Specialisterne Ireland: understand and utilising the unique abilities of Autistic

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from a few days ago 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 northwest, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada is also home to an Autism Awareness Walk...

Rain was in the forecast all day on Sunday, [something that] could have spelled [trouble] for the annual Autism Acceptance and Awareness Walk...

However, despite the weather, throngs of people still managed to show up at Vernon’s Polson Park to take in the festivities for the seventh consecutive year.

Tents were sent up throughout the park in the afternoon, with ...balloons, miniature golf, ...coffee and other informational pop-up events.

“We weren’t sure how many people would be here,” said Rebecca Robertson, who works with the North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) Child Development Centre. “But we got a great turnout. It was important to see people come and show up for [the cause.] Everything is by donation, so all the money we make today goes towards the event next year (in 2024).”

The NONA Child Development Centre put on the walk, along with [various other nonprofits in the Okanagan region.]

“It is a great event because it brings everyone together,” added Robertson. “We really want to bring acceptance for autism and to let people know what is available in the area for [individuals impacted by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]”

Robertson also mentioned that they are hoping to send [children] to camp with some of the money that was raised during the event.

Here is a link to a video on Vernon, British Columbia, Canada's Autism Awareness Walk from about five-and-a-half years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeFtGH0_Kgo

[source: https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/co...ism-awareness/ ]

[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 northwest, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada...

Adarius Bowman’s resume is as impressive as it is long.

Heading into his 10th season of professional football, the Edmonton [CFL team's] slotback is a Grey Cup champion, a ...CFL all-star and owns a couple of receiving titles.

As far as on-field exploits go, there aren’t many blanks left to fill in for the 31-year-old [American.]

Besides getting engaged earlier in the off-season, the reigning CFL receiving-yards leader also became the highest paid receiver in the league after signing a two-year contract extension worth $260,000 and $265,000 annually, and came with a $140,000 signing bonus.

While the [Tennessee] native ...has followed a long and winding journey full of ups and downs to reach the top of his game, he’s recently branched out to show there’s plenty more to him than [the impressive statistics for] career receptions ...and ...touchdowns.

In January, Bowman added the title of president to his previous work experience after launching Adarius 4 Autism.

“It’s been a little process, but it’s amazing,” Bowman said of the nonprofit corporation focused on youth living with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the aim to empower those affected through ...training, advocacy, research and – most of all – awareness and acceptance.

A lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, autism [impacts] social interaction, communication and behaviour in myriad ways. At the same time, individuals have also shown special ability in other areas, such as mathematics, puzzles and creativity.

“The fact that they are highly intelligent in some areas and may need a little more help in others,” Bowman said. “Being around these kids, they brighten up your day. My career has been amazing, Edmonton’s been amazing to me.

“What’s my way of giving back? I always wondered what it was going to be but this was something that touched me in the heart and I think I’ll be a part of it forever.

It was no accident how Adarius 4 Autism came to be.

“For me, it started with a great friend of mine and former teammate as well, Brock Ralph,” Bowman said of the former Eskimos receiver from Raymond, Alta., he spent two seasons with on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers roster. “His older daughter, Oakley, is autistic and we met in 2009-10, back in my early Winnipeg days. She was about four or five, she’s going to turn 13 this year.

“I think that’s when it first touched me to see his leadership as a father and the lifestyle of having a child with autism and the growth that she had every day.”

The support of family and friends is what kept Ralph coming back his home province to spend three different stops in Edmonton over a nine-year career. And he’s back for good now, coaching football for the past four years at Harry Ainlay high school, where he also teaches 12 older autistic students in the Interactions program.

“In Winnipeg, Adarius got to see the family side of me and got to meet my two daughters and was actually a lot of help,” Ralph said of Oakley, 12, and nine-year-old Parker. “I was out there, it was just me and my two daughters in a situation that required help from my support and he was right there for wanting to make sure that I was good, my daughters were good and was always very intrigued with Oakley and how she operated and thought.

“He just kind of built a cool little relationship with her. It’s been very supportive for me.”

Ralph was playing in Hamilton in 2007 when Oakley was diagnosed.

“I actually asked for a trade back to Alberta, so I was lucky enough to come to Edmonton for my second stint with the [Edmonton CFL team],” Ralph said. “But it’s life-changing, I can say that. Oakley is a little bit verbal but not very. Her language hasn’t come, but it will soon.

