Autism and the Community How do our kids interact within the community? What about their neighborhood? I have read stories about neighborhoods that complain about a child with autism. A few of these stories report that neighbors even go so far as to pressure the family to leave. I have also read (way too many) stories about bullying people with autism. What is it about being in the community and people on the autism spectrum? Community interactions are never easy for our kids. They have a natural tendency to struggle with all … [Read more...]
09
Sep 2018
Autism and Another Fund Raising Event I like to keep active on the fund raising front. I try to volunteer two or three times a year. One event I volunteer for every year is The Ed Asner Poker Tournament. Ed Asner is a huge supporter of the autism community. Additionally, he just began a non-profit called The Ed Asner Family Center. Their inaugural event was a summer camp for children on the spectrum. What is it like to volunteer for a fund raising event? It’s typically working behind-the-scenes. You arrive early. Sometimes, you … [Read more...]
Another guest blog from Dina Kimmel! Kids Gym Entrepreneur Launches Special Needs Resource Network Dina Kimmel, the CEO and Founder of We Rock the Spectrum ( https://www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/ ), an international franchise with over 65 sensory gyms, announces the launch of Rocking the Spectrum ( http://www.rockingthespectrum.com/ ), a special needs resource network for everyone. The site features a library of inspirational and educational videos in its “Warrior Network,” ranging from topics like “Snacking on the Spectrum” which … [Read more...]
07
Aug 2017
Guest Blogger Dina Kimmel writes this week... How Sensory Gyms Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum A trampoline, a zip line, and a climbing structure — these may sound like typical pieces of equipment at any regular kids gym. In actuality, they help foster an inclusive learning and play environment. They are some of the necessary pieces of equipment found in a sensory gym. A sensory gym is designed to serve and accommodate the sensory needs of children with sensory processing disorders, such as autism. Unique, specially-designed equipment helps … [Read more...]
27
Feb 2017
A Birthday and Autism My son just turned fourteen. Now, he’s a fourteen-year-old boy—which means he’s into his devices. He’s not very athletic, however he swims three times a week on a VIP swim team. He has played soccer, but I think his interest is waning. He also plays baseball and that he loves. He’s getting better every year. Even though he’s becoming a gamer, he doesn’t spend hours and hours in front of a device. Either his mother or father will interpret that situation (we know that he needs to move his body from time to … [Read more...]
17
Jul 2016
Autism and Summer Camps I am sending my son to a summer camp at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center for two weeks. This is the first time my son has been to a “real” camp. What did my son do during the previous summers? My son was always in an Extended School Year program. The idea behind children with autism attending ESY programs is to give them some structure during the long summer break. Many don’t do well during the 10 week break. They need to retain some “school type” situation. The rest of the summers were spent either vacationing or … [Read more...]
14
Mar 2016
California Regional Centers and Your Child with Autism This may come off as a rant, but really it's a warning to new parents out there. What is a California Regional Center? From the CA.gov website: "Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have offices throughout California to provide a local resource to help find and access the many services available to individuals and … [Read more...]
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