September Updates

New Content!  New Programming!  And Autism Hangout expands media usage... NEW TOOLS!

Webinars: Bringing you the news

You folks know I've been awful excited about introducing Webinars to Autism Hangout.  I'm also pretty sure, once you've experience them, you too will want to adapt to this new medium.

Up to now, I'm usually videotaping interviews with autism experts directly from my office, for your immediate use.  This is working!  But the questions are mine and the discussion is limited to only 10 minutes (storage time issue at youtube). 

Webinars offer YOU a chance to participate in the videotaping of these open discussions... YOU can ask the questions live!  And you can see/join in with others around the world in chatting about the content as it's being recorded.  As with Autism Hangout videos, these programs are then archived for repeat viewing (at both Livestream and Autism Hangout... those site additions now being planned). But that "live" opportunity is just too much to pass up. And we can talk as long as you have questions.

Consistent with Autism Hangout videos, I'm witnessing where even the PILOT Webinars I've been producing are being hammered by viewers (over 400 a day, up to 3,000 a week)!  Clearly, you're telling me these visual forms of communicating information about autism are desireable. 

So this fall I will be throwing in a Webinar every now and then to make sure I can include YOUR questions as they relate to the issues. 

All Webinars are viewed at www.livestream.com/autismhangout

Our new friends at Livestream.com (Webinar broadcast service) are very excited about us and our Webinars (I'm equally excited about them).  Good folks.  I've now got some future shows already planned and others in the works.  Here's how the fall viewing schedule is shaping up:

Monday, September 21st - 6-8P CDT
Series: Autism Crossroads - 1:  Early Signs, Diagnosis and Treatments and Therapies:  Autism expert Dr. Ester Hess joins Craig Evans and Autism Crossroads co-author Chuck Leyda in discussing the first "intersections" of Autism Crossroads: Early Signs and Diagnosis and Treatments and Therapies. Will include some special guests!

Monday, October 26th - 6-7:30A CST
Series: Thriving with Autism:  Meet Dr. Stephen Shore and Donna Williams... two AMAZING people on the spectrum; one a Phd, the other a singer/songwriter/author/screenwriter - both diagnosed as severly autistic in youth (the doctors suggested they be institutionalized). More living proof how people with autism can "thrive!"

Plus, I'm coordinating a shows with the ALUT Group Home folks in Israel, some new authors with EXCELLENT books on the use of art/music/cooking and other activities to involve your kids, a thought-leading spokesperson for the MIS-use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOS) and MORE!  There is NO shortage for current thinking and insights for us to use in our autism journeys.  If YOU'VE got an idea, I'd hope you'd share it with me, too.

I've created an Upcoming Webinar space at the far right-hand side of the home page.  Take a look from time-to-time to see what's being set up.  The MORE people that come online and get involved with these programs, the better they will be.  Thanks for helping (and encouraging) me in bringing them to Autism Hangout.  :)

A Listing of all 7 WEBINAR Series:

"Hot Off the Press!" - Discussing new books and topical articles with authors.

Autism Crossroads - Autism experts discussing the big decisions surrounding autism.

"Movin' Out" - Independence and life after the age of 18.

Developmental Tools/Best Practices - Successfully living with autism.  Teachers will be helping out here, too.

Autism Around the Globe - How other peoples, societies and countries deal with autism.

"Thriving with Autism" - Stories of people on the spectrum that inspire.

"WAKE UP!" - PEOPLE, we need to be accountable!! Autism is an "indicator" of many frightening changes we (as a species) have made to mother earth. We need to clean up our act. CHANGE starts with each and everyone one of us. This series will be about changes we can employ to help make the world a better place.

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Some GREAT current videos! 

Yes, Webinars are a new way of feretting out and delving into current news and events, but this month's roster of Autism Hangout video interviews is packed with some great thinking (and tips)! 

In the second part of her two-part series on Leveraging Your Spouse's Strengths, Autism Hangout reporter L. Mae Wilkinson offers suggestions for how husbands and wives can tap into their own strengths (and weaknesses) to help children with autism work on important skills, like homework and social interaction. Asking a few questions, such as "Who is the most-laid back?" and  "Who is the most studious?" can benefit everyone in dividing up parenting responsibilities. For more information about Mae, visit her forum page or her blogsite at www.autismisnottheboss.com.

"Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism" - An Inteview with Author Nicole Martin

For some, an early experience with a person with autism ends up benefiting both. Such is the case with author/artist Nicole Martin. Nicole's autistic brother, nine years her junior, drew her near his world at the age of 12. From that point on, Nicole begin developing her gifts in art to help draw him to hers.

Today, Nicole continues to reach other kids on the spectrum through her teaching studio, Sky Is The Limit.

And more video interviews coming!!

Author Gayle Noble returns to discuss her new book, "Just Breathe."  Gayle is excellent at finding common, everyday experiences to use in showing us how to find and then maintain a positive attitude when living with autism.

There are more autism authors, experts and parent interviews coming up this fall... including Lindsey Biel (with an update to her best seller "Raising a Sensory Smart Child") and Rudy Simone's new book on Aspergers in the workplace. 

I now have to decided "should we do them live (Webinars) or just videotape them?  :) 

Thanks for being a part of Autism Hangout, folks.  Remember, together, we can thrive with autism!  :)

Craig Evans - Founder
Autism Hangout

Autism Hangout
14585 Cameo Ave. W.
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone: (952) 221-1800

Web: www.autismhangout.com
Email: contact@autismhangout.com