The #Flu Prevention Resource Sheet

The U.S. flu season is just beginning and can last until May (with peak infections hitting between December and February). While it’s far too early to predict the severity of this year’s flu season in the U.S., physicians are encouraging everyone to vaccinate ahead of the anticipated peak infection times. The following resources serve as a guide for healthcare workers, teachers and concerned parents seeking additional flu-related facts and information. Remember: stay healthy and stay informed! Flu Prevention Resources The CDC's Flu Guide https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ Emergency Flu Symptoms Pay attention to particular symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain or severe abdominal pain indicate a need to go to the hospital. Check out all symptoms and more information. https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-you-should-go-to-the-hospital-with-the-flu-770306 Flu Prevention Prevent the flu to the best…

0 Comments

(PSA) Why Swimming Lessons are Critical for Kids on the #Autism Spectrum

Why Swimming Lessons are Critical for Kids on the Autism Spectrum By: Michael Morris, Goldfish Swim School Everybody in the pool! Yes, that really means everybody. It is widely recognized that all kids need swim lessons. In fact, the American Red Cross says that the number one thing that parents can do to keep kids safer around water is to enroll them in swim lessons. Researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health recently conducted a study that concluded that children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than the general pediatric population. The lead researcher stated, “Given the exceptionally heightened risk of drowning for children with autism, swimming classes should be the intervention of top priority.” (Source: My Autism.Org) https://youtu.be/WE3NIKGEhOM The swim and water safety…

0 Comments

Never Underestimate the Power of a Chicken

Never Underestimate the Power of a Chicken by Kristin Jarvis Adams (Based on an article originally published in the Washington Post) When my son was in the third grade, he brought home a baby chick. That day Andrew, who has autism, had his first real conversation. But it wasn’t with me. It was with the little-mottled chick he named Frightful. “You are my new friend,” he told her. “You know my heart.” For the first time, he was able to string words together that revealed his hopes and dreams, and all the scary feelings that had no name. Stuffed into his jacket and zippered up to her beak, the scrappy little hen went everywhere.  It was clear that I was no longer the most important chick in town. When I…

0 Comments

Colgate and MagnusCards helping Special Needs kids with oral hygiene #ColgatePartner

This post is sponsored by #ColgatePartner and is intended to share my family’s experiences using their oral hygiene social stories to help our kids with Autism maintain good oral hygiene. Being an Autism parent is full of many challenges. We all face a unique set of circumstances, but there are usually a few common threads that tie us all together. One of the challenges my family faces is regarding helping our kids with Autism learn personal hygiene. In my experience, with my kids, personal hygiene is something that doesn't seem to come naturally, especially with my oldest. One of the most essential elements of personal hygiene is maintaining good oral health. This has always been problematic because my oldest struggles with a lack of self-awareness and reduced memory function. He…

0 Comments

URGENT: Ohio General Assembly wants to freeze Medicaid enrollment

​This is a message from the Autism Society of Greater Akron. I'm simply helping to spread the word, and drum up support. Please take a second and read this, especially if you're in Ohio.. I fully support the Autism Society.. When they speak, we need to listen.  This week, Ohio's legislature passed a budget bill that freezes enrollments in expanded Medicaid after July 1, 2018. The bill has been passed to Governor Kasich and he is expected to veto the language that freezes enrollments.  If that happens, the legislature may have the votes to override his veto and pass the enrollment freeze into law.   Here's what you need to know and how you can help: The Autism Society of Ohio and other ASA affiliates around the state have sent letters to the…

0 Comments

(PSA) Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart, Hosts 3rd Annual Event with World-Renowned Speakers, October 8-9

​Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart, Hosts 3rd Annual Event with World-Renowned Speakers, October 8-9 -Love & Autism collaborates with professional speakers to discuss the paradigms about love and relationships for those on the autism spectrum as well as those who have been affected by autism-   San Diego, Calif. (August 17, 2016) – Hundreds of guests will come together October 8-9, 2016, to attend the third annual Love & Autism event, a conference to inspire and bring awareness to the fact that every individual, even those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, deserves to be loved and have high-quality relationships in life. Held at Liberty Station Conference Center in San Diego, Calif, the two-day conference will feature world-renowned professional speakers in the autism field and role models in the…

0 Comments

Do you know the differences between an IEP and a 504? Which is best for your child? 

One of the big things that parents of kids with Autism have to deal with in regards to school, is this little thing called an IEP. An IEP is vital for our kids education but they're also extremely confusing. There's also something called a 504 and while it's similar in nature to an IEP, there are some major differences. I wanted to share some information that I learned during my recent IEP and 504 meeting for my two youngest in grade school. I hope this helps to answer your questions and decide which is best for your child. [embeddoc url="https://www.theautismdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IEP-v-504-1.pdf" download="all"] Brought to you by understood.org

0 Comments