David & Lindsey Are Both On The Spectrum, And Their Love Story Will Touch Your Heart

Watch David Hamrick and Lindsey Nebeker, a couple with autism, share their heartwarming love story! Despite their struggles, frustrations, and compromises, they’ve both found true love. Lindsey compares autism to a rose – sharp thorns, tough stem, but when the flower is in full bloom, there is exceptional beauty to be found! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/davidandlindsey/#pgUt3gcYOEI1eAVa.99
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7 Practical Healthy Eating Tips.

1. PRACTICE MODERATION Kelly Ripa is a big believer in moderation. “I don’t diet, because I feel moderation is key. My guilty pleasure is french fries,” Ripa told Self. That mindset is a great way to avoid feeling deprived while on a diet, Ashley Koff, R.D., explained to Self. In fact, Koff warns that if you deem a food as off limits, you might end up craving it and eventually overeat. Woman’s Day adds you should never look at food as the enemy or label certain things as “good” or “bad.” Instead, follow a diet that finds a spot for healthy foods and your favorite treats. This way you can stick to your healthy-eating goals without feeling guilty or deprived. Remember, progress — not perfection — is key when you’re dieting!
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A review of autism treatment records identifies behavioral strategies that reduce tendency to eat dangerous nonfood items

A new report finds that behavioral therapy can effectively curb pica – the dangerous tendency to eat things that aren’t food. Pica is common among those with autism and can require constant vigilance from caregivers trying to prevent it. The report appears this week in the Journal of Autism and Development Disorders. In it, the researchers identify several intervention strategies that appear particularly helpful. Behavioral therapists have long tried to curb pica in children with autism. Previous reports, based largely on individual cases, have supported different approaches. But none of these reviews have demonstrated which strategies, if any, are most effective. “Because even one instance of pica can be life threatening, the goal of treatment should be the behavior’s complete elimination,” comments behavior analyst Kara Reagon, Autism Speaks associate director of dissemination science. Dr. Reagon was not directly involved in the new study. The researchers, with Atlanta’s
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Disability-Focused Proms Expected To Draw 7,000

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is organizing 45 proms around the world on one night just for people with special needs. Churches in 26 different states and in Uganda and Kenya are scheduled to host the parties on Feb. 13. The events — which are expected to draw some 7,000 people with disabilities — will each come complete with a red-carpet entrance, paparazzi, limousine rides, hair and makeup stations, shoe shines and, of course, a dance floor and food. “It’s not just me, it’s not just our foundation, but it is all 45 churches and volunteers in 26 states, three countries, coming together to show love and make a difference in more than 7,000 lives,” Tebow said in a statement. “The special needs community will shine on this night.” The Tim Tebow Foundation is providing $600,000 in funding for the “Night to Shine” proms, which are open to individuals ages 16 and older. Additionally, the nonprofit said it worked with groups serving
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Science News Highlights Need for More Research on Interventions for Adults with Autism

February 11, 2015
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Eat Healthy, Have Fun! 5 Entertaining Tips To Fire Up Your Diet

Boring diet got you cold? Crank up the heat – and your results – with these spicy suggestions! What word comes to mind when you think about dieting? Most likely it s NOT something that gives you the warm fuzzies. Perhaps you think of starvation, malice or even self-inflicted torture and that could be putting it nicely! If these are the feelings that the dreaded four letter word evokes in you, you might be setting yourself up for failure before you even begin portioning out the stale rice cakes. Why? Your general attitude about dieting is one of the biggest factors to your success. Diet got you down? Let s turn that frown around! If you approach your diet with a woe-is-me mentality, then you re going to resent it regardless of the actual parameters. Simply put, negative thoughts produce negative results! So, don t wallow in self-pity because you have to forgo your favorite foods. Instead, shift your attitude to a more positive outlook and take some enjoyment from healthy eating. Yo
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Four Things I’ve Learned Raising a Child with Autism

