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Workplace Inclusion Now continues to make strides in creating meaningful opportunities for the autistic community three years after pilot program launch… The relationship between Autism Speaks and the Varnedoe Family began with a single phone call about fundraising opportunities surrounding a golf outing in support of their younger son, John, who is on the autism spectrum. Four years later, the relationship between the family and its family-run business, Lee Container, which was …
Expert Q&A: Dr. Ryan Adams shares tips and resources to end bullying… Children and adolescents with autism are particularly vulnerable to bullying but preventing and stopping it when it happens can be a challenge. In response to this need, Dr. Ryan Adams, Ph.D., has pursued a decade-long career in research on autism and bullying and developed a web-based program that offers information and strategies to parents, teachers, peers and …
Family finds answers through MSSNG… When Trey M., 30, was first diagnosed with autism in 1995 at age 3, his family got straight to work finding information, therapies and supports that could help him one … challenges. They did not find their answer until 2021, when they received Trey’s genetic testing results through the Autism Speaks-supported MSSNG program . After seven years of waiting for results, they learned that Trey has Phelan-McDermid …
POPSUGAR interviews Alyssa Chapman… Alyssa Chapman, one of Autism Speaks’ Champions of Change, shared what it’s like to coexist on the spectrums of autism and queerness . Today, Alyssa is proud to feel free and think openly about who they are. Thank you for being a …
In our own words: Diagnosis stories… life to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys Micah James, 49 Two years ago, at age 47, I found out that I have autism. It wasn’t until then that I finally decided to put in the work to understand myself and focus on personal growth … in hopes that it helps you support your autistic loved one and ask the right questions along the way. It's classified as autism spectrum disorder, but I have a real problem with the word "disorder" because it assumes that neurotypical is correct …
In Our Own Words: Embracing empathy and individuality to overcome bullying … statistics reaffirm the importance of coming together as a community to understand, include and support people with autism and all disabilities. In this feature, in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, you’ll meet Halle and … women who have overcome bullying in their own ways by embracing love, empathy and individuality. Halle shares how her autism diagnosis as a teenager helped her find her power My name is Halle. I am a 16-year-old female on the autism …
Vote the Spectrum aims to broaden the spectrum of democracy… There are 35 million adults with a disability eligible to vote in the U.S., including the estimated 100,000 people with autism who turn 18 every year. They are enough to help determine local, state and national elections, including who becomes … autistic adult. "In order to form a more perfect union, everyone needs to participate in the process, including those with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities." First Place AZ's work now serves as a blueprint for use nationwide. … series of accessible voting workshops which include mock elections. According to Resnik, the purpose is to help people with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities a chance to practice all steps of the voting process so they feel more at …
INSAR Day 3: Keynote speaker Liz Pellicano redefines “autistic flourishing”… The goal of autism research is to make discoveries that improve the lives of autistic people and their families. But according to Liz Pellicano, Ph.D., professor of autism research at University College London, there is often a gap between the research lab and autistic people’s daily … flourishing,” or what it means to live a happy and fulfilling life as an autistic person. She suggested five ways that autism research can evolve in order to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic people and their families. 1. …
Chief Science Officer Andy Shih speaks at WHO Mental Health Forum in Geneva … Dr. Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks, will be participating in a session at the 2024 WHO Mental Health Forum, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland … explore the challenges and opportunities of adopting a neurodiversity perspective in advocacy and policy. Drawing from Autism Speaks’ advocacy initiatives, Dr. Shih will present examples of successful, participatory, neurodiversity-inclusive …
Karl Wittig, a retired electronics engineer, reflects on his late diagnosis and career journey… was 44, he finally understood why. After over 10 years of suspecting that he was autistic, Karl was finally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. His diagnosis gave him a deeper understanding of his differences and allowed him to find a tight-knit support group of other autistic adults. In this Q&A, Karl talks about his journey to an autism diagnosis and his three secrets to career success. Can you tell me about your career journey? What contributed to … early childhood. That is now recognized as an autistic special interest, but back then, barely anyone knew anything about autism. Consequently, for my entire school career, I was always very strong in the STEM subjects, particularly the really …