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Four tips for a smooth transition to Summer… THEN we get to go to the park!”. For information on visual schedules, check out our Autism and Visual Supports Guide . Find respite care and/or increase therapy time   Because of the down time in his schedule and with both parents working, it is important …
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers… is to allow individual states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups. Through these waivers, states can provide services that wouldn’t usually be covered by … of a long-term care facility. They help pay for standard medical and non-medical care, including personal care services, respite care, and adult day programs. Who administers Medicaid waivers? Following federal guidelines, individual states …
Making progress toward the dream: Autism in the Black community… the spectrum and outreach director for Autism Speaks, shares her thoughts on breaking down barriers to autism diagnosis and care and the importance of connecting with impacted families across the vast autism community.  As we celebrate Dr. Martin … with ASD and their caregivers face higher costs for things like medical and health care services, therapies and supports, respite care and education than people not affected by ASD. They also face greater loss of productivity at work. There’s a …
The key to being a stronger caregiver… This story was originally published in the November issue of Exceptional Parent Magazine . Caregiving is not just a labor of love—it is real, demanding work. While we often acknowledge the important work of professional caregivers in settings like daycares and nursing homes, family caregivers—especially those supporting autistic loved … people and broaden their experiences. The Autism Speaks Resource Guide can help you find autism-friendly recreational or respite options in  your area. Build a support network Caring for a person with autism often means navigating a world that …
My New Year's resolution this year is simple… how to get through the hour, not the day, this is for you. No matter what is going on with your child, you have to take care of yourself, and find some “happy.” For years, I didn’t do this. I threw myself headlong into being my eldest son’s ABA … a few therapists a lot sooner than I did, I can honestly say the one big thing I would change is the fact I didn’t take care of myself, and allowed myself very few opportunities for respite. That choice has affected my health, some friendships, and my overall outlook on life, which has generally been …
I'm a mother of a child with profound autism. I want to share our story.… nonverbal, ABA has given him a way to communicate basic needs through an AAC device. Additionally, he has acquired self-care skills such as brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and using utensils. Charlie requires 24/7 supervision. It’s … to look away for even a few seconds, as he might put himself in danger or damage things around the house. I applied for respite care almost nine years ago, around the time of Charlie’s diagnosis, but I’m still on a waiting list that could …
How I reacted after the doctor said, 'fathers don't take it well'… struggling we are not only concerned about his current well-being, but also his future when we may not be able to take care of him. We know that if it were up to him he would like to do the same things in his 80s that he can do now and spend … years. Some with autistic children have started charities to raise awareness, provide social opportunities, Santa visits, respite relief, and housing. Others are not as much in the spotlight but are grinding away every day in their daily lives to …