This is a post by Jodi Singer, a Marketing & Sales Director for a professional services firm. She lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and twin boys, one of whom has autism. She s been the captain of the Autism Speaks team, Team Inspiration, since 2010. Imagine finding out you’re pregnant with twins. In addition to the typical fears of how you can possibly handle two babies, you probably feel a little thrill at the potential for a lifelong sibling connection.  Picture seeing them for the first time – two perfect, beautiful baby boys who have the world at their feet. Visualize watching them lying next to each other in the crib or on their play mat, their first smiles, their early love of books and music, their infectious giggles. Envision what it’s like as one twin continues the developmental journey – crawling, standing, walking, running – while the other one is left behind. And even after doctors have diagnosed him with low muscle tone and his physical ther
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A Letter on ‘What It’s Like to Have a Sibling with Autism’

Pat… If you name a Beatle’s song, my brother will tell you the exact day, month and year it was released. He’ll even tell you what day of the week it was if you feel so inclined. In fact, this morning while I was eating breakfast, he matter-of-factly informed me that Justin Bieber shares a birthday with Roger Daltrey from The Who. He can recall any date regarding the smallest of occasions.  If you ask him the last time we went to the antique store in Maine, he will tell you it was June 4th, 2001, a Thursday and it was raining, but he didn’t mind. The last time he ate shrimp was on a Wednesday, six years ago, and the weird texture and smell didn’t sit well with him. He will read ten pages of a book and then recite it back to you without skipping a beat. My brother has unique abilities unlike anyone I have ever met. He is brilliant. He is priceless. His brain works in ways that mine never will. But he does not fit society’s “norm” and these amazing skills often go una
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Autism community’s leaders make it crystal-clear: Vaccinations do not cause autism

In 1998, Andrew Wakefield conducted a study of 12 children linking the MMR vaccine to the onset of autism. His study has since been discredited, he was stripped of his medical license and larger-scale studies were done that refuted Wakefield s findings. But the aftermath of Wakefield s bunk study lives on and the misinformation perseveres. Journalist Jeremy Laurance called it one of the biggest public relations disasters in medicine. If you read any comments section on measles stories in major news networks, you will still read people trumpeting that autism is caused by vaccines. With the outbreak of measles, leaders in the autism community are taking to the airwaves and the internet and making their message clear. Rob Ring, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks: Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism.  The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism.  We urge that all children b
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This Story Will Make You Want To Snuggle Up With Your Pet Or Your Child — Or Both! So Adorable.

Jonny Hickey began showing signs of a developmental delay by 8 months old. After going to several doctors, he eventually was diagnosed with autism. He spoke very few words, and rarely interacted with anyone. Meanwhile, a puppy named Xena was found near-death close by. She was featured on the news, and her story immediately touched Jonny’s mother, Linda. From then on, Linda checked her laptop every morning to see if Xena still alive. Once it looked like the precious pup was in the clear, Linda told her husband she wanted to adopt the pitbull. From the moment Jonny and Xena met, they had a special bond. Watch the video to see this adorable pair in action! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/jonnyandxena-2/#1WATWhqbysiT4Zyh.99
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3 Scientifically-Backed Ways To De-Stress Right Now

What s your stress tell? For some, a quickened heart rate or a slight feeling of queasiness is enough to let them know they re getting anxious or overwhelmed. But just as a slight from your boss or bad news from a family member can get your stress hormones pumping and your blood pressure rising quickly, you have the power to reset almost instantly. When we re stressed, hormones like cortisol flood our systems, producing the fight or flight response in which our heart rate goes up, we breathe more heavily (requiring more oxygen) and our blood vessels constrict. While in the pre-civilization world, the increased blood flow to our heart and muscles helped us escape from predators and dangerous situations, we find ourselves in a very different position now. Our bodies can t tell the difference between an approaching grizzly bear and a ticked off spouse or a particularly epic traffic jam, so our stress response is triggered when there s no imminent danger. Instead of helping us to escape,
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The Importance of Eating Seeds for a Healthy Diet – Tips, Benefits & Recipes

