Michigan Autism Plan

Late last year, the state of Michigan released their plan to cope with the growing numbers of people diagnosed with ASD.

For anyone interested in viewing the Michigan ASD State plan, click here:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/autism/ASDStatePlan_2_19_13_Final_414143_7.pdf

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 05/06 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will take place Monday, May 6th at 5 pm EST, 2 pm PST, and 10 pm GMT.

This show will feature autism advocate Erin Clemens.  Individuals with Aspergers Syndrome are still unique individuals that are not defined by their diagnosis.  Albert Einstein and Henry Ford are both believed to have had Aspergers Syndrome. 

Tune into the show to celebrate the special talents of people with Aspergers Syndrome.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 05/06 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Beauty Queen Lends Support for Autism

One of the best ways to raise autism awareness is to involve a public figure in the picture.  This helps to gain interest from people who would not otherwise pay any attention to autism awareness.  Jessica Billings, Miss Pennsylvania participated in the HeART for Autism family program earlier today.  This beauty queen is passionate about raising autism awareness.  Jessica has an older brother who is on the autism spectrum.

Click here to read more: http://thephilanews.com/miss-pennsylvania-usa-to-help-raise-awareness-for-autism-spectrum-disorders-39676.htm

Red Sox Raise Autism Awareness

In light of autism awarenss month, many people and organizations are getting involved with the action.  This includes the Boston Red Sox.  Tomorrow, the Red Sox are going to offer accomodations for those on the spectrum who would like to attend the big game.  Also, during pregame ceremonies, children on the spectrum will also perform activities that include throwing the first pitch of the game.  Among the accomdations offered will be a quiet zone for children dealing with sensory issues as well as providing information about how families of those children on the spectrum should prepare for game day.

To read more, click here: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2013/04/red_sox_lend_a.html

What DSM-5 Means for Autism

Starting a May, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manuel of of Mental Disorders, otherwise known as DSM-5, will be published and implemented in the medical community.  This development has received a lot of media attention lately due to the effect that this revision with have on the way autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed.  Most notably, individuals who receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis will no longer be labled with the following two conditions: Aspergers Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

There has been some concern as to whether the revision will effect services received by those on the autism spectrum.  Services that are necesarry for daily function and peace of mind.  While only time will tell, the revision website states that "no information about treatment is included in DSM.  While determining an accurate diagnosis is the first step for the clinician in defining s treatment plan for a patient, DSM contains no recommendations on what that course of treatment should be." (DSM website)

Since individuals on the spectrum are so different from one another, treatment is varied depending on individual needs.  While there are many concerns based on the information on this website, those on the spectrum will continue to receive present services ASD related needs.  Of course, only time will tell as these changes go into effect next week.

For more information about DSM-5, click here: http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 04/25 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will air Thursday, April 25th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm GMT.

This show will be the first broadcast in the series adults with Aspergers.  The point of the series will be to highlight a number of unique adults diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at different life stages to give them an  opportunity to tell their stories.  Featured guests will be John Bowen Brown and Cassidy Eden.

Mark your calendars.  Hope you can make it.  If you are busy during the scheduled show time, you can always come back and listen to the show on demand at your convenience.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 04/25 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

In Recognition of a Hard Week

I just wanted to take a moment to say that I am saddened by the tragedies that have happened this week in Boston and in West, Texas.  My heart goes out to all those who were affected by both tragedies.

Autistic Empathy

There was a time in my life when I really didn't understand autism.  While trying to describe what autism was to a friend, I said that people on the autism spectrum do not feel emotions.  I now know just how wrong I was.

An article titled "A Radical 'New Autism Theory" explains about a new theory that I do not feel is radical at all.  It puts into words a feeling I have been examining within myself.  I have come to the conclusion that my autism makes me sensitive to the emotions of the people around me.  I can't always say what is causing someone to feel distressed but I suspect that I can sense other people's emotions as though they are my own.  Not in any situation but only when the emotions are strong.  One time, I had to give someone bad news and I  knew they were getting distressed because I started to get distressed too.  It was clear to me that the emotion I was feeling wasn't mine.  So you could say that I am a little bit of an epath.  It was strange to discover that I possess some empathetic qualities which I'm sure many other people on the spectrum also have.

