Autism Hangout Special Reports Feed

Meet Barbara Cook: The founder/publisher/editor of Australian Autism Asperger's Network Magazine

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:17 CST

Most of us already know there’s a fabulous community of people involved with autism. Whether you’re on the spectrum or love someone with autism, there are helpful people with positive news everywhere. In fact, the positive news is being piled up so fast, that new mediums and outlets to distribute this encouragement are called for.

And here to answer that call from down under is editor Barbara Cook. Her new, noteworthy entry is a magazine dedicated to “all things related to autism.” Autism Hangout please welcome today’s guest, the founder, publisher and editor of the Australian Autism Asperger’s Network Magazine, Barbara Cook.

More info at: www.aaanetwork.com.au/magazine

More info at: www.aaanetwork.com.au/magazineof us already know there’s a fabulous community of people involved with autism. Whether you’re on the spectrum or love someone with autism, there are helpful people with positive news everywhere. In fact, the positive news is being piled up so fast, that new mediums and outlets to distribute this encouragement are called for.

More info at: www.aaanetwork.com.au/magazine

"Asperger Love" - An interview with author Amy Harmon

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:34 CST

Ignorance isn't always bliss. In fact, ignorance often gets in the way of understanding. For instance, it's some times heard that people with Asperger's/HFA can't express emotion. Or, even more foolish, people on the spectrum can't fall in love. To both statements, today's guest has written an e-book on two Aspies and their approach to love. Two-time Pulitzer prize winner and New York Times reporter Amy Harmon writes this "fly on the wall" look at Aspie Love.

Jessica Kingsley to publish "Been There. Done That. Try This!"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:24 CST

Jessica Kingsley Publishing has offered to publish a book of Aspie Wisdom. "Been There. Done That. Try This!" is a compilation of insightful essays and stories submitted by "Aspie Mentors"... older people with Asperger's/HFA that have gained their understanding from first-hand experience.

Based on research of the most stressful issues faced by someone with Asperger's.

More at: www.autismhangout.comKingsley Publishing has offered to publish a book of Aspie Wisdom. "Been There. Done That. Try This!" is a compilation of insightful essays and stories submitted by "Aspie Mentors"... older people with Asperger's/HFA that have gained their understanding from first-hand experience.

Based on research of the most stressful issues faced by someone with Asperger's.

More at: www.autismhangout.com

Calling all spectrum artists! We’re looking for original art!

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:42 CST

The book that Dr. Tony Attwood, Anita Lesko and I have been assembling - “Been there. Done that. Try this!” is now over half complete. We’re on track to finish this summer. So why are we looking for artwork? Simple. Words only tell part of the story when it comes to issues of stress. I know to people on the spectrum – many gifted with artistic abilities – that stress can have a more intense feel and, possibly a look. So what does “Anxiety” look like? And to someone with autism, what does depression look like? How about self-esteem or even faking it?

Each of the 17 research-identified issues/stressors has a chapter in the book, along with the Aspie Mentor’s "life-gained" wisdom for addressing and overcoming that issue. But I’d like to include something more… a visual, a drawing, a painting perhaps that helps explain just how painful, powerful or disturbing this stress-inducing issue really is to someone with autism.

This video tells you how your artwork can help aid understanding and be a part of this book.

This video tells you how your artwork can help aid understanding and be a part of this book.book that Dr. Tony Attwood, Anita Lesko and I have been assembling - “Been there. Done that. Try this!” is now over half complete. We’re on track to finish this summer. So why are we looking for artwork? Simple. Words only tell part of the story when it comes to issues of stress. I know to people on the spectrum – many gifted with artistic abilities – that stress can have a more intense feel and, possibly a look. So what does “Anxiety” look like? And to someone with autism, what does depression look like? How about self-esteem or even faking it?

This video tells you how your artwork can help aid understanding and be a part of this book.