By Trinity Bourne Seeds are an essential addition to any healthy diet – they aren’t usually as revered as nuts, although they certainly deserve to be. Filled with a beneficial compliment of essential fats, protein, a vast array of different nutrients and phytonutrients, they play an important role in supporting health. Seeds are the embodiment of universal life force; each seed, a little power house of massive potential, designed to grow into an impressive, abundant plant. They are simply bursting with goodness. Seeds are an excellent alternative to nuts; often less rich (which I personally prefer) and easier to digest. You can find raw shelled seeds or seed-butters in any decent health store. Nutritional benefits of seeds
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My Little Man Luke

Luke was born on September 6, 2011 via c-section. He was a normal baby sat up and walked when he was supposed to. While he didn t do much talking, he would babble on and off. He didn t have much eye contact and seemed to be in his little world. He would occasionally spin in circles and walk on his tip toes but he was my boy and while I felt something was off, I didn t want to admit it. At his 2 year check-up, I brought up my concerns to his doctor and she expressed the possibility of Luke being autistic. My world fell apart. I was afraid that I could never be the strong mommy Luke would need me to be. We were fortunate that we were able to have him diagnosed and have treatment start so early in his life. We are now 3 months into his ABA therapy and Luke s progress has been amazing. He is mastering his programs quickly and his speech is vastly improving. I have come to the realization that my son has unlimited potential. Autism has become his superpower and he has had to overcome more
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Such A Sweet Story! This “Thrown Away” Dog Has Been A Lifesaver For This Little Girl!

Jack is a terrier mix with an amazing story. He was abandoned in a dumpster, but soon rescued and placed in a home with a loving family. Since then, he’s become a special, lifesaving companion for a little girl with a neurological disorder. The Autism Answer Watch the video to learn more about this special pair! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/abandoneddog/#pZymoVmuZuTwc0K7.99
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This Beautiful Song About Autism Centers Around The Thoughts Of A Child On The Spectrum. It’s Incredibly Touching.

“My Heroes (Thoughts Of An Autistic Child)” is performed by Valene Greer, inspired by John Stevenson (a boy on the spectrum), and written by John’s parents, Jennifer and Peter Stevenson. The song pulls directly from John’s thoughts and experiences. It describes his journey with autism and how he began to push his boundaries at the age of four. In the song, he thanks his heroes (friends, siblings, teachers, everyday people) who have helped him along the way. In the middle of the song, John himself recites a monologue. The Autism Answer A sampling of the lyrics: I was living in darkness till I met all of you I was frightened and lost, didn’t know what to do My mind was in turmoil, confused and alone But gentle you showed me I’m not on my own Fast forward nine summers — my sun’s shining bright You banished the darkness, brought me into the light You drove out the demons, the fear that was rife And slowly you gave me a new way of life Chorus ‘Cause you are my heroes you
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When Words Fail, “Music Speaks”

Nathan Miller is on a mission to bring music and autism awareness to the masses with his project, Music Speaks. I m Nathan Miller, and I m 17 years old. I m on the higher end of the autism spectrum and I have an older brother, Marcus Miller, who is on the lower end of the spectrum. In many ways, we re more different than we are alike, but we have one very big thing in common. We both love music. The Autism Answer I was diagnosed with autism when I was 3 years old. During that time, I used to love ceiling fans, I would draw them, and I always wanted to visit them when we were in the store. Over the years, my interest changed. My Dad plays guitar nearly every day, and he takes me to concerts often. I grew to love music, and I wanted to make music myself.  Marcus will be 26 next month, and he has never spoken a word. He s very quiet, he likes to rock, and his favorite pastimes are eating and listening to music. His favorite movie is Shrek, and I think the music is his favorite part. Lik
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9 foods that fight wrinkles and aging

If you’re scrutinizing over your dull, dry winter skin and fine lines and wrinkles, you’re not alone. According to a recent national survey by Allergan, Inc., approximately 60 percent of women 21- to 65-years-old said they would rather have a younger-looking face than a younger-looking body. Yet experts say it’s time to forget the expensive creams and procedures. The key to aging gracefully is simple: Eat healthy. Here, find out which foods to avoid and which to add to your plate for beautiful, younger- looking skin.. 1. Cut out inflammatory foods. “Foods that create inflammation are pro-aging,” said Dr. Frank Lipman, an integrative and functional medicine physician and author of “The New Health Rules.” Nix processed, packaged and fast foods, as well as gluten, dairy and sugar. “Eating too much sugar will make you more prone to wrinkles and make you age quicker,” he said. 2. Omega fatty acids. Keeping your skin well-hydrated from the inside out is one of the best way
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Newborn horses give clues to autism