In "A Radical New Autism Theory," an individual on the autism spectrum was interviewed, speaking about how they can "feel all the emotions of someone in a room" faster than they are able to process.  I'm sure that the degree of emotional sensitivity varies from person to person, but I now know that I can feel what others around me are feeling, to a certain extent.

It was very difficult for me to recognize this tendency for the longest time, since I used to assume, as many people on the spectrum do, that everyone knows what I know and feels what I feel.  It has taken me a long time to recognize that the reason I have difficulty handling conflict is because the emotions of those around me affect me.

I'm certain that I will speak about this topic more in the future.  To read the article that inspired this blog post, click here.

Thoughts?  Leave a comment below.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 04/18 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will take place Thursday, April 18th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm GMT.

This show will be the first in the series Adults with Aspergers featuring autism advocate Erin Clemens.  Individuals with Aspergers Syndrome are still unique individuals that are not defined by their diagnosis.  Albert Einstein and Henry Ford are both believed to have had Aspergers Syndrome.  

Tune into the show to celebrate the special talents of people with Aspergers Syndrome.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 04/18 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

The Future of Autism Awareness

Autism is characterized by a set of behaviors that is subjective in nature. There is a human element involved that cannot be characterized through data or statistics. Everyone on the spectrum has a story to tell and they should be encouraged to tell those stories. The 1/50 numbers have been viewed as a wake-up call for many people.  Businesses are beginning to recognize that autism is not going to go away and cannot be ignored any longer. Many businesses are beginning to develop products and services to meet the needs of those on the spectrum.

We also need to help businesses see the potential value in hiring employees on the autism spectrum.  Those with lower functioning autism, under the right conditions, could potentially perform a simple, repetitive task with the efficiency of a factory machine.  Those with higher functioning autism, such as Aspergers, are being found more and more in the tech world working with computers.  With the numbers going up, for whatever reason, we need to help those who have been diagnosed with autism to best fit into the world.

Business executives don't like uncertainty and we need to help them see how people on the spectrum can be predictable if certain actions are taken and sensory issues are identified and removed. We also need to remove the misconceptions people have about autism and that's where awareness comes in.

Any thoughts?  Leave a comment below!

Autism Scholarship Offered in Bahamas

An important milestone in the fight for autism acceptance has been reached.  When I was growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, living with autism was more of a solitary journey.  Not only did children on the spectrum feel isolated but in many cases their family members also could feel isolated as well.  This was especially true for family members of those with classic autism.

No longer does anyone on the spectrum feel alone.  There are many online resources available for individuals on the spectrum as well as their family members.  Autism Brainstorm is one such online community that connects those on the autism spectrum.  Anyone with an Internet connection can participate.

In the Bahamas, a scholarship is being offered to junior high school students and high school students who submit a 300 word essay on the topic of autism awareness month.  The scholarship is offered through FirstCare Medical Plan and R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas, as well as the Ministry of Education.  The grand prize winner will receive $300  with the first and second runner up receiving $200 each.  All winners will also receive prizes from a number of corporate sponsors.  More information about the scholarship, which is offered only to students living within the Bahamas, can be found here.

It is my hope that this scholarship will be one of many that provide incentive for grade school and college students to learn more about autism.  These students are the future of America and will someday make the decisions that will effect the lives of those on the autism spectrum.

Also, read the article that inspired this post.

