parties such as birthday parties, pool parties, BBQ parties, graduation parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and Sweet 16โs.
3 of the coolest photographed events for Autism Awareness Month
As April draws closer to its close, perhaps it's the right time to stop and reflect on all the autism outreach and autism awareness campaigns that the month has brought. For example, by now, some people are aware that a good handful of iconic buildings "go blue" in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Autism SpeaksAnd check out this international soccer match, held in Mexico on April 7. Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesFinally, did you know people in the baseball community are working toward creating a universally accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Jack Bulik Park? Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty ImagesDid you catch any local events that took place in your community?
Pregnant women and pesticides: Exploring the possible autism connection
Could there be a connection between a motherโs exposure to pesticides during her pregnancy, and an increased risk for autism in her child? Scientists have been researching the potential effects of pesticide exposure on infants and developing fetuses, and they recently determined that exposure to the most commonly used pesticides was in fact linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder. When they looked at diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder that also came with intellectual disabilities, they found on average 30% higher rates among children who were exposed to the pesticides while in utero. Perhaps thatโs why Ondine S. von Ehrenstein, an associate professor at UCLA who led the study, chose to examine these pesticides in humans. Some women might not even know if theyโre exposed to pesticides, or about the areas in which they live.
Which states allow medical marijuana treatment for autism?
Colorado has become the latest state to add autism spectrum disorders to the list of disabling medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana treatment. Colorado is now the ninth state to include autism as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, joining Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Utah, according to an article on mammausa.org. Puerto Rico also includes autism as a qualifying condition. While they havenโt officially declared autism as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, other states are considered โautism friendlyโ and allow for doctor discretion in prescribing medical marijuana, according to the article. Washington, D.C. also allows for doctor discretion in prescribing medical marijuana for autism.
Meet the fresh face of autism awareness: Julia, from 'Sesame Street'
For fans of Julia, the 4-year-old Muppet with autism on โSesame Street,โ you are in luck. Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization that sponsors research and conducts awareness activities, has launched a new campaign in conjunction with "Sesame Street" that features Julia and aims to promote early autism screening. The campaign consists of digital, print and resources available in English at ScreenForAutism.org and in Spanish at DeteccionDeAutismo.org. The content highlights the importance of early screening. โThere is considerable work to be done in overcoming obstacles that may delay a diagnosis -- the first step toward improved future outcomes,โ said Angela Geiger, CEO of Autism Speaks.
What should parents know about autism? Leading advocate lends advice
Parents of children with autism likely have a lot of questions before, during and after a diagnosis. Frazier took time out of his busy travel schedule during Autism Awareness Month to answer some questions on autism and provide tips for parents. Family and caregiver quality of life are key to successful development for all children, but especially children with autism." Frazier: "In general, parents of children with autism know their child and learn what they can and cannot do. Parents of children with autism who understand how to prompt and reinforce appropriate functional behavior are the most effective parents.
What are the best musical instruments for children with autism?
Whether itโs to provide relaxation or to develop coordination or motor skills, playing music instruments is a great activity for kids who have autism. UkuleleStrumming strings on this instrument helps develop motor control, and it has four strings compared to a full-size guitar with six strings. Xylophone/glockenspielAnother small and inexpensive instrument (ranging from $50 to $100), this helps kids with autism develop impulse control and hand-eye coordination. BongosSimply hitting bongos can be a good way to enjoy sound and work off some energy. But if there's a desire to get more in-depth, learning to play them along to music develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Sports, activities that are best for children with autism
For parents of children with autism, some might be understandably hesitant to put them in sports or other leisure activities. While team sports that rely a lot on communication and cooperation might be tougher for some children with autism, there are sports and activities that are great for universal participation, according to an article on verywellhealth.com. Those activities are better suited for kids with autism. Bowling: This is a sport that doesnโt require much communication with other team members to succeed, because itโs so individualized. Individual sports/activitiesHere are some notable non-team sports and activities that can be good for children with autism or other sensory disorders.
Winter Garden nonprofit helps graduates with disabilities prep for real world
Her son, Charlie, inspired her to create Building Pathways, a nonprofit organization in Winter Garden. He hasn't had a friend and he's 17," she said when talking about the social struggles her teenage son faces. "Patty's really taught me to see the person first and the diagnosis second," Jennifer Pinckney, the assistant director of Building Pathways, said. Myers and Pinckney launched the nonprofit organization in June to train them with life, social and job skills and prepare them to face the real world once they've graduated high school. To learn more about the day and summer programs, visit the Building Pathways website.