Autism

Saturday in the park with autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

When Birth to Three first came to our home to assess my son at 18 months, they asked my husband and I what specific goals they thought he should work on. Our response was seemingly simple, if not selfish and self-serving. “We’d love Ethan to greet us at the door, and say ‘I love you.’” After a period of time — a long period of time — Ethan ran to the door whenever we arrived and said, “How was your day? I love you.” Mission accomplished.

Operation House Call teaches compassion for special needs

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

The Arc of Massachusetts began a program to teach medical students about intellectual and developmental disabilities more than 20 years ago. Today, interest has expanded but resources are limited, as OHC continues to build sensitivity on the theory that families are the best teachers.

Waiting on the world to change

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 06 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Several months back, apropos of nothing, my 7-year-old son on the autism spectrum turned to me and said, “Hey, Mom. Your body is a wonderland.” Adorable in all its obvious inappropriateness, all I could say was, “Thank you, sweetheart. How nice of you to say.” Immediately I knew that Ethan had discovered — and fallen in love with — the music of John Mayer.

Parenting and autism: Angela’s story

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Angela Hanratty of Staten Island, New York, juggles her accountant job with raising her two kids with autism. Motherhood has brought her both joy and a tolerance for those who can’t help themselves.

My Phil of autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

At least once in a lifetime, everyone should be blessed enough to experience a child in a state of pure and unadulterated bliss. My husband and I had such an opportunity last Monday at Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in New York City’s “hipster” Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Epilepsy drug, autism linked

Kristen Fischer — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:45:00 -0700

A new study links the use of an epilepsy drug during pregnancy to a higher risk of autism and related disorders.

Parenting and autism: Jessica’s story

Maria Mora — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Twelve years ago, Jessica Watson’s daughter was diagnosed with autism. Watson drove home from the doctor’s office envisioning a bleak future for her 5-year-old. A decade later, she wishes she’d been able to see all that her daughter would accomplish. Now Watson serves as a beacon to other parents on the journey of parenting a child on the autism spectrum.

Autism and those who will not see

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

In last week’s column we were introduced to Richard Bernstein, a blind-since-birth attorney and force of nature who raises awareness of special needs individuals. This week’s column, especially in light of the Boston tragedy, highlights Richard’s wisdom, spirit and how he “sees” life with unmatched clarity.

Beyond autism awareness: Preparing for the future

Jessica Watson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:08:00 -0700

Autism rates began to rise almost 20 years ago, which puts us at the beginning of a boom in teens and adults with autism heading out into the world. What's next for these great kids — and are we prepared?

Parenting and autism: Amy’s story

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Amy Friedman’s son was diagnosed with autism at 3, but she had already been suspicious of his development long beforehand. The 40-year-old Deerfield, Illinois, mom says parenting a child with special needs and two other kids is both challenging and rewarding.

Autism: There are none so blind as those who will not see

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Last week, Chabad of Westport, Connecticut and The Friendship Circle of Stamford, Connecticut co-hosted an event to help raise community awareness about special needs. Not only did I attend the event, but I also had been asked to both speak about my experiences with special needs, and introduce Richard Bernstein, the evening’s guest of honor.

Parents find creative ways to fill children’s needs

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0700

How many times have you thought wow, I wish someone would invent [fill in the blank]? Meet three parents who fulfilled a need for their children with special needs through creative means.

Beyond autism awareness: Explaining autism to your child

Jessica Watson — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:13:00 -0700

As the numbers of children with autism continue to rise, there is no doubt your child will encounter kids with autism in school or on the playground. Prepare your kids with these helpful tips to send your children off with empathy and understanding.

How to explain autism to curious children

Alicia DiFabio — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

If your child stares, points or asks indiscreetly, “What’s wrong with that kid?” don’t feel ashamed. April is Autism Awareness Month so instead of shrinking with embarrassment, take advantage of that teachable moment and turn awkward exchanges into awareness-raising opportunities for our youngest generation.

Parenting and autism: Miriam's story

Maria Mora — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

With her Aspie son on the verge of puberty, writer Miriam Kamin is shoring up for a host of new challenges. Her down-to-earth, humorous approach to parenting a child on the autism spectrum provides inspiration to parents who are just beginning the journey of raising a special needs child.

Imagine a world without autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

In 1933, King Kong climbed it. In 1939 it served as the centerpiece for on-screen Hollywood movie couples to fall in love. In 1945, a U.S. Army B-52 bomber lost in fog crashed into it.

Best iPad apps for children with autism

Nichole Beaudry — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0700

Apps for the iPad are making an amazing difference for many children on the autism spectrum. But which apps are best, and how do you filter through the growing list of available apps? Here’s our short list of helpful apps, some that are specifically for children with autism and some that just might surprise you.

Study: Vaccines not linked to autism

Kristen Fischer — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:18:00 -0700

A new study debunks myths that the current vaccine schedule is linked to autism.

Parenting and autism: Maria’s story

Maria Mora — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

When Maria Mora’s son was 18 months old, she began noticing patterns in his behavior and a frequent, unusual squeezing motion that resembled a seizure. As her concerns grew, she made an appointment with his pediatrician. That appointment was the first step on a bumpy road from doctor to doctor, and diagnosis to diagnosis.

Autism: For me? You shouldn’t have

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Some years ago — never mind how long precisely… my birthday was something to celebrate. Something over-the-top. Something that didn’t just last one day, but an entire week or an entire month if the birthday happened to end in a "0" or "5." Why, just a few years ago, one of my “5” birthdays was held on a Saturday night, in a bowling alley, where the mandated dress code was “black tie creative,” and the food included sliders, pigs in blankets, cheese fries, Twinkies… and champagne.

Beyond autism awareness: What autism families need

Jessica Watson — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:24:00 -0700

Dealing with an autism diagnosis and the aftermath of doctors, therapists and school struggles is a difficult road. Chances are you have a friend or relative coping with autism under her roof — and if you don't, you may soon, as the numbers continue to rise.