Archive
In response to questions about our billboard
April 20, 2012
By Autism Society
An Autism Society billboard was recently installed in Texas. While feedback has been very positive, some individuals on Facebook have expressed concerns about the word “born.” Please note the intention of the billboard, which was completely funded by an individual donor, was to get a message out to the general public about the rising incidence of autism. The billboard was not meant as a venue to state the Autism Society’s organizational position about the finer points of the cause or course of autism. We provide more detailed information on our website.
The Autism Society is open to engage in discussion with those interested in improving the lives of all affected by autism. We understand that there will always be points we don’t all agree on, but individuals with autism living quality lives is not one of them. Debate is healthy and has always been welcomed at the Autism Society. Our issue with some of the discussion is that, instead of being a constructive discussion about messaging, some have attempted to elicit a campaign against our organization. This type of discussion distracts from the positive intentions of the billboard as well as the important work that should be our shared expectation and focus.
Despite limited resources, the Autism Society is incredibly fortunate to have a national network of chapters, run by volunteers, including parents, individuals with autism, professionals and others in the community willing to give their time and energy to advance our mission. It stems from our deep gratitude to the thousands who have given their time and support over decades that we take issue with those who choose to create controversy and take away from efforts that really impact people’s lives. Energy spent on discussion of word choice will not improve anyone’s life, nor will it bring real training to professionals, address waiting lists or the unavailability of vital services, nor will it generate greater understanding and support from the community. Today, the Autism Society is the nation’s largest grassroots organization committed to helping individuals with autism. We work so individuals can be treated with dignity and have opportunities that maximize their independence and autonomy.
Over the past year or so, the Autism Society has made some very deliberate changes. Our board of directors and advisory panels are comprised of individuals completely dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism. This includes people on the spectrum, but also their family members, professionals who work with them, as well as friends and communities. We strongly believe that we must get beyond the belief that only parents can do this, and accept that those who are not living with autism can be just as dedicated. Collectively, our voices and efforts can truly affect change. The national office and Autism Society chapters seek out those who bring wisdom, knowledge, support and the willingness to stand up for, and with, those living with autism every day. The Autism Society is incredibly proud of its chapters and network of volunteers and dedicated professionals around the country. We will continue to focus our energy toward an organization that supports and strengthens their efforts.
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Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: Yeast Overgrowth
April 19, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition fact each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions as they relate to diet for yourself or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific form of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. Read the article here.
Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast is a harmful organism that can affect energy level, clarity of thought and intestinal health. Yeast overgrowth is often triggered by antibiotic use. Yeast overgrowth creates gut inflammation and decreases gut function. The following dietary practices help rid the body of yeast overgrowth:
- Remove sugars. Sugars feed yeast, contributing to yeast overgrowth. Reduce the amount of cookies, muffins and other sugar-rich treats. Even sugar in fruit, especially dried fruit and fruit juice, can be a problem for some.
- Remove yeast-containing foods. Bread, grapes, plums, aged meats and cheeses, and vinegars can feed yeast and should be removed.
- Reduce or remove starches. Like sugar, carbohydrates feed yeast. Reducing refined carbohydrates that convert to sugar rapidly and have little nutritional value decreases the foods yeast have to feed on. Some people choose diets such as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
- (SCD) that eliminates starches that can feed yeast, such as potatoes, corn and gluten-free grains.
- Add probiotic-rich foods. Fermented foods contain live beneficial bacteria that crowd out yeast and support a healthy internal environment; thus, adding probiotic supplementation is recommended.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
Services
April 13, 2012
By Jeff Stimpson
I tried to line stuff up for my 13-year-old son Alex last Thanksgiving break, the break I've come to regard as "the four-day Sahara."
"The holidays book up well in advance - parents jump right on those school holidays," said the lady who runs the overnight-respite program. I worked for months to get Alex into this program. I called her in early October about overnights through the end of the calendar year.
This Sahara is tough. By Saturday morning Alex is saying, "David's coming? Rosa's coming? David's coming?" as he slips on his shoes, hoodie and backpack. "Take a walk," he also says. "Wanna walk!" David and Rosa are, well, "companions" I guess you'd call them if - like us - your son was too old for a "babysitter."
