Specialisterne Ireland: understand and utilising the unique abilities of Autistic

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from yesterday was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

In Australia, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is a Sydney metropolitan area-based nonprofit that is Australia's largest national service provider for individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia...

...[Aspect's 'Walk for Autism'] is a fundraising walk that runs from Saturday 2 April, which is 'World Autism Awareness Day', through to Saturday 9 April so there is a whole week of walking...

You will be able to track your progress on the interactive website as you enjoy this great way to stay healthy during your lunch break, after work, morning or afternoon. You (or your team) can choose when to walk. Anyone of any fitness level can do this walk so do you have a team already? Or maybe you'd like to join on your own?...

Aspect CEO, Adrian Ford, encourages everyone to participate to help raise awareness of autism as well as pay tribute to the [impacted by Autism] who began Aspect 50 years ago. "During such an important time, we're excited to put on our walking shoes, get outdoors and celebrate the brilliance of people on the spectrum," [he] said. "Walk for autism is an event that the whole community can participate in, no matter their location, lifestyle or schedule."...

Here is a link to a video on the Aspect's Autism Walk from over a year ago: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpect...9990948896342/

[source: https://www.weekendnotes.com/walk-for-autism/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from a couple of days ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the east, The Transforming Autism Care Consortium is a Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based research network that connects and mobilizes Quebec’s strengths in autism research to improve quality of life for people with autism and their families. We accomplish this by accelerating scientific discovery, capacity building, and integrating evidence in practice and policy.

On May 22nd, the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA) held a public webinar entitled Senators at Home: Honing in on a National Autism Strategy. This meeting was held by CASDA to discuss what a federal autism strategy in Canada would look like from the point of view of Senators that are currently active in the Canadian autism community. Four Senators took part in this event: Senator Leo Housakos (Conservative Party of Canada – Quebec (Wellington)), Senator Jim Munson (Progressive Senate Group – Ontario (Ottawa, Rideau Canal)), Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard (Independent Senators Group – Nova Scotia (East Preston)) and Senator Peter Boehm (Independent Senators Group – Ontario (Ontario)). The purpose of the panel was to start and encourage a discussion amongst policymakers to determine what federal steps should be taken towards supporting Canada’s ASD community.

Of interest, Senator Housakos mentioned that a federal plan should include funding for research and employment programs and highlights the great work being done here in Montreal by our network’s partners:

“I’m particularly proud also of [the] Polaris initiative here in Montreal, which is being run by Giant Steps and Wagar Adult Education Centre and with TACC […] in conjunction with George Weston Corporation. I believe that these are some of the first steps that I’d like to focus on in the next decade or two decades […].”

Here is a link to a video from over a week ago : https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...a7cc74c07d09&q

[source: https://rtsa-tacc.com/the-tacc-and-its-partners-praised-by-senator-leo-housakos-for-their-efforts-at-the-senators-at-home/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from almost a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Chicago, Illinois is also home to annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

This Saturday [many] people [impacted with Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, are going to] gather [for Chicago's Autism Speaks Walk.]

The goal of the Chicago Autism Speaks Walk is to raise money and enhance the lives of people living on the spectrum and fund autism research.

CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot joined Cheva Ramos and her son Romulus to talk about the importance of next weekend's walk and how the numbers of those diagnosed with autism are growing.

...Cheva [said:] "...They're able to diagnose [Autism] better and notice some of the symptoms."

"It's fairly normal for the most part," said Romulus, who will be participating in the walk. "Sometimes I go to special ed classes in my school to learn how to communicate better."

Cheva ...said now more than ever before, there are more tools and more information available for people who are just learning about an autism diagnosis.

"When Romulus was diagnosed I was terrified. I didn't know what to do," she said. "[But luckily] I came across Autism Speaks. For those people who have just received a diagnosis, I really suggest that you visit AutismSpeaks.org. There's lots of resources out there and you're not alone."

She added that the walk is much more than a place where people are helping to raise money.

"When you first get the diagnosis, you feel isolated. But at the Autism Speaks event, we just felt like we belonged...," she said.

The Autism Speaks Walk Chicago event takes place Saturday May 12...

...If you can't make it to the walk but want more information, there are specially trained educators to connect those on the autism spectrum [,and those closest to them,] to provide information, tools and resources.

In English, the number is 1-888-288-4762.

In Spanish, it's 1-888-772-9050...

Here is a link to the Chicago Autism Speaks Walk from about four years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5701998&type=3

[source: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...-walk-chicago/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from nearly a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the east, Montreal, Quebec, Canada is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada...