Facts on Aspergers - A film from England

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:27 CST

Infographics video on the situation of the Asperger Syndrome in today's society. This was created and launched by FulfillAspiesLife.com with the aim of raising awareness of the syndrome.

Remember that it takes only a few words and clicks to support Aspies' Community. Share this video, comment it, spread it, these are our best tools.

FulfillAspiesLife.org
https://www.facebook.com/FulfillAspiesLife

Sensory Overload (Interacting with Autism Project)

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:34 CST

I just noticed this wonderful animation on Vimeo. It's for NT's to help them appreciate just how overwhelming everyday, common sensory stimulation can be.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.just noticed this wonderful animation on Vimeo. It's for NT's to help them appreciate just how overwhelming everyday, common sensory stimulation can be.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.

I just noticed this wonderful animation on Vimeo. It's for NT's to help them appreciate just how overwhelming everyday, common sensory stimulation can be.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.I just noticed this wonderful animation on Vimeo. It's for NT's to help them appreciate just how overwhelming everyday, common sensory stimulation can be.

This beautiful film was done by Miguel Jiron.

Fun, Effective Adaptive Techniques from Occupational Therapist, Barbara Smith

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:11 CST

We are all looking for ways to improve the lives of our special kids. When someone comes up with a new software app or therapeutic technique, we all benefit.

Today’s guest is an occupational therapist and author that is on the forefront in the development of activities that promote attention, coordination and enhance daily living skills.

Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, author Barbara Smith.

More info at: www.recyclingot.com and www.fromrattlestowriting.com

Meet the author and photographer of "Apart or A Part?" A book on inclusion.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:54 CST

Today’s guest is yet another Baby Boomer diagnosed later in life. At age 52, she learned the news. As the mom of kids also on the spectrum, she’d watched them encounter the same inclusion issues that challenged her. But as a successful artist, she was now capable of taking matters into her own hands... and making a difference.

Being a successful photographer – through her medium – she tells stories of being A Part of something… or being Apart from something. Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, photographer, author Jane Strauss.

More info at: www.a-part-or-apart.com and www.janesprints.com

Meet Executive Director of Autismaid (dotorg), "Tanner's Dad" Tim Walsh

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:41 CST

I first met today’s guest in 2008 and was immediately struck by his passion for our special kids. In fact, Tanner’s Dad quickly became my reference point as an example for involved, active autism advocacy. Since, then Tanner’s Dad has continued his successful quest to make a difference in the lives of our special kids.

Here’s today to tell us about his new position to help affect positive change on a local and regional level is the Executive Director of Autism Aid (dotorg), Tim Welsh.

More info at: www.autismaid.orgfirst met today’s guest in 2008 and was immediately struck by his passion for our special kids. In fact, Tanner’s Dad quickly became my reference point as an example for involved, active autism advocacy. Since, then Tanner’s Dad has continued his successful quest to make a difference in the lives of our special kids.

Here’s today to tell us about his new position to help affect positive change on a local and regional level is the Executive Director of Autism Aid (dotorg), Tim Welsh.

More info at: www.autismaid.orgI first met today’s guest in 2008 and was immediately struck by his passion for our special kids. In fact, Tanner’s Dad quickly became my reference point as an example for involved, active autism advocacy. Since, then Tanner’s Dad has continued his successful quest to make a difference in the lives of our special kids.

Here’s today to tell us about his new position to help affect positive change on a local and regional level is the Executive Director of Autism Aid (dotorg), Tim Welsh.

More info at: www.autismaid.org

Dr. Tony Attwood on Aspie Mentors and "Been there. Done that. Try this!"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:22 CST

Dr. Tony Attwood and Craig Evans discuss their forthcoming book with Anita Lesko: "Been there. Done that. Try this! An Aspinaut's Guide to Life on Planet Earth." The book compiles stories and insights from valuable "Aspie Mentor" experiences addressing the 17 most pressing and stressing issues facing younger Aspergians.

