Publication Reflections

I had a story published in The Oakland Press the other day about an autism awareness event that is taking place at Oakland University today, in a little more than an hour.  This is the first time I have been published in the paper since my three month internship last year as a reporter.  It is the first time I have freelanced for the paper and also the first time that I have written about autism for a newspaper.  It was a great feeling to see my name in print again and an even greater feeling to know that it was for a great cause. (I am typing this downstairs in the OU Oakland Center.  I have to go up to the Film Premier now!)

Click here to read the story:

http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/10/24/news/local_news/doc5088822281340993930644.txt

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/29 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  The show will air ON Monday, October 29th at the normal time:   4 pm EST, 8 pm UK time (PLEASE NOTE THE TIME DIFFERENCE UK LISTENERS.  THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT HAVE DAYLIGHTS SAVING TIME FOR ANOTHER TWO WEEKS).

During my broadcast last week, unfortunately my guests, Colin and Gordon Brennan, were unable to make it to the show.  They will be coming on this broadcast to discuss their experiences in New York for the Genius of Autism.

You can participate in the show too.  Just create an account and visit the link on Blog Talk Radio in order to access the chat room.  You can also call into the show if you would like to talk to Colin and Gordon directly by dialing (619) 393-2848 or you can also call in through Skype.  Just click on the Skype icon above the show screen after the start of the broadcast.

Tune into what will surely be another great broadcast!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/29 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

OUCARES Film Premier

Actor/director Joey Travolta is brightening the lives of children on the autism spectrum.  Travolta will be in town this week to celebrate the 7th annual OUCARES summer film camp premier.  The actual camp took place last August at Oakland University. OUCARES stands for the Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Support. OU was the first place Travolta held his film camp outside of California.  About 50 children and teens on the autism spectrum participated in every step of the film process with Travolta and a professional Hollywood film crew. The "red carpet premier" for the film will take place Saturday, October 27 at 7 pm in the Oakland Center, on campus at OU.  The event is open to the public and tickets cost $25.  The honorary chairperson will be Dr. Colleen Allen, CEO of Autism Alliance of Mich.  For more information about this event, call (248) 370-2424 or go to www.oakland.edu/oucares.

A Note to my Readers

I want my readers to take note that last month was my most successful month so far with The Voice from the Spectrum.  September 2012 was the first month so far where my autism awareness blog received more than 1000 page views.  It received 1125 page views to be exact.  That tells me that I am doing my part in raising positive autism awareness.  The two Blog Talk Radio shows I have been involved with are doing very well too.  We have a special broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk coming up in two days.  Although I don't talk about it as much in this blog, The Poet's Interest: With Marilyn and Ryan is doing very well too.  Host Marilyn Francis does a great job organizing the show, as co-host, I just keep things going during the show time.  After I graduate and (hopefully) get a stable job, I will be able to devote more of my time to my fantasy series while continuing to raise positive autism awareness.  I also wanted to thank Kathy Sweeney, director of OUCARES, for everything she has done for me this past year.  She always said that I teach her so much but what good is any teacher without someone who is willing to listen?  Thanks to my readers too.  By listening to what I have to say through The Voice from the Spectrum, together we are all making a world that is more accepting of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autistic Girl Sings "Firework" with Katy Perry

There are many class act celebrities out there.  Katy Perry is one of them.  A few days ago, Perry gave an 11 year old girl with autism a dream experience.  Jodi DiPiazza, who was diagnosed with autism at age two, performed Perry's song "Firework" alongside the pop star in a performance that earned a standing ovation from the audience.  The song itself, "Firework," speaks about overcoming challenges and finding a spark of passion even in the most difficult times.  It is a song I can really relate to as an individual on the spectrum.

For more information, click on the following link:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/10/autistic-girl-jodi-dipiazza-performs-with-katy-perry/

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/22 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This will be a very special broadcast because we will hear from Colin Brennan and his father Gordon just hours before Colin performs on stage at the Genius of Autism in New York City.

The show will air Monday, October 22nd at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time.

The chat room will open about a half hour before the show.  Just create an account on Blog Talk Radio and revisit the show page in order to access a live chat with host Ryan that is ongoing during the broadcast.  If you would like to participate in the show itself, just call in by dialing (619) 393-2848 or you can also call in through Skype.  Just click on the Skype icon after the broadcast starts to call in using Skype.