“It’s kind of a big umbrella that you can throw the term autism under. Every kid in the spectrum is very much an individual. That’s one of the cool parts, is you still get a lot of personality with each individual, were they are on the spectrum, what they’re about and like as people, what motivates them and their interests.”

Bowman would like nothing more than to help those with autism develop skills and [interests] into the potential to one day follow their own career path.

While he’s spent time in Edmonton over past off-seasons, Bowman has come to call the city home.

“I’ve had a few up here, but this is the one where the trip back home was real quick,” he said of returning down south following the 2016 season. “But I definitely am wanting to start Adarius 4 Autism in Edmonton, so I need to be around for this.

“So this is home right now.”

Here is a link to photos from the Edmonton Autism Speaks Canada Walk from over a decade ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8943668&type=3

[source: https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/f...ss-in-edmonton ]

[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 southeast, Boston, Massachusetts is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

This weekend, [many individuals impacted by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, are going to] gather on the Boston Common for the first in-person Greater Boston Autism Speaks Walk to happen in two years.

...Boston 25 is a proud sponsor and Boston 25 News anchor Heather Hegedus is once again the emcee.

[The] senior regional director for Autism Speaks New England joined Boston 25 News Thursday morning to talk about what Autism Speaks does for local [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Spectrum Disorders]...

Here is a link to a video from the Greater Boston Autism Speaks Walk from almost five years ago: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...79f3a41b07a&q=

[source: https://www.boston25news.com/news/lo...P5CWB26OUS6ZY/ ]

[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 southeast, Staten Island in New York City is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

[Many] Staten Islanders [participated in the fundraiser] for a good cause.

Autism Speaks hosted its fifth annual charity walk, ...at the College of Staten Island.

All proceeds will go toward medical research and services for [individuals] affected by [Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

Nancy Dischiavi's son has autism. They both participated in this year's walk

"So he can be accepted[,]" Dischiavi said. "So this way he can be involved in the community."

She hopes events like these raise awareness and help change public perception.

Lindsay Naeder is from the Autism Speaks organization.

"We're really excited to be able to provide resources for everyone across the lifespan, whether you're newly diagnosed or you're looking for school resources or you're an adult with autism looking for housing or employment resources," Naeder said.

Organizers say this year's walk [raised a significant amount.]

Fundraising continues through December.

Here is a link to a video Staten Island's Autism Speaks Walk from about seven years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...173884ce3b3&q=

[source: https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/new...s-charity-walk ]

[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, Charleston, South Carolina is home to the annual Charleston Walk for Autism. This local nonprofit funds scholarships and raises money for individuals impacted by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, to help pay for treatment and intervention of autism through behavioral and relational development programs...

To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, a [sensory]-friendly walk was held in Hampton Park to help [individuals impacted by Autism] fund treatment, and [many individuals participated in the fundraiser.]

[The] Walk for Autism-Charleston [was held] on Saturday.

...It was not just walking, the event had live music, therapy dogs, ...and more.

“Today is about celebrating [those individuals closest to children with Autism] who [could] have a child who had an autism diagnosis and looking at the uniqueness in each of those children, ...and showing the resources we have in our community,” Walk for Autism Charleston board member Karen Durand said.

Event officials want the community to know that autism is diverse and that every child with an autism diagnosis is different from the rest.

All of the money raised stays in the Charleston area.

Here is a link to a video on the Charleston Walk for Autism from about a year-and-a-half ago: https://www.facebook.com/mulligan.gi...28201055492385

[source: https://www.live5news.com/2023/04/16...h-annual-walk/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from nearly a month ago was the Autism Society of Maine, a Winthrop, Maine-based nonprofit that attempts to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals on the Autism spectrum to become participating members of their communities. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Maine.

To the west, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada is home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation...

Big Joe and [the Ottawa CFL team's cheer squad] were in attendance for Ottawa’s Autism Speaks Canada Walk on June 4th in Kanata.

They cheered on and high-fived the participants, while the [cheer squad helped] the walkers [through] a pre-walk warm-up.

The walk is a way to bring people together to raise awareness and help raise funds for services for those with autism.

Here is a link to a video on Ottawa's Autism Speaks Canada Walk from over eight years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/jim.tamblyn...53259950916578

[source: https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2023...k-june-4-2023/ ]

[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.

To the south, Cabarrus County in North Carolina is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

Back for another year, [the local television network] is [honoured] to be a part of the annual Autism Speaks Walk. This year, the walk is happening at Truist Field...

