Tag Archives: Autism Awareness

Sensory-Friendly Showings of The Lorax, Mirror, Mirror and more at AMC

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AMC and Autism Society of America have teamed up once again to bring sensory-friendly special screenings of current, hit movies to families. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

March 10 – Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

April 7 – Mirror Mirror

May 5 – Pirates! Band of Misfits

June 2 – Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

All shows are at 10:00 am local time.

Click here for a complete list of participating theatres.

Call for Conferences & Workshops

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We strive to help our readers be informed about upcoming conferences, workshops, and trainings on ABA, Verbal Behavior and Speech-Language Therapy. If you know of an event that will help parents and educators of children with autism or other developmental delays, please let us know about it! No matter how big or how small. You can email info about your event to abigail@difflearn.com.

We’re always happy to send catalogs or a door prize for your attendees so don’t hesitate to contact us. Help us help our parents and teachers educate and inspire!

We’ll let our readers know about your event on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as on our site where we keep a running list of upcoming conferences at https://www.difflearn.com/events.

The Art of Alex Masket

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A friend of ours recently introduced us to the art of Alex Masket and we were so blown away by his talent and process, we wanted to share it with all of you. Alex is 24 years old and has severe autism, which greatly inhibits his ability to communicate verbally. According to his website, Alex is a “completely self-taught artist whose work is focused on the interaction of color and form. Utilizing various media in unorthodox ways to realize his vision, Alex has a wholly individualistic process, creating pieces that are intricately composed and beautifully balanced. Alex throws his whole body into his creations, using a highly kinetic process akin to drumming.”

 

The United Nations Postal Administration is issuing stamps in recognition of World Autism Day on April 2, 2012. The goal is for the stamps, and the artists who designed them, to raise awareness about what is now a global cause. has chosen Alex’s Lego® composition “Kinetic Blue” as one of eight images in its Autism Awareness commemorative stamp series. You can read more about all of the stamps and the artists in the UN Press release here.

In addition, Dennis Connors created a must-see award-winning short documentary about Alex and his work titled Breaking Boundaries: the Art of Alex Masket. You can see the trailer below and the full film on Alex’s website at alexmasket.com.


We hope you enjoy and are as moved by the art of Alex as we are.

Share Your Experience: Call for Photos

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Would you like to be featured in the next Different Roads catalog? We’d love to shine a spotlight on you and your child’s journey. Send us a photo of your students using your favorite product from Different Roads. Or send us one that captures your child’s triumphs, both large and small. We’ll be honoring your experience in our next issue.
 
If you’re interested in participating, send a photo with your name and contact information to abigail@difflearn.com with the subject line CATALOG PHOTO.

 

 

 

Reactions to the Proposed Changes in the DSM-V

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There have been a lot of strong reactions to the proposed changes to the criteria for an Autism diagnosis in the revised DSM-V. We wanted to present some thoughts from some of the people we rely on most:

From Julie Azuma:

We’ve all known for some time that the DSM V is going to exclude some children on the spectrum as in the Asperger’s Syndrome student. Everyone has been asking what we think about it.  The article in last week’s NY Times, alarmed many of our families.

 When Different Roads started participating in the autism community back in 1995, Asperger’s Syndrome was little known.  Somewhere around the year 2002, there was an answer to so many parents who questioned the behaviors of their kids.  Michael John Corley, an advocate of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome said in the NY Times last week, and I paraphrase…”some people needed to give it a name and to understand. ”

For those parents of children who are more classically affected by autism, they will continue to get services; those without language, academic or daily living skills.  And we want them to continue to get support.

Even if Asperger’s Syndrome or PDD NOS in no longer in the DSM V, we think that the cat is out of the bag.   Awareness has already set in.  Parents will continue to advocate and fight for services, classes and programs for their children. One way or another, this will not be a setback but a new road of discovery on ways to support all of our kids.

We know our parents, and we know that they won’t give up getting whatever their children need.

 From Justin DiScalfani, Clinical Director of The Elija School

The proposed changes to the DSM-V for the Autism Spectrum Disorders would have a profound impact on those dealing with this disability. These changes would greatly reduce the rates of people diagnosed with autism. The primary question is: What will happen to those that would have received a diagnosis under the old criteria but no longer receive the diagnosis under the new criteria? The biggest concern with combining the different diagnoses from the current DSM-IV (Asperger’s, Autism, PDD ) into one category with only three different levels is that it may exclude thousands of children and adults from obtaining crucial services that are necessary for them to become functioning members of society. Policy makers and school districts will be able to use this change as an opportunity to restrict services to those in need. They may also use the proposed level system of severity to allocate more services to the more severely impaired individuals while more mildly impaired individuals may not be given adequate services. Another extremely important area of concern surrounding this change is that it may restrict insurance coverage for people with Autism that many families and advocates have worked so long and hard to reform and recently pass across the country.