Tune into what will surely be another informative and inspirational broadcast!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/22 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Breaking Another Employment Barrier

In business school, I was taught about the Glass Ceiling.  Many people believe that an "invisible barrier" prevents women from making it all the way up to senior management in many companies.  This is also associated with pay differences between men and women that are present in many organizations.

Before reading the article referenced below in the blog post, I had never associated autism employment with the Glass Ceiling before.  Recently, five students, who are all on the autism spectrum, all earned their Flash Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certificate yesterday on October 12.  The article mentioned that they are the first group of individuals on the autism spectrum in a vocational program, known as Exceptional Minds, that have achieved this certification.  To read more about Exceptional Minds, click here.

To read more about these talented individuals, click here:

http://www.equities.com/news/news-headline-story?dt=2012-10-12&val=590284&d=1&cat=headline

Genius of Autism

More and more people are recognizing the amazing hidden potential that can found among individuals on the autism spectrum.  In a few weeks, many talented youth who are on the autism spectrum will be recognized for their talents and achievements at the second annual Genius of Autism in New York City.  Among these participants are Dani Bowman, who is 17 years old and on the autism spectrum.  Dani is the CCO of a small animation studio, Powerlight Studios, and will feature her animation at the Genius of Autism.  To learn more about Dani and her animation click here.  Also featured is Colin Brennan.  Colin is a ten year old singer who is on the autism spectrum.  He does such a great job with his music.  To listen to any of Colin's music, tune into Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  I include a link to my upcoming show every week and these links can be used to listen to my shows on demand.  I feature Colin's music in all of my broadcasts.  I'm glad to "know" both Dani and Colin through social media like Facebook and Blog Talk Radio.

Click on the following link to find out more about the Genius of Autism event:

http://www.blacktiemagazine.com/save_the_date_2012/2012_Genius_of_Autism.htm

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/15 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, host Ryan Comins will further discuss the topic of sensory overload in relation to family gatherings and the workplace.  Among the specific topics discussed, Ryan will talk about the security found in familiarity in relation to sensory overload when in new environments with a lot of external stimuli.

This show will broadcast at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time.  Remember, you can participate in the chat room by simply creating an account on Blog Talk Radio.  If you would like, you can also call into the show by dialing (619) 393-2848 or you can also call in through Skype.  Tune into what will surely be an informative and inspirational broadcast.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/15 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Teen with Aspergers becomes Homecoming King

A teen with Aspergers Syndrome was recently named Homecoming King at his Metro Detroit high school.  It was not a joke or a prank of any sort, just the result of some very dedicated and understanding friends.  Eighteen year old Danny Leideker has a lot to be thankful for.  He is attending the Linden High School Homecoming Dance, probably at this very moment as I write these words.  He had two girls that agreed to take turns dancing with him just to show him what it felt like.  Friends on the varsity football team have spent time showing Danny proper social behavior.  This is something that every teen on the spectrum hopes for, including myself when I was in high school, but very few ever receive.  I am happy for Danny to have the help and support of his family and so many great friends.  To read more on this story, click on the following link:

http://www.freep.com/article/20121006/NEWS01/310060036/At-homecoming-and-in-friends-eyes-Linden-teen-with-autism-is-king?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Anxiety Poem

Here is a poem I wrote about anxiety that I feel I should share with my readers:

Anxiety: By Ryan Comins

Irrational Fear

Grips me at

The times where

I am most vulnerable.

When I am anxious

It is at these times

When my decisions

Seem irrelevant

My accomplishments

Seem null.

Everything I am

Is dictated by my fears

My feelings

Determine all

Such are the challenges

Of anxiety.

*I reserve all rights to this poem.  Although, anyone familiar with poetry knows that trying to sell it is no quick and easy way to make money.  It is done through passion or not at all.  

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/08 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, I will interview Frank Allen, who is an accomplished artist on the autism spectrum.  I last interviewed Frank back in June, so this is a great opportunity to catch up with what he has been doing.

This show will air Monday, October 8th at 3:30 pm EST, 1:30 pm PST, and 8:30 pm UK time.  Please note the adjusted show time.

Remember, as always, you can participate in the chat room with any feedback you might have.  You can also call into the show to ask Frank any questions you might have by calling (619) 393-2848.  Tune into what will surely be another great show!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 10/08 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio