Autism Speaks Dallas/Ft. Worth

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

https://okt.to/POs4jK

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/HDzbsW

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/G7TpLz

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/f3cd28

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."

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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/OgkPcF

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/VHoRmt

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/qB7Xki

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/E4Ca9c

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/iTHu5X

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/JK0Eoy

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.

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

https://okt.to/jipN4Q

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!

This guest blog post is by Lisa Vaillancourt. She is the proud mother of two adult sons. Alex, 22, was diagnosed with autism in 1998 and epilepsy in 2014. Lisa is his daily sidekick, but she is fully aware that he teaches her every day.

https://okt.to/dkSVYi

I'm finally ready to talk about my son with autism's epilepsy | Autism Speaks This guest blog post is by Lisa Vaillancourt. She is the proud mother of two adult sons. Alex, 22, was diagnosed with autism in 1998 and epilepsy in 2014. Lisa is his daily sidekick, but is fully aware that he's the one who teaches her every day.

Come shop with us at the NorthPark Mall J.Crew on August 22nd! 🛍️ 10% of your purchase will support Autism Speaks and help us create a more inclusive world for all. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference while you shop!

"At the end of last summer, our twins – who both have autism – had a terrible time switching back to early wake-up and long school days." Here are some tips to make transition easier.

https://okt.to/XI9QwO

Helping students with autism make the back-to-school transition | Autism Speaks Click here to read an expert opinion from autism educator Peter Gerhardt, on helping students with autism make the back-to-school transition.

"I saw how just one person took action. And I thought, I want to give back to an organization that can help other people. So it was a natural for me to choose Autism Speaks."

https://okt.to/sF63yI

Meet Dea L. | Autism Speaks Learn about Dea L., an Autism Speaks donor who was inspired by the story of its’ foundation. “I saw how just one person took action. And I thought, I want to give back to an organization that can help other people. So it was a natural for me to choose Autism Speaks.”

Strategies to help reduce anxiety in autistic adults:

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Autism and anxiety in adults | Autism Speaks Anxiety is a common co-occurring condition of ASD. Autistic adults share experiences with anxiety and strategies on how to reduce anxiety in autistic adults

"To say he is the love of my life is an understatement. He is brilliant, he is kind, he has empathy, he has a great sense of humor and can be a pain in the butt like any teenager."

https://okt.to/w7HqjV

Video: Meet Joseph M. | Autism Speaks Joseph M., who has found golf as a way to bond with his dad and stay active even during a pandemic, gets a virtual golf lesson from pro golfer Jordan Spieth.

Advice from the community to prepare for a new school year:

https://okt.to/yF2vlT

Preparing for the new school year | Autism Speaks In this blog, read about two autistic students who are preparing to go back to school after the summer.

We are thrilled to introduce our newest Autism Speaks North Texas Executive Leadership Council Members! These top leaders join ready to make an immediate impact as we continue to create a world where all people with autism reach their full potential!

"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.'”

https://okt.to/htylJ4

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).

https://okt.to/pYodUx.

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."

https://okt.to/kUF2x1

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.

https://okt.to/buYECl

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."

https://okt.to/Qu4bPB

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

https://okt.to/5fL3OD

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....