Combining the diagnoses of Autism and Asperger’s may also have a negative social impact for these groups. Many children and adults have formed identities for themselves to help cope with their disabilities and to advocate for services for themselves and others around them. People diagnosed with Asperger’s will often refer to themselves as “Aspies”. People with this diagnosis have also formed social groups during which they meet others with the same diagnosis to discuss difficulties that they face and ways in which they are able to integrate into society. By combining all Autism Spectrum Disorders into one category, people such as the “Aspies” could suffer a great loss of personal identity.

Finally, another major issue with the proposed changes concerns the research that has been conducted on the etiology and treatment of these disorders over the past decades. Many studies select subjects based on their diagnosis. With the combining of the diagnoses into one large category, it will be difficult to compare any research that has been conducted in the past to research that will be conducted in the future.


Drive Me to the Sea

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Last month, I was asked to support a viewing of a Japanese film about autism, “Drive Me to the Sea.”   I was so excited that the Japanese community was interested in autism awareness that I threw myself into promoting the film without knowing the details of the story.  I was doubtful that the film would portray autism appropriately (by my standards).  Upon viewing it, it does.  Everyone on the ASD spectrum is different but this film thoughtfully connects all of us affected by autism. The screenwriter, Kuniaki Yamashita, was a parent of a young man on the spectrum and a core advocate of people affected by ASD.

Jun, the young man with ASD, loves everything about cars and driving.  He has very limited language and independence and lives at home with his family.  There are scenes of what life is like for the family; his mother, his brother and their ties to the disability community. A young woman who knows nothing about autism gives a ride to Jun because he reminds her of someone in her past.  Jun loves everything about cars and vans, so of course, he got in the car and the adventure begins.

The film is about autism awareness, education, advocacy but more importantly acceptance; acceptance of behaviors and inclusion into the mainstream community.   The film gives the autistic person a place in our community.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to gain acceptance for our children in the global community?  The film was a glimpse of promising possibilities.

Miranda and her Handbags

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Everyone knows Julie, the president extraordinaire of Different Roads to Learning! For more than 16 years, she’s been sourcing new product, providing guidance and support on the phone, and helping families and organizations in the autism community. For those of you who haven’t had the privilege of talking to Julie, she’s an amazing storyteller. Every Monday morning, she has all of us in the office bent over with laughter or tears as she regales us with the stories of her weekned. As many of you know, Julie’s daughter Miranda has autism. The adventures that Julie and her family go through, the incredible highs and lows, are what inspire all of us every day. We’ve been encouraging Julie to share some of her stories as they’re what link us all together. So, here’s last weekend’s adventure….

Our daughter, Miranda, loves handbags.  She has a ton of them.  Some boys on the spectrum love trains and cars, she loves handbags and hairbands. We have actually had to build storage for her handbag collection.  I recently had to hide my handbags in the office closet to keep them out of her collection. 

 If we go to Kohl’s or to Target, she knows she gets another handbag.  She goes directly to that department. No matter how hard we try to say no, she always finds a way to get that handbag.  We go in for other things but come out with a handbag.  

The last time we went to Kohl’s, she needed a winter coat. Before we left, over and over again, I said “What are we going to get at Kohl’s?” and she said “handbag”.  I said “No, coat.”  She replied “coat”.   “What are we going to get, Miranda?”…the correct response came: “Coat.”  And we did that routine over and over again. Once in a while she would mutter “handbag” but I was on point!  “What are we going to get?”  “Coat!”

 Just before we went into the store, I reminded her of the other issue.  No screaming!

When we get inside, ”no screaming!”

 We walked into the front door of Kohl’s and Miranda is so excited and delighted to get there, she lets out a loud shriek of happiness!  The entire store goes quiet….and then a voice from Check Out #2 says “NO HANDBAGS for you today!”

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers

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We came across this article from a few years ago but thought that the content was certainly still relevent: mothers of adolescents and adults with autism have stress levels that match that of soliders in combat!? According to the study reported in the Disability Scoop, mothers of children with autism spent a greater portion of their day caregiving, were twice as likely to be tired and three times as likely to have experienced a stressful event compared to mothers of children without disabilities. In addition, their bloodwork indicated that a hormone associated with stress was very low, consistent with people experiencing chronic stress such as soldiers in combat.

That said, the mothers in the group were just as likely as their peers to report a positive experience, volunteer their time and help out their friends, in spite of more stress and less sleep. How much more amazing can one group of people be?

