My First News Appearance on Autism Awareness

Yesterday, I participated in the 1^st 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.

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.

Employers Gaining Awareness

Employer autism awareness is rising.  More companies are realizing the benefits of hiring high functioning autistic individuals.  Apart from our dedication to what is interesting to us, employers also don't have to worry about excessive socialization for those with high functioning autism.

Now, you won't be able to read this entire source unless you subscribe to this newspaper, which costs a bit of money.  I didn't read the whole article, but I think it is more important to know that the autism awareness message is being heard by employers.  To read my source, click here: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/14/awareness-growing-for-benefits-those.html

Going for the Gold at the Rebecca Olympics

While the 2012 Summer Olympics draw to a close in the United Kingdom, a school in New York City is hosting some Olympic inspired events themselves.  The Rebecca School for developmentally disabled children in Manhattan held events of their own for the children with autism who attend in celebration of the Olympic events occurring "across the pond," as the English say.

Over the past week, the Rebecca School has transformed their gym into an Olympic Stadium.  Events ranging from shot put to sprinting where held.  While the children on the spectrum might not necessarily lack the physical strength needed to participate in shot put, due to the neurological nature of autism, information processing is often the key hindering issue in such events.  For more information about this event, click here.

Dennis Leary Autistic Statement Response

I have never been particularly fond of practical jokes.  I personally prefer slapstick comedy like "The Three Stooges," or "America's Funniest Home Videos," or even "World's Dumbest Drivers."  However, in my experience, practical jokes are normally someone laughing at my expense.  I just never know how to react.

Recently, actor Dennis Leary made comments in his book about autism that has greatly offended many parents of autistic children as a joke.  Now, Leary is a good actor.  I particularly like the character "Diego" from the "Ice Age" franchise.  It won't stop me from seeing the new "Ice Age" movie. However, I can honestly say that I was offended by his statements that blamed parents for the behavior of their autistic children and stating that autistic kids are just "lazy" or "stupid."

That really irks me to no end.  I may have had difficulties in my own past where even I considered myself stupid, but in five months I will graduate from college with a Bachelor of Science and a 3.3 GPA.  If that is considered "stupid" then we really need to rethink our priorities as a society.  Jokes are supposed to be funny. Comparing stupid or lazy people to those many people on the spectrum is a very poor excuse for a joke, in my opinion.

To read the article about Leary's comments made in his book, click here.