Tag: ASD

Personal Hygiene Tips for ADHD Brains (and Bodies)
[ad_1]
Three years ago, I launched the @domesticblisters TikTok channel to serve a neurodiverse audience. Short videos on the channel present strategies for accomplishing daily care tasks. For all the ADHD information swirling around social media, very little addresses how the simple tasks of living are sometimes the hardest for us. Cleaning, doing dishes, folding piles of laundry — these tasks are simple for most people but tend to paralyze some of us with executive functioning problems. Perhaps more difficult than the struggle to stay on top of these tasks is the immense shame we feel when we’re unable to do the things we see our peers accomplish with ease.

In my experience, this kind of shame tends to spike when we struggle with personal hygiene. How could we be so incapable? Our differences in executive functioning can create significant hurdles when it comes to the daily demands of living. And that makes hygiene routines our common kryptonite.

[Download: Free Guide to Health & Fitness: Lifestyle Changes for Adults with ADHD]

The ADHD brain often struggles to transform multiple mundane steps into a routine that works. So instead of forcing on yourself neurotypical routines that are doomed from the start, try adapting your daily hygiene rituals with the following four approaches:

Personal Hygiene Hacks for ADHD Brