Autism Speaks Kansas City

"I want employers to recognize that people with autism aren’t unintelligent just because we are different, and I’d like to ask them to leave their judgements at the door."

https://okt.to/oyUKwB

Meet Jon P. 32 | Autism Speaks Click here to learn more about Jon, his newfound diagnosis, and his experience in the workforce in this Q&A.

“This is not a profession or a job for me, it's a commitment.”

https://okt.to/JXdAia

Conozca a la Dra. Cecilia M. | Autism Speaks La Dra. Cecilia Montiel-Nava, psicóloga clínica bilingüe de Maracaibo, Venezuela, lleva mucho tiempo atendiendo con entusiasmo a la comunidad autista hispana y latina.

"He may be different than many people, but we’re all different than many people. We’re all unique, and we’re taught to celebrate that. So, in that sense, he’s the same."

https://okt.to/0qOjtK

My son may be different, but we're all different | Autism Speaks James Guttman, the father of a nonverbal eight-year-old with autism, writes about how he is lucky to have a child on the spectrum. He elaborates on how he embraces his differences like any other difference and celebrates what makes him unique.

The US House of Representatives JUST passed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 – the most critical legislation for the autism community. Thanks to your support, this historic legislation is one step closer to becoming law…now, on to the Senate!

https://okt.to/M7T2VL

Securing the Future: The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passes in the U.S. House of Representatives | Autism Speaks Autism Speaks celebrates a critical step in advancing and expanding the only comprehensive law focused on the autism community.

"The primary motivation to advocate for the autism community in my country was my son."

https://okt.to/LBpqaU

Conoce a Maria | Autism Speaks Cuando su hijo, Daniel, tenía tres años, Maria Russo no dejaba de preocuparse por su futuro.  Cada día que pasaba, María notaba más retrasos en las habilidades comunicativas de Daniel y aún más dificultades con comportamientos desafiantes. Pero María no permitió que los abrumadores sentimi...

"In 1997 the word autism was not as well known, and we were told the odds were 1 in 1,650. Funny how that number seems so low statistically, but when you are the one in any statistic the impact and reality is huge."

https://okt.to/OTj0bR

Meet Jack, Isaac and Petya | Autism Speaks To celebrate World Autism Month, we are highlighting each our of mission objectives in a series of five virtual profiles. Each week in April, we will share meaningful conversations with families and individuals in the autism community.

We are happy to share our Spanish language resources and support page to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. We have worked with organizations to translate many of our resources. Click the link below:

https://okt.to/68anlR

Recursos para el autismo | Autism Speaks Autism Speaks ha trabajado con organizaciones para traducir muchos de nuestros recursos al español. La lista está a continuación.

"It is about bringing people with big hearts who are passionate and want to make a difference. To impact real people, human behavior, families, and communities."

https://okt.to/yeUaTG

Meet Karelix | Autism Speaks Karelix has been a pillar of support for the autism community. Helping children diagnosed with autism and their families has become her life’s mission.

"Susan is a bit of heaven," says her mother, Monica. "She has made a very positive change in all our lives."

https://okt.to/HSXha5

Meet Susan M. | Autism Speaks Susan, de 9 años de edad, recibió su diagnóstico de autismo cuando tenía dos añitos. Mónica y su esposo Roberto notaron cambios, en el comportamiento de la niña.

"Support the needs, not the labels. If we can build a culture of accommodation, we will build a world that truly is inclusive of everyone."

https://okt.to/p7Sywn

Meet Maddy D. | Autism Speaks When Maddy D. was diagnosed with autism in their 30s, the diagnosis opened the doors to a deeper understanding of themselves and their neurodiverse family. Read more.

"I want to do more than share my story. I want to become an ambassador for the autism community and a mentor for aspiring sports professionals."

https://okt.to/5pyWIA

I have autism & I turned my passion for sports into my dream job | Autism Speaks I’m 24-years old from Plymouth, Massachusetts. At 9, I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. Today, I’m a Member Experience Executive for the Boston Celtics.

