Autism Hangout Special Reports Feed

"Keeping people with Asperger's OUT of the legal system" - Meet testing advocate, Claudia Curry

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 12:54 CST

As we all know, life on the autism spectrum comes with challenges... some more difficult than others. Complicating the situation is the always bad choice of "self medication" using drugs or alcohol. If you know someone like that -- or that has been you, and you're caught up in ongoing trouble with the law and or jail, there's good news on the horizon. And today's guest is here to tell us about it. Autism Hangout, please welcome someone who has been there and done that with family, author Claudia Curry.

More info at: www.adultautism.us

More info at: www.adultautism.usAs we all know, life on the autism spectrum comes with challenges... some more difficult than others. Complicating the situation is the always bad choice of "self medication" using drugs or alcohol. If you know someone like that -- or that has been you, and you're caught up in ongoing trouble with the law and or jail, there's good news on the horizon. And today's guest is here to tell us about is. Autism Hangout, please welcome someone who has been there and done that with family, author Claudia Curry.

More info at: www.adultautism.us

"Asperger's Syndrome. When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade." Meet author Anita Lesko.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:23 CST

We all know about the unprecedented rise in autism diagnosis among younger people, but what if at the age of 30, 40 or even 50 you just learned you had Aspergers? Sure it helps explain a few things... but how would you react?

Most folks in this situation have found the knowledge not only helpful, but inspiring. Today's guest is a perfect example. Upon learning of her autism at the age of 50, this double-degreed professional turned writer to document her learnings for the Neurotypical world and, equally as important, fellow Aspies of all ages.

Autism Hangout, please welcome today's guest, author Anita Lesko.

More info here: www.bornwithaspergers.com

Smells to bring calm! Meet the developer of MyScentBox, Jennifer Vought

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:20 CST

It's not uncommon for some of our special kids to have trouble controlling their emotions... especially if they're stressed. There's a common axiom that states: Music calms the savage beast. Music appeals to our sense of hearing. And indeed, it has been shown to work. Today's guest is exploring another sense -- the sense of smell. And she's found smells can also be used to help provide calm. Autism Hangout, please welcome today's guest, the developer of My Scent Box, Jennifer Vought.

More info at: www.myscentbox.com

"Optimistic Parenting" - Meet author Dr. Mark Durand

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:38 CST

There's an old adage that states: "It takes two to tango." As it relates to our special kids, most of us focus on their behavior.

Today's guest is a professor, researcher and author with some insights that may cause us to revisit just how much a parent POSITIVE behavior can affect their child's. His book is called Optimistic Parenting, Paul Brookes publisher. Autism Hangout, please welcome today's guest, Dr. Mark Durand.

Meet Singer/songwriter Kathy Banta - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:36 CST

Singer/songwriter Kathy Banta knows a lot about how autism can affect a life... and a career. She has also seen first-hand how early intervention and faith can help make a positive difference. Hear her story in this Autism Hangout Special Report.

More info at: www.kathybanta.com

"Living Well On The Spectrum" - Meet psychologist/author Dr. Valerie Gaus

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:24 CST

Parents and teachers of people with Asperger's Syndrome recognize their gifts. They also recognize their challenges. All of us want our kids to experience life to its fullest.

Today's guest is a psychologist that has identified ways our special people can HELP THEMSELVES overcome obstacles. And she's written a book about it. Please welcome today's guest, the author of "Living Well On The Spectrum: How To Use Your Strengths To Meet The Challenges Of Asperger's Syndrome", Dr. Valerie Gaus.

Meet Rachel Arntson and her Kids Express Train teaching tools!

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:40 CST

While I was at the Autism Shop's Grand Opening, I ran into Rachel Arntson, a Speech and Language Pathologist thats developed an incredible line of teaching tools!

In this video, Rachel demonstrates the how they work... and why they're so successful.

More at: www.expresstrain.org or order at www.autismshop.com

The Autism Shop Expands! New products! Discounts!

cevans@autismhangout.com — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:43 CST

Cherri Saltzman of the Autism Shop takes us on a tour of her new store. Don't miss the Grand Opening discounts!

