Autism Today Mid-May “Spectrum Newsletter”
I’ve been thinking about how mid-May always seems to bring a fresh sense of energy and growth. Feels like everything’s starting to move forward in the best way.
Autism Today May Newsletter
It’s hard to believe it’s May already—and with it comes Mother’s Day. This time of year, I want to take a special moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible strength, love, and resilience of mothers and mother figures raising children on the autism spectrum
Autism Takes the Theater Stage
by Rizza Faye Barcena Authentic portrayals of neurodiversity are still rare in mainstream media, more so, in theatres. Imagine the
Thinking Differently about Tantrums & Autism: A Cognitive Approach
by Robert J. Bernstein Progress comes with an individualized approach – in my case, a cognitive one – and must
Danke Sein Means Thank-you
This is a story of profound transformation and acceptance as a parent confronts and overcomes her deep-seated fears and prejudices about having a child with Down’s Syndrome. Initially repulsed and terrified by the diagnosis, she experiences a flood of emotions, including guilt and despair. However, with the support of a compassionate volunteer from the Down’s Syndrome Foundation and a powerful moment of connection with her son, she finds peace and acceptance. Through her journey, she discovers the unconditional love and joy that her son brings into their lives, ultimately realizing that he is a precious gift and an integral part of their family. As they celebrate his second birthday, they are reminded of the gratitude he embodies, enriching their lives in ways they never imagined.
My Hero
Joseph’s story is one of resilience, love, and the power of the human spirit. From his tumultuous entry into the world through an emergency C-section to facing doctors’ grim predictions about his future, Joseph has defied the odds at every turn. Despite being diagnosed with autism and enduring frequent seizures, Joseph’s parents have showered him with love and support, refusing to give up on him. Through their unwavering devotion, Joseph has not only survived but thrived, touching the lives of everyone around him with his courage and spirit. His journey has taught his parents profound life lessons about strength, bravery, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Joseph’s resilience serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the inherent greatness within each of us
Autism Today mid-April “Spectrum” Newsletter
Dear Reader,
As a parent of an autistic child for over 32 years, I know firsthand the joys and challenges this journey brings. It’s a journey we all share through our unique pathways. One thing we all have in common – we want to create a more supportive and inclusive world for autistic individuals and their families
Come to Celebrate with Me
The invitation eloquently captures the essence of love, acceptance, and celebration despite the challenges presented by Sandra’s condition. It extends an invitation to friends and family to join in commemorating Sandra’s 15th birthday, acknowledging her unique journey and the profound impact she has had on their lives. The words convey the complexity of emotions experienced in caring for Sandra, from grief and pain to love and gratitude. The invitation encourages others to share in the joy and appreciate the precious moments spent with Sandra, recognizing her as a gift and an angel in their lives. Through the invitation, they are invited to embrace life’s blessings and find beauty in unexpected places, celebrating the resilience and beauty found in Sandra’s presence.
From Y to A through Z
Despite the initial shock of learning their daughter Sami had Down Syndrome, her parents were determined to help her thrive. Starting at just a few months old, they incorporated reading into her bedtime routine using the Love and Learning reading program. Although progress seemed slow, a breakthrough occurred shortly before her second birthday when Sami surprised her parents by vocalizing the alphabet while reading the book. This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey to not only learn her letters and sight-read words but also to develop clear speech, defying the expectations of many professionals. Sami’s continuous progress serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence and the potential for unexpected breakthroughs in learning and development.