Context: This walk is the largest autism-related fundraiser of the year in the Carolinas. Money raised supports the efforts of Autism Speaks to raise awareness and acceptance of those with autism as well as funding research and advocacy efforts.

...You can help Autism Speaks meet its walk goal of $160,000!

...[the local television network] has been a part of this event for over a decade and is looking forward to another great walk!...

Here is a link to a video from the Autism Speaks Walk held in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, from about five years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/autismspeak...88944084919560

[source: https://www.greathealthdivide.com/20...s-years-event/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from a couple of days 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, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada...

Hello LinkedIn!

This Sunday, I'm extremely proud to be participating in the Autism Speaks Canada Walk...

Please [back] me to help increase the understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people by making a donation today!

Here is a link to a video from
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...1db15fd11bb&q=

[source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adamrifai_adam-rifai-walk-2023-activity-7070066104328454144-swzF/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from a few days 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, Cincinnati, Ohio is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

...One national organization is helping create awareness around [Autism] and raise money for research through a [Autism awareness event and fundraiser.]

Cherie Short and her [eight-year-old] son ...got some playtime before the Autism Speaks Cincinnati Walk officially began at the University of Cincinnati.

...[Her son] was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.

He’s non-verbal so that makes it a little challenging for him to interact with others.

“He uses a communication device to communicate,” she said. “So sometimes that makes it very difficult for him to make friends and to approach other children.”

The Short family decided to participate in the Autism Speaks Walk [for her son.] It was their seventh year taking part in the walk.

They were among the [many individuals impacted by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, to participate at] the event Saturday.

...“The more that we can do for Autism Speaks, the better,” she said. “They’ve done a lot for us. They’ve been a great resource for us and they provide a lot of scientific research.”

The Short family and friends raised [a significant amount] this year for the Autism Speaks Cincinnati Walk...

...she said[:] “If we can help other people that’s the goal.”

Here is a link to a video from the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati's Walk from a few years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...ee595d33aad&q=

[source: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbu...aise-awareness ]

[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.

In Australia, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is a Chatswood, NSW-based nonprofit that attempts to understand and celebrate the interests and aspirations of individuals on the autism spectrum. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia...

This year, Aspect Riverina School students and staff challenged themselves to complete an extreme version of the Walk for autism and conquer Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak. The walk was designed to empower students by building self-confidence and resilience.

In preparation, 8 students from Year 8 to 12 took part in a ...training regime completing walks of increasing duration and intensity around the Albury area, promoting the school and the walk through their ...Walk for Autism Extreme shirts and even making it onto the local news!

...the students arrived eager for the day and confidently piled into the school vehicles. As we drove, the snow-capped Mt Bogong loomed in the distance, towering over the Kiewa Valley. Arriving at the foot of the mountain, there was a mix of trepidation and excitement amongst the students. Starting from the Eskdale Spur trailhead, the walk commenced with an extremely steep section that quickly demonstrated the extent of the extreme challenge that they had taken on. Although the walk is only 10-kilometres return, the students climbed [a considerable distance] in elevation making it an incredibly challenging and gruelling walk.

...After ...hours of walking the students, climbed up out of the tree line and into the alpine terrain. All students demonstrated great perseverance, resilience and comradery as they walked as one group through snow and ice, encouraging and supporting each other to push through difficult tracks and personal pain. For some students this was their first encounter with snow, demonstrating just how far out of their comfort zones they truly were.

...Due to the conditions, the students unfortunately did not make it to the very top, however they showed great determination to get as far as they did through quite treacherous conditions. Arriving back at school after a massive 12-hour day, their sense of pride and achievement was shared with [those closest to them who were] very proud [,] making this a truly extreme and memorable Walk for Autism for staff, students and [those individuals closest to them.]

...This great adventure was made possible with [the assistance of] Aspect Riverina School staff who trained and walked alongside the students as well as involvement [, including] from Peter Holmes (alpine guide), [and] Scott Upston (fitness trainer), but also ...Usher Group whose donations paid for other essential gear that the students needed for the day.

It has been a great ...effort [made possible through great teamwork.] Thanks to a Rotary grant, we were able to produce a documentary on this adventurous Extreme walk. We are looking forward to sharing this documentary across our digital channels, later this year!

Here is a link to a video on Aspect's Walk for Autism from about six months ago: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpect...47360675459725

[source: https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/news/extreme-walk ]