Autism Speaks Canada Walk, presented by Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us, announced that Montreal's Autism Speaks Canada Walk will take place this Sunday, May 28 at McGill University, Tomlinson Fieldhouse. Registration opens at 8:30 am with the Walk taking place at 11:00 am.

The Autism Speaks Canada Walk events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks Canada. Since they began, they have raised over $11.7 million in support of autism research, services, awareness and collaboration. Powered by Love, the Walk brings individuals [impacted by Autism] together to support and connect with one another. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds and enjoy the day, complete with family-fun activities, quiet zone, Resource Fair and walk. All participants who raise $150 or more qualify for a commemorative 2017 T-shirt.

"Thanks to the tremendous community support and the work of our volunteers, our Autism Speaks Canada Walks continue to provide funding to impact the lives of individuals and families living with autism," said Jill Farber, Executive Director.

"We are also grateful for the dedication of Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us. Their exemplary support of our Autism Speaks Canada Walk program and participation in awareness campaigns such as Light It Up Blue and Sensory Friendly Shopping, have played a pivotal role in helping us enhance the lives of people with autism. We couldn't ask for a better partner," said Jill.

Thank you to the Montreal local media partners ...

Here is a link to a video on Montreal's Walk from about five years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NABwNkJ57Dc

[source: https://www.newswire.ca/news-release...624025383.html ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from almost a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Hope Network's Center for Autism, is a Grand-Rapids, Michigan based nonprofit that is West Michigan's leading provider of early autism diagnosis, early behavioral intervention, and Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children from the age of eighteen months...

In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, Hope Network and the Grand Rapids Public Museum are partnering to host a sensory-friendly night free for children with Autism and their families.

This special Grand Rapids Public Museum event will include free Museum admission where they will adapt the sounds, lighting, and activities within their current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for children with Autism. Capacity for the museum night is limited...

...Walk across the Blue Bridge then join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a free sensory night.

Here is a link to a video Hope Network's Bridge Walk for Autism from about year ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...7a4ea413208d&q

[source: https://grnewshub.grandrapidsmi.gov/Events/Hope-Networks-Bridge-Walk-for-Autism ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from about a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Cleveland, Ohio is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

Autism Speaks ...is hosting its annual fundraising event, the Cleveland Autism Speaks Walk on Sunday at the Great Lakes Science Center.

The event is open to all ages and free to the public. Registration before walk day is highly encourage...

...People with autism have different ways of learning and can have problems with communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests...

For [many] years, Autism Speaks has [attempted] to offer an increased understanding of the disability, Kirsch said.

...The walk [is attempting to] raise vital funds...

Kirsch is urging people to help build a more inclusive environment for [individuals with various challenges], but especially autism.

“Together, we can build a world where all people with autism can achieve their full potential. We’re as committed as ever to this vision, but we can’t achieve it without [the community],” she said...

Here is a link to a video from the 'Building Blocks Therapy' team at the Cleveland Walk for Autism Speaks from over five years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...2261ed540c6b&q

[source: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/...on-sunday.html ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from over a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Autism Society of Alabama is a Jefferson County, Alabama-based nonprofit that attempts to improve services for individuals affected by Autism through education and advocacy. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Alabama...

On Saturday, [many] people showed up ...in Huntsville for one cause; to raise awareness of autism.

April is National Autism Awareness Month and across Alabama, five walks were held on Saturday [for the cause.].

Jenny Morris, whose son has autism, put together Huntsville's, something she said is very personal.

"We took part in our very first Walk for Autism in 2004 and I think there were [far fewer] people there," said Morris, who is also associate director of [the Autism Society of Alabama.] "I met some people there that day that are now lifelong friends of mine and we vowed we're going to grow this event."

They did that and more, along with putting together a fair at the event, where people can learn about available resources, purchase Autism-inspired merchandise ...and enjoy food donated from local businesses.

...Proceeds from the event go right back to state programs which help people with autism, which is why having the event in-person this year was a big win for all parties involved.

Morris said having events like this are very important for the community.

"It's the acceptance of people with autism," said Morris. "It's the awareness of autism in our community."

One person who attended the event was 9-year-old Richard Guzman, who came in support of his older brother, Roy.

"I came out here for my brother with autism," said Richard. "He's never mean to me and I know that he loves me and I love him, too."

