Meet Sesame Street's First Character with Autism: 'We Want to Create Greater Awareness and Empathy'

Sesame Workshop's first muppet with autism, Julia

MARYBETH NELSON

BY ROSE MINUTAGLIO

Fuzzy favorites Grover, Abby and Elmo are joined by their newest muppet pal, Julia, a character with autism, in Sesame Street Workshop's new nationwide initiative. 

Launched Wednesday morning, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to reduce "the stigma of autism" with the introduction of the first muppet with autism. 

The initiative, created for communities and families with children ages 2 to 5, includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video, digital story cards designed to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism and storybook materials for providers, organizations and caregivers. > More

'You Don't Outgrow Autism': What Happens When Help Ends at 21?

BY KATE SNOW

Nickolas Kubicsko and his family were about to take their first family vacation in seven years.

There was no question where they'd go: The Happiest Place on Earth. Twenty years old at the time, two years ago, Nick had been obsessed with Disney movies since he was a little guy.

WATCH: The full Dateline report on young adults with autism

Microsoft set to hire people with autism

CBS NEWS

Microsoft has announced plans to hire people with autism.

Working with specialist employment agency Specialisterne, which trains and finds positions for people diagnosed on the autism spectrum, the pilot program begins in May with 10 full-time positions in the company's Redmond, Wash., corporate headquarters.

"Microsoft is stronger when we expand opportunity and we have a diverse workforce that represents our customers," said Mary Ellen Smith, corporate vice president of worldwide operations who has a 19-year-old son diagnosed with autism, on the company blog.

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Dad's birthday request for son with autism goes viral

(Photo: Taka Yokoyama / WFAA)

Jason Whitely, WFAA11:45 p.m. CST March 5, 2015

McKINNEY – Loneliness is an unspoken symptom of autism.

Hunter Kleis is high-functioning, but he is non-verbal.

"He might not speak. He might not have social skills, but he likes to have fun. He likes to have people around," said Hunter's father, Chad Kleis. "He likes to enjoy things like anybody else."

Still, the 8-year-old does not get invited to sleepovers. There are no birthday parties to go to, either, and classmates have never really come to his birthdays.

"We do things with him," Kleis said, becoming emotional, "and make sure he understands that he's my best friend." MORE >

Cineplex launches Sensory Friendly Screenings for people with autism

Christian Killough, and his father Steve Killough, foreground, watch 'Puss in Boots' during a special sensory friendly showing at the Rave Theater in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011.(AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)

TORONTO - Cineplex Entertainment is launching a special screening program for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The Canadian movie theatre company says its Sensory Friendly Screenings will include 2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower volume and smaller crowds.

Theatres will also allow families to bring in outside food and take a break from screenings in a nearby "calm zone."

Cineplex says the screenings will take place in select venues on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., before theatres open to the general public. MORE >

World Autism Awareness Day — April 2, 2014

April 2, 2013 across the Globe

The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 3, 2014. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is on April, 02 every year. It was designated under by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day," adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.

The World Autism Awareness Day Resolution had four main components: (1) the establishment of April 2 as WAAD, (2) participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD, (3) raise awareness of Autism on all levels in society, (4) Security-General should deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.

How Do I Tell My Son Everything About His Autism?

Carrie Cariello | Huffington Post

So, we've got this guy in middle school now. And he is all sorts of cool. Savvy. Phrases like let's play have been replaced by let's hang out. He makes egg sandwiches for himself in the morning and wants to walk home from the bus stop alone in the afternoon. There is swagger in his neon-sneakered step.

I imagined we would sit our 10-year-old son, Joey, down when the time came and have the Sex Talk. But about six months ago I realized he knows way more than we think; juicy details and tidbits gleaned from the back of the school bus and movies and music. Every once in a while he'll ask something like, "So you and dad had sex five times?" And I will say, yes, just five.

I figured we'd sit our other son, Jack, down at some point and have a similar discussion, about him and autism. And I've been dreading this talk, the You Have Autism talk, much more...