Story by Pat Bailey, video and photos by Joe Proudman Just a few hours after its birth, the long-legged brown foal stands in its stall, appearing on first glance to be sound, sturdy and healthy. But something is very wrong with this newborn horse. The foal seems detached, stumbles towards people and doesn’t seem to recognize its mother or have any interest in nursing. It even tries to climb into the corner feeder. The Autism Answer The bizarre symptoms are characteristic of a syndrome that has puzzled horse owners and veterinarians for a century. But recently, UC Davis researchers have discovered a surprising clue to the syndrome and intriguing similarities to childhood autism in humans. Resembles children with autism “The behavioral abnormalities in these foals seem to resemble some of the symptoms in children with autism,” said John Madigan, a UC Davis veterinary professor and an expert inequine neonatal health. “There are thousands of potential causes for autism, but the on
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I Know What Causes Autism

Last week I was surfing the Internet and came across a headline proclaiming autism and circumcision are linked. I couldn t help myself. I laughed out loud. In no certain order, I have read the following explanations for autism over the years: Autism is caused by mercury. Autism is caused by lead. Autism begins with poor maternal bonding. Certain pesticides may trigger autism. Plastics. Gluten aggravates autism spectrum disorder. People with autism should eat more strawberries. Too much automotive exhaust is a leading cause of autism. Chemicals found on non-stick cookware may trigger autism. The Autism Answer The one about maternal bonding is sort of painful for me. The truth is, I did have a hard time bonding with infant Jack. The little guy shrieked and whined and cried for a solid year. He started sleeping through the night at six weeks, and stopped at three months. I was exhausted, and Joe and I were fighting constantly; bickering and arguing and having long screaming matches. For
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This ASD Behavior Is Heart-Wrenching, And Can Seem Impossible To Manage — But This Teacher Found A Way

Logan is a boy with severe autism. He started self-injury behavior (SIB) when he was six years old — two months after his father was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Logan and his sister Tatum are both on the autism spectrum, and his aunt is their personal care assistant (PCA). She takes care of them every day, and as a film student, is aiming to educate the world on autism. The Autism Answer Special education teacher Julie Miller-Hays worked with Logan on reducing his self-injury behaviors for years. She got him to the point where he had to wear his helmet only minimally, substituting the helmet for a hat. She says that the SIB stems from some sort of trigger, and she believes that old behaviors can be rerouted. “The bottom line that I’ve seen — and they may say it’s sensory, they may say it’s this — is that at some time they got where their brain didn’t help them understand how to do things with their hands, with their mind, with their body. That then had
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So True — This Is What It Feels Like To Be A Special Needs Mom

Kristi Rieger Campbell is the mother of a boy with special needs who blogs about her parenting journey at FindingNinee.com. In July 2014, Kristi had the opportunity to share her experience on stage at a live reading event highlighting the joys and challenges of motherhood. The Autism Answer Kristi’s words give an honest, raw and uplifting look at what it really means to parent a child with special needs. You’ll want to bookmark this one and share it with your friends! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/special-needs-mom/#ZDrFeH816cmvu0eh.99
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If Your Child Doesn’t Speak 50 Words By This Age, He’s Considered A Late Talker

Dana is a busy mother of two girls and two twin boys. When her twins were still nonverbal after the age of 2, she went to her pediatrician to see about getting them assessed for speech delay. Typically, if your toddler doesn’t speak 50 words or more by the age of 2, he is considered a late talker. Her son Crank passed the assessment, but Louie did not. The Autism Answer Here, Dana discusses the process Louie is going through, and tells you what she’s learned along the way. Take a look! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/toddler-speech-delay/#C9KLcp2zCfk9Fm4f.99
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Broccoli & Feta Omelet with Toast