Empire State Building Lights up Blue for Autism

Due to urging from Autism Speaks, the Empire State Building in New York City recently lit up blue for autism awareness.  The involvement of such a prominent American symbol is working to raise awareness for autism.  To view this awesome sight and find out more about the Autism Speaks "Light it up Blue Campaign" click here:

http://www.lightitupblue.org/Markslist/showHomePage.do

Further Evidence that Autism is not linked to Violence

This video from CNN presents further evidence that autism is not related to violence:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/06/opinion/robison-autism-violence/index.html

Broadcast in Recognition of Autism Awareness Month

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk. During this broadcast, I will be discussing Autism Awareness Month as well as giving some personal insights into my life as an individual with high functioning autism. This show will air Thursday, April 4th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm GMT. If you cannot tune into the broadcast live, you can use the same link to listen to the show on demand. I hope you can make it.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/positivelyautistic/2013/04/04/junior-positively-autistic-ryans-spectrum-talk

 

Looking to Tell Your Story?

Do you have a story you would like to share about your autistic child?  Are you on the autism spectrum and would like to talk about your experience?  Do you have a business that meets the needs of those on the autism spectrum?  Or are you a decision maker who can make a difference in the lives of those with autism?  You can come on my show Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk!  This show is one of many shows that are sponsored by the international autism awareness charity Positively Autistic.

I have hosted this weekly podcast since February 2012, featuring a number of unique guests who are all affected by autism spectrum disorder.  This could be the chance that you are looking for to tell your story!  The show airs every Thursday at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm GMT.  If you are interested, email me at rcoakland2012@gmail.com.

Happy Easter!

I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a happy easter!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 03/28 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  The guest for this show will be Stephanie Aberlich, business owner and autism advocate  Stephanie has a photography company, Hatch Boutique, that serves the needs of special needs families.  She also teaches photography to teens on the autism spectrum at OUCARES programs.

This show will air Thursday, March 28th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 10 pm UK time.

If you can't make it to the scheduled show time, you can listen visit the show page after the show is over to listen on demand at your convenience.  I hope you can make it.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 03/28 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Autism Film Produced by Mom

This story was recently published in The Oakland Press about two boys with autism who were recently featured in a documentary.  Carter and Bakary Thiero.  Their mother, Vana helped produce a one hour and forty minute documentary about autism.  This documentary is called "My Theiro Boys: A Lifestyle of Dealing with Autism."  Vana was a former senior video editor for CNN.

The story was written by my good friend, former colleague, and disability advocate Jerry Wolffe.  Jerry has cerebral palsy.

To read the story, click here:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/15/news/local_news/doc51427851c7ed0704631898.txt?viewmode=fullstory

1/50 Diagnosed with Autism

New numbers were announced earlier this week.  Autism diagnosis rates have climbed to 1/50.   This leads to many questions and quite a few emotional responses.   However, it is important to consider where these numbers came from.  I brought up the topic during my Thursday podcast to my guest, Colleen Allen, who is the CEO of Autism Alliance of Michigan.  Allen stated that she is "not too sure," about the new numbers, at least until she can see how the information was derived.  According to Allen, statistics about autism have been collected before through phone surveys with parents and diagnosis are not necessarily confirmed.  It does not mean that autism hasn't risen, but I think it is important not to get caught up in the sensationalism associated with these new numbers.  Some people's jobs depend on how many people they can get to listen to them and fear is a good motivator.  Hence the sensationalism.  Let's try to look at this objectively with a clear head before we decide what to do about it.

My Show with Colleen Allen

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk. This show will air Thursday, March 21st at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 10 pm UK time on Blog Talk Radio. This show will feature the CEO of Autism Alliance of Michigan, Colleen Allen. 

If you can't make it to the show, you can always tune in on demand. Hope you can make it.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/positivelyautistic/2013/03/21/junior-positively-autistic-ryans-spectrum-talk

 

Tune Into my Podcast 3/14/13 on Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, I will talk about my autism awareness blog, The Voice from the Spectrum, which passed 15,000 page views over the weekend.  This show will air Thursday, March 14th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 10 pm UK time.  If you can't tune into the broadcast live, you can always use the show link to listen on demand.  Hope you can make it.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/positivelyautistic/2013/03/14/junior-positively-autistic-ryans-spectrum-talk

Uncle Ryan: The Voice from the Spectrum

I just wanted to announce in this post that I am going to be an uncle.  My younger brother and his girlfriend are going to have a baby this summer.  I look forward to using my gift with words to inspire my future niece or nephew.  I will strive to help my niece or nephew to accept those who are on the autism spectrum.

