Guest Post: How to Apply for Disability Benefits for an Autistic Child
May 19th
Image courtesy of ssa.gov
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize autism as a potentially disabling condition; however, your child must be severely autistic in order to meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements. This is because many children who suffer from more mild forms of autism are able to function at a nearly “normal” level socially and academically.
Children with more severe forms however, do require significant supportive care, which can leave you financially strapped. Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can give you the financial resources you need to ensure your child receives the consistent support and attention he or she needs and deserves.
Supplemental More >
Atlanta Makes Top 10 Tornado City List – Are You Prepared?
May 4th
11 Alive recently reported that Atlanta is among the top ten cities across the nation where homes are most likely to be hit by a tornado, according to a new list from The Weather Channel.
Instead of just counting numbers of tornadoes as they did in preparation of releasing previous lists, this year The Weather Channel’s severe weather expert gathered data from the National Weather Service from between 1962 and 2011, and noted the areas within 75 miles of the highlighted cities, and included data on length and width of the storms’ damage paths.
Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia are noted to have More >
Autism Resource Fair and Monkey Joe’s Gives Back!
Apr 24th
I’ve got two fantastic announcements for my fellow Atlantans!
This Saturday, join One DeKalb and Center for Leadership in Disability at the DeKalb County Resource Fair. It’s an opportunity for families of children and adults diagnosed with Autism to learn about and connect with agencies and organizations that provide Autism services and supports for DeKalb County residents.
You can come visit me at my booth – I’ll be talking about Autism Disaster Preparedness and Autism Safety at home. I’ll have an example of a 72-hour Disaster Kit and will be raffling off a special gift!
Remember, this Saturday, April 27
10:30 am – 1:30 pm at the More >
Finally! An Autism Magazine FOR Parents BY Parents – autism Oz
Apr 13th
I’m so proud to be a part of this fantastic new resource, a monthly digital autism support magazine known as autism Oz.
It was given the name because the magazine is produced in Australia (Oz) but aimed at the global autism community.
They have a fantastic team of contributors (including me *wink*) who are highly respected scientists, therapists, nutritionists and parents living autism’s day-to-day experiences. These contributors bring the latest and most innovative news, views and tried and tested advice from across the autism spectrum.
autism Oz uses the Internet’s interactive ability to create magazines that come alive and serve the community. In More >
My Son Was Hacked! Let’s Talk Autism and Internet Safety
Mar 29th
A few mornings ago, my son knocked on the bathroom door to excitedly tell me he was chatting with “Him”. Naturally the next words out of my mouth were, “Who’s THAT?!”
He explained that he was just surfing the web and a random chat window popped up, not associated with any instant messaging or gaming program. He told me the person’s name was “Him” and that he had a funny whisper voice.
Of course I immediately wanted to know what things my son said to “Him” – did he tell him his real name, where we live, how old he is? We More >
Guest Post: Autistic Adults in the Workplace
Mar 11th
More autistic adults are entering the workforce than ever before and with it the number of resources benefiting both employees as well as employers is growing. Not only are these autistic adults entering the workforce, they are are thriving, and this may be a direct result of the growing network of support for those with autism. With growing awareness of the different types of autism and more advice it has never been easier to be an autistic adult in the workplace.
- What Kind of Autism? – The first thing you need to know is that autism is known as a ‘Spectrum Disorder’, More >
Autism, Sensory Processing Issues and Potty Regression
Feb 25th
This is not a fun topic for me to discuss, but I’m hoping that together we can help each other. If you are experiencing anything like this at home, regardless of your child’s age, you have my utmost empathy and understanding.
My son had delays in potty training, which is certainly not uncommon for a child with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. Truth be told, I have less detailed memories of those days as a single parent with chronic sleep deprivation, but we got through it. Not that my situation has changed, but things seem a bit more manageable with older children! More >
Guest Post: Autism and Exercise
Feb 5th
Autism is a developmental disorder of the mind, but it has a profound impact on the body as well. Children with autism can have trouble with motor function, poor coordination, myoclonal jerks, abnormal gait and posture, and sometimes difficulty sitting, lying, crawling, or walking.
Autism is incredibly complex and still largely mysterious, and treatments can require a multitude of medical and behavioral interventions, from medications and educational therapies to behavioral therapies and communication therapies. But there’s another piece of the puzzle, one that can help not only with some of the physical symptoms but with behavioral problems and quality of life in More >
Resolutions or Reboot?
Jan 18th
When my son is in his room either playing, building or watching role playing games on his laptop, I will sometimes hear frustrated screams and banging against the keyboard from behind his door. Fearing the thought of having to purchase another laptop (yes – it’s happened!) coupled with not wanting my child to dwell in stressful emotions I will usually run in and see what is causing the outbursts. It’s always the same issue: the computer is lagging!
What is the first thing I ask him when this happens? “Did you reboot?”
99% of the time a simple reboot fixes the issue he’s More >
HeART of the Spectrum Community Arts Center
Dec 20th
I was recently introduced to an amazing organization called HeART of the Spectrum. It’s an inclusive art center in Seattle, WA founded by Michael Tolleson and Jack Anderson to encourage and support the artistic abilities of individuals with Autism and Asperger’s. A variety of classes as well as the HeART of the Spectrum Mentoring Art Program are offered at the center, geared toward individual interests and abilities.
In addition to the Mentoring Art Program, HeART of the Spectrum also has a unique gallery that features emerging artwork by individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Artists of all ages and styles have contributed More >
