Autism Spotlight Autism Takes Center Stage on Broadway
How to Dance in Ohio is a Broadway musical that shines a spotlight on neurodiversity in a heartfelt, authentic way. It follows seven autistic young adults as they prepare for a spring dance, discovering confidence, friendship, and self-expression through music and movement. With autistic actors playing autistic characters, the show brings real stories to the stage and offers a powerful, feel-good celebration of what it means to be yourself.
Board Member Article - by Robert Bernstein Thinking Differently about Tantrums & Autism: A Cognitive Approach
Robert Bernstein’s story about Jordan, a 12-year-old with high-functioning autism, shows how tantrums are often misunderstood. Instead of seeing them as bad behavior, Bernstein recognized they were signs of developmental delays—like struggling with flexibility, frustration, and understanding others. He used real-life
situations, not just office sessions, to teach Jordan social and emotional skills, involving family and teachers to reinforce the same approach everywhere.
The most meaningful progress came when Jordan made a real friend—something he’d never had before. That friendship motivated him to be more thoughtful, patient, and socially aware. As he learned to care about someone else’s feelings, his behavior improved dramatically. Bernstein’s takeaway is clear: with the right support
and a focus on connection, kids on the spectrum can grow in incredible ways.
Clothing Comfort Meets Calm: Sensory-Friendly Styles for Everyday Ease
Looking for comfy, sensory-friendly clothing that actually works? Eco Harmony Products from Exceptional Resources has you covered. Their line includes thoughtful features like tagless flat seams, magnetic closures
for easy dressing, and even built-in fidget tools to help with focus and calm. One standout is the QuietSense Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie—it’s not just soft, it helps lower ambient noise by 10–30 decibels and includes an optional eye mask and thumbholes for extra comfort. They’ve got options for both kids and adults, including joggers with magnetic fidget pockets and compression-lined T-shirts that offer soothing deep pressure. Whether you’re navigating a busy school day, a loud event, or just want something cozy for home, Eco Harmony’s clothing is designed to make life a little easier and a lot more comfortable for anyone with sensory sensitivities.
Free Event Financial Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs Tuesday May 13, 2025 - 10:00 AM MT ; 12 PM ET Every family is different, and each of us must create financial strategies with our circumstances in mind. This is
especially true for families that care for children with special needs. Parents often need to consider the present as well as the future for their special needs child, including a future where parents are no longer managing their child's day-day needs and agenda. During this presentation, you will learn: - Why a special needs trust in a "must have" and how to fund it effectively - How to save money for your retirement AND fund your special needs plan - Discover what is an ABLE account and why you may want to open one.
Free Event Financial Journey to Becoming an Adult Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 5:00 PM MT; 7:00 PM ET
A Tracking Device to Help You BuddyBand: A Game-Changer for Keeping Loved Ones Safe
Like many parents, do you sometimes worry that your child might wander away? There's a new devise that will help give you your peace of mind about your child's safety.
BuddyBand is a wearable tracking device designed to help caregivers monitor individuals with autism, dementia, and other special needs using Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS technology. It features "Buddy Boundaries" that alert you if your child enters or leaves designated area. If your loved one is in danger, you simply press a button on the app. BuddyBand's professional safety team will instantly share your BuddyBand's location and emergency details with first responders, ensuring immediate dispatch. It features a long battery life, is water-resistant, comes with multiple carrying options, and connects to an iOS app for real-time tracking and management. At this point, BundyBand is available only in the USA.
For Professionals Two Chairs Therapy Exchange: Therapists Caring for Each Other
Burnout is a major concern for autism therapists and professionals, often leading to exhaustion and reduced quality of care. Two Chairs helps combat this by offering a platform where professionals can exchange therapy sessions with one another, creating a supportive community. This pay-it-forward model allows therapists to prioritize self-care while continuing to help their clients.
Exceptional Resources Kore Wobble Chairs: Dynamic Seating That Moves With Your Kids
Eco Harmony Products are a game-changer for kids who just need to move to focus. Think of things like Kore Wobble Chairs and Balance Discs—they're fun, flexible seating options that let kids rock, wiggle, and shift while they sit. Perfect for classrooms, homework time, or even
during meals!
They’re especially helpful for children with ADD, ADHD, or Autism, giving them a safe way to release extra energy without being disruptive. Plus, they support better posture and focus naturally—no nagging required. Whether you're a parent looking for a better homework setup or a teacher wanting to support diverse learners, these products are a simple, smart addition.
