WEATHER ALERT
What's behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening
Read full article: What's behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screeningPresident-elect Donald Trump seemed to entertain the discredited theory that vaccines cause autism as he answered questions from journalists Monday at his Mar-a-Lago club.
How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangers
Read full article: How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangersThe heartbreaking story of 4-year-old Waylon Childs, who was found dead a body of water in Ormond Beach on Sunday, has brought renewed attention to a critical issue: The heightened risk of drowning among children with autism.
This Central Florida tennis class gets results for children, young adults with special needs
Read full article: This Central Florida tennis class gets results for children, young adults with special needsIn retirement, Judi Erickson wanted to spend more time playing tennis, Now she’s helping others perfect their game.
Running club helps kids with autism, learning disabilities blossom
Read full article: Running club helps kids with autism, learning disabilities blossomWhen Karina Rodriguez was looking for an activity she could share with her daughter, Samantha, who has autism, she turned to something she knew well - running.
Keeping children with autism safe around water
Read full article: Keeping children with autism safe around waterDrowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children on the autism spectrum. That’s why Thursday’s "Breakfast with Bridgett" featured a discussion about water safety with Katie Pabst, Florida Autism Center's director of clinical operations for northwest Florida.
Orange County school unveils new playground to help students befriend peers with autism
Read full article: Orange County school unveils new playground to help students befriend peers with autismA new ADA-compliant playground that recently opened at an Orange County elementary school is getting results to make sure all students feel included.
From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the park
Read full article: From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the parkLEGOLAND 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, they’re making it easy for families to plan a vacation and get the most out of it.
Maitland therapy center helps build bridges between children with autism, first responders
Read full article: Maitland therapy center helps build bridges between children with autism, first respondersMany kids got quite the surprise at a therapy center aimed at providing services and treatment for children diagnosed with autism.
Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’
Read full article: Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’A teacher who helps preside over a program for students with autism, Carrie Jones knows full well some aspects the general public might not understand.
After drownings of 2 children with autism, Orange County Fire Rescue reminds parents about water hazards
Read full article: After drownings of 2 children with autism, Orange County Fire Rescue reminds parents about water hazardsOrange County Fire Rescue reminded the public about the dangers surrounding bodies of water and the importance of being vigilant.
Orange County Sheriff promotes autism decal program days after 5-year-old boy found dead in pond
Read full article: Orange County Sheriff promotes autism decal program days after 5-year-old boy found dead in pondThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office set out to remind residents Tuesday about its program that allows emergency responders to better assist people with autism.
‘She can’t talk, but she still wants to play:’ Teacher, mom encourages autism inclusivity with children’s book
Read full article: ‘She can’t talk, but she still wants to play:’ Teacher, mom encourages autism inclusivity with children’s bookEvery parent has a different story when it comes to their kids’ growth and development.
‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to read
Read full article: ‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to readConsidering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?
Read full article: Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
State Rep. Daisy Morales hosts autism awareness event in Orlando
Read full article: State Rep. Daisy Morales hosts autism awareness event in OrlandoApril is Autism Awareness Month, and to support families with children on the spectrum, a state representative and an Orlando city commissioner are teaming up to connect the community with resources.
5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
Read full article: 5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemicOne 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 children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
Mom opens We Rock The Spectrum gym in Central Florida to help children on autism spectrum
Read full article: Mom opens We Rock The Spectrum gym in Central Florida to help children on autism spectrumThe children play with a purpose with exercises that help with physical, emotional, and social development.
‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their community
Read full article: ‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their communityFor Anthony and Sammy Taormina, there are two dates that define their lives as people with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
Community advocate offers support for minority families coping with autism
Read full article: Community advocate offers support for minority families coping with autismAccording to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, the rise of autism in the United States has gone up by about 10%, steadily increasing since researchers first began tracking it in 2000.
Celebration boy with autism becomes artistic sensation
Read full article: Celebration boy with autism becomes artistic sensationCELEBRATION, Fla. – A family in Celebration hopes their young son’s talent will serve as a ray of hope for families with children who have special needs. He is the autistic tiger and he’s just proud of it,” David Villec said of his 8-year-old son, Tiger. “I got him a whiteboard and he just started drawing everything,” Villec said. “He started drawing on it but he was holding one of his toys like a reference model and he’s drawing with his hand. The family said they always knew Tiger would develop a remarkable skill because of his autism.