Autism doesn't take a four-day weekend. By the morning of Black Friday, Alex is bored out of his mind. He doesn't want to do letters with me, he doesn't want to pick up his room or put laundry away (jobs he usually throws himself into). He yelps into his iPad. He wants to go out, hour after hour. I take him out. He wants to go out immediately after we come home, usually with somebody besides mom and dad.
The big hope for Thanksgiving break is overnight respite, a terrific program in which guys like Alex are taken by their fathers to a nondescript apartment building on West 95th Street near the river, past the security guard who takes one look at Alex and says "sixth floor," and up to a three-bedroom where Alex could stay for days and nights, gaining his independence while his mom and I catch up on our sleep.
Alex crapped out of this program last spring by bolting. Then the supervisor worked with me to let him go there for daytimes during the last week of August. He did well. So well, I guess, that the second morning the supervisor called me and said they could take him for four days, until Labor Day eve. I was tempted, but he wasn't ready, I told her. From that offer I came away with the idea that holidays are clear for vacancies in overnight respite. I come away with the idea that most families with children with autism have better parents than Alex does.
Parents jump right on those school holidays. "What's Alex's schedule in February?" the supervisor asks. I see that adult programs take finagling, unlike the children's programs that Alex often just slipped into. Stuff for grown-ups - like the one he's growing into - require thought, planning, more thought, and frightening amount of plain old luck.
Jeff Stimpson lives in New York with his wife Jill and two sons. He is the author of Alex: The Fathering of a Preemie and Alex the Boy: Episodes From a Family’s Life With Autism (both available on Amazon). He maintains a blog about his family at jeffslife.tripod.com/alextheboy, and is a frequent contributor to various sites and publications on special-needs parenting, such as Autism-Asperger’s Digest, Autism Spectrum News, and An Anthology of Disability Literature (available on Amazon). He is on LinkedIn under “Jeff Stimpson” and Twitter under “Jeffslife.”
Topics:Living with Autism
Tips from the folks at Paperworks Studio: Rules
April 12, 2012
By Paperworks Studio
Individuals on the autism spectrum are compelled to be rule abiders - it is not a choice. Rules and routine bring comfort.
There are many written rules you have to follow at work, but there are also many unwritten rules that you must follow in order to be successful in your job. Unwritten rules are social rules that you may not be aware of, but you are expected to follow them anyway because everyone else follows those rules as well.
These written and unwritten rules have to do with many aspects of the work environment including:
• Wearing appropriate work attire
• Practicing appropriate grooming and hygiene habits
• Following instructions
• Accepting feedback from a supervisor
• Asking for help
• Dealing with interruptions
• Dealing with changes in routines and procedures
• Greetings and goodbyes
• Making small talk with co-workers
• Teamwork
• Keeping appropriate personal space
• Private versus public behaviors
• Making friends at work
• Dealing with customers
• Coping strategies to manage stress, frustration and anxiety
• Time management and organizational strategies
• Following a work schedule
• Completing work on time
• Break time
• Bullying and workplace harassment
When faced with a new situation, you may not know how to behave. You may not “feel” social situations. Therefore, you have to memorize the appropriate response. This memorization takes practice. Before starting a job, the list above should be something you are familiar with and have practiced with another person. Ask your friend, a teacher or a relative to help you learn about these written and unwritten rules – in fact, ask them all to practice with you! Try to remember that, even with practice, unexpected and unfamiliar situations may arise. It is important to know that practice may not make you perfect in every situation, but it will certainly make you more prepared for success on the job! Good luck!
The Autism Society has teamed up with Goodwill’s Paperworks Studio, a mission-based, social enterprise that employs artists with disabilities to create unique greeting cards from recycled materials like blue jeans, coffee, wool sweaters and flowers. For every pack of greeting cards sold, the company will donate a portion to the Autism Society. The quality of the cards is impeccable and the love and inspiration is unmatched. Purchase the cards here!
