Changing the World, One Set of Keys at a Time
I wear a set of keys on a chain around my neck. I don't know what, exactly, these keys unlock, but I wear them in hope, and in memory.
After my grandmother passed away years ago, my grandfather invited the women of the family to view her…
21 Jump Street Movie Ignites Autism Controversy
The blogosphere has been abuzz the last few days about an emerging controversy involving the new "21 Jump Street" movie starring Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube. The movie, set for release on Friday, March 16th, is being…
Justice Sought for Autistic Girl Seized by Canadian Government
Today is day 271. This represents the number of days Ayn Van Dyk has been held by Canadian authorities and kept away from her family. It also represents how long one British Columbia father has suffered indescribable pain. We've covered…
Dan Marino Foundation Starting College for Special Needs Students
The Dan Marino Foundation, a fixture in South Florida since 1992, has recently announced plans to start a college for those with autism and other special needs. According to a Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel article published last month, the…
Autism Advocates Seek Return of Snapple Drink
In 2010, actress and talk show host Holly Robinson Peete competed in Donald Trump's hit reality show Celebrity Apprentice, where she placed second behind Poison lead singer Bret Michaels. As part of the season finale, Michaels and Peete…
Student with Autism Mistreated, Abused with Spray Bottle
A disturbing story has emerged from Deer Park, Texas, where a teacher has been accused of verbally mocking, taunting and in some cases, abusing children with autism and
other special needs. Allegations surfaced back in December at a Deer…
Autism Tattoos: A Growing Trend for Awareness and Support
With autism now affecting 1 in 110 children (with a much higher unofficial rate), you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who is not directly or indirectly affected by the disorder. Because of these high numbers and the growing popularity of…
Autism Movie Plays Role in 2012 Presidential Election
Those of you who have been following The United States of Autism for a little while know that the film features a family out of Iowa who are incredibly active in the 2012 US Presidential Elections, speaking about autism every time the…
Autism Comes to Hollywood: A Helpful or Hurtful Trend?
The NJ Record and Time Magazine have both published articles in the last few days addressing the latest trend of characters with autism appearing in film and/or television. We've touched on this topic in the past and have received mixed…
Autism, Siblings and the R-Word Effect
When we, the siblings of someone with special needs, hear the word "retarded" or "retard," even in the most seemingly-casual context, it strikes us hard.
When we hear it, we hear it as an echo of all the times our brothers and sisters…