Transitioning out of school-based services to adult life is a big change and can be especially overwhelming for an autistic person and their family. Fortunately, transition planning is federally required for all students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

This resource is meant to help autistic students and their parents/caregivers create and review an IEP Transition Plan. It includes a section for each of the following:

- Employment
- Postsecondary education
- Community living and integration

https://okt.to/B8y6Km

IEP Transition Plan Checklist | Autism Speaks Transition planning is federally required for all students with an IEP. It must start before the student turns 16 though most states have mandated it begin at 14. This Checklist will take you through transition planning from age 14 to 21.

"Someone can look at Hannah and they can be like, ’Oh maybe she's not understanding,’ but she understands a lot more than people give her credit for."

https://okt.to/BxHsXV

Meet Hannah G. | Autism Speaks You should never judge a book by its cover, says Drew. Both Amy and Drew brag about her incredible memory, evident in everything from remembering the dates when her favorite performers’ songs dropped to knowing the exact day of the week of any given date.

"He likes to cuddle and we hug all the time. He’s a regular boy who just has different kinds of likes than other children."

https://okt.to/jCL2RJ

Meet Noah M. | Autism Speaks Phil and his wife, Victoria, brought Noah to their pediatrician when he was two, concerned about his lack of eye contact and delays in language.

"I consider my efforts to build self-esteem a battle because while growing up and well into adulthood, I knew that I was different in several respects from my peers, and it was against this perception of being different that I had to fight to move toward self-love."

By Sam Farmer

https://okt.to/bVnw7o

Learning to love myself | Autism Speaks Click here to read an excerpt from Sam Farmer’s personal, heartfelt book, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, and Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens.

"I think understanding autism better will help us understand what is unique about being a human, which in turn may help me understand more about myself."

https://okt.to/fG4eX8

Meet Ryan Yuen, Ph.D. | Autism Speaks For Dr. Ryan Yuen, the answers to many complex questions lie in the puzzle of the human genome.

The guest blog post is by Sheila Morovati, mother of 2 children and the founder & president of Crayon Collection. Her work highlights habits of waste through the collection and redistribution of the 150 million like-new crayons that restaurants throw away each year. She is proud to know that the Crayon Collection model she created lends itself to giving so many people a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

https://okt.to/cKeWO7

Man with autism is recycling crayons for school in need | Autism Speaks The guest blog post is by Sheila Morovati, mother of 2 children and the founder of Crayon Collection. Her work highlights habits of waste through the collection and redistribution of the 150 million like-new crayons that restaurants throw away each year.

"I sing what comes from my feelings..."

https://okt.to/pOVxSE

Meet Savannah | Autism Speaks In this “Kindness Connection,” Savannah, who is an aspiring actress, gets to talk about Broadway, auditions and “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” with veteran actress, autism advocate and Delivering Jobs ambassador Holly Robinson Pete.

"[My disability] taught me that I might have to work a little harder to achieve my goals, but with a strong support system behind me and many forms of therapy and autism services, I can do anything that I put my mind to."

https://okt.to/KI45H8

Meet Jason H. | Autism Speaks Meet Jason H., diagnosed with autism at 20 months of age. Learn about his career as a farmhand at Elija Farm and his journey of independent living with minimal support.

"When something in your world goes wrong. Remember to stand up and be strong."

https://okt.to/HJ450q

How my cousin inspired to me to write "Unstoppable: A Song for Autism" | Autism Speaks This post is by Tommy Byrne who lives in Old Bridge, New Jersey with his wife, whom he just recently married in October. He is a Coordinating Producer for the FOX News Rundown podcast featured on FOX News.

"If I want to see a change in the world, I must be a part of the effort."

https://okt.to/W4Spin

Meet Tulika P. | Autism Speaks Tulika is the mom of a 13-year-old autistic boy named Vedant. He is non-verbal and has his share of challenges, but that’s only motivated Tulika even more to help others. Read more.