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: Nutrient Deficiencies
April 11, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition fact each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions as they relate to diet for yourself or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific form of treatment (See the Options Policy).
Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. You can read the full article here.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Is your child a picky eater? Due to sensory issues, many children on the autism spectrum dislike the tastes and textures of certain foods; therefore, nutrient deficiencies are common. Specific nutrients are required for complex biochemical processes, and nutrients can only be digested and absorbed through food and supplementation when the GI tract is functioning well. In addition to boosting digestion, it is important to get a wide variety of nutrients through foods. Some ways to boost nutrient intake include:
- Increase the quality and digestibility of food. Boost the amount of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, in the diet. For ideas on increasing variety, see the list of nutrient-dense foods below. Soaking and fermenting grains increases digestibility.
- Sneak in vegetables for picky eaters. Pureeing organic vegetables and adding them to meatballs, smoothies, pancakes, muffins and sauces is a great way to disguise them. Try juicing to get concentrated nutrients that are easy to digest—making ice pops from organic juices or smoothies is a good way to serve nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits to kids.
- Add supplementation. It can be difficult for a child with autism to get the required therapeutic levels of nutrients through food. Adding vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids can be helpful in boosting needed nutrients. Introducing enzymes that aid with digestion of foods and probiotics can supply beneficial bacteria. Calcium supplementation is particularly important when dairy is removed from the diet.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
Autism Diet and Nutrition: How to Begin
April 4, 2012
By Autism Society
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share autism diet and nutrition tips each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower individuals to make the best decisions for themselves or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific treatment (see the Options Policy).
Tips are republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD.
Week 1:
How to Begin: Dietary Modifications to Improve Leaky Gut and Gut Inflammation
Improving digestion, reducing inflammation and healing the gut are important steps in overall health and healing. Behavior, language, eye contact and skin rashes are a few of the areas that can improve. The following dietary changes are a good place to start:
- Remove foods that inflame the gut. Gluten, casein, soy, corn and eggs are common offenders. The exact foods to remove will depend on the individual; however, gluten- and casein-free diets are among the most popular and effective. Sugar and refined oils also contribute to inflammation.
- Add foods that heal the gut. Foods such as ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation. Fish oil, flax seeds and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fermented foods help heal the gut. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (often produced by good bacteria from the consumption of soluble fiber) found in butterfat and ghee that helps nourish the intestinal lining.
- Include foods that supply beneficial bacteria. Fermented foods, such as non-dairy yogurt, young coconut kefir and cultured vegetables, help supply good bacteria that reduce inflammation and create an environment that is healing.
- Add foods that increase beneficial bacteria levels. Prebiotics are foods, often high in soluble fiber, that support good bacteria and increase levels in the gut. These foods include: asparagus, bananas, beans/legumes, chicory root, garlic, honey, kefir/yogurt, leeks, onions and peas.
Matthews, Julie. "Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD." Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).
Topics:Living with Autism
How to be successful on the job & in life: CHANGE
Tips from the folks at Paperworks Studio
March 23, 2012
By Paperworks Studio
Change is an inevitable part of life and the workplace. Things don’t always stay the same. Things change and that is okay. Sometimes it can be hard when things change, especially when you are used to doing things a certain way. But you need to be flexible and make changes as needed so that you can do your job well. At work, procedures and routines need to be changed or modified for a variety of reasons.
Most individuals on the autism spectrum don't like changes in routines. They like to stay on a schedule that is always the same. We often tell older, transition-age students that they must try something TEN TIMES before they can decide, or “claim,” that they do not like it. This is a rule we follow in our classrooms, and because it is a rule, most students learn to abide by it. We set the expectation high and that expectation eventually becomes the norm.
Learning how to make changes needs to happen early and often! Your families and teachers should strive to help you learn how to make change become more comfortable, by thinking about the following…
- Practice flexibility - both in thoughts & actions.
- Choose things that are do-able. Start with little things. Although it will be hard at first, insist on the changes. Examples might be food & clothing preferences, types of activities, routes taken to go places, or people who you do things with. Take into account changes that can occur based on time, weather, schedule changes, circumstances, etc… get ready to practice change on a regular basis.
