Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Savant Artist Treats Autism As A Gift

When a child or even an adult is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, often such a diagnosis can cause the patient and their family to feel that they have been given a life sentence of limitation; however, Michael Tolleson, who is an adult that was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome three years ago, assures us that […]

Originally Published Here: Savant Artist Treats Autism As A Gift

Downers Grove Teen with Autism Petitions School for Awareness

When Zach Steele began Downers Grove North as a freshmen, he was a excited as any student starting a new chapter in life, but Zach who is on the Autism Spectrum, soon found his excitement turning into disappointment as the students, not understanding what it means to be Autistic, began pulling away and bullying him […]

Source Here: Downers Grove Teen with Autism Petitions School for Awareness

Monday, June 29, 2015

Of Astronauts, Statues and Black Widows

Ellen Snortland who teaches creative writing in Altadena, challenges us to take a look at stereotypes in the movies, particularly strong female leads like the Black Widow who is a superhero character in the latest Avengers movie, and how we do not encourage our boys to look up to such characters. Currently, the Black Widow […]

Read Full Article Here: Of Astronauts, Statues and Black Widows

I-Team: 8-Year-Old’s Hospital Stay Highlights State’s Challenges In Autism Care

Families in Massachusetts, that have children on the Autistic Spectrum, are finding it very challenging to meet the care their children need. For example, 8 year old Tyler who is on the Autism Spectrum, and his mother know from experience what happens when there are no beds available for patients with adolescent and psychiatric disorders. […]

Read More Here: I-Team: 8-Year-Old’s Hospital Stay Highlights State’s Challenges In Autism Care

Friday, June 26, 2015

Extreme Travel And Autism

Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, journalist and mother of two children on the Autism Spectrum shares with us about her opportunity to interview and write a piece for the Travel Channel about a family who travels with an Autistic son around the world to very exotic places. For some families with children on the Autism Spectrum, the […]

Learn More Here: Extreme Travel And Autism

Horse Therapy For Local Kids With Autism

What do horsemanship, iPads and Autism have in common? Taken separately not very much, but when combined together you have a fantastic program that is helping children with Autism and special needs improve their communication skills. Fargnoli Farms in Apalachin are using their horses, and with the help of a grant from the Hidy Ochiai […]

See More Here: Horse Therapy For Local Kids With Autism

Thursday, June 25, 2015

It’s time to address the colour coded boundaries that tell children what toys they should and shouldn’t play with.

Seventeen year old community reporter, Isabelle Harris, takes a hard look at the effects of gender color codes in the toy industry, and poses some thought provoking questions in her commentary. Harris points out that while society these days encourages children to ignore gender stereotypes when it comes to they work they might want to […]

Learn More Here: It’s time to address the colour coded boundaries that tell children what toys they should and shouldn’t play with.

Let Toys Be Toys – Why It Matters

Let Toys Be Toys is a campaign that has the goal of influencing toy manufacturers and retailers to stop categorizing toys by whether they are for boys or girls, but instead categorize the toys in regards to their function. The campaign aims to educate everyone from the retailers to parents as to why the push […]

Post Source Here: Let Toys Be Toys – Why It Matters

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Should We Stop Buying Gender Based Toys

Susie O’Brien, Australian journalist takes a look at what an Australian Senator is trying to achieve by launching a campaign called ‘No Gender December’, which aims to encourage parents to be open-minded when it comes to the toys they buy their kids and steer away from toy gender stereotypes. It seems that the Senator is […]

Original Post Here: Should We Stop Buying Gender Based Toys

Why One Dad Encourages His Son To Play With Dolls

In a segment of Huffpost Live, father of two sons, Joe DeProspero, and blogger for Parents magazine explains why he encourages his sons to play with toys that are considered traditionally girl toys. In a nutshell, he explains that by limiting what we allow our children to play with based on gender-typical toys, we are […]

Source Here: Why One Dad Encourages His Son To Play With Dolls

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Why I Want My Son, And All Boys, To Play With Dolls

In his column for the Washington Post, Peter Morris, examines the role of the father and the problems they face by being treated by society as the ‘secondary parent’. In his own experience, he found that when his wife was expecting their first child, he attended every prenatal appointment and even a breastfeeding class, but […]

Original Post Here: Why I Want My Son, And All Boys, To Play With Dolls

The Next Generation Of Autism Educators

In order to meet the needs of the quickly growing number of children diagnosed with Autism in America today, and to help the families of these children get the help they need, Dr. Laurie Sperry, Ph.D. has opened a new research clinic for Regis University graduates at Denver Tech Center. This program is unique from […]

