AACF,INC. A website and organization that is supporting Autism, take a look.

I recently was told by the fine folks at Tannersdad to take a look at AACF. It is a very positive and supportive organization that is going a long way towards making a difference for autistic people and their families.

AACF, Inc.’s Story

Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.™ was founded by musician and author Michael Buckholtz, who is diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome and OCD. He and his family experienced the financial disaster of coping with autism. In 1992 the family agreed, through much investigation, that Michael, his brothers and father, all had varying levels of autism. It wasn’t until Michael’s nephew was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome that he decided to create a non-profit dedicated to assisting families financially. Michael Buckholtz’ desire to ensure that poor families and individuals coping with autism get a level playing field financially, comes largely because of seeing his own family struggle to make ends meet. He knew that other families were experiencing the same thing. Together with his family and close friends, Michael founded AACF, Inc.

Here is a link to their website–>http://www.aacfinc.org/about2.html

Taking the wheel: Driving with disabilities, Driver training and your… oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

I am the father of 2 almost 15 year old boys who are on the autism spectrum, and a 10 year old daughter as well is a bit autistic as well. I have been concerned about the prospects of one or all of them driving of at some point. I recently saw an article that spoke in detail with regards to that very subject.

Here is a snippet of the article:

For many, obtaining a driver’s license is a right of passage to independence. Learn how to successfully navigate this passage and determine the rules of the roadway in the world of special needs.

by Holly Olmsted-Hickey, One Place for Special Needs

Do I Really Need a Specialist to Learn to Drive?iStock photo Driver training
If you have special needs, a driver rehabilitation program may be a necessary intervention when learning to drive a vehicle. Drivers are often referred to a driver rehabilitation program by physicians, eye doctors, occupational therapists, driving schools, parents, high schools and state-sponsored vocational programs. Referrals are usually made due to a significant break in the driving routine; a need of further evaluation due to injury or illness; or a need for additional training before acquiring a license.

for more information and the rest of the article please click here–>http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=402128717&gid=85631&type=member&item=45947894&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com%2Fmain%2Flibrary_driver_training.html&urlhash=JQgY&goback=.gde_85631_member_45947894

I received the following excellent link from Dawn Villareal with regards to this subject:

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_disability_driving_resources.html

American Idol 2011, James Durbin, is an amazing Autistic Singer

I am as I have mentioned before an autistic brainiac, like science fiction, Harry Potter, Stargate, Science Fiction and Technology. My wife told me about James Durbin, he is currently on American Idol, and is an amazing singer. James was just 9 when his musician father died of a drug overdose and soon after James was diagnosed with Tourette and Asperger’s syndrome. I can relate to the Asperger’s syndrome, have experienced it as well.

But James, 21, met an “angel” Heidi, his now wife, and they have one young child together. Still, the family is struggling as James is unemployed, but hopes to America’s next Idol. He is an autistic individual who is talented and is trying to make a difference for his family

While auditioning, James sang Muddy Waters’ “You Shook Me” and also sang a little of Steven Tyler’s “Dream On.” He is quite good. I hope that he makes it far both on American Idol and in his life.

Here is a YouTube clip of his story:

and another

Please check it out and support him in his efforts especially if your family is touched by autism as mine has been.

EDUCATION MATTERS: Schools using iPads to help autistic children

I have been trying to do fundraising to help donate ipads for free to autistic kids, so far we have not had any help.

Here is an article that speaks with regards to benefits of Ipads to Educating Autistic Kids–>

Buying iPads for autistic students may draw taxpayers’ ire in this tough budget season, but some educators say it is a cheaper and more effective way to help them.
An iPad costs about $600 and the “apps,” or programs to load on it, another $100 to $200, said Mike Cummings, the acting superintendent in Milford.
Milford recently purchased three iPads and provided them to families of autistic students to use at home. The district owns the electronic devices, which must be returned. Please click below for more information…

Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/EDUCATION-MATTERS-Schools-using-iPads-to-help-1045131.php#ixzz1FsqicLHl

Autism is there a link between It and the Vaccines

I saw a recent article with regards to the link between Autism and vaccines. Personally, I am not sure, my daughter especially was speaking at 6 months, and was almost potty trained at 1 year and then she had her shots and her potty training training and language development got much worse.

Here is an article from the Augusta Chronicle, that refers to a planned study to figure out if there is a link or not once and for all:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/opinion/letters/2011-03-07/let-vaccine-study-settle-autism-dispute

It is interesting and thought provoking.

My 3 autistic kids went to a Special Olympics Sponsored West Coast Conference Basketball Game

My wife, 3 kids and I went to a Special Olympics sponsored West Coast Conference women’s basketball game between St. Mary’s College and University of San Diego. We appreciate the opportunity to have attended the event. The kids did too.

If you have autistic kids, the Special Olympics is a super organization to be a part of. Here is a link to the Special Olympics:

http://www.specialolympics.org/Locations/Special_Olympics_NA_Nevada.aspx

Here is a link to the Western College Conference, who we also appreciate for allowing for us and the kids to attend one of their Women’s basketball games at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

http://www.wccsports.com/

Here is a link to the Orleans Hotel–>http://www.orleanscasino.com/

Apple exploring advanced system for educating students with disabilities

I saw a recent article on www.lilliespad.com in reference to Apple’s works with new technology to help with communication and education for people with special needs and communications challenges.

Apple has shown interest in new technology that would make it possible for content to be delivered to multiple users with unique disabilities, dynamically catering to each of their specific needs in a setting like a classroom.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week revealed a new patent application from Apple entitled “External Content Transformation.” Discovered by AppleInsider, the document describes a method for disseminating content from a host computer in a format tailored to accommodate a user’s disability, identified from their client machine.

For example, Apple could dynamically distribute content tailored for relatively simple needs, like larger font sizes or screen sizes. In more advanced examples, content could be re-purposed as synthesized speech in a variety of languages, or in Braille.

Their website, plus Apple Insider are both work checking out on a regular basis.

Apple Insider can be found at www.appleinsider.com

Professor Temple Grandin Spoke at Drury University

I had recently saw an Article about Temple Grandin Speaking at Druryn University, I am quite intrigued by her talk. I plan to see the recent movie about her life. She is a fellow high functioning Autistic/Asperger’s person.She seems to have lived a remarkable life and is quite bright and influential in her works. I would love to also achieve renown in my efforts to talk technology and help people affected by autism.

Temple Grandin, who didn’t talk until she was 3 1/2 because of autism, didn’t have to utter a word Thursday before she got her first standing ovation at Drury University.Mary Failla, a single mother raising an autistic son, teared up as soon as she saw Grandin, now 63 and a college professor, author of six books and the subject of an HBO movie. The disease, the cause of which is unknown, affects social and communication skills, but Grandin told an audience of about 2,500 that she would not choose to not have autism.

“I often get asked, if I could snap my fingers would I want to not have autism?” Grandin said. “No. I like the logical way I think. I don’t like the emotional sloppy imprecise way that most people think.”

http://www.theautismnews.com/2011/03/04/autistic-professor-temple-grandin-inspires-crowd/

She is quite an inspirational speaker it seems. I recently reached out to her organization but have not hear anything back so far.