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The Massachusetts Autism Commission’s Report: Recommendations to Create a Comprehensive Autism Service System
The bill creating the Massachusetts Autism Commission was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick in April 2010. Membership was required by law to consist of four members of the Massachusetts state legislature, fourteen representatives from state agencies, and fourteen citizen members including...
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The Critical Importance of Advocacy and Government Relations
The term “advocacy” often elicits many different thoughts. The actual word “advocacy” is defined as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal.” We advocate all the time, and for many different things. Most are very worthwhile causes, and others are perhaps more trivial (have...
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The Real Priorities in Advocacy – Keeping the Whole Child, the Whole Family and the Big Picture in Mind
In my observation, an effective Autism Advocate is someone who is often isolated from the rest of the “typical” society because they are the parent of a child with Autism, which is a 25 hour a day job. They become consumed in caring for their child on top of their other life duties such as...
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What You Need to Know Before Your Child Transitions to School
Although it is common knowledge that transitions are hard for most children with special needs, transitions can also be difficult for their parents, especially the transition from services in the home to services in the school. Under the age of three years, children are cocooned in their own...
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The Unique Legal Issues That Affect Children and Adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Over the last several years in our Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Advocacy practices, we have seen a significant increase in clients having a family member with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Although not exhaustive, this article is intended to provide an overview of...
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NYU College of Dentistry Honors Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC, with Kriser Medal
New York University’s College of Dentistry honored Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC New York City, with its David B. Kriser Medal, the college’s highest form of recognition at the school’s 2019 graduation ceremony. Damiani was awarded the medal for “his extraordinary wisdom, counsel, and guidance...
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What NOT to Say…
It’s easy to say the wrong thing to someone, even when you have the best of intentions. Everyone has done it, and whether you realize it yourself or someone points it out to you, mistakes like these don’t feel good. All of us learn social and communication skills from many sources, including...
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Learning the Powerful Language of Inclusion: A Mother’s Journey to Acceptance and Hope
This article was developed from three major strands. First, the document’s inception originated from the author’s experience as an early-childhood special educator, a parent, and an administrator working with families. Second, the background came from the writer’s qualitative research about...
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There’s More to Communication than Language, Grammar, and Vocabulary
Autism, in the general sense, is often defined as a disorder involving deficits of communication. This is certainly true for nonverbal autistics, as well as for those who cannot be “reached” even though they are capable of expressing speech. What about those autistics who are fully verbal and...
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Gift from Massachusetts Family Will Support Students with Diverse Learning Challenges
Lesley University’s Threshold Program has received a philanthropic gift of $1 million from donors Chris Gaffney and Karen Kames, of Newton, Massachusetts, which will provide scholarships for students and fund a new staff member in the Threshold Alumni Center. Their daughter, Olivia, is a...