Post Source Here: The Next Generation Of Autism Educators

Why I’m Letting My Girl Be A Girl

Jeremy McKeen, writes in his commentary, why he is letting his little girl be a girl and his little boy be a boy. McKeen is an open-minded man, and one can easily pick that up as he explains that, despite the fact he has always offered his son and daughter a wide assortment of toys […]

Read More Here: Why I’m Letting My Girl Be A Girl

Monday, June 22, 2015

Robot Helps Children With Autism By Teaching Them Social Skills

Professor Mohammond Mahoor of the University of Denver, over the last four years with other engineers and psychologists, have engineered and programmed a new therapy robot called NAO. This research and robot have the objective of helping kids with Autism interact better in social situations. Children with Autism, due to the sensory overload they experience, […]

Source Here: Robot Helps Children With Autism By Teaching Them Social Skills

Darth Vader is for girls, too: the young fan who forced Disney to change toy labels

Gender equality when it comes to children’s toys is getting a lot of attention in the media, and some of it’s biggest advocates are children expressing to toy companies their disapproval of labeling some toys for girls, and some for boys. When Izzy Cornthwaite saw that the Darth Vader costume she wanted was labeled ‘for […]

Original Post Here: Darth Vader is for girls, too: the young fan who forced Disney to change toy labels

Friday, June 19, 2015

Asperger’s Advocate: Fargo Man Travels World Speaking About Autism

The blog post Asperger’s Advocate: Fargo Man Travels World Speaking About Autism See more on: My Sibling Dolls Blog

Zach Zaborny, a twenty-five year old man with Asperger’s syndrome, as well as a college graduate, has become an worldwide advocate for people on the Autism Spectrum, and he travels sharing with audiences his experiences as a post-secondary student on the Spectrum. Originally, Zach was diagnosed with ADHD, but later at the age of 8 […]

The Best Tech Jobs For Individuals With Autism

The Best Tech Jobs For Individuals With Autism Find more on: MySiblingDolls

For children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum, there is often support provided by various organizations and sectors of the government; however, when these young people turn into adults, this is not often the case – today, it is estimated that 90% of adults with Autism are unemployed. Hopefully, this percentage will be reduced […]

Early Intervention Improves Long-term Outcomes For Children With Autism

The blog post Early Intervention Improves Long-term Outcomes For Children With Autism See more on: http://www.mysiblingdolls.com

A study that will appear in the July issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that toddlers – ages 18 to 20 months – who are on the Autism Spectrum, and who receive early intervention and support, have a greater chance of improved intellectual ability and a reduction […]

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Toys, Household Items Affect Baby’s Motor Skill Development

The following article Toys, Household Items Affect Baby’s Motor Skill Development Read more on: MySiblingDolls Blog

With the goal of helping parents and caregivers better assess what toys and even household items like a sofa or coffee table, are best suited for the development of an infants motor skills, Priscila Cacola, an assistant professor of kinesiology in The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation has co-developed […]

Midstate Theater Offers Movies For Families Living With Autism

Midstate Theater Offers Movies For Families Living With Autism was originally published to http://www.mysiblingdolls.com/

Children with Autism experience the world very differently then children without; sensory experiences like going to the movies, which is enjoyable for most, can be a frightening experience for Autistic kids – bright, flashing lights and loud sudden noises can spark a melt down at any given time. This summer, while many families will go […]

Peace Begins with Me

Peace Begins with Me was originally published to http://www.mysiblingdolls.com

The message of My Pal for Peace is “Peace begins with me.” It seems like we need it more and more each day. #Charleston

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Teacher Sells Toy Collection To Help Child In Need Of New Wheelchair

Teacher Sells Toy Collection To Help Child In Need Of New Wheelchair is available on MySiblingDolls Blog

Despite all the negative news media you can be exposed to on any given day, it is refreshing when a bit of news comes through that restores your faith in humanity, and in Indianapolis one such news article is doing just that. When Nat Ellis, a teacher at Klamath Union High School, found out that […]

Why This Doctor Prescribes His ADHD Patients ‘Parks’ Instead Of Pills

The following article Why This Doctor Prescribes His ADHD Patients ‘Parks’ Instead Of Pills Find more on: http://www.mysiblingdolls.com

More then ever, over 10,000 children across USA are being prescribed drugs to treat many disorders including social anxiety, depression and ADHD. Pediatrician Dr. Robert Zarr takes a different approach with his patients and is prescribing, in his program DC Parks RX, time in parks and nature to prevent and treat many chronic conditions. Dr. […]