- When ready to practice changing or altering an established routine, it’s a good idea to begin to get the child accustomed to the change days before. Discuss the change with the child. Show them pictures that can help them begin to understand what might be happening. Go slow at first to gauge their receptiveness to the change. Parents and teachers should not only anticipate upcoming natural changes, but also be willing to manufacture opportunities to practice change – again, helping the child prepare by using stories and pictures, whenever possible.
- Here’s an example of how to START EARLY & CHANGE OFTEN INTENTIONALLY practicing change:
Subject > Eating habits – Let’s say there is a young person who really loves one “particular” fast food cheeseburger, with ketchup only - nothing else – and they only want to eat it while riding in their parents car.
Change the type of cheese on the same hamburger or add pickles; Eat the cheeseburger at a picnic table at the park; Transfer their love of a fast food cheeseburger to one made at Grandma’s house. Help them adapt to these changes more readily by adding elements that may not have anything to do with the food! Stay after the cheeseburger picnic to play at the park, (if that is something they enjoy!) OR Have them be the one to be chosen to walk Grandma’s dog after dinner (if that is something they enjoy!). If you can connect the change to an enjoyable activity or memory for them, chances are the next time a change is necessary, it will be just a little bit easier. Keep in mind, those “little bits” eventually multiply into bigger bits.
Making changes must begin at the earliest age possible! We must begin to interrupt routines as soon as we notice they are becoming routines. Although changes can be frustrating and stressful, on everyone involved, the younger we start practicing, the easier it will be when we are older and need to get along in the workplace.
The Autism Society has teamed up with Goodwill’s Paperworks Studio, a mission-based, social enterprise that employs artists with disabilities to create unique greeting cards from recycled materials like blue jeans, coffee, wool sweaters and flowers. For every pack of greeting cards sold, the company will donate a portion to the Autism Society. The quality of the cards is impeccable and the love and inspiration is unmatched. Purchase the cards here!
Topics:Living with Autism
Talents
March 14, 2012
By Lee Passehl
Most Autistics seem to posess some kind of gift. For Temple Grandin, it was animal science. For Jason Mcelwain, it was shooting basketballs. For Donna Williams, it was creative writing. All these individuals put their talents to good use.
My talent is a little different from most autistic people I’ve met. When I think of animal science, I think of a person in a white coat observing and taking care of ethier rabbits, horses, or whatever animals they are focusing on. When I think of basketball, I think of tall athletic people passing and shooting an orange rubber ball, running up and down a wooden floor, scrambling and clawing all to get a piece of the ball in front of tens of thousands of people. When I think of creative writing, I think of a person telling stories about mystical creatures or a journey of two people through a mountain somewhere in a place far, far away fighting bears, lions or whatever enemies the author can think of.
My talent might be hard to visulize or comprehend for most people on this planet. When people think of radio control cars, the first thing that comes to mind is a young child driving a very plastic, toy that only goes about 3 MPH, and is advertised on children’s television programs. The cars that I race are an entirely different animal. Some parts on my cars can reach 300 degrees Fareinheit. I can use real gasoline mixed with oil.The cars are made of high tech materials similar to the fastest cars in the world and can accelerate faster than most cars on this planet. These cars are extremely hard to control, and can be driven in the rain at 55 MPH.
There are people who get paid to race radio control cars professionally, but there are very few of them who race for money, so racing as a profession for me is out of the picture. I’m interested in a job that would suit my talent, but this is very hard to explain when talking to a job counselor. Hollywood does robotics and it would be great to do this type of work. It would be great to put my talent to good use.
I believe everyone who has a special talent should explore that talent to the utmost extent and never let up once they are given the opportunity. If your family member has a talent that could offer lifelong opportunities, go for it. Look at what my “gift” did for me. It gave me an incentive to do other things I’m less comfortable doing, like exercising good sportsmanship (no tantrums), and appropriate behaviors in a public setting. It also brought me to one of the most awesome places to live in America and the world. I thank whatever supreme force out there for giving me that gift or working hard to make my gift work. Don’t give up; it could open a huge door for you and family.