More at: www.autismshop.com. 952.988.0088

3,000 FREE Apps! 10 FREE iPads at the 6/11/11 APP PARTY! www.facebook.com/a4cwsn

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 9 Jun 2011 08:23 CST

App Researcher (and Dad to two on the spectrum) Gary James is once again sharing his formidable resources. This time, he's got a cache of leading developers DONATING over 3,000 apps to families in need. PLUS, he's throwing in 10 iPads just for good measure!

Don't miss the opportunity (and fun) THIS weekend, Saturday, June 11th starting at 9:00A EST. It's on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/a4cwsn

More info here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8546439.htm

"Sandbox Learning:" Teaching life skills to our special kids - Meet co-founder Amy Maguire

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:10 CST

As children, many of us experienced leisurely play in a sandbox. And for most of us, Sandbox learning was fun! That principle has been replicated by our next guest, to help our special kids learn some valuable life skills.

Meet the co-founder of Sandbox-learning.com - a website offering customizable teaching games, books and more, Amy Maguire.

More information at: www.sandbox-learning.com

"FunJoyment Groups:" Help in navigating social situations - Meet Author John Merges

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:53 CST

Author John Merges has a meaningful, deliberate approach to teaching our special kids how best to respond in social situations. His book - "Social Enjoyment Groups for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders" (Jessica Kingsley Publisher) starts with a candid discussion of 10 "hurdles" commonly faced by people on the spectrum and then lays out a fun, enjoyable way to channel these challenges into assets.

A private practitioner, John's "FunJoyment" groups are packed and growing... more than enough proof that his approach works, and it's fun!

More on John Merges at www.johnmerges.com

Dr. Sarita Freedman on "Disclosure"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:27 CST

When do you tell a child about their autism? When do you tell the family? What about friends? And teachers?

And if you're a recently diagnosed adult, what do you do? Do you share that information with friends? What about the people at work? Disclosure is a HUGE issue.

In this video interview, Dr. Sarita Freedman helps unravel some of the mystery surrounding when and whom to tell.

More on Dr. Freedman at www.saritafreedman.com

Three steps to "Self-advocacy" - Dr. Sarita Freedman

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 7 Apr 2011 05:46 CST

Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Sarita Freedman works with many families touched by autism. Parents and caregivers are a child's first, best advocate. But our goal is to assist our loved one in reaching independence. Self-advocacy is a part of that learning.

In this interview, Dr. Freedman discusses three steps to "self-advocacy."

More info at: www.saritafreedman.com

Do "Mentorship Programs for Aspies" Exist?

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:42 CST

Dr. Tony Attwood is a HUGE proponent for teaming younger Aspies up with older, more mature people on the spectrum to talk about life.

I'm looking to learn if a "Big Brothers/Big Sisters"- type program for people on the spectrum exists today. If you know of one, please write me! cevans@autismhangout.com

Speech In Action - "Creative ideas for getting mouth and body moving"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:40 CST

Meet author, app developer and speech and language pathologist, Lois Brady. Lois' book - Speech In Action - shows us that combining movement with communications exercises has a noticeable, positive impact on speech and language development.

In this interview Lois discusses the how and why that happens. The book also contains over 90, real-world, do-at-home exercises that parents (and teachers) can use to increase language development.

More info at: www.proactivespeechtherapy.com

Meet "Parent Coach" Bonnie Bogen - A Resource for Parents of Kids on the Spectrum

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:36 CST

Seeking advice from seasoned experts that have "been there, done that" is nothing new. "Parent Coaches" - now a certified position - are behavior specialists that assist parents of kids on the spectrum in first understanding their child's behavior, then help "reframe" the event with tools that facilitate "appropriate" actions.

Bonnie Bogen has been working with special needs kids for 30 years. Fifteen of them have been with parents and kids on the spectrum. Bonnie has "been there" with meltdowns, power struggles, establishing routines and much more.

In this interview Bonnie describes what a parent coach is, what they do and how they can help you in meeting the daily challenges of life on the spectrum.

More info at: www.bonniebogen.com

"Lime Green Limousine!" - Music and more for kids on the spectrum.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:43 CST

Meet composer, musician (and so much more), Marc Zimmerman. Marc, a child prodigy on piano is now dad to identical twin boys on the spectrum... also both musicians.

Marc's gift of music has been getting even better, thanks his kids. The boys are helping dad prepare music (and apps) for others with autism.