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Non-profit Offers Integration Work Opportunities For Those With Autism

Non-profit Offers Integration Work Opportunities For Those With Autism is available on http://www.mysiblingdolls.com

A non-profit in Oak Park, IL, called PACTT is helping adults with Autism find meaningful work and become more involved in the community. Often when an Autistic person becomes an adult, the opportunities for employment are very limited, but this organization is working on changing that. One of PACTT’s local business partners is OakParkApartments.com, and […]

Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls

The blog post Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls was originally published to MySiblingDolls Blog

A woman that goes by the name of Christen, and who has a popular Youtube channel called ‘Stuff Your Mom Never Told You’, created a video called ‘Why Don’t Boys Play With Dolls’. Christen was prompted to create a video on this subject by a question posed to her by one of her viewers, and […]

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Expanding Autism Program Could Help Thousands In Maryland

Expanding Autism Program Could Help Thousands In Maryland was originally published to http://mysiblingdolls.com/

Jade Vega, a resident social worker and graduate of social work at the University of Southern California who works with children and their families affected by Autism, knows all to well the challenges and sacrifices these families make as they try to get the special services that their children need. Jade, in her article, relates […]

Boy With Autism Gets A Special Gift At 5th Grade Field Day

The following blog post Boy With Autism Gets A Special Gift At 5th Grade Field Day was first published on http://mysiblingdolls.com/

Preston Lillis, a fifth grade student at South Elementary School in Gradville, who has Asperger syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum, has parents that have been very concerned about bullying. Thankfully, Preston’s school administration and classmates eased their minds by supporting Preston on field day by helping him to come in first during a […]

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Playmobil Backs Toy Like Me Campaign With Upcoming Line Of Characters With Disabilities

The following blog post Playmobil Backs Toy Like Me Campaign With Upcoming Line Of Characters With Disabilities was first seen on LorettaRose, LLC

A campaign that has been a driving force inspiring more representation of disabilities in toys, called Toy Like Me, has a new backer and supporters are hailing this as a major achievement of the movement. Playmobil will now begin producing toys that reflect characters with disabilities such as a princess with a guide dog, and […]

Fighting Autism With Medical Marijuana

The following post Fighting Autism With Medical Marijuana is republished from http://mysiblingdolls.com/

Lisa Smith, who’s six year old son has Autism, says her son has had a complete turnaround due to medical marijuana. Prior to administering her child 3 doses a day of cannabis oil, Noah would behave destructively biting himself, pulling his hair and running into walls. Now, he eats well, sleeps through the night and […]

Friday, June 12, 2015

Children Who Shine From Within

Children Who Shine From Within was originally seen on MySiblingDolls

As another school year ends, there will be the awards ceremonies and recognition that is traditional for this time of year, and many students and parents will be proud. No matter how wonderful that is for the kids and parents involved, let’s not forget the our children that may not be so openly recognized as […]

Balancing Act: The Fallacy Of Shielding Boys From Books That Star Girls

Balancing Act: The Fallacy Of Shielding Boys From Books That Star Girls See more on: My Sibling Dolls

Best-selling children’s and young adult author, Shannon Hale, has many fans reading her fifteen novels, but it seems that most of them are girls. As an author, Hale is seeing first-hand how things are not equal for boys and girls in the literary world – there seems to be a type of shaming when a […]

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

For Children’s Sake Toys Shouldn’t Be Gender Specific

For Children’s Sake Toys Shouldn’t Be Gender Specific Read more on: My Sibling Dolls Blog

It’s interesting, Peggy Revell a news reporter point’s out, that fifty years ago, when sexism was the norm, toys were gender-neutral and in fact, today when many of those norms are unacceptable, toy companies are marketing their toys using gender now more then ever. This marketing is no secret to the public – just walk […]

African-American Families Share Autism Experiences in New Video Series

The article African-American Families Share Autism Experiences in New Video Series is republished from MySiblingDolls Blog

A new video series, created by a social worker who counsels families effected by Autism and a team of television management students, have created a video series titled “Autism for African-American Families, Parts 1 & 2″. The goal of the videos are to help families, especially African-American families, ease through the emotional challenges that come […]

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Hormones Explain Why Girls Like Dolls & Boys Like Trucks

The following blog post Hormones Explain Why Girls Like Dolls & Boys Like Trucks Find more on: MySiblingDolls

A surprising new study suggests that a child’s toy preferences are determined before they are born while they are exposed to hormones inside the womb. When a girl reaches for a doll, and a boy goes for a truck, people have often thought this was because society encourages such behavior, but research done with adolescent […]