Lee blogs for the Autism Society about his life with autism. Read his story!
Topics:Living with Autism
Sharing my Autism: Perspectives of son and mother
March 13, 2012
By Eric and Felecia Rozansky
ERIC, 15:
When I heard I had the chance to voice my personal thoughts on what it’s like to have autism, I leapt at it because this was a chance to show people my perspective on what autism is to me.
I remember last summer my family was over at a friend’s house and there was a little boy who stood out from everyone else. He had eerily similar behaviors to me when I was that age. For example, he wouldn’t respond to people calling him, he had an obsessive interest in his little toy and he was followed constantly by his dad to stop him from going into the street. He was what appeared to be 6 or 7 years old so I knew something was up. I asked my mom what was happening and she told me what I had known already: he had autism. She suggested that I speak to his parents and try to help them.
I never knew myself as the one to talk to parents of people with autism, but I went over anyway. I introduced myself by saying “Hi, I’m Eric and I have autism like your son.” They questioned me vigorously and I easily answered their questions about autism, like:
“Why does my son obsess with wheels?” (I explained that the repetition calms him down)
“Does my son hear me when I call my name?” (No, I said. I remember being so focused on something that I blanked out everything around me except for my object of interest, even to the point that everything around me was silent).
After speaking with these parents for several more minutes, they repeatedly thanked me and my mom. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my mom explained to me later that I helped them understand their son just a little bit better. Right now, as I type this, I have a big smile across my face knowing that maybe I have the ability to help parents with kids like me, and help the kids, too.
Felecia (Eric’s Mom) writes:
I am so incredibly proud of my son, and our whole family, for the way Eric handles himself. I think Eric is so willing to speak about his autism and seek out others to help because, as a family, we have always accepted that Eric has autism. We’ve worked hard to understand how Eric experiences the world. At times we have struggled to make sense of his behaviors and his approach. The hardest part has been to get our other children to come with us on this lifetime journey…but really, the bottom line has always been: what choice do we have?
Topics:Living with Autism
I’ve Got His Back, But Who Has Mine?
March 8, 2012
By Dan Olawski
I wanted to write a blog post in February that would focus on autism, love, and relationships in honor of Valentine’s Day. Sadly, not only didn’t I have a “real” Valentine’s Day, I barely had a month of February.
I suffered a back injury at some point over the past couple months. Beginning in February, I have been dealing with severe pain, which limits my ability to walk, sit, and basically function normally. But, as anyone who has had a family member with a back injury knows, the suffering and inconvenience wind up impacting the entire family. When that family has a child with autism in it, there can be added challenges.
I don’t know how much my six-year-old son, Mikey, understands about daddy’s “boo boo” situation, but his autism hasn’t stopped him from communicating that he knows something’s different. I’ve noticed him reach out for me to hug him and give me a strange look when he realizes the hug isn’t the same or wasn’t followed by me scooping him up into my arms. I know that difference is tough on both of us.
I’ve tried to interact and care for Mikey as close to normal as has been possible for me, but that hasn’t been anywhere near what my “normal” usually is. Not being able to give Mikey the same amount and kind of attention that I usually do has been breaking my heart. It’s been difficult for me to be “dad” when I can’t even be “Dan.”
But I’ve come to realize that whatever my current limitations may be they could never stop me from showing Mikey how much I love him. I’d still do anything in the world for him…even if I had to limp around or be hunched over to do it. And the bottom line is that autism or no autism he knows that.
I think we tend to not give our children enough credit at times…I’ve learned my lesson. So, I know I have Mikey’s back…but who has mine?
Dan Olawski blogs about fatherhood and his son Mikey for the Autism Society. He lives with his family on Long Island, N.Y., where he works as a writer/editor. His time is spent following Mikey with a vacuum cleaner, watching his beloved New York Yankees and continuing his pursuit of the perfect chocolate chip cookie. He can be contacted at dantheeditorman@gmail.com.
Topics:Living with Autism