Hear Marc's story and learn more about his incredible CD, Lime Green Limousine!

More info at: www.limegreenlimo.com

"The Age of Autism" - Meet authors Dan Olmsted and Mark Blaxill

cevans@autismhangout.com — Sat, 4 Dec 2010 21:20 CST

The man-made epidemic of autism is here... and it's going to get worse unless changes are made.

In this seminal book Dan Olmstead and Mark Blaxill document how medical interests and corporate greed have promoted profits above the protection of people. We can't trust capitalism... or the government. As autism advocates, we need to be the change we want to see in the world.

Hear these two prophets talk of the past, present and future of our species... and how children with autism ARE the proverbial canaries in the cave.

For more information, visit: www.ageofautism.com

"Ten Minutes with Dr. Tony" - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:41 CST

I first did one of these "behind the scenes" interviews with Temple Grandin. I must admit, I find Dr. Tony Attwood no less fascinating.

Dr. Tony Attwood is at all times, brilliant, positive, warm and understanding. Hear him answer questions about his life and purpose and hope for our special kids in these short 10 minutes.

I love the people that are helping us on our journey with autism. Thank you for what you do, Dr. T.

More on Dr. Tony at: www.tonyattwood.com/au

Apps for Special Needs - Find them at www.momswithapps.com

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:25 CST

Meet app developer and momswithapps founder, Lorraine Akemann. Lorraine has assembled a group of app developers with similar interests (and compassion) and put them all in one place for parents of special kids (like ours). What a terrific idea! But what's more terrific is the caliber and quality of the programs themselves.

In this interview, Lorraine details a few of the many programs available for families and special needs kids. You can see/find more at: www.momswithapps.com

Yay for our kids! And yay for the developers at www.momswithapps.com!

The Autism Shop - A one-of-a-kind book and toy store for people on the spectrum.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:54 CST

Meet Cherri Saltzman, mother to a recovered adult on the spectrum and the founder of the Autism Shop in Hopkins, MN. Cherri's 20+ years of first-hand experience with families and teachers of people with autism help her in finding and/or designing the ideal products for our special kids.

Cherri's shop features over 1,000 hand-picked items that she ships worldwide.

Thank you, Cherri! And welcome to the Autism Hangout Farmers Market!

See her store at: www.autismshop.com

Meet Rachel Rudman - Designer of Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kits

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 6 Sep 2010 08:13 CST

Occupational Therapist Rachel Rudman knows what many successful therapists know... that our special kids learn well though play. But Rachel has taken her knowledge one step further. She has designed affordable, skill-developing products and programs to help our kids learn at home.

Rachel's company is at www.grasshopperkits.com. Checkout her assortment of Prep kits (4 of them) for children ages 3-5.

Weighted Vests for our Special Kids (and Adults) - Introducing Stitches by Anne

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 14:46 CST

Meet Anne Perry, another member of the Autism Hangout Farmers Market.

Anne designs and sews weighted vests, blankets, hats... even critters for those that need deep pressure and touch stimulation. Each item is lovingly crafted and assembled one-at-a-time by Anne.

Got an idea for a custom creation for you loved one? Anne is happy to talk to you about it. Her work is exceptional... and her prices more than fair.

Thanks Anne, for bringing your skills and compassion to our special community!

Anne's site is: www.stitchesbyanne.info

The iPad and Autism: One Family's Story of Success.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:01 CST

Meet Shannon DeRoches Rosa and her son Leo. A $5 raffle ticket resulting in an iPad positively changed both their lives. The iPad may have an equally positive effect on you and your loved one with autism.

Hear Shannon talk about her experiences with the device and several readily available software programs (MANY more are coming).

This is the first in a series of interviews I will be doing on the iPad and programs to help our special kids thrive.

More on Shannon here: www.squidalicious.com

Introducing Fun and Function (dotcom) - An Autism Hangout Farmers Market Member

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:32 CST

Meet Fun and Function founder/owner Aviva Weiss. Aviva is an occupational therapist and a busy mom of 5. But it doesn't stop her from doing some much needed work: The "design of products to fit the needs of children, not the diagnosis on paper." :)

Hear Aviva talk about Fun and Function, her desire for first-hand input in product design (from folks that have the need) and some new products coming out this fall.

More on Fun and Function at www.funandfunction.com