MORE >

Signs of Autism Poster

What in the World Is Going On May 2013 Edition

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

A story that’s grabbing headlines this month is the Telford’s struggles with their adult son who has severe autism. Amanda Telford left her son at the Ottawa offices of Developmental Services Ontario, the Ontario government agency that connects adults with disabilities to services in the community because she said she can no longer care for him. Phillipe has complex needs and requires 24 hour supervision. The long waiting list for residential placements leaves families like the Telfords trying to manage on their own at home. Amanda Telford, social worker, said she and her husband ... more »

The reality of finding a job with autism

Sarah Still has Aspergers and has spent years working a variety of jobs that don't seem to fit her needs.

By Jareen Imam, CNN

Editor's note: As we wrap up Autism Awareness Month on Tuesday, visit the CNN Facebook page for a live discussion on autism and the workplace at 2:30 p.m. ET. iReporters and experts will be taking questions and sharing their experiences.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Sarah Still is on the autism spectrum and has tried for years to find a job that suits her
• More organizations are specializing in placing those with autism into jobs
• Experts explain why it is difficult for those on the spectrum to find jobs on their own
• Support at work can help those on the spectrum stay in jobs longer

(CNN) -- Smiling is something 30-year-old Sarah Still constantly has to remind herself to do, especially when she is going into a job interview.

Still has Asperger's, a high-functioning form of autism. For the past 10 years, she has experienced the highs and lows of being on the autism spectrum while trying to work in professional settings.

It is not as though Still cannot get a job -- in fact, her resume is full of them, ranging from room attendant at Yellowstone National Park to receptionist at a massage parlor. It's keeping the jobs that has been the issue... more >

How do I teach sexuality to a person with ASD?

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

*Answer:* Teaching sexuality is often a daunting task whether you are a parent or professional. When it comes to ASDs, there is a two-fold problem: physical development is often typical while cognitive and social-emotional development are delayed and some sexual behaviours may be rooted in other causes such as sensory issues, rigid patterns of behavior, or the enjoyment of negative attention. You have to be a detective and investigate the reasons why sexual behavior is being exhibited; the cause may not be what it appears to be. For example, excessive touching of the genitals may ... more »

AT-HOME FITNESS TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

More than half of the nation’s children with Autism are overweight. Being overweight can cause numerous problems such as: bone and joint issues as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This has influenced Suzanne M Gray, a fitness expert, to create exercise programs for individuals with autism.

Gray is the CEO of Right Fit Sport and Wellness Center in Willowbrook, IL, and has been creating fitness programs and working with individuals who have special needs for more than 30 years. She has seen how exercise improves an individuals’ motor skills, muscle tone, and socialization skills. Exercise is also beneficial in eliminating self-destructive and self- stimulating behaviors in children with Autism.

Her latest program, “Five to Stay Alive,” consists of at-home activities recommended for children with autism to help fight obesity. They include:

1. Around the Block. Create a neighborhood path for children to follow and have your child run this path a designated number of times per day. He/she could wear a pedometer to measure steps and calories and track progress.

2. Raise the Bar! You’re a Star! Start with a dowel rod and raise it over head and back down. Eventually this can be substituted for weight bars.

3. Chair Squats. This movement is required for most power moves of the lower extremities and most athletic events.

4. Push-ups. If your child is able, have them do a designated number of push- ups every day.

5. Jumping Jacks. Again, depending on where children are on the spectrum, will make a difference in how many they can do.

Chart all progress on a chart and keep track of repetition and loads. Offer incentives as motivators such as stickers or a fat-free dessert.

Kids with Autism benefit greatly from exercise. A structured routine is essential to see results. Another fitness tip is to combine music and play with exercise because it enhances the child’s sensory response while boosting independence, happiness and self-esteem. “The biggest benefit”, says Gray “is weight loss”. Be sure to check out Suzanne’s book, “101 Games and Activities for Youth with Autism”, and her DVD “Raising the Bar: Exercises for Youth and Adults with Autism”, for more information on fitness for individuals with Autism. To learn more about Suzanne Gray log on to www.right-fit.com.

