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 » »

If not now, when? If not us, who?


Posted by Jim Leiker on January 12th, 2009

I started my morning last Wednesday with a visit to KMAJ-AM radio in Topeka. Julie Smrha (Easter Seals Capper Foundation Marketing Coordinator and Marketing Partner) joined …Read More » »

Living with Autism Study reveals parents’ fears for their children with autism


Posted by Patricia Wright on December 16th, 2008

The one consistent message Easter Seals hears from families — after the initial apprehension and anxiety of learning their child has autism – is an overwhelming concern about the life-long supports their child with autism may need to be independent.

Until today, we have had no data to quantify what we’ve heard anecdotally over the years. So Easter Seals worked with …Read More » »

Join us Tuesday as Easter Seals unveils its Living with Autism Study


Posted by Jim Williams on December 12th, 2008

Please join us this Tuesday, December 16 when we unveil Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study, a nationwide study made possible through the generous support of Easter Seals National Corporate Partner MassMutual Financial Group and conducted by Harris Interactive.

The study asked families from Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America about their concerns for their children …Read More » »

McCain and Obama on autism


Posted by Patricia Wright on August 26th, 2008

It seems ages ago that I posted a blog about the Democratic primaries and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s ties to Illinois, the state where I live. Now the Democratic and Republican conventions are finally starting, and suddenly, after a seemingly endless primary season, the presidential election is right around the corner.

To help with your decision, the …Read More » »

ASA art exhibit honors autism


Posted by Beth Finke on August 5th, 2008

The Autism Society of America (ASA) has launched an exhibit of art created by individuals on the Autism spectrum. You can see the artwork now by linking to the exhibit online.

Easter Seals partnered with ASA a year ago, and the two have been bringing a unique wealth of knowledge and services to families with autism ever since. …Read More » »

Autism Society of America Conference


Posted by Patricia Wright on July 16th, 2008

I’ve been home a few days and am still sorting through all the information I gathered and the business cards I collected over the past weekend. I made so many wonderful contacts at the Autism Society of America (ASA) Conference! The three days that I spent learning and sharing were fantastic. The ASA conference is a great place to …Read More » »

Learning and sharing in Orlando


Posted by Patricia Wright on July 9th, 2008

I am one of the lucky ones — I get to spend four days in Orlando at the Autism Society of America Conference. This conference brings together individuals on the spectrum, family members, experts and professionals. Easter Seals is proud to have a formal partnership with Autism Society of America. We’re here to learn and share. Through collaboration, we …Read More » »

Perfect match: baby boomers volunteering for families with autism


Posted by Patricia Wright on June 20th, 2008

The task of providing 24/7 supervision for a child with autism can be overwhelming, and short respite breaks can be an incredible support to families. Many Easter Seals affiliates provide respite services, but we know we are not meeting the growing need.

Enter one very much appreciated friend of Easter Seals. A generous donor has funded a program …Read More » »

Families with autism help families with autism


Posted by Patricia Wright on May 21st, 2008

Last weekend I spent time with one of my favorite groups of people — parents of children with autism. I was in Bloomington, Indiana at a conference hosted by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Strengthening Our Roots: A Conference for and About Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum was a wonderful demonstration of information sharing and community …Read More » »