Newsletter - June 2024

Published: Mon, 06/17/24

Updated: Sat, 06/22/24

About 'Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children With Special Needs'

Karen Simmons is a co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs” along with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Heather McNamara. Since the beginning of time human beings have shared their life journey around campfires from generation to generation. Filled with hope, promise, tears and magical moments they have been the lifeblood of our existence.

In the spirit of sharing the stories and journeys of those caring for and supporting family members with autism spectrum disorder, this monthly newsletter shares stories and publications submitted to us from members of the Autism Today Foundation community.

Karen Simmons and the Autism Today Foundation are gathering a collection of stories from families and individuals in the neurodiverse community to create a book series called 'Autism From The Soul'

To read more of these stories, or share your own stories and experiences, please visit the Autism Today Foundation.

Share your story, image or video here

"The Magic Boat"

It is not every parent who deals with the stress of having a child with a disability as confusing and frustrating as autism, but caring for these children can also bring incredibly special moments of joy, laughter, and love.

One family shares a story of their son, Kian, and how his special sense of humor and imagination brought them a moment of laughter that they cherish to this day.

Psychology Today - A Way That Works for Parents Teaching Autistic Children

How to accept authenticity and going with the child

"There’s a lot to be said for 'parent power.' All children want to feel their parents’ love, interest, and approval. When parents accept and join their autistic children and use step-by-step natural development that’s child-centered, the long-term impact can be profound."

Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D., highlights some of the key methods parents can adopt to help foster learning and growth in their children with autism, sharing key insights from Robert Bernstein's current and upcoming works.

Know That You Are Not Alone

When a loved one is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, caring for and supporting them can be a difficult and sometimes painful journey.

Jeanette Paxia shared her own story about caring for her son and facing challenges together to remind others that there is an entire community out there facing similar experiences who are there to support one another, and to know that you are not alone.

Angel Havens In The Clutter

Caring for children with autism and special needs brings more than just moments of joy, it can create a sense of community for families with similar experiences.

One family shares their moment of connection with their neighbours as they shared their joys and challenges managing the "clutter" of caring for their children with special needs.

"Together, we can provide families with the tools, resources, and networks to help them deliver the highest quality of care and support to ensure their neurodiverse children thrive. Thank you for your continued support."

Karen Simmons, Founder, Autism Today Foundation.

About Karen

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Recap: Autism Today Foundation & School of Rock: Musical Moonshots!

Music can be an incredible coping mechanism and creative outlet for neurodiverse children and children with special needs, but teachers and instructors often need to take a unique approach to create a learning environment that is comfortable and constructive for both the teachers and students.

Autism Today Foundation founder and CEO Karen Simmons was proud to partner with Stephen Shore, edD to host "Musical Moonshots," an educational seminar about the importance of a special approach to teaching neurdivergent students. The seminar also provided teachers and instructors with proven strategies to help them in their classrooms.

The Autism Today Foundation would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all who attended!

Resource Spotlight: iSocial

In our mission to provide the neurodiverse community with leading tools, information and resources, the Autism Today Foundation is happy to highlight incredible programs like the iSocial social skills development program.

With programs offered for students, adults, leadership and HR groups, and many others, iSocial is recognized as the global leader in providing the most effective social skills workshops (e.g. Communications confidence increased by 44% in university studies). They are proven effective because the workshops develop participants using research-based activities (not memorizing and masking).

Please visit the iSocial web site to learn more about their Zoom based workshops developing 6 people at a time (same age, ability, and interests). https://www.isocialskills.com/contact

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Introducing - The Autism Today Collection!

The Autism Today brand is inspired by the idea of the Red, Green, and Blue light spectrum When the three lights combine, we find a bright white star in the intersection of colors which emphasizes the gifts, strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals.

With the re-launch of our Shopify store comes a new line of clothing and accessories that allow customers to show their support and spread the word of our incredible cause.

100% of the proceeds from every purchase go directly to supporting Autism Today Foundation initiatives and our valued partners. Every item you buy makes a difference in the lives of neurodiverse individuals, including people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).