By now, you probably have that one healthy breakfast staple that gets you through the day—but who says you have to settle for the same bowl of oatmeal or egg white omelet every morning? Breakfast is the prime time to get your day off to a healthy and delicious start, so let it live up to its full potential! This easy breakfast recipe, which takes just 15 minutes start to finish, packs a one-two punch that will leave you feeling satisfied yet energized. The broccoli provides filling fiber (and just 30 calories per serving), while the protein-loaded eggs curb appetite and will help stave off those late-morning cravings.
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Calming A Meltdown Can Be Frustratingly Difficult. Have You Tried This Method?

Calming a child during a meltdown can be so stressful. There are different methods you can use, and Will’s parents have found success using a swing. At the time they posted their video, it was the only way they could calm him during a meltdown. The Autism Answer According to their YouTube page, his parents explain that, “at first we try holding him tight — this gives him deep pressure and doesn’t hurt him. If we were to let go he would hit himself, bang his head on the ground, pull at his hair, bite himself etc etc. If he’s too deep into a meltdown, swinging him in an enclosed swing helps him calm down and his emotions to regulate.” Watch the video to see Will transition from screaming and crying, to swinging calmly. (The sound throughout is quite loud due to Will’s meltdown. They start to head outside around the 3:00 mark, and there are some very raucous birds out there, so adjust your volume as needed!) What methods do you use to help calm your child? Do you own a swi
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Father forced to choose between his wife and his Down syndrome newborn because her family are ‘too ashamed’ of the baby’s condition to raise it as their own

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This Restaurant Owner Makes Sure Everyone Leaves His Restaurant Happy — And Hugged!

Tim’s Place is a unique restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico that has a special edge — the owner, Tim, gives out hugs to all of his patrons! His enthusiasm for his work never stops. For example, when he walks through the parking lot to the restaurant every day, Tim can’t contain his zeal. “I am so excited to go to work,” Tim says. “So I do a dance-off in the parking lot. It’s a dance of magic!” The Autism Answer Tim has down syndrome, and this driven, energetic young man takes great pride in his restaurant. His favorite part? The people who come in. “We serve breakfast, lunch, and hugs,” Tim says. “The hugs are the best part.” Watch the video to learn more! Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/timsplacehugs/#b1YA0RhUCYMlTTmD.99
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Students with autism learn social skills with R2-D2

AUSTIN Fifth-grade students at Blazier Elementary School in Southeast Austin are learning social skills through technology. The students are part of the school s SCORES program, which stands for Social Communication and Resource services, for children with autism. Over the past few months, they created a fully operational R2-D2 replica robot thanks to their teacher, Caleb Zammit. The Autism Answer The main focus was just learning to work as a group, and how to get along and use their manners when working on a big project all together, said Zammit. They are also learning about motors, batteries, measurements, power tools and metal. The best part of my day is having fun with my friends and building R2-D2, said Mathew Fan, a student at Blazier Elementary. It s pretty fantastic and I m proud of it, said Raquel Gonzales, a student at Blazier. Zammit spent three years making the robot parts from scratch. For the legs, I sculpted them in clay and cast them in fiberglass after making a silico
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Teen With Autism Meets His Idol: Bill Nye the Science Guy

February 04, 2015 15-year-old Michael de Groot s dream came true: he got to meet his idol, Bill Nye the Science Guy. Michael, who has autism, told WRIC he has always been interested in science and experimenting, and even set up his own laboratory in his room at home. The Autism Answer Michael and his parents met Nye in Washington D.C. in December, where Michael presented a design he drew for Bill Nye s future lab — The Nye Laboratory. My dream is to work with Bill Nye one day in Pasadena, California when I m older, the teen told WRIC. Read more about Michael s special day on WRIC. This story first emerged on the blog Seriously Not Boring; the writer is a friend of the de Groot family and has an in-depth story about the day.
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Reassuring Findings from Large Study on Induced Labor and Autism Risk

No increased risk of autism seen in early results of large study investigating concerns about oxytocin-induced or augmented labor
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