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The Importance of Leisure Activities for Individuals with Autism
When families first learn of their child’s autism, it is not uncommon to concentrate on early intervention efforts to help their child develop the requisite skills to support their least restrictive placement during the school years. Early studies that reported on the efficacy of these intensive...
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Online Recreation and Autistic Teens: A Parent’s and Carer’s Guide to Safe, Supported Gaming
It’s a Thursday evening. I am just about to dish out dinner when my son Haydn runs into the kitchen with a massive grin on his teenage face whilst doing a happy autistic dance. He yells (I wince as my own autistic hearing struggles when he is so excited), “Oh my God, T, A, C and L (names...
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The Performing Arts: More Than Access to Recreation for Autistic Children and Adults
The school district I attended between 4th and 9th grades included a professionally managed theater arts program. In fifth grade, my class was treated to a live performance of Pippi Longstocking. The following year, I was cast in a small, non-speaking role in Tom Sawyer. My parents enrolled me in...
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“It Really Is Disneyland”: The Benefits of Sleepaway Camp for Autistic Children and Adults
After 32 years as the Director of Family Support Services at Citizen Options Unlimited, Savita Sharma still begins a countdown to the organization’s Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, NY each January. “Parents tell me: ‘Bags are packed, it’s only January. [Our child] knows camp is coming,’”...
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Building Futures: Transition Planning and Success for Autistic Youth at StarUnite Café
While many children on the autism spectrum receive individualized education planning and interventions to support their successful achievement throughout their kindergarten, elementary and high school years, it is equally important to plan for success throughout adulthood. Some adults with autism...
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The Value of Facilitating Social Groups for Autistic Adults in a Community Mental Health Setting
Providing comprehensive and meaningful therapeutic services for autistic adult clients in a community mental health center requires offering a range of therapeutic groups within which a client can work to reach their potential in a way that might not be possible via individual therapy sessions...
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My Journey to Independence
My name is Jay Mikush, and I am 23 years old. When I was first diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) at the age of six, I had many challenges interacting with other children. Over the years, I have learned how to be more social with all sorts of people. I am proud to have been born and...
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Finding Positive Vocational Opportunities for Young Adults on the Spectrum
Each year 50,000 students on the autism spectrum reach 18 years of age. They are at a crossroads. Should they continue their education at their high school? Is pursuing a two or four-year college degree an appropriate pathway to the world of work and independent living? Or should they enroll in a...
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Developing Self-Reflection and Resilience in Adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism
Some key ingredients to success as an adult in college or in work are: self-awareness, self-reflection, stress management, social competence, and resilience. This is true for everyone with and without disability. It would be fabulous if we could eliminate stress from all our lives; however stress...
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Digital Storytelling Enhances Self-Expression for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
At AHRC News York City, digital storytelling is enhancing self-expression for individuals on the autism spectrum through a community service-learning partnership with Pace University. AHRC New York City is a large, family-governed, nonprofit organization that has been serving individuals with...