Here is a link to a video from the Autism Society of Alabama's Huntsville Walk from about a month ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...2394fd45c6da&q

[source: https://www.waaytv.com/news/huntsvil...a8d0c8431.html ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from over a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

The Autism Society of America and Chrysler have recently announced a new long-term partnership initiative for individuals impacted by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and those closest to them...

The Autism Society of America and Chrysler [are going to] announce a new long-term partnership initiative that supports the driving needs of individuals with Autism and their loved ones, including through the creation of a new Calm Cabin package that can transform any Chrysler Pacifica into a sensory-supported mobile experience.

On April 5 at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, Chrysler [is going to] announce its partnership with the [national organisation.] The announcement coincides with April’s Autism Acceptance Month, as well as the Autism Society’s fifth annual Celebrate Differences campaign.

...Through its new partnership, the Chrysler brand and the Autism Society [are going to] work to make travel more comfortable for all through thoughtful design, ...educational resources, and local community engagement.

In addition, throughout the month of April, Chrysler will use its platforms to encourage followers of the brand on social media to make donations, spread awareness for early diagnosis of Autism, promote inclusion in the greater community and practice acceptance in everyday life.

...Chrysler brand will also provide a courtesy one-year loan of three 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle vehicles for use by the Autism Society.

“At Chrysler, we believe it’s no longer enough to be ‘aware’ of the [many] of people living and thriving with Autism, we must put acceptance into action,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “We’re proud to offer life-enriching opportunities for individuals with Autism and [those closest to them] with initiatives, such as our new Calm Cabin package, that bring a little harmony to people’s lives, whether they are on a long road trip or running a quick errand.”

The Autism Society will help advise the development of Chrysler products and assist with organization-wide inclusion training to build better experiences for the Autism community interacting with dealers across the country.

“The Autism Society of America is proud to partner with Chrysler to create an improved and inclusive driving experience for the Autism community,” said Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “With a trusted partner like Chrysler, our work is amplified as we collaborate to instill inclusive workplace practices, product accommodations and create more opportunities for the Autism community to live fully.”

Chrysler Calm Cabin Package
A 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Limited on display at the New York International Auto Show, featuring branded Autism Society vehicle graphics, will also serve as a showcase for the brand’s new Calm Cabin package, which helps those with Autism feel calm, safe and comfortable.

Available in late spring through Chrysler’s online merchandise retail store, the Chrysler-branded package includes:

• Seat-back organizer with adjustable straps, five front pockets, interior clear pocket that holds a tablet computer and a black mesh pocket
• Rechargeable, cordless Bluetooth meditative light and sound therapy machine that fits in the center pocket of the seat-back organizer with five LED color modes, four light therapy modes, breathing coach and 15 sound therapy modes
• Comforting seat belt sleeve with soft-touch velvet feel
• Comforting soft-touch travel pillow
• Comforting, seven-layer, 12-pound weighted sensory blanket

Items available as part of the Calm Cabin package will also be available for purchase separately.

As part of the brand’s long-term partnership with the Autism Society, Chrysler [is going to] work to identify additional areas where the brand can ...affect meaningful change in the Autism community. [Working] with its U.S. dealer network, Chrysler will work to roll out dealer-network staff training designed to familiarize dealership employees with the unique needs of individuals and [and those closest to them] in the Autism community.

The Chrysler brand’s new initiative with the Autism Society was developed in partnership with Doner, the brand’s creative agency.

...Vehicles can be stressful, scary experiences for those with Autism due to an environment that can be overstimulating and uncomfortable. For some, it means every road trip to school, practice, work or on daily errands becomes a difficult, challenging experience....

Here is a link to a video on the partnership initiative between Chrysler and the Autism Society of America from nearly two months ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f77_bRI3Oes

[source: https://autismsociety.org/press-rele...ty-of-america/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from over a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Autism Society of Southern Arizona is a Tucson, Arizona-based nonprofit that attempts to create a situation where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the assistance they need, when they need it. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Southern Arizona...

...The upcoming walk provides an excellent opportunity to inform the public about these resources and those around them who live with autism, according to Groskind.

“The walk helps to show that there are so many of us who are out there and we are accessible and we are living real lives,” she said. “It is this amazing space where [many] people [join] together — families and friends and those on the spectrum — and no one thinks you are strange and no one judges you. ... It is a beautiful experience and a community filled with support.”

Here is a link to a video from the Dependable Health Services team, a sponsor of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona's Walk, from about five years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...3d5638120693&q


[source: https://tucson.com/tucson-autism-wal...910c12cbf.html ]