Monday, June 8, 2015

How Pets Help Kids With Autism

How Pets Help Kids With Autism Read more on: MySiblingDolls

Kids with Autism experience the world differently than those without – their experience with stimuli, such as light, sounds and touch can be overwhelming and even painful. To add to their challenges, they can also lack the verbal and social skills needed to express how they are feeling, and may resort to destructive behaviors directed […]

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Hers; Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls

The following blog post Hers; Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls is available on http://mysiblingdolls.com/

Katha Pollitt, poet and essayist, writes a thought provoking article for the New York Times questioning how far have we really come allowing our children to play and do what they really want regardless of their sex. Despite the growing trend to leave our children alone to decide what they want to play, or even […]

What’s It Like To Be A Kid With Autism

The blog post What’s It Like To Be A Kid With Autism is courtesy of My Sibling Dolls Blog

It’s hard to imagine what it must be like being a kid living with Autism. People with Autism experience this world much different than the rest of us with heightened sensory experiences that can be painful and hindered verbal communication that can lead to behavior problems. Simple things that we take for granted, like the […]

Friday, June 5, 2015

Why Boys And Girls Play Differently

Why Boys And Girls Play Differently was originally seen on http://www.mysiblingdolls.com

Many parents today are concerned with creating gender neutral play zones when it comes to their boys and girls; they desire to see their girls and boys explore activities that traditionally have been labeled ‘a boy thing’ or ‘a girl thing’. Studies are showing parents that when boys play with dolls and girls play with […]

Thursday, June 4, 2015

How a Danish Company Is Helping People With Autism Get Jobs in IT and Tech

The post How a Danish Company Is Helping People With Autism Get Jobs in IT and Tech is republished from MySiblingDolls Blog

It is very difficult for adults with disabilities to find work. Current statistics show that only 68% of disabled people between the ages of 16 and 64 have work, and only 32.5% of people with Autism actually work for pay. A Danish company, who has set up shop in the USA, called Specialisterne, hopes to […]

Flying With Autism: One Airline’s Kindness Surprises Mom

The article Flying With Autism: One Airline’s Kindness Surprises Mom is courtesy of LorettaRose, LLC

Shawna Wingert, who’s twelve year old son has Autism, understands all to well how isolating it can be raising a child with special needs; and how that is especially true when it comes to flying with her son. Unlike many families who avoid flying with Autistic family members, Shawna does not have this option due […]

Homestead Farm Plans to Open Facility for People with Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Homestead Farm Plans to Open Facility for People with Autism and Developmental Disabilities was first published on http://mysiblingdolls.com/

In Morgantown, West Virginia, an exciting new project is underway to help adults with Autism find meaningful work after high school. Many Autistic students graduate, but then find it difficult to maintain stability afterwards – Homestead Farm Center aims to provide employment opportunities for these Autistic people. Autism Speaks says that this will be the […]

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Supporting Super Students: Balance Grows Learning

Supporting Super Students: Balance Grows Learning was originally published to http://www.mysiblingdolls.com/

Bette Mroz, grandmother and former teacher, reading specialist and principle, shares some tips on raising super student learners and reminds parents that they are the ones in charge, and that learning is more then getting paper qualification – it is about lifelong learning that we can participate in with our children. She also suggests some […]

Yoga Being Used To Benefit Children With Autism

The following blog post Yoga Being Used To Benefit Children With Autism Read more on: http://mysiblingdolls.com

In Hartford county, Bridget Strama, who became certified as a yoga teacher last summer, teaches yoga techniques to children with disabilities, including children with Autism. Her forty-five minute class at Churchville Elementary School is one of many classes offered through her Child’s Heart Yoga program. In her classes, the children learn various yoga poses and […]

A New Line Of Dolls With Disabilities

A New Line Of Dolls With Disabilities is republished from http://www.mysiblingdolls.com/

An exciting Facebook campaign that has gone viral, called ‘Toys Like Me’, is leading the way in the push to get toy manufactures to create toys and dolls with disabilities. The Toys Like Me Facebook page to date already has 50,000 page likes, with parents and caregivers actively promoting the page with the hashtag #toyslikeme […]

Monday, June 1, 2015

Local First Responders Get Autism Training

Local First Responders Get Autism Training See more on: www.mysiblingdolls.com

Doctors are now better able to diagnose people with Autism, and as a result the number of people on the Autism spectrum has increased 30% over the last two years. This means that first responders at the scene of an emergency are interacting more then ever with Autistic people. In Charleston, SC., more then forty […]