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Posts
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Autism Awareness & Resources
This is the cover and link to my Pinterest pinboard of information, references, resources, and support that I share on social media to help raise autism awareness. The pinboard is dedicated to all those who have been touched by autism and the family members and caregivers who love and support them. Click on the image or text link underneath to check it out, and feel free to share it appropriately with others who might find it encouraging and helpful.
Friday, April 25, 2014
A Katie Couric ' Talk That Matters' Exclusive:
Temple Grandin
After being diagnosed with autism at age three, Dr. Temple Grandin went on to become a pioneer in the field of animal science and a best-selling author. In 2010, Claire Danes brought Temple’s story to life in the HBO movie "Temple Grandin". Katie talks candidly with Temple about the subject autism and the staggering number of children (1 in 68) that are now on the spectrum. Click on the image to watch the video interview.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Autism Speaks & The Sesame Street Initiative
Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby and Autism Speaks co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright team up in a new message calling for more acceptance and inclusion for people with autism. It's part of a new Sesame Street initiative being developed called "See Amazing in All Children."
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Eagles Huddle Up @ The Linc!
Yo, Philly! For anyone waiting for information about this Autism Awareness Month event sponsored by CHOP's Center For Autism Research (CAR) and the Philadelphia Eagles for the past 5 years, a notice is now posted on the Eagles website about it. In short, due to the construction (expansion renovations) going on at Lincoln Field right now, the event will be held in a completely different manner during the weekend of Saturday-Sunday, May 3rd-4th at specified Bob’s Discount Furniture and Sports Authority locations. If you're on the CHOP-CAR email list, you probably received a communication from them about it (check your inbox). The event is expected to return to Lincoln Field in April 2015, but click on the image or text link underneath for more details about how it will be handled this year.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
A Special Tribute
The Mother of an Autistic Child
When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into his sixth day of "overtime" when an angel appeared and said,"You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have 180 moveable parts – all replaceable, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a lap that disappears when she stands up, a kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair, six pairs of hands, ears that will hear things she doesn't want to hear, a mouth that can gently kiss away scrapes and bruises and yet, tear the hide right off of those who try anything against the best interests of her child."
"Yes, this model will have to be able to sit patiently and listen to outlandish reports about her child without flinching. She will have to hear how hopeless it all is and know that it isn't so. She will have to have those kinds of eyes which don't tear when she hears other mothers talk about how well things are going for their children," said the Lord.
The angel shook its head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands? No way!" "It's not the hands that are causing the problems. It's the three pairs of eyes this mother has to have," said the Lord. "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
The Lord nodded and said, "One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another pair here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know and, of course, the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up for the 99th time and say, 'I understand and I love you anyway' without so much as uttering a word."
"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve gently, "come to bed. Finish her tomorrow." "I can't," answered the Lord, "I'm very close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick, feeds a family of six on one pound of hamburger, and gets her 9 year old to stand under a shower." The angel circled the model of the mother very slowly. "It's too soft," the angel sighed.
"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure." "Can she think?" asked the angel. "Not only can she think," said the Lord, "she can reason and compromise." Finally, the angel bent over and ran a finger across the cheek of the mother. "There is a leak," the angel pronounced, "I told you that you are trying to put too much into this model." "That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a tear." "What's it for?" asked the angel.
"Tears are for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride… this mother will know a lot about all of that," answered the Lord. "But you know," He continued, "I don't even remember putting that tear there." "By the way", asked the angel, "what will you call this model?" The Lord replied, "I will call this one simply, the mother of an autistic child."
- Author Unknown
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Agape Love: Good Friday
The Crucifixion By Anthony Armstrong
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34)
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Variety-Phila & Sesame Place
Sesame Place will host Variety-Phila's 'Annual Autism Awareness Day' on Sunday, April 27, 2014, 10:00am-4:00pm. Pre-registration is required. Click on the image or text link underneath for more information and registration.
