What does Google have to do with autism? Check out SketchUp and see!

Posted by Patricia Wright on August 28th, 2009

You just never know where a conference contact is going to lead. For example, who would’ve guessed that an autism conference would lead me to an opportunity to visit with folks from Google!

Google had a booth at the …Read More » »

High hopes for Sotomayor

Posted by Beth Finke on August 11th, 2009

Remember the post I wrote about the Autism Society of America endorsing Sonia Sotomayor?

The Autism Society of America, along with dozens of other disability groups, signed a letter supporting Sotomayor’s confirmation. The letter was sent to Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

I’m sure ASA members enjoyed seeing Judge Sotomayor sworn in as Associate Justice of the Supreme …Read More » »

Learn from the experts — people with autism!

Posted by Patricia Wright on July 31st, 2009

“What’s the best way to learn about autism?” When people ask me this question, my first recommendation is always the same: spend time with people who have autism. Learn from the experts!

One of the best places to learn from the experts is at the Autism Society of America’s annual conference. This year’s conference had plenty of learning opportunities — …Read More » »

ASA & other disability organizations: “Sotomayor is our champion”

Posted by Beth Finke on July 13th, 2009

With the Senate confirmation hearings for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court starting today, I thought our blog readers might be interested in what activists for people with autism and other disabilities are saying about Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The Autism Society of America, along with dozens of other disability groups, signed a letter supporting Sotomayor’s confirmation. The letter was …Read More » »

July 15 is deadline for ASA conference scholarships

Posted by Patricia Wright on July 9th, 2009

Individuals with autism and other disabilities can be disenfranchised in our society. People who are ethnic minorities can also be disenfranchised in our society. Put these two together and it can have a multiplying effect. TASH (formerly The Association for the Severely Handicapped) is a civil rights organization for, and of, people with mental disability, autism, cerebral palsy, physical …Read More » »

What Harry Potter can teach us about autism

Posted by Beth Finke on July 6th, 2009

Attention all “Muggles”: To celebrate the long-awaited paperback release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows tonight (The book goes on sale at midnight on July 7), we are publishing a Harry Potter post from our 2007 archives — enjoy!Harry Potter and the Chamber of Autismby Ellen Harrington-KaneJuly 24th, 2007What can reading a Harry Potter book teach us about …Read More » »

Montana 10th state to sign autism insurance bill into law

Posted by Katy Beh Neas on May 12th, 2009

Montana just became the tenth state in the country to pass autism insurance legislation that requires insurance companies to pay for treatment for children with autism. Easter Seals Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain was intimately involved in passage of the bill.

Known as “Brandon’s Bill,” the legislation was signed last Tuesday, May 5th. In attendance at the signing ceremony were Laura …Read More » »

Law enforcement and autism: a need for two communities to work together

Posted by Patricia Wright on May 7th, 2009

The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically. With as many as one in 150 individuals in the Unites States experiencing autism, it’s likely that law enforcement professionals will encounter an individual with autism. Effective training is needed for both the law enforcement professionals and for individuals with autism to ensure that these encounters do not escalate into unnecessary violence.

The media …Read More » »

Superbrain Yoga!

Posted by Beth Finke on April 23rd, 2009

A news feature on a California T.V. station reported that Superbrain Yoga — a five-minute yoga exercise designed specifically to help the brain — has been endorsed by Yale-trained neurobiologist Eugenius Ang, Ph.D. The TV spot shows a few children with autism doing Superbrain Yoga and includes a testimonial from one mother who says her son’s behavior improved …Read More » »

Living with Autism Study dispels divorce myth?

Posted by Beth Finke on March 11th, 2009

The Easter Seals Living with Autism Study was mentioned in a post on the Left Brain/Right Brain blog last week. The post was titled “Divorce and Autism,” and quoted from different blogs that had pondered the divorce rate among couples who have a child (or children) on the autism spectrum.

Easter Seals (in conjunction with the Autism Society …Read More » »