Coming Soon Database Directory of Resources
You asked, and we listened! Due to popular demand, we're building an accessible directory of resources and services to better support our community. We know how important it is to have the right information at your fingertips, so this directory will make it easier than ever to find the help you need in your region. Whether you're searching for local services, support groups, or specialized programs, you'll be able to quickly access the right resources in your region. Our goal is to create a meaningful and user-friendly tool that truly makes a difference. Stay tuned for updates as we continue developing this valuable resource—we can’t wait to share it with you!
Autism from the Soul The Magic Boat
This heartfelt story highlights the humor and unique experiences that often come with raising a child on the autism spectrum. It reflects on the unexpected joys and challenges, emphasizing the importance of embracing each moment with love and laughter. The narrative serves as a reminder that, despite the hurdles, there's
magic to be found in the everyday journey of parenting.
For Parents Thrive Together: Personalized Help for Raising Autistic Kids ThriveGuide is here to make life a little easier for parents raising autistic kids. It gives you instant, personalized goals and tips to help your child grow—and save you time, money, and stress by focusing on what really works, when it matters most.
At the heart of ThriveGuide is an easy-to-use online dashboard built just for your child, based on a thoughtful questionnaire. You’ll get two main things: The 5 To Thrive – a custom, interactive report packed with insights and tailored recommendations, complete with helpful content links. ThriveGuide Plus – our optional premium membership with step-by-step action plans, tools, and resources
to support you, your child, and your whole care team.
For Parents Self-Paced Parenting Course Designed for ASD
Raising a child with ASD comes with unique challenges, and the CALM Compass is here to help. The CALM Compass is a self-paced online program designed to support parents and caregivers with practical tools and expert guidance. Through short videos, worksheets, tools, and real-life scenarios, the program provides clear, practical guidance for everyday situations. The program offers direct how-to strategies, complete with examples and explanations, to help address the many challenges children with ASD face daily. The CALM Compass is structured around
four key directions (modules): CONNECT, ARTICULATE, LIFT, and MOVE. Each module
focuses on essential skills and strategies, such as: - Responding effectively to meltdowns
- Preparing for and managing potential challenges
- Supporting smooth transitions in daily life
Developed by Mitch Leppicello, LICSW, a Certified Autism Specialist with over 30 years of experience in mental health services for individuals with ASD, this program equips caregivers with the tools they need to foster growth, resilience, and success.
Books for You From Struggle to Strength A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity Harry
Psaros wasn’t always the dad he is today. Like many fathers, he struggled to accept his child’s autism diagnosis—too stubborn, too caught up in what he thought fatherhood should be. But over time, he realized that his son Gus needed him to step up, not step back. In From Struggle to Strength, Harry opens up about his journey, sharing the mistakes he made, the lessons he learned, and how embracing his role transformed not just his son's life, but his own. He hopes other dads can see themselves in his story and understand that accepting and supporting a child on the spectrum isn’t a weakness—it’s the greatest strength of all.
Special Event: Mark it on your Calendar: June 14, 2025 A special free
event featuring Harry Psaros, author of "From Struggle to Strength" on Fathers' Day weekend, Saturday, June 14
Talk to someone who truly understands Join Our
Free Online Communities - Connect, Share and Support.
We believe in the power of connection. Our free online communities offer a welcoming space for autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals to share experiences, seek advice, and support one another. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who truly gets it. Our secure Communities platform brings together people who share similar experiences, fostering meaningful conversations and connections. Whether you're a parent navigating challenges, a professional looking to connect, or an autistic individual seeking understanding, there’s a place for you here. Join our FREE communities today and connect with others who understand your journey. Find Your Community: 🔹 Parents Supporting Parents
🔹 Professionals Connecting with Professionals
🔹 Teachers Sharing
Insights
🔹 Autistic & Neurodiverse Individuals Building Community
🔹 An Inclusive Space for All
|
What is Autism Today? Watch this video and learn more.
Did you know that in 1996 1:100,000 children were diagnosed with Autism? Today that ratio is to 1:44 children. Having the tools, supports and resources are vital for our communities. Watch this video and learn more.
|
Show Your Support! Shop the Autism Today store
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).
Show Your Support Help us with our research Your support helps us with our autism and neurodiversity research towards effective health interventions, education for sensory and social skills training, job support and learning through art and music. Our Mission: To provide a spectrum of solutions that empowers those impacted by autism and neurodiversity to be better seen, heard, understood, valued and appreciated for who they are and to showcase their strengths, gifts and talents so the world can see that greatness exists in everyone.
|
Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please forward this email to someone who would like to receive it and encourage them to join our mailing list. |
|
|
