Autism Speaks Pennsylvania

"I just want people to remember that 'if you've met one person on the autism spectrum, you've met ONE person on the autism spectrum.'”

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Meet Erin C. | Autism Speaks Hi everyone! My name is Erin, and I was diagnosed as on the autism spectrum when I was 15. I live in Pennsylvania and I’m an author, a public speaker, an autism advocate and an aspiring dog trainer.

This is a post by Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, mother to two sons on the autism spectrum and an Autism Family Partner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

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Back to School: 17 Tips to Help Autistic Kids | Autism Speaks Click here to read Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty's, mother to two autistic kids and an Autism Family Partner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, back to school tips.

"My direct interactions with families have always shaped the research questions I'm asking. That's how I focused my work on Black families—the stories they told me weren't reflected in research. I realized that they were having some unique experiences that were impacted by race and racism and that we needed to understand those better."

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Dr. Brian Boyd is bringing diversity to the field of autism research | Autism Speaks Click here to read a Q&A where Dr. Brian Boyd reflects on his career, discusses how the field of autism research can become more diverse and shares tips for Black researchers looking to make an impact.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with Annette Addo-Yobo, the newly crowned Miss Texas. Annette's passion for autism advocacy stems from her personal connection, as her brother is on the autism spectrum. Annette shares her journey to the crown and how her brother's experiences have influenced her mission. She discusses her initiatives to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and provide support for autistic individuals and their loved ones.

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Miss Texas, Annette Addo-Yobo on autism advocacy and the crown In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with Annette Addo-Yobo, the newly crowned Miss Texas. Annette's passion for autism advo...

"He has so much energy, and having this physical outlet is so important for him as he is a big, strong guy. He might not express it with words, but you can see how much this means to him."

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Meet Jack U. | Autism Speaks Meet Jack and his family and learn about their journey of getting an autism diagnosis for Jack and moving to the east coast to get the supports he needed.

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

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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.

"I’m passionate about autism awareness because it is so unique. We think differently. We feel different. We love different."

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Meet Rhett Y. | Autism Speaks Even before he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age six, Rhett knew he was different. While other kids his age lost themselves in playgroups, Rhett was more content playing with his favorite toys at his own pace and in his own space. As time went on, he grew more comfortable in larger....

"Autism Speaks has provided me with so much inspiration. Seeing how they continue to grow and be a resource to many people enables me to continue pressing on to make a difference someday."

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Meet William W. | Autism Speaks William was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 4 years old. Doctors told his mom to temper her expectations for her son’s future. Now 30, William has shattered those expectations with ferocity, hurdling barriers one extraordinary feat at a time. Some of his most impressive accompl...

"Understanding autism better will help us understand what is unique about being a human, which may help me understand more about myself."

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Meet Ryan Yuen, Ph.D. | Autism Speaks Scientist in the Genetics and Genome Biology program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and an assistant professor in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto

This blog post is by 17-year-old Seana Wheeler. Seana's 15-year-old brother Ethan is on the autism spectrum.

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Dear future husband: Thank you for accepting my brother with autism | Autism Speaks This blog post is by 18-year-old Seana Wheeler. Seana's 15-year-old brother Ethan is on the autism spectrum.

"In a study published in Autism and supported in part by Autism Speaks, I recently found out that of 237 autistic youth aged 2 to 18 with a range of intellectual disabilities, 75% of these youth had at least one special interest.

We often hear that some autistic people have laser-focus special key interests which was similar to what I went through from my autism journey from nonspeaking to professional speaker."

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Embracing my autistic special interests | Autism Speaks Dr. Kerry Magro shares how he has embraced his autistic special interests over the years in hopes other people can do the same.

"To me, having autism means navigating the world in such a way that my inner workings are just different from typical people. Some things about being different can be peaceful, fun, and unique, while other experiences and situations can be frustrating and scary."

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Meet Kristina D: 35 years young and still realizing her untapped potential | Autism Speaks Kristina found a meaningful career working with people on the spectrum while conquering many goals and continuing to reach her full potential. Read more.

"At the end of the day, you are your child's best advocate. You might get pushback from family, friends, schools, but it doesn't matter. Stand firm, and advocate for the services your child needs."

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Meet Malachi | 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.

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.

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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.

"Being on a spectrum means I do and see things differently from others."

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Meet Chase T. | Autism Speaks Chase, 20, is a person of many interests and unique talents. He’s the author and illustrator of “The Letter Critters” book series, in which he shares his passion for letters to help children learn to read, is a member of the National Honor Society, a Special Olympics Global Messenger and gold ...

Although receiving the news that their boys were on the spectrum was difficult to fully accept at first, the couple quickly took action to get their boys access to the services and supports they needed.

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Meet Callan and Brennan M. | Autism Speaks When fraternal twins Callan and Brennan were born in the summer of 2017, parents Colleen and Lauren Mullen knew they needed to adjust their game plan. Read about their journey of getting Callan an autism diagnosis.

Por desgracia, es frecuente que las familias tengan que esperar de semanas a meses para una evaluación diagnóstica después de que un padre/madre, médico o profesor observe comportamientos que indican que un niño puede padecer un trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). A continuación, le indicamos cómo puede prepararse mientras espera:

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Cinco cosas que hacer mientras se espera una evaluación del autismo | Autism Speaks Es frecuente que las familias tengan que esperar de semanas a meses para una un trastorno del espectro autista (TEA)evaluación. A continuación, le indicamos cómo puede prepararse mientras espera.

