Networking and interviewing for that first job out of college can be tough on any recent graduate. Add Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to the mix and it becomes more challenging. Difficulty understanding social cues and the question of whether or not to disclose you have ASD, and require simple accommodations, make landing that dream job […]
Joycee Jenkins noticed something wasn’t right with her son, Jacob, when he was about 6 months old. “He wasn’t laughing, wasn’t alert, was always such a serious baby, and he wasn’t looking at me the way my other child looks at me,” Jenkins recalls. Although numerous doctors told her not to worry and attributed the […]
Journalist and author Steve Silberman opened his recent Family Action Network (FAN) talk with a great dose of enthusiasm: “We’re living in a very exciting time because society is on the brink of a major transformation.” Silberman could be referring to anything from politics to education (and, in the end, he’s kind of talking about both), yet […]
In this inspirational page turner, author Earle Martin shares the story of how his autistic grandson, Charlie, profoundly changed his life. Through describing his walk with Charlie and their experiences together, Martin not only shapes a beautiful story but also helps the reader reflect on a special friend or relationship that has had a […]
Over 35 percent of young adults with autism have not held a paying job nor enrolled in college after leaving high school, according to a 2012 national study conducted by Dr. Paul Shattuck. Have Dreams, a local autism resource organization with locations in Evanston and Park Ridge, is working to change those statistics. The organization […]
Getting a massage isn’t just a way to be pampered—it also provides relief to people of all ages. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Massage has also proven beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related […]
Steven Cohen built a bike for his 11-year-old son Joey, who has autism, and in the process created a tool that brings special needs kids and adults independence and joy. And his JoRide bike (aptly named after his son) is getting lots of attention. Already, local news outlets have praised Cohen for creating a bike […]
Autism Speaks’ free 100 Day Kit offers critical information and an action plan for families in the first days after a child’s diagnosis. While countless websites are geared toward some aspect of the disease, the 100 Day Kit compiles the essentials from the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks. Many parents feel […]
Two men embarked on a journey to put a new face on autism—one with humor and soul and empathy. Filmmaker Gerardine Wurzburg went along for the ride. Her new documentary, “Wretches and Jabberers” will be shown in Chicago on Thursday, May 12, as part of a nationwide event: 100 Cities. One Night for Autism. […]
My youngest son Luke didn’t get the nickname Tasmanian Devil because he likes to sit still. And while he’s almost completely non-verbal, he is wholly capable of communicating his wants and needs (though sometimes not in ways most people expect). No surprise that we’ve been hesitant to expose him to live theater, imagining our […]
