Specialisterne: A Company on the Cutting Edge

Posted on December 11, 2012 by all about autism

Many adults with autism are unable to secure employment and are often overlooked for the outstanding skills that they bring to a job.  In fact, 80% of adults with autism don’t have full-time jobs – not because they can’t manage the work – but because they are considered socially unacceptable. That’s why I was thrilled to read about a Denmark company called Specialisterne. Conceived by Thorkil Sonne and his wife Annette, Specialisterne (Danish for “specialists”) hires mostly people on the autism spectrum.  Starting a business is no simple task, so why did Sonne undertake the added challenge of targeting adults with autism? The passion behind the idea is his son, Lars. Continue reading →

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A Recipe for a Joyful Holiday

Posted on December 6, 2012 by all about autism

SONY DSCThe holidays are times of good food, joyful memories, heightened excitement and full schedules. This hectic pace can be challenging for children with special needs. However, with some additional planning and preparation you can indeed make this the holiday of your dreams. Here is a recipe for a joyful holiday:

Look at the holiday through your child’s eyes Continue reading →

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Autism-Friendly Santa: A Huge Success!

Posted on December 3, 2012 by all about autism
Children at the event were able to have their face painted, as well as create a holiday craft while they waited to visit Santa. Information and resources were available for parents.

Children had their face painted and made a holiday craft while they waited to visit Santa. Info and resources were available for parents.

On Friday I wrote about our upcoming autism-friendly Santa event. Over 150 children and their families participated. You can check out the coverage from a Jet 24, a local news station at http://bit.ly/R1qAYr.

I’m so pleased that I can be a part of one of the most wonderful events offered by the Barber National Institute. I only wish that Ryan could have participated in such an event when he was growing up.

A special thanks to the Millcreek Mall in Erie, PA and to Santa’s helpers who all went out of their way to accommodate this great event for families.

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A Visit with Santa

Posted on November 30, 2012 by all about autism

SONY DSCIn 2011, Susie was a 13-year-old student enrolled at the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA. One winter day, while chatting with her mom about the school holiday events, she mentioned that Susie had never been able to visit Santa. Over the years, her mom tried to take Susie to the mall to see Santa, but the large crowds, loud noises and waiting in line would lead to behavioral outbursts. This part of the holiday season seemed out of reach for Susie and her mom until her mom learned about a unique event. The Barber National Institute and Millcreek Mall were teaming up to provide children with special needs an opportunity to enjoy one of the holiday’s joyous memories, sitting on Santa’s lap. Continue reading →

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Addressing Anxiety and ASD

Posted on November 27, 2012 by all about autism

It is estimated that the prevalence of anxiety in children with ASD to be 30-81% (MacNeil e al. 2009; White et al. 2009). The impact of anxiety on educational success, social participation, friendships and family members is great.  It’s fairly common for children suffering from autism to be diagnosed with anxiety. It’s a significant problem for many individuals with ASD and presents differently in each child. Some children become anxious when changes impact the expected routine. Others become anxious when they are overly stimulated. In my experience, Ryan becomes very anxious when he acknowledges that he has not followed the rules and a consequence will be occurring. Continue reading →

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thanksgiving with a small “t”

Posted on November 20, 2012 by all about autism

The holiday season officially kicks off this week. Are you ready? It’s a busy time with the hustle and bustle of shopping, school plays, holiday parties, and family functions mixed into the “regular” schedule. It’s a season that seems to evaporate as rapidly as it descends. However, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to stop for a moment and remember to give thanks.   Continue reading →

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Ladies Only Luncheon Coming Soon

Posted on November 13, 2012 by all about autism

A few of the 2012 Ladies Only Luncheon Committee members displaying some of the prizes

The countdown begins! We are four days away from the 10th Annual Ladies Only Luncheon, and the excitement is building.  Saturday, November 17 will be here before we know it, and I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the event.

A very special thank you to our sponsors, gift basket donors, vendors, hosts, committee members, and volunteers for the dedication, time and hard work that go into making this event such a success. You truly are part of making dreams come true for children and adults with disabilities. Continue reading →

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My Hope

Posted on November 8, 2012 by all about autism

Remember to contact your legislators in order to advocate for individuals with disabilities.

As fast as the political campaigning began, it ended.  To be honest, I’m happy the barrage of political ads that seemed to envelope the media has ended. What a difference a few days can make.  However, even though the elections are over; our work has just begun.  There are very important issues confronting our country today, especially the fiscal cliff, which is right around the corner.  So, it’s important for us to consider the question, “Will we reach out to our legislators locally, statewide and nationally?”

As an educator, Continue reading →

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Voting: All People Have a Voice

Posted on November 6, 2012 by all about autism

It’s Election Day!  Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, it’s a day when our voices get to be heard as we vote in local and national races.  Ryan and I decided to vote early today with hopes of avoiding the crowds at the polling station. So, at 7:30 a.m., right after our workout, we made our way to the Millcreek Youth Association Office to cast our ballots. Even though we had to wait, I was pleased to see the large crowd of voters.

As the voting season amped up and I read more information regarding local and national candidates, I came across intriguing information regarding voting and persons Continue reading →

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Artist Makes Dreams Come True for Students

Posted on November 1, 2012 by all about autism

Dharma doing an arm stretch in his class’s exercise video session.

Disney has Mickey and Pixar may have Nemo, but only the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA has Dharma, Angelina and Mackenzie.  These are just a few of the 60 students who became stars using stop motion animation and other computer generated techniques led by artist Jude Shingle as part of the Artist-in-Residence program.  

Jude holds a BA in studio Continue reading →

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