Saturday, February 23, 2013

Friday, February 22, 2013

My First News Appearance on Autism Awareness


Yesterday, I participated in the 1st annual Autism Summit at Oakland University.  As I often say, under the right conditions, someone on the autism spectrum can literally change the world.  The purpose of this Summit was to try to create those conditions by gathering decision makers from all over Michigan. Throughout the day, they discussed the legislation passed last year that mandated insurance coverage for services needed by those on the autism spectrum.  Also discussed were what the next steps should be in order to provide the highest quality of life for those on the spectrum.  Many different motions were discussed during this Summit, which I will write on further in OUCARES-Did you know...

It was also a personal milestone for me as an autism advocate.  I was interviewed by two local news stations about autism awareness, which I was not expecting at all.  As a result, I was featured on Channel 4 WDIV news.  The coordinator of the Summit listened in to both interviews and told me that I was a "natural."  The way I see it, everyone on the autism spectrum has a special gift and I happen to have a gift with words.  As a result, I feel it is my responsibility to speak on behalf of those on the spectrum and continue to serve as a Voice for the Spectrum.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 02/21 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio


Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, I will discuss the experience of attending the Autism Summit at Oakland University.  I will also talk about the public speaking I'm doing at the Summit.
This show will take place Thursday, February 21st at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
Tune into what will surely be another great show!



Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 02/21 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Saturday, February 16, 2013

My Second Public Speaking Event

Next week, I will speak about autism and employment at the Autism Summit at Oakland University.  This is the second time I have been asked to speak at an OUCARES event. My audience will contain decision makers from all throughout Michigan, including Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, who has a child on the autism spectrum.  Wish me luck as I strive to make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorder!

Autism Trek

Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms.  Last month on Positively Autistic: The Poet's Interest With Marilyn and Ryan, we had a guest who planned to walk from Wisconsin to Washington D.C. in order to gain some political attention for autism awareness.  Diane Burbacher is one determined Grandmother who hopes by walking 1500 miles she would be able to get legislators to pass motions that will help those on the autism spectrum receive necessary services.  Starting this June, Diane hopes to reach Washington DC in August with a 50 pound pack and some attention to a great cause.  She is certainly determined to provide help to her two grandchildren.  They are quite lucky to have her in their lives.

To read more about Diane's planned journey, click on the following link: http://voices.yahoo.com/wisconsin-woman-walking-washington-dc-increase-12008220.html

Monday, February 11, 2013

Autism TV Show Wins Emmy!

A TV program from the United Kingdom recently earned some recognition in the wake of a successful broadcast reception.  The show, "My Autism and Me" won an Emmy Kids Award.  This show, which raises autism awareness, won the award "Best Factual Programme."  The show features Rosie, an individual with autism, who tells her story of what it is like to live on the spectrum.  It is great to know that autism is receiving some positive recognition.

To read more, click on the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/21394074.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

One Year on the Air


Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk. During this broadcast, I will reflect on shows I have performed over the last year to recognize the one year anniversary of the start of my show: Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk. 


This show will air on Thursday, February 14th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time. 


 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Sesame Street Live Features Accommodations

One of my distant childhood memories is going to "Sesame Street Live," at age two.  Although I had not yet been diagnosed with autism, I was nonverbal at that time.  How things have changed since then.  Tonight, Sesame Street Live is going to offer accommodations for children on the autism spectrum as well as those with other sensory challenges.  Accommodations include extra spacing between seats and a quiet room where children can go and find relief from overwhelming sensory stimuli.

To read more, click  here.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 02/07 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio


Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will air Thursday, February 7th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
During this show, I will interview college student Kaitlin Cole who is also the caregiver of an autistic teenager.  Kaitlin is striving to raise money to put together a book featuring the artwork and life stories of many individuals who are on the autism spectrum.
Tune into what will surely be another great show!


Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 02/07 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Take a Look at My Other Work

For the past few months, I have worked as a freelance blogger for Big Tent Job, which helps those with disabilities find employment.  Click on the following look to see the blog posts I've written for them about autism and employment:

http://disabilityemployment.net/autism-and-the-holidays/

Support a Great Project

What started as a school project has become a driven effort by a Wayne State University college student to raise autism awareness.

Kaitlin Cole, the caregiver of a 13 year old autistic boy, is reaching out to the community in order to raise more than $6000 to cover the costs involved with creating a book written by children on the autism spectrum to display their many talents and also raise awareness.

The book will feature life stories of autistic individuals and their parents as well as artwork created by those with autism.

"Ideally, I would like this book to be read by parents with autistic children," said Cole.

Cole is an education major attending Wayne State University.

She added that she has seen a lot of improvement in the boy she looks after since his medication was changed.  "He is getting more talkative and posts videos on YouTube." Cole said.

As of 7:45 pm on February 2nd, Cole raised $400 out of her $6,250 goal but more is needed.  Individuals who are on the autism spectrum need opportunities to be recognized for what they can do rather than what they can't do.

"Autism is not the end of the world." This is the message Cole would like to give to parents who have children diagnosed with autism.

If you have the means to do so, please support this cause.  Click here to find out more.