โWhat should more people understand about autism?โ Your responses are so important to read
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
Tell us: Whatโs something you wish more people understood about autism?
Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought weโd ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps youโve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
5 activities for children with autism whoโve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a childrenโs developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
After dealing with exclusion by his peers over the years, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, penned and published a pamphlet in which he basically guides people on how to treat those with disabilities.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
I struggled to fit in with my neurotypical peers at school, my job, on social media, and even at a teen youth group. Posted by Tim Rohrer - Tips4Inclusion on Saturday, April 13, 2019Rohrerโs mother, Amy, said her son has gotten a remarkable response. This guide will help you get a better understanding of people with disabilities and what they really need in their lives. The signs of a disability as listed above are involuntary and it does not make up who they really are. Invite them to parties such as birthday parties, pool parties, BBQ parties, graduation parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and Sweet 16โs.
3 of the coolest photographed events for Autism Awareness Month
As April draws closer to its close, perhaps it's the right time to stop and reflect on all the autism outreach and autism awareness campaigns that the month has brought. For example, by now, some people are aware that a good handful of iconic buildings "go blue" in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Autism SpeaksAnd check out this international soccer match, held in Mexico on April 7. Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesFinally, did you know people in the baseball community are working toward creating a universally accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Jack Bulik Park? Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty ImagesDid you catch any local events that took place in your community?
Pregnant women and pesticides: Exploring the possible autism connection
Could there be a connection between a motherโs exposure to pesticides during her pregnancy, and an increased risk for autism in her child? Scientists have been researching the potential effects of pesticide exposure on infants and developing fetuses, and they recently determined that exposure to the most commonly used pesticides was in fact linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder. When they looked at diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder that also came with intellectual disabilities, they found on average 30% higher rates among children who were exposed to the pesticides while in utero. Perhaps thatโs why Ondine S. von Ehrenstein, an associate professor at UCLA who led the study, chose to examine these pesticides in humans. Some women might not even know if theyโre exposed to pesticides, or about the areas in which they live.
Roanoke Valley Autism Awareness Month events
ROANOKE, Va. โ April is Autism Awareness month. Word Autism Day is Tuesday, April 2. Different community organizations will come together in Roanoke to light up Elmwood Park blue from 6 to 8 p.m. The Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center wants to increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism with multiple events this month. For more on other events, you can visit braacroanoke.org
What are the best musical instruments for children with autism?
Whether itโs to provide relaxation or to develop coordination or motor skills, playing music instruments is a great activity for kids who have autism. UkuleleStrumming strings on this instrument helps develop motor control, and it has four strings compared to a full-size guitar with six strings. Xylophone/glockenspielAnother small and inexpensive instrument (ranging from $50 to $100), this helps kids with autism develop impulse control and hand-eye coordination. BongosSimply hitting bongos can be a good way to enjoy sound and work off some energy. But if there's a desire to get more in-depth, learning to play them along to music develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
James River wrestler with autism wins region championship
BUCHANAN, Va. โ The James River wrestling team won the Region 2C championship in dominating fashion. This is a grueling sport, to have that smile every day is unusual," said James River wrestling coach Bobby Stewart. In the 170-pound region championship match, Caleb was the underdog and trailed throughout the match. Caleb won the region championship with a pin with one second left on the clock. Caleb is going to be a senior next season and has another shot at getting on the podium.
Proposed bill could lift age cap for autism health coverage
RICHMOND, Va. โ Families whose children have autism could soon breathe a sigh of relief. On Tuesday, the House of Delegates Committee on Commerce and Labor unanimously voted in favor of a bill that would lift the age cap on autism health coverage. And although the services they need may lessen with age, autism doesn't stop," said McFarland. Lavada Guthrie and other parents with the Virginia Autism Project have been pushing lawmakers for this type of legislation. โNo other prevalent health condition, including asthma, diabetes and cancer, has coverage limits imposed based on the age of the patient, and I believe age limits do not belong on coverage for autism," said Delegate Bob Thomas (R-Stafford), the patron of the bill.
Student with autism gets standing ovation at high school graduation
SALEM, Va. โ Christian Walton didn't have to campaign to become the mayor at Salem High School. His classmate Katie Elting said Waltonโs high spirit is what makes him one of the most popular students in his class. I make everybody smile every day at the high school,โ Walton said. Teacher Logan George of Salem High School said he loves to talk to everyone. Thursday afternoon, the high school honor student became a graduate.
7-year-old boy with autism gets surprise party from community
SALEM, Va. โ Seven-year-old Gabe Manus loves tiny cars. The Hot Wheels lover was the life of his birthday party, drawing in a packed crowd of more than 60 supporters Saturday afternoon. His mother Stephanie Manus said Gabe, who has autism, didn't think anyone would come. So this year the Cherab Foundation decided to encourage the community to come to Gabeโs party. The community really came together to support him,โ Manus said.
Virginia Tech faculty and students convert RV into mobile clinic
Starting this spring, Virginia Tech faculty and students will use the mobile clinic to help families who have children with autism. โThis is an opportunity we have to reach beyond our local community into areas where I know there's a great need,โ Angela Scarpa, an associate professor of Virginia Tech, said. The group will drive the RV several times a week about 115 miles southwest from Blacksburg. โThere is very limited services for everyone for the southwest so we're hoping to bring services to them,โ Jennifer Scott, rural outreach coordinator of Virginia Tech, said. They will offer therapy sessions for families and children in Virginia's central Appalachian region.