"You might think everyone is looking at you but you are going to be okay."

https://okt.to/7qcsdt

Meet Maddy K. | Autism Speaks Meet Maddy, an autistic high school junior who continues to make a name for herself on the court while building a bright future for herself in the classroom and beyond.

Autism Speaks is pleased to announce that Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh has joined our Medical and Science Advisory Committee (MSAC). The committee provides guidance to Autism Speaks leadership on achieving our mission of creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

https://okt.to/wO4L2v

Autism Speaks welcomes Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh to our Medical and Science Advisory Committee | Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is pleased to announce that Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh has joined our Medical and Science Advisory Committee (MSAC). The committee provides guidance to Autism Speaks leadership on achieving our mission of creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.D...

"My personal definition of advocacy is being the voice and standing up for those who have a difficult time doing so by themselves."

https://okt.to/Iunw0b

Meet Sean S. | Autism Speaks Click here to meet Sean, an Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassadors from the West Coast.

As part of the new Champions of Change program, Tonya and Tyler have attended events across the country and spoken with national media outlets as advocates for the autistic community. https://okt.to/bTtKFz

Tonya and Tyler Haynes serve as ambassadors for Autism Speaks - UMSL Daily As Champions of Change, Tonya and Tyler have attended events across the country and spoken with media outlets as advocates for the autistic community.

The post below is from school psychologist Dr. Peter Faustino, New York Delegate to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and member of the Autism Speaks Family Services Committee. Dr. Faustino co-founded the Student Clubs for Autism Speaks at Fox Lane Middle School, which helps further the mission of Autism Speaks through education, awareness, friendship and fundraising.

https://okt.to/MvA1YF

Autism and School: When to Start | Autism Speaks School psychologist Dr. Peter Faustino gives advice for parents of children with autism on getting their child ready for school.

“Someone can look at Hannah and they can be like, ’Oh maybe she's not understanding,' but she understands a lot more than people give her credit for.”

https://okt.to/vjBsHP

Meet Hannah G. | Autism Speaks You should never judge a book by its cover, says Drew. Both Amy and Drew brag about her incredible memory, evident in everything from remembering the dates when her favorite performers’ songs dropped to knowing the exact day of the week of any given date.

Developed by autistic adults, this guide addresses what comes next if:
You are an adult currently seeking a diagnosis or were recently diagnosed with autism.
- You are an adult who recognizes you have autistic traits but are unsure what to do.
- You were seeking counseling or support for something else as an adult, and the clinician brought up autism.
- You recently found out that you were diagnosed with autism in childhood, but your parents/guardians did not disclose that to you.
- Your child was diagnosed and/or is being evaluated and you wonder about yourself.
- You are someone who loves or supports someone who fits one of the above.

https://okt.to/ZGVkDR

Adult Autism Diagnosis Tool Kit | Autism Speaks This guide is for adults newly diagnosed with autism, seeking an autism evaluation or considering one. It was created by autistic adults for autistic adults. Click here to download.

"Be consistent when applying for employment and never give up on your dreams until they come to fruition. We are some of the best workers in any industry. Inclusion is a necessity in the workplace."

https://okt.to/V9zS7i

Meet William Andrew Rose | Autism Speaks William shares thoughts on employment, the job search experience, the challenges and triumphs experienced as an autistic employee, the importance of inclusion in the workplace and much more!

In this Q&A, Dr. Elisheva Levin, Ph.D., reflects on the challenges faced by autistic women across the lifespan and shares her own experiences with masking and diagnosis.

https://okt.to/qWsA2t

Dr. Levin shares experience with masking | Autism Speaks Dr. Levin was 45 when she received her autism diagnosis. She now talks about masking her whole life and why the biggest need for women with autism is to learn that it’s ok to be different.