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COVID-19: Tips and resources for autistic people and families… Among the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, there are unique obstacles for people on the spectrum to remain safe and healthy. Since the pandemic hit our communities in the U.S., more than 1,600 people have reached out to our Autism … one is not wearing a mask, explain that you or your child have autism. Show your ID card and explain that this exception to CDC guidelines is an accommodation for a disability. For autistic adults, we recommend you prepare to self-advocate about … a script, or pre-record an audio message that you can play from your phone or other device when interacting with someone who questions you. Social distancing: Guidelines for social distancing will vary depending on your location and local …
2021 Advocacy Highlights… From Washington, D.C., to state capital cities and Zoom meetings with advocates across the country, our Advocacy Team pursued policy solutions throughout this year that … A $10 million increase in funding for autism-related activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This would be the first increase in CDC funding for autism-related activities in 10 years. A substantial increase in … in HCBS as part of the Build Back Better Act, alongside additional funding to increase the number of direct support workers who provide in-home and community-based supports . This was a milestone first step and as Congress continues to work to find …
A letter from Autism Speaks CEO… clear vision: a world in which all people with autism can reach their full potential. In this world, access to information and resources is a universal right, untethered to geographical or societal boundaries. People with autism — and the family and friends who stand alongside them — are supported through every stage of life. Where total acceptance of autistic people — beyond … they are writers, engineers, IT specialists, graphic designers – and the heart of our organization. Recently, the CDC reported an increase in the prevalence of autism from 1 in 44 children to 1 in 36 children , including increased …
Making progress toward the dream: Autism in the Black community… Janet Williams, mom to a son on the spectrum and outreach director for Autism Speaks, shares her thoughts on breaking down barriers to autism diagnosis and care and the … faced with the reality that with our dreams may come additional barriers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 59 children in the United States. Among those children, Black … done. Regardless of ethnicity, every person with autism experiences a unique set of strengths and challenges, as do those who care for and support them. But research tells us that Black people may experience greater barriers and stigmas …
2022 Advocacy Highlights… to state capitals, together with advocates across the country, our team works to protect the rights of autistic individuals and advocate for investments in autism programs that pay dividends for our community. Throughout this year, we pursued … wins include: $5 million increase to expand autism-related activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the first increase in CDC funding for autism-related activities in 10 years A call on the NIH to invest part of its … regarding registered behavior technicians (RBTs), with the goal of increasing the qualified applicant pool of those who can assist with providing ABA services. Improving transition planning and special education The Consolidated …
Graduating from the pediatrician to the adult doctor… A well-planned transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is known to lead to better medical care and an improved quality of life for autistic individuals. Yet, graduating from the pediatrician to an adult doctor often … is the reason they put off planning for the change. It is common for parents to worry about leaving a trusted pediatrician who has probably seen their child for most of their life, including during their autism screening and diagnosis. It is even … over. The healthcare system is also lagging in leading this transition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2021 that only one in 13 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder receive the recommended planning …
Takeaways from the October 2023 IACC Meeting… Committee ( IACC ) is a federal advisory committee authorized by the Autism CARES Act. It coordinates federal efforts and provides recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to autism spectrum disorder. … topics they believe deserve attention. A highlight of this meeting was the in-person oral testimony of Cheryl Chafos who shared the tragic story of how her 19-year-old son Zachary died after placement in a neuropsychiatric bed at a Maryland … from: Federal agencies including the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, National …
Benefits of exercise for people with autism… on the benefits of exercise for autistic youth . Dr. Healy is an assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, at the University of Delaware. He conducts research on physical activity adapted to the needs of special … fitness, social functioning and muscular strength and endurance. Social skills: Our meta-analysis showed that youth who participated in physical activity programs designed for individuals with autism showed significant gains in their social … practical tips for encouraging regular physical activity: Start small : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get at least an hour of physical activity daily. That’s good to know, but I suggest starting …
Autism Speaks elects four dynamic business leaders to its national board… NEW YORK (April 24, 2018) – Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for the needs of people with autism and their families, has elected four new members to its … and repositioned it as a contract manufacturer focused on baked, gluten-free, and organic convenience foods. Mr. Carpenter, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University, has served on various industry and community boards. He and his … medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting …
Cheryl Chafos honors her late son, Zachary… Chafos will tell you about her son Zachary, Zach to those lucky enough to know him, is that he was a very happy person and loved people. Pizza and Chick-fil-A were up there, too. He also happened to be something of a Pixar aficionado, favoring … for his "One Perfect Day". Zach was also a 19-year-old nonverbal autistic young adult with intellectual disabilities who suffered from seizures since age 14 and had some challenging behaviors, developing aggression as he got older. While he … years for programs primarily at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that advance autism research, services, and training of …