Girl with Autism Sings Journey Song

Take a look at this inspiring video.  This girl who is on the autism spectrum sings the Journey Song, "Don't Stop Believing."  Truly heartwarming:

Singer with Autism holds Fundraiser

Colin Brennan is a 10 year old singer from Canada who happens to be on the autism spectrum.  Right now, Colin is striving to raise $2,300 in order to accept an invitation to travel to England and sing in the 2nd annual "Autism's Got Talent."  This is a truly extraordinary opportunity for a boy who did not start talking until age seven.  I encourage my readers to help Colin if it is within your means.  So far, Colin has received 20 donations that amount to $645.  

It should also be noted that Colin was recently accepted to audition for a part the musical stage play, "Les Miserables."  The show will take place in Toronto, Ontario.  Colin will audition for the role of the child "Gavroche."  This is a boy with a bundle of talent and a bright future.

Colin and his father Gordon have their own Blog Talk Radio podcast and were kind enough to feature me as a guest on their show just after the new year.

Colin and his father Gordon do not often ask for help but they do need assistance in order to pay for the flights to and from England.  I have spoken with Colin personally on numerous occasions and he truly is a credit to the autism community.  If it is within your means, please help out Colin.

To donate and find out more, click on the following link:

http://www.gofundme.com/22brtc?pc=fb_cr

A Writing Opportunity

In this post, I want to take time to reveal something that I have been sitting on for a few weeks.  My friend and fellow autism advocate, Dani Bowman, asked me to co-write a script for an autism awareness TV show.  In a few months, this show will be pitched to major film studios in LA.     It is a certainly an exciting opportunity.  I hope that I can use this story to inspire you to see what is possible for the autism spectrum.  More updates to come in the future.

Everyone of the Spectrum Has a Talent

I firmly believe that everyone on the autism spectrum has a talent.  There are many examples of such talent: my friend Colin Brennan is ten years old and an excellent singer.  He memorizes his songs simply by listening to them.  My other friend Dani Bowman is skilled with animation.  Frank Allen is also a skilled artist.  I know of individuals on the spectrum who, if given a date off of a calender, could name at least one person who has a birthday.  When I was a kid, I could name all the presidents and all fifty states in America along with many State Capitals.  If you have a child on the spectrum, have you identified their talent yet?  If you have, how could this become a potential career?  If you haven't, try to watch your child closely in order to determine what that talent might be.  Try experiments, like giving that child a marker and a blank sheet of paper and see what happens.  There are many possibilities associated with autism.  It's important not to give up!  Under the right conditions, someone on the autism spectrum can literally change the world.

Support an Autism Advocate

Autism advocacy can be very difficult for many individuals on the spectrum.  After dealing with a lifetime of different issues that almost no one could relate to, we are now opening up, exposing ourselves, in the hope that others will understand.  My friend, Cassidy Eden, is striving to raise money to support her autism advocacy.  She would like to able to travel and tell her story about living on the autism spectrum.  Cassidy lives in a small town in Mississippi, graduated at the top of her class, and does not have enough money to attend college at this point.  Cassidy also has Aspergers Syndrome and Turners Syndrome, but graduated from high school near the top of her class.

To find out more information about donating, click on the following link:

https://tsf.myetap.org/fundraiser/MyStory/individual.do?participationRef=3829.0.366487611

More Info on Autism Summit

Click on the following link to view one of the news broadcasts about the Autism Summit at Oakland University:

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/21303050/oakland-university-hosts-autism-summit

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

Tune into what will surely be another great show!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/positivelyautistic/2013/02/14/junior-positively-autistic-ryans-spectrum-talk

 

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.

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

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.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/31 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will air Thursday, January 31st at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.