"I wish people understood that there is way more to these individuals than what you see. They are truly amazing with their own talents and a thinking process that is sometimes beyond what you can believe for anyone!" ~Taleasa B., a parent

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10 things the autism community wishes you knew | Autism Speaks "Just because they are nonverbal doesn’t mean they can’t hear and understand what is being said to them and around them."

"I feel it is important in my line of work to study real-world issues facing the growing population of autistic adults living today."

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Meet Dr. Brittany Hand | Autism Speaks As a former pediatric occupational therapist, Dr. Brittany Hand’s work with children with a range of developmental conditions, including autism, solidified her interest in working to help serve the needs of people with autism. 

"Being a father is something I always dreamed about. I basically have a photographic video in my mind of the exact moment we found out we were becoming parents."

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Meet Eric K. | Autism Speaks Eric was diagnosed with autism at 13 years old, but he always knew he was different than most of his peers, especially in high school. His need for repetition and a tendency to obsess over certain topics can evoke his biggest challenges, but it’s those same behaviors that often contribute to some ...

"A problem I face though is that when people come up to me today and they see that I’m a professional speaker and author is that they think I don’t still deal with obstacles and challenges as someone on the autism spectrum. My challenges don’t show up, as easily on the surface now so people often think they aren’t there. What people don’t know is that I still struggle with transitions at times and with making friendships." - Dr. Kerry Magro

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What I would like people to know about having autism and an invisible disability | Autism Speaks Click here to read a blog by Kerry Magro about what he would like people to know about having autism and an invisible disability.

Annie and her village of supporters overcame many challenges being part of this sudden increase of people diagnosed with autism.

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Meet Annie O. | Autism Speaks Annie 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!

"To be completely honest, my diagnosis was a relief and I viewed it as the missing piece to my life. I finally understand who I am, and I feel proud about it."

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Meet Tania and Valeria G. | Autism Speaks Tania, 30, and her daughter Valeria, 3, were diagnosed with autism on the same day last summer. In this blog, read more about this family’s autism journey and all they have to be thankful for this year.

"It is difficult being an adult and having such a late diagnosis, but it has also given more confidence in myself. So even without knowing for most of my life, my autism managed lead me to this point and I am incredibly proud of that."

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Meet Chanel K. | Autism Speaks Read about Chanel's journey receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, the strengths and challenges that led her to a career in ABA, and her unique perspective on ABA therapy.

"Taha Arben Vurgun, born on May 15, 2010, in Akhisar, Turkey, is a young talent known for his prowess as a cartoonist and his advocacy through art. Since the age of five, Taha has been creating cartoons that resonate with young audiences, featuring prominently in magazines and comic books. His artistic achievements have been showcased through exhibitions in Manisa and Bergama.

Beyond his artistic talents, Taha uses his cartoons as a powerful tool to address global issues. He has actively supported causes such as the United Nations' 'End Hunger' campaign and has been a vocal advocate for raising awareness about climate change. His dedication to social issues earned him recognition from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taha contributed by creating supportive cartoons honoring healthcare workers, a gesture that garnered national acclaim for its impact and empathy.

His collaboration with the Turkish Inclusivity Team has received global acclaim, notably being honored as one of the "Best Accessible Projects" by the Zero Project in 2024.

Through his cartoons and innovative projects, Taha continues to inspire others, advocating for a world where diversity is celebrated and barriers are dismantled. His journey exemplifies the power of youth in driving positive change through creativity and dedication to social causes."

"Our mission in life isn’t having a perfect child but trying to become a perfect parent. Don’t expect perfection – do your best, and blessings will happen. I remember the first time Jonathan bumped his head on a table. He was bleeding and crying, which led me to feel like such a failure. Don’t panic or give up when you hit rough patches. Please beware of me. Don’t let your love be conditional. Love is thinking about the other person first and being willing to endure and sacrifice for those people. Lastly, work on your relationship with your spouse/partner. Compromise is key, as well as finding ways to communicate."

By Jeff R.

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In my own words: Father’s Day from the perspective of an autistic dad | Autism Speaks Jeff R., a dad on the autism spectrum opens up about his 25-year-old son, Jonathan, who has Down syndrome and autism. Read more about his life as a dad on the spectrum.

"After our son, Dan, expressed his interest in dating, we’ve done all we can to encourage his journey and help him navigate the dating world. As someone diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 6, it has not always been easy for Dan to express himself, so we have tried to steer him in the right direction while staying true to himself."

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A family shares their experience navigating dating and relationships on the spectrum | Autism Speaks Read this Q&A about a family that shares their experiences of helping their son navigate dating and relationships on the spectrum.

"Painting is his life – it’s where he is the most comfortable – where he is perfect."

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Meet Ronaldo B. | Autism Speaks Ronaldo was diagnosed with autism at age 17 but displayed artistic talent at age 3. Supported by a loving family, he was encouraged to embrace his differences

"Bridget is the pure heart of our family,” says Larry of his 10-year-old daughter.

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Meet Bridget L. | Autism Speaks When Bridget was a toddler Phoebe noticed that not only was Bridget falling behind her twin, she often “put her fingers in her ears,” which Phoebe recognized as a sign of sensory sensitivity. An evaluation led to an autism diagnosis when Bridget was 3.

"The social struggles I faced early on allowed me to realize the most important thing is being true to myself. I finally felt like it was okay to be alone with my thoughts at times and process things at my own pace."

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Appreciating all the little things on the autism journey | Autism Speaks "There are so many major milestones most parents hope they’ll achieve with their autistic children. And none of these milestones are ever met overnight."