Sex Education for Autistic People: Why It’s Not Too Much to AASK

One of the most vivid memories I have of growing up is when I had my first period. I was 12 years old, and I can still see my mother standing in the bathroom doorway, her face filled with amazement and delight. “Amy, you’re a woman now!” Confusion etched itself in lines across my...

Marriage Proposal Carries Consequences

Jayson Valles recalls the first time he saw Cecilia Primera. That was 12 years ago during AHRC New York City’s Sunday Trip program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He knew immediately that Cecilia was different than other women. He introduced himself to her and...

Robin Davies-Small Named Yes She Can Executive Director

Yes She Can Inc., a White Plains, NY-based non-profit dedicated to providing job training, mentorship, and life skills for young women with autism, is pleased to welcome Westchester County resident Robin Davies-Small as its new Executive Director. Davies-Small takes the reins of the organization...

Autism, Epilepsy, and Seizures: How to Recognize the Signs and Administer Basic First Aid

The purpose of this information is to offer general information on Autism and Epilepsy and the co-condition as well as the types of seizures and basic first aid recommended by the Epilepsy Foundation. This information is taken from Seizure Recognition and First Aid, a publication of the Epilepsy...

The Big Sigh

This is one of those days. I feel it the moment I open my eyes. I instantly loathe that I am awake. I fall into an old habit of calculating how many hours I will have to reasonably be out of my bed before I can crawl back into it without having to feign illness or apologize for not returning a...

Diagnosing Depression in Autistic Individuals

This is the first of two articles about depression in people with autism. Part 2 is The Art and Science of Treating Depression in Autism. This article discusses topics that may be upsetting to some people. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1...

The Art and Science of Treating Depression in Autism

This is the second of two articles about depression in people with autism. Part 1 is Diagnosing Depression in People with Autism. Thanks to research, we know more about depression in children and adults with autism than we used to know. Scientists have studied the rates of depression, risk...

10 Tips to Help Autistic Kids Transition Back to In-Person School

Transitions are tough. As many schools make plans to shift from distance learning to in-person instruction, families, students, and educators face an adjustment period. That’s especially true for students with autism spectrum disorder, because transitions can be particularly stressful and...

Technology Continues to Enhance Lives of People AHRC New York City Supports

What started as a discussion about how to keep the people AHRC New York City supports and their families more connected amid the pandemic has turned into a popular virtual Friday Night Dance Party. With the city on lockdown and summer camp closed, there were no opportunities for in-person...

Autism Prevalence Higher in CDC’s ADDM Network: Improvements Being Made in Identifying Children with Autism Early

One in 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder according to an analysis of 2018 data published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries. This is higher than the previous estimate published in March 2020, which...