If you are on the autism spectrum or have a child who is on the spectrum, you are probably familiar with predictability.  Meaning, your child might have a meltdown if there is a small change in a predicted routine.  Or as an individual on the spectrum, you find that you can't explain to others why such a small change bothers you so much; all you know is that a small change makes you feel panicked.

During this broadcast, I am going to explore the topic of predictability involving those on the autism spectrum and use some real life examples from my own experience.

Tune into what will sure be an insightful and inspirational broadcast!


Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/31 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Groundhog Thoughts

A week from today is Ground Hog day.  Perhaps you are familiar with the Bill Murray film "Groundhog Day" where Murray's character inexplicably relived the same day over and over again.  Over the course of the movie, Murray's character was able to change and become a better person.  In other words, through a force unknown, he was able to find the right conditions that enabled him to become a better person.

I have said a lot lately that under the right conditions, someone on the autism spectrum could literally change the world. but what exactly are those right conditions and where do they come from.  Well, to put it simply, finding the right conditions is a game of chance where a particular activity or therapy or hobby causes your autistic child to open up in a way that he or she has never done before.  It's all about recognizing opportunities.  As a parent, who can really say that they know your child better than you do?  When you see your child with autism respond to something, just go with it.  You don't necessarily have to understand why.

Over time, repeating the same day over and over again, Bill Murray's character in "Groundhog Day" was able to use the opportunity to really make a difference.  My brother once told me that Murray's character spent about ten years reliving the same day over again.  In reality, we don't have the time to do what Murray's character did, but we can recognize opportunities when they present themselves.  Jumping on this sort of opportunity can change the life of your autistic child for the better.

Rubik's Cube Wizard on the Spectrum

Max Parks is a ten year old boy who is on the autism spectrum who happens to possess an extraordinary gift.  What previously started as a form of therapy has become a distinguishing talent.  Max not only can quickly solve a Rubik's cube puzzle, but he prides himself on breaking his own records.  People on the spectrum have a keen ability to recognize patterns.  You can read more about this in my post Autism as an Advantage.

See for your self in this video, where Max solves a Rubik's cube puzzle in under 15 seconds.  Recently, (name) competed in a competition against college students other long time Rubik's cube solvers, and distinguished himself by solving the a six by six Rubik's cube is less than four minutes, beating a number of older competitors.  Max is a great example of how the introduction of the right conditions have allowed him to succeed in ways that never could have been anticipated.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/24 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 Sandra Lang, fellow member of Positively Autistic, as she discusses her experiences since Superstorm Sandy.  Sandra lives in Long Island New York and her neighborhood was devastated by the storm.  Sandra's son Michael is on the autism spectrum.  This show will air Thursday, January 24th 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 01/24 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

In Recognition of MLK Day

When Martin Luther King announced those decades ago that he had a dream, I don't think that his words can be used to only proclaim equality between races.  In his words, he had a dream that his four children would grow up in a world where people were not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  I believe those words can be extended to to include those with disabilities and those with autism.  So let us continue to work to accomplish his dream and add what knowledge we have since obtained, about autism and about other disabilities so that we all will be defined not by how we appear visually but the content of our character.  Our ability to love and build upon what humanity has accomplished in the past.  Let this dream become reality.

Recover from Autism?

When I entered college six years ago, I started to become more open to others about my autism spectrum disorder.  Prior to that time, I carefully observed other people before I revealed to them that I was on the spectrum.  This was because I did not really know what their reactions might be and I also did not really understand the extent of my own autism spectrum disorder.

After first starting at Oakland University after attending community college classes for two years, I met with a counselor in the disability services office to discuss what accomadations I could receive for writing difficulties I was experiencing at that time.  I remember when they were looking at my files, they exclaimed that they never would have guessed that I was on the autism spectrum just by looking at me.

