Me, the Beast and Ryan at the 2013 Beast on the Bay
Register now! The 2nd annual Barber Beast on the Bay and Maureen Riazzi Adaptive Course for persons with disabilities will be held Saturday, September 6th at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA. The adaptive, 1.2 mile course begins at Beach 1 and includes 6 obstacles. You can walk, run or wheel your way to the finish line. This course is designed for everyone! Participants must be 16 years of age or above. You can bring a course buddy if you want or compete by yourself. There is no fee for the course buddy. Check out the photos from last
2013 Adaptive Course Obstacle
year’s adaptive course. Registration is only $25.00. All participants receive a medal and a t-shirt. Sign up now as there is only 165 days to register.
We are excited to have 700 competitors from 14 states already registered for the Beast. It is sure to be a huge success. Ryan described last year’s race as “awesome” and is looking forward to this year. Last year we had 70 participants compete in the Riazzi Adaptive Course and we hope to double the number this year. Help us reach our goal!
I was startled to read the 
Given these latest statistics, I am even more grateful that 
11,821 visitors from over 113 countries. Some of the topics that I have written on include: 
Today I had a fascinating opportunity to Skype with Dr. Karen Guldberg, director of University of Birmingham – 
many of the same challenges as we do. They too have experienced the tsunami of adolescents with autism becoming adults. Interestingly, new laws will go in effect next year which will expand services for persons with autism from birth to twenty five years of age. They also hope to integrate the departments of Education, Care and Health to better meet the needs of persons with autism. We in Pennsylvania often decry the fact that our departments of Education, Welfare and Health are silos which never communicate.
Dr. Guldberg is very interested in bridging the research and practice communities so that all children can benefit from this knowledge. Technology enables us to break down geographic boundaries with Dr. Karen Guldberg (link to her site). We will continue to share our research practices and knowledge via email and Skype.
ly had Doodles, a spirited Kerry Blue Terrier who we all adored. Doodles was very gentle, loyal and affectionate. He would even allow little children to ride him like a horse. I remember my special bond with him and that he was an excellent secret keeper. Each of us had Doodle responsibilities, whether it be taking him out for a walk, feeding him or picking up after him.
There are many benefits to having a pet if you have a child with special needs. A pet can provide comfort to a child who is anxious by generating a calming effect that reduces stress. Your child can acquire a sense of self satisfaction by learning how to care for his pet and having his pet depend on him/her. There are numerous social advantages as well. Taking your dog for a walk in your neighborhood or on the beach is the perfect way to practice greeting skills. Everyone loves a beautiful dog.
schedule, his schedule and other challenges.
National Children’s Dental Health Month, my thoughts turned back to Ryan’s first visit with the dentist. I definitely approached it with anxiety, if not trepidation. At 3, Ryan frequently had temper tantrums. The thought of introducing a new person, new location and a new procedure was troublesome. However, Erie has a 
Our first visit was “getting to know you” for both Ryan and the dentist. He was able to experience the routine of the office visit, have a cursory look at his mouth, receive his stickers for reinforcement and be off. On subsequent visits, the dentist or hygienist would explain what they were going to do, show him their tools and allow him to hold them and then complete the procedure. There was always lots of praise and the opportunity to play on a Game Boy upon completion.
All About Autism 