WEATHER ALERT
Autism Awareness Month
How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangers
Read full article: How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangersThe heartbreaking story of 4-year-old Waylon Childs, who was found dead a body of water in Ormond Beach on Sunday, has brought renewed attention to a critical issue: The heightened risk of drowning among children with autism.
‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their community
Read full article: ‘Understanding, accepting, embracing:’ How these twins with autism inspire their communityFor Anthony and Sammy Taormina, there are two dates that define their lives as people with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to read
Read full article: ‘What should more people understand about autism?’ Your responses are so important to readConsidering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the park
Read full article: From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the parkLEGOLAND Florida was the first LEGOLAND park in North America to become a Certified Autism Center and with four quiet spaces and sensory guides all over the park, they’re making it easy for families to plan a vacation and get the most out of it.
UCF, Dr. Phillips Center partner for concert series serving people with autism, other needs
Read full article: UCF, Dr. Phillips Center partner for concert series serving people with autism, other needsAn annual partnership with the University of Central Florida and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando is wrapping up, with a concert catering to those with autism or other special needs.
Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’
Read full article: Teacher’s perspective: ‘If you have met one child with autism, then you have only met one child with autism’A teacher who helps preside over a program for students with autism, Carrie Jones knows full well some aspects the general public might not understand.
Orlando Water Park hosts sensory-friendly event for children with autism
Read full article: Orlando Water Park hosts sensory-friendly event for children with autismAbove the Wake, a nonprofit aimed at creating positive experiences on the water for children with autism, held its annual autism awareness event in Orlando over the weekend.
Seminole County Fair offers sensory-friendly day for final weekend
Read full article: Seminole County Fair offers sensory-friendly day for final weekendThe fair at the Seminole Towne Center Mall is hosting a “sensory sensitive” experience on Sunday, partnering with the nonprofit Special Needs Advocacy Program.
Flagler Beach Surfers for Autism event moved due to beach erosion, police say
Read full article: Flagler Beach Surfers for Autism event moved due to beach erosion, police sayThe 11th annual Surfers for Autism event in Flagler Beach has been moved due to beach erosion on the north side of the Pier, according to the Flagler Beach Police Department.
📘‘She can’t talk, but she still wants to play:’ Teacher, mom encourages autism inclusivity with children’s book
Read full article: 📘‘She can’t talk, but she still wants to play:’ Teacher, mom encourages autism inclusivity with children’s bookEvery parent has a different story when it comes to their kids’ growth and development.
4-year-old has a truly unforgettable day at his happy place. And no, it’s not Disney World or Chuck E. Cheese.
Read full article: 4-year-old has a truly unforgettable day at his happy place. And no, it’s not Disney World or Chuck E. Cheese.Jaxon Maples is a 4-year-old boy with autism, and many days, he has trouble communicating and speaking clearly. But there is one place where those things aren’t a problem for him.
Running Man Theatre Company gives actors with autism the chance to shine in the spotlight
Read full article: Running Man Theatre Company gives actors with autism the chance to shine in the spotlightA Central Florida nonprofit that serves children and adults with autism is expanding its services, which include helping participants gain skills and confidence on the stage and in their everyday lives.
A guide to sensory-friendly activities, resources in Central Florida
Read full article: A guide to sensory-friendly activities, resources in Central FloridaAs World Autism Awareness Month is about to begin, we highlight what Central Florida has to offer with multiple sensory-friendly activities, as well as resources for families with members on the autism spectrum. Here is a list of some of those places, ranging from theme parks to resource centers.
Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?
Read full article: Tell us: What’s something you wish more people understood about autism?Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?
State Rep. Daisy Morales hosts autism awareness event in Orlando
Read full article: State Rep. Daisy Morales hosts autism awareness event in OrlandoApril is Autism Awareness Month, and to support families with children on the spectrum, a state representative and an Orlando city commissioner are teaming up to connect the community with resources.
5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
Read full article: 5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemicOne way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
🔓Puzzle Ranch provides visitors with sensory-friendly, outdoor destination in Lake County
Read full article: 🔓Puzzle Ranch provides visitors with sensory-friendly, outdoor destination in Lake CountyA family in Lake County is making it their mission to provide a safe and fun space for kids and adults who have autism or other disabilities.
What is autism masking? Understanding this complex survival strategy in adults
Read full article: What is autism masking? Understanding this complex survival strategy in adultsAutism can be explained medically as a bio-neurological development disability, but to get into the nuanced details is quite a bit more complicated.
Young man with autism authors book about inclusion, aims to stock school libraries and educate all
Read full article: Young man with autism authors book about inclusion, aims to stock school libraries and educate allFor much of his life, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, has dealt with exclusion from his peers.
Officer helps in rescue of teddy bear after boy with autism makes 911 call
Read full article: Officer helps in rescue of teddy bear after boy with autism makes 911 callA young boy’s parents are grateful to a police officer who showed up at their home after an unusual 911 call from their 12-year-old son with autism.
Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat people
Read full article: Take note: This teen with autism wrote the perfect guide on how to treat peopleAfter dealing with exclusion by his peers over the years, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, penned and published a pamphlet in which he basically guides people on how to treat those with disabilities.