Air travel made easier for children with autism

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (KARE) — Travel can be stressful for anyone, but for kids with autism, crowded airports and security screenings can be downright scary.

Since the beginning of the year, Minneapolis-St. Paul International has been part in a new program to help the kids prepare for air travel.

For the Nielsen family, the already overwhelming adventure at the airport brings additional worries... more >

What in the World is Going On April 2013 Edition

April is Autism Awareness month. April 2nd marks World Autism Day, which was created by the United Nations in 2008. Autism Speaks celebrates this day with their Light It Up Blue Campaign. Check out their blog which gives daily updates as they count down until April 2nd. See how people around the world are planning to light it up blue to raise autism awareness. And speaking of Autism Speaks, they just launched their Employment Tool Kit. The creation of the kit started back in June 2012 with an employment Think Tank which captured the current state of employment for adults with autism... more »

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day!

Today, throughout the world, individuals will come together highlighting the needs and dreams of people living with autism. Today, all of us at the Global Autism awareness honour and respect each individual living with autism for whom they are. We celebrate and honour parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, and other professionals who provide support and love to those living on the autism spectrum.

World Autism Awareness Day — April 2, 2013

April 2, 2013 across the Globe

The seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 3, 2013. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is on April, 02 every year. It was designated under by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day," adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.

The World Autism Awareness Day Resolution had four main components: (1) the establishment of April 2 as WAAD, (2) participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD, (3) raise awareness of Autism on all levels in society, (4) Security-General should deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.

Autism therapy activates brain’s social side

UC SANTA BARBARA / YALE (US) — Researchers have documented positive changes in brain activity in children with autism after they received a type of behavioral therapy.

"There's a social deficit in autism, so any improvement toward social interaction really helps with development. That's what makes this very exciting," says Avery C. Voos, a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara.

The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the effect of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) on both lower- and higher-functioning children with autism receiving the therapy for the first time.

The brain images allows researchers to see what areas are active while processing certain stimuli—in this case human motion. Comparing pre- and post-therapy data from the fMRI scans of their 5-year-old subjects, the researchers report seeing marked—and remarkable—changes in how the children were processing the stimuli.

“The cool thing that we found was that these kids showed increased activation in regions of the brain utilized by typically developing kids,” says Avery C. Voos, first-year graduate student at the Koegel Autism Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Voos co-led the study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Read More >

Straight from the Source: Read the original study
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1683-9

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Much LOVE from

Global Autism Awareness XOXO

♥ ♥ ♥

Don't Overlook Eating Issues Tied to Autism, Study Warns

These feeding problems can lead to nutritional deficiencies, expert says

SATURDAY, Feb. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Children with autism are five times more likely than other kids to have feeding issues, such as being especially picky eaters or having ritualistic behaviors or extreme tantrums during meals, new research finds.

These problems can lead to deficiencies in calcium, protein and other nutrients, according to the study, which was published online this month in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Healthy eating promotes a child's growth and development, and mealtimes provide important opportunities for children to socialize, the researchers noted. Chronic feeding troubles increase a child's risk for problems such as malnutrition, poor growth, social difficulties and poor school performance.

Read More >

Scientists Investigate Possible Connection Between Autism and Vitamin D

HEALTH & MEDICINE / ENVIRONMENT Brita Belli of Environmental Health News 

With autism rates climbing and levels of vitamin D declining because of more sunscreen use and less time spent outdoors, scientists have begun to look into a possible link. A recent study was the first to discover that children with autism had significantly lower levels of vitamin D in their bloodstreams than non-autistic children. Yet many questions remain, and experts say none of the research so far has shown a convincing link.

Vitamin D is one of many environmental factors eyed by researchers seeking to understand why autism rates have continued their uninterrupted climb... READ MORE >