Monday, April 14, 2014
⏰ Quality Time w/ The Grands
Our daughter and son-in-law celebrated their anniversary this weekend, so we had another sleepover for the grands at our house. These are our favorite pics, but we took a lot more... from playtime and movie night Friday evening, to a few hours at the playground and lunch (including ice cream for dessert outside) at the 'Trolley Car Diner’ today. This time, the movie feature was 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet' starring Don Knotts--a classic that has stood the test of time and they loved it! The weather in Philly was absolutely gorgeous today (70+ degrees) and it was a great day to be out and about. So, all of the snow storms we survived this winter are slowly becoming a distant memory. (Thank God!) We had a great time with the kids and we hope their Mommy and Daddy enjoyed their special time together too. Happy Anniversary! We Love You!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Variety-Phila & Adventure Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ will host Variety-Phila's 'Annual Autism Awareness Night' on Friday, April 18, 2014, 6:00-9:00pm. Pre-registration is required. Click on the image or text link underneath for more information and registration.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
MLB Autism Awareness Games & The Phillies
Autism Speaks & Major League Baseball are teaming up in a league-wide effort to recognize Autism Awareness Month during the month of April. All 30 MLB Clubs will raise awareness for the disorder during one home game in April, or on another date during the regular season. Click on the image or text link underneath for a list of games near you!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Autism & African American Children
Black children with autism tend to be diagnosed later than white children with the disorder, and this delay can lead to longer and more intensive treatment, researchers say. Lack of access to quality, affordable, and culturally knowledgeable health care are among the reasons for the delay in a diagnosis of autism in black children, said researcher Martell Teasley, an associate professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
Teasley also suggested that social stigma attached to mental health issues within the black community may add to the problem. Some black parents may find it hard to accept that their child has autism, so even when the disorder is diagnosed, there may be a reluctance to use autism treatment services.
Misdiagnosis is also a potential problem, the study authors noted. "There are no subjective criteria for diagnosing autism. Only brain scans can truly provide appropriate diagnoses, because we are dealing with biological and chemical imbalances in the brain," Teasley said in a university news release. "Not every child is going to have access to this kind of medical evaluation, particularly those who are indigent and don't have health care funding."
The findings from Teasley and colleagues were published in a special online edition of the journal Social Work in Public Health, which dealt specifically with health care issues in the black community. "Less discussion about autism among African Americans and/or between African Americans and health care providers leads to misdiagnoses, a lack of treatment, and a lack of services," Teasley pointed out in the news release. "This will lead to greater challenges for families--more stress and anxiety, and poorer developmental outcomes." The rate of autism diagnosis is the same among children of all racial groups, 1 in 88, according to estimates. But, later diagnosis among black children can be harmful. "Intervention for any autistic child needs to start around age 3, so we can get the child to begin to learn how to eat right and develop normal, healthy routines, which will result in a better developmental outcome," Teasley said. "Later intervention will result in a poorer developmental outcome that can have a lasting impact on the child's and family's quality of life.
Note: In 2002, David Mandell, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, studied children on Medicaid in an attempt to eliminate income as a factor in quality of care and found this: White kids were diagnosed at 6.3 years old, as compared to blacks kids at 7.9 years old. So, it appears that not much has changed in the last 10 years, which is unacceptable. You are encouraged to visit the website AutismInBlack.com for more information on this topic and the challenges from the African American perspective.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
It's Autism Awareness Day @ The Philadelphia Zoo!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Autism Speaks & Joe's Crab Shack
Friday, April 4, 2014
Variety-Phila & Please Touch Museum
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thank You, President Obama!
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Presidential Proclamation
World Autism Awareness Day 2014
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Each year, people across the globe take time to recognize the millions of people living on the autism spectrum, including 1 out of every 68 American children. Americans with autism contribute to all aspects of society and are an essential thread in the diverse tapestry of our Nation. On World Autism Awareness Day, we offer our support and respect to all those on the autism spectrum.
Because our whole Nation benefits when Americans with autism succeed, we must ensure our health care and education systems work for them. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurers can no longer deny coverage to people because they have autism, and new plans must cover preventive services -- including autism and developmental screenings -- at no out-of-pocket cost to parents. My Administration remains committed to eliminating discrimination against students with autism and to giving schools the resources to help them hone unique talents, overcome difficult challenges, and prepare for bright futures.
We must also do more to improve our understanding of the autism spectrum, which is why I was proud to sign legislation that continued critical investments in research, early detection, and support services for children and adults with autism. Last year, I launched the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, a program that aims to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind. By unlocking new knowledge of the brain, we can pave the way for myriad medical breakthroughs, including a greater appreciation for the science of autism. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse Nation on earth. Today, let us celebrate our differences -- but let us also acknowledge our responsibilities to each other and move forward as one.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2014, World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.
BARACK OBAMA
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
World Autism Awareness Day
It's officially Autism Awarenss Month and "Light It Up Blue" time! This is our outdoor porch light, which will shine bright on April 2nd for "World Autism Awareness Day". You can also wear something blue to show your support. Click on the image or text link underneath for more information and online registration through Autism Speaks!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Autism Awareness Month
A Day of Remembrance & Candlelight Vigil on April 1, 2014 For Autistic Children Who Lost Their Lives After Wandering is a public event page on Facebook hosted by Jill Smo, Jim Walker, and Danielle Combis Arteaga. Just click on the image or text link above to visit the page for more information and participation. Please feel free to use the image and share the link about this event across all social media to help spread the word. Thank you!
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