There were other times too, before I started to write The Voice from the Spectrum, where I revealed to others that I was on the spectrum and was met with surprise.  By that time, many of my previous social difficulties had dwindled away.  Many of the difficulties I once experienced in the past had been overcome, such as many some stimming motions, my verbal communication difficulties, my academic difficulties, and most recently, my social difficulties.  In the latter case, I let go of the vision I carried of being popular and found a small group of friends who I spend time with frequently.

Is it possible for everyone to recover from autistic difficulties?  I don't know.  I can only share my story and hope to inspire others with what I have done.  To read more about this topic, click on the following link:

http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2013/01/can-you-really-recover-from-autism

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/17 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, I will interview Christinna Guzman and her son Nick Guzman about Nick's accomplishments as a musician and the challenges he has overcome as an individual on the autism spectrum.

This show will air Thursday, January 17th 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 01/17 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Take A Look at My New Website

About a week ago, I created my own website to display a lot of my writing and to advertise my book.  It contains content from The Voice from the Spectrum, as well as a number of other writing accomplishments.  I have also used the site to introduce new information about my work-in-progress fantasy series.  To view my website, click on the following link: www.ryancominswriting.com

Beauty Queen on the Spectrum

Those on the spectrum continue to defy the odds that once restricted us.  In this post, I'm going to share one more glamorous example of what is possible for someone on the autism spectrum.  Alexis Wineman is representing the state of Montana in the Miss America pageant.  Alexis is one girl who has defied the odds that once restricted her.  The basis of her success story is similar the stories of many other individuals on the autism spectrum.  Alexis never imagined ever entering a beauty pageant, just as I never thought I would be a writer or podcast host, and just as many others on the spectrum are successful in ways they never believed possible.  While this doesn't reduce the difficulties associated with autism, the story told by Alexis reflects my own story in many ways.  Our story reflects the stories of so many other self advocates, the ones who received a chance at a crucial moment in our past, and are now living lives we never believed possible.  There is definitely a trend between all the stories told by self advocates.  As Alexis says, people on the spectrum should be viewed as a different type of person who has different needs but is fully capable of succeeding.

To read more about Alexis's story, click on the following link:

http://thelook.today.com/_news/2013/01/10/16447581-miss-montana-is-first-autistic-contestant-for-miss-america?lite

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/10 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 Anthony Ianni, who is on the autism spectrum, and a former basketball player at Michigan State .University.  Anthony also advocate autism by working with the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

The show will air Thursday, January 10th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.

If you have any questions for Anthony or I during the show, you can call in by dialing (619) 393-2848 or call in through Skype.  Just create a free account on Blog Talk Radio and click on the Skype icon after the start of the show.  

Tune into what will surely be an excellent and inspirational broadcast!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 01/10 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

German Company only Hires Autistic Employees

A German company is providing many job opportunities for those on the autism spectrum.  Auticon will only hire those with Aspergers Syndrome as software designers.  This opportunity is huge for many on the high functioning end of the spectrum, due to difficulties obtaining employment.  Those on the spectrum working for Auticon use the gifts associated with Aspergers Syndrome to bring value to the company.  A unique skill displayed by these employees is the ability to perceive pattern in complex lines of computer code.  We can only hope that more companies in the IT industry will recognize the benefits of hiring those on the autism spectrum.

To find out more, click on the following link:

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=241470

Parents File Lawsuit for Therapy Coverage

A couple is battling for their their son a lawsuit against the state Ohio.  Robert and Holly Young, parents of a two year old autistic boy, are fighting to have their son receive applied behavioral analysis.  Their son has been diagnosed with moderate to severe autism. State attorneys have argued that the law does not specifically state that Robert and Holly Young's son receive coverage for applied behavioral analysis.  The lawsuit was filed days before the governor of Ohio, John Kasich, expressed his interest and support for a program that would require health insurance companies to cover therapy and treatment for those on the autism spectrum.  This plan is slated to go into effect in 2014.

I hope that the Young family prove successful and are able to give their son the best life possible.  Click on the following link to read more about this story:

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/03/judge-rules-for-family-in-autism-suit.html