As parents, particularly, the moms out there, do you feel you’re able to manage your stress effectively? Do you have any advice for other parents out there?

Resources for Adolescents & Adults with Autism

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With so much of the focus on the exploding rates of Autism in the U.S., the majority of attention has been focused on diagnosis, early intervention and services for school-age children. Not as much attention has been focused on what is available for these individuals after the age of 21 and unfortunately, service options rapidly diminish after this age. ASAT (Association for Science in Autism Treatment) has posted a good article on where to look for resources for older students and adults who need support. To read the article in full, click here.

This will prove to be an even greater issue over the next 10 years as so many individuals on the spectrum transition to adulthood. For those parents and caregivers who have children over the age of 21, is there any advice you can offer or resources you can direct others to that you have found particularly helpful?

Walks for Autism

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With Autism Awareness Month just around the corner, there are loads of walks to raise awareness and money. Here are just a few across the country. We encourage everyone to participate! Let us know about any others going on near you.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

Whether you are a runner, walker, donor or volunteer, your contribution makes you part of OAR’s Run for Autism team and helps create awareness for the cause.  When you raise money for OAR’s autism research, more than $.87 of every dollar you raise will directly fund research studies that help answer some of autism’s most pressing questions.

Run for Autism 2011 Events Schedule:

March 20, 2011- New York City Half Marathon 

April 16, 2011- Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon 

May 14, 2011- Rite Aid Cleveland 5K presented by OAR  

May 15, 2011- Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay 

May 15, 2011- Chloe K 5K Run Rock Ride  

May 15, 2011- Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K 

* If the race you are interested in isn’t on this list, you can still run and raise money for autism research through OAR’s iRun For Autism program.  You can sign up for one of OAR’s charity partner events or any other event of your choice through their Run America and Tri for Autism programs.

For more information about these events, please visit: https://www.firstgiving.com/OAR

 

Easter Seals Disability Services’ Walk With Me

April 2. 2011 (7:30am)- Grapevine Mills Mall, TX

The indoor walk will unite hundreds of Dallas/ Fort Worth area participants at Grapevine Mills Mall to raise funds for Easter Seals services, drive awareness of issues affecting the disability community, and change the lives of individuals and families living with disabilities.

For more information about this event, please visit: www.ntx.easterseals.com

 

Variety the Children’s Charity 5th Annual Autism Walk for Awareness, Resources, and Education

April 3, 2011- Plymouth Meeting, PA

Variety will hold its 5th annual Autism Walk in the Plymouth Meeting Mall on April 3rd to benefit Variety’s Autism Resource Center. Families, schools, companies, and individuals will join together to raise money for this resource center that provides immediate support to children and youth with autism in our community. This event also has the support of the Autism Society of America, who is proud to support Variety’s fifth annual walk for Autism.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit:

https://variety.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=465730

 

Caldwell College’s 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism

April 16, 2011- Caldwell, NJ

Calwell College hosts this annual event to help raise public awareness of autism.  In addition, this race will help raise funds for Caldwell College’s on-campus Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.  This state-of-the-art facility allows Caldwell College to serve the needs of hundreds of individuals with autism and help them and their families to lead more satisfying and productive lives.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit:

https://www.caldwellcollege5krun.com/home.php

 

Northwestern Pennsylvania Autism Society’s 10th Walk

April 30, 2011- Presque Isle State Park, PA

ASA-NWPA is organizing this two-mile walk to increase awareness of autism, to support national research, and to fund projects and activities for individuals with autism in our community.  Everyone is invited to participate, including the children.  You may rollerblade and bring strollers or wagons.  They’ll have the jumping inflatables (weather permitting), face painting, theme basket auction and autism merchandise booth.  Snacks and drinks will be available.  Lunch (hot dog and chips) will be provided to 1,000 participants.

 

For more information or to register for this event, please visit: https://www.nwpa-asa.org/WalkInformation.asp

 

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is Autism Speaks’ single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead them to the answers we need. Thousands will be united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Participants will not only raise funds, but become a part of a fun and supportive family focused community. Participants are also welcome to join their new “Grand Club” (walkers that raise $1,000 or more).

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443494

 

Upcoming Walks for Autism Speaks:

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Greater Hartford

East Hartford, CT- Sunday, June 5, 2011 

 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Treasure Coast
Port St. Lucie, FL – Saturday, April 2, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: West Texas
Abilene, TX – Saturday, April 2, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Broward County
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Cumberland Tri-State
Cumberland, MD – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

2011 Walk Now For Autism Speaks: Sonoma
Windsor, CA – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

To find a Walk for Autism Speaks in your neighborhood, please visit:
https://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm