I was looking for information to share with regards to autism and technology, and found this interesting article from the United Kingdom.

It was written by–>By Nancy Churnin – Reporter
nchurnin@dallasnews.com

The quest to understand autism and help those who have been diagnosed with it has spawned inspiring creativity. In England, researchers have created a robot, that they’ve named Kaspar,that plays with kids with autism. Consider the way that kids without autism learn emotional lessons from their dolls. This interactive robot gives kids with autism, who have trouble reading emotions, an extra boost by smiling, frowning and saying, “Hello, my name is Kaspar. Let’s play together.” He laughs when his sides or feet or touched,hides his face with his hands and cries out “Ouch. This hurts” when he’s slapped too hard. One mom reported that her autistic daughter is “a lot more affectionate with her friends now and will even initiate the embrace.”

Here is a link to the article–>http://dallaslifeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/03/kaspar-the-friendly-robot-help.html

I recently read an interesting article from the Wall Street journal with regards to life with an autistic child. I have 3 so I know all about it.

My dreams and expectations changed radically when my child was diagnosed with Autism. From that moment, and for the next decade, every thought in my head, urge in my heart and pulse in my body was redirected to helping him. When your child is diagnosed as on the Spectrum, you’re told that much can improve, but most profoundly before the age of 5. My son was already three. So the clock was ticking, the meter was running, and I had a choice to make; pursue my needs, or save his life. So I put away the screenplay I was writing, abandoned the film collective I was trying to form, and forgot any notion of going back to a traditional job. In their place, I organized a line of behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, auditory training technologies, and casein-free diets. And thanked God each day that I had the resources so I could.

Here is a link to the fine article–>http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/03/12/sxsw-2011-a-film-of-ones-own/

I was referred by Kim Stagliano, who has been very helpful as to superb advice as to how to get my organization and website up and running. I really appreciate her guidance. She is an amazing writer and an inspiration as far as advocating for autism. Here website is–>www.kimstagliago.com

She told me about www.usofautism.com

They are an incredible organization who are making a huge effort on the part of autistic people and their families. They recently made a movie about autistic people and their families and all they have done to be supportive.

Please take a look at the following press release and the clip after that.

THE UNITED STATES OF AUTISM’ MOVIE ANNOUNCES TRAILER RELEASE DATE AND PARTNERSHIP WITH HIT MUSICIAN GRAHAM COLTON

Film was shot by The Tommy Foundation

The Tommy Foundation announced today an April 2nd release for the trailer to its upcoming film, The United States of Autism. The trailer release, which coincides with World Autism Day, will be available to the public on the film’s website [http://www.usofautism.com], YouTube and several other online media outlets.

The preview features a musical track from hit musician Graham Colton [http://www.grahamcolton.com/] off of his new CD Pacific Coast Eyes, scheduled to be released on April 5th. Graham is most widely known for his hit song “Best Days” which was featured on American Idol and Kyle XY.

The United States of Autism” weaves the tale of a broad spectrum of American life in all its faiths, disparities, colors, and cultures – and the story of one man’s 11,000 mile in 40 day journey across the American landscape to find answers for his family and son. What he learns along the way changes not only his life forever, but the lives of those he meets. It’s a story about the best days that still lie ahead for our nation, the families, and the People who give America its heart.

Led by with Director Richard Everts, the film’s crew of The Tommy Foundation traveled an amazing 10,970 miles filming interviews with 20 families in just 40 days. All interviews were conducted and recorded in the families’ first languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic and Chinese – all sharing one dream, a better future.

Visitors can access the film’s website [http://www.usofautism.com] in order to find detailed information about the film and the crew, as well as a daily blog of the film’s production and facts about Autism.

In addition, Pepsi released a commercial on YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NAUlyie5zE] in support of the film. The Tommy Foundation received a $50,000 grant to shoot the film via The Pepsi Refresh Project.

About The Tommy Foundation

Founded in 2005 by parents of a child on the autism spectrum, The Tommy Foundation [http://www.tommyland.org] is an emerging voice for the autism movement that has garnered numerous awards including the Lancaster Red Rose award. Today, the Foundation provides direct assistance to families, as well as trainings to hundreds of students, professionals, PhD candidates and doctors to date.

Richard Everts is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Technology and Communications for the Tommy Foundation, an award winning non-profit that works with families affected by autism in the Northeast. Certified in hypnosis, METT FACE recognition, Final Cut Pro and visual FX, a MENSA member, and father of a child on the spectrum, he brings a broad range of experiences and insights to the movie. Rich received his B.A. in Philosophy at Franklin & Marshall College.

For press interviews please contact Executive Producer Dan Sokola –>dan@usofautism.com

Here is a promotional video on the film—>

By the way, yes I truly do want to make a difference. I feel that one can either live their life in the mundane or go the extra mile and make a huge difference in the lives of others, that is my goal!!!

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

My thoughts and heart goes out to those of you affected by the recent earthquake and resulting Tsunami.

I hope for the best for you and your families.

Japan 3.11.11 earthquake 8.9

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

We are doing a fundraiser using their fundraising options. If you want to help us donate ipads to autistic class rooms and families, please participate in their fundraising efforts and let them know that we referred you.

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.

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

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.