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…
Despite Increased Awareness, the R-Word is Alive and Well
I am not one who offends easily, nor do I consider myself overly-sensitive. However, there are some words that should simply be extinguished from our vernacular. "Retard" is one of them.
Earlier this week, I was out shopping…
Autism Group Offers Free Safety Kit to Caregivers
Wandering-related episodes involving those with autism is a serious issue and stories seem to come in on a weekly basis pertaining to the topic. Unfortunately, not all of them have happy endings.
Many autism groups and organizations…
Agency Involved in Autism Case No Stranger to Controversy
In a follow up to our most recent update on Ayn
Van Dyk, there have been more disturbing details brought to our attention that are worth passing along. Apparently, this is not the first time the Ministry of Children and Family Development…
Christopher Duffley Overcomes Blindness and Autism
By all accounts, Christopher Duffley didn't have a fighting chance. Born in May of 2001, Duffley's biological parents tested positive for Oxycontin and cocaine, contributing to a premature birth. Weighing in at less than two pounds,…