Are autism service dogs smart?


Posted by Beth Finke on November 12th, 2009

A story in last Sunday’s New York Times ponders whether service dogs help humans because they are smart, or simply because the rigorous training they go through makes them want to please the person on the other end of the leash.

The matter of what exactly goes on in the mind of a dog is a tricky one, and until …Read More » »

In memory of Roger McCarville


Posted by Beth Finke on September 18th, 2009

Easter Seals is mourning the death of Roger McCarville, who died of pneumonia on September 7. You might recognize Roger’s name — Matt McAlear published a post here about Roger McCarville’s A Wider World show …Read More » »

Star surfer champions his autism


Posted by Patricia Wright on September 16th, 2009

Want to learn more about autism? Spend time with someone who has autism!Surfing star Clay Marzo is doing his part by educating his fellow surfers. Clay was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome a few years ago, and he has been informing the surfing community about disability ever since. Marzo’s participation in surfing contests gives his fellow surfers the …Read More » »

A Wider World for kids with autism


Posted by Matt McAlear on September 2nd, 2009

Earlier this year Easter Seals Bay Area was contacted by the PBS show A Wider World. Roger McCarville, the show’s host, had heard about Easter Seals …Read More » »

Strike a Boom! Maurice on Obama’s bowling score


Posted by Maurice Snell on March 24th, 2009

It has been a busy first two months for our 44th President Barack Obama. In those first two months, President Obama has issued a promise of change to a whole new America. As with every other president, it is not a cakewalk. There have been numerous topics for President Obama to deal with — the economic stimulus plan, AIG bonuses, …Read More » »

Autism documentary wins AP award


Posted by Norma Rossi on April 21st, 2008

Celebrate! An autism documentary that Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington helped put together just won a big award! The Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association named Autism Epidemic best documentary of the year at an award ceremony in Springfield this past Saturday.

Autism Epidemic first aired in August 2007 to spread awareness of autism and to get more children screened at an …Read More » »

Autism gets wired


Posted by Lisa Tate on February 29th, 2008

This month’s cover of Wired Magazine draws readers in by promising “The Truth About Autism.” The magazine describes the brains of people living with autism as neurologically different vs. neurologically disordered. While a bit scientific, the article does a great job of highlighting the unique abilities of individuals with autism.

It opens with a story …Read More » »

J-Mac makes points for autism


Posted by Beth Finke on February 12th, 2008

Just found out that the theme for the Valentine’s Day Larry King Live TV show this Thursday is The heartbreak… and hope of autism. Guests slated for the show that night include Holly Robinson Peete, Doug Flutie, Toni Braxton and Jason “J-Mac” McElwain.

If you ask me, McElwain is sure to be …Read More » »