"We want to take this Aspie Mentor concept and really make a contribution. So younger people with Asperger's don't have to suffer some of the trials their older peers did."

The research survey is online now. If you have Asperger's, please give us your input: www.surveymonkey.com/s/aspiequestions

Meet author, motivational speaker and autism advocate, David George.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 6 Apr 2012 09:23 CST

Today’s guest is someone you could easily call a typical all-American Boy. David George grew up playing hockey, watching Starsky & Hutch and loving rock and roll. He even writes poetry. But with a relatively recent diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, David decided his mission in life is help the world understand that differences are good!

Autism Hangout, please welcome author, motivational speaker and autism advocate David George.

More info at: www.beyouandlive.com

"Fostering creative communications and social independence through the power of arts education"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:36 CST

Many of our special kids face social challenges. But where modern science may not offer a solution, the creative arts can unlock many doors.

Today’s guest is with a company that “fosters creative communications and social independence through the power of arts education." Autism Hangout, please welcome the executive director of Upstream Arts, Julie Guidry.

More info at: www.upstreamarts.org

More info at: www.upstreamarts.orgof our special kids face social challenges. But where modern science may not offer a solution, the creative arts can unlock many doors.

More info at: www.upstreamarts.org

Attempting a New World Record, marathoner Steve Knowlton runs for Asperger's Awareness

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:59 CST

It isn't very often you run across somebody running across the entire United States of America. Today's special guest is one of those special people. And to make it even more special, today's guest is running in support of all of those with Asperger's.

More info at: www.steveknowlton.com and www.aspergersmn.org

www.aspergersmn.orgisn't very often you run across somebody running across the entire United States of America. Today's special guest is one of those special people. And to make it even more special, today's guest is running in support of all of those with Asperger's.

More info at: www.steveknowlton.com and

www.aspergersmn.orgIt isn't very often you run across somebody running across the entire United States of America. Today's special guest is one of those special people. And to make it even more special, today's guest is running in support of all of those with Asperger's.

More info at: www.steveknowlton.com and

www.aspergersmn.org

Announcing: "Been there. Done that. Try this! An Aspinauts guide to life of planet Earth."

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 6 Mar 2012 14:39 CST

Craig Evans of Autism Hangout announce the first of the Aspie Mentor Book Series. These books are a collaborative effort between Dr. Tony Attwood, author Anita Lesko ("Born with Asperger's") and Craig Evans, founder of Autism Hangout (dotcom).

Two new autism books! Meet author Lois Brady

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:29 CST

You know, some people are just given an extra helping of compassion… the ability to serve others in multiple ways. Fortunately for those of us with special kids, one of these gifted people is helping us all learn how to thrive with autism.

Today’s guest is a Speech and Language Pathologist and so much more. In addition to her daily work, somehow she manages to write amazingly helpful, contributing books. And now, she’s just released two more!

Back here to discuss Apps for Autism and Speak, Move, Play and Learn, Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, all-round wonderful human being, Lois Brady.

More info at: www.proactivespeechtherapy.com

More info at: www.proactivespeechtherapy.comYou know, some people are just given an extra helping of compassion… the ability to serve others in multiple ways. Fortunately for those of us with special kids, one of these gifted people is helping us all learn how to thrive with autism.

Today’s guest is a Speech and Language Pathologist and so much more. In addition to her daily work, somehow she manages to write amazingly helpful, contributing books. And now, she’s just released two more!

Back here to discuss Apps for Autism and Speak, Move, Play and Learn, Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, all-round wonderful human being, Lois Brady. You know, some people are just given an extra helping of compassion… the ability to serve others in multiple ways. Fortunately for those of us with special kids, one of these gifted people is helping us all learn how to thrive with autism.

Back here to discuss Apps for Autism and Speak, Move, Play and Learn, Autism Hangout, please welcome today’s guest, all-round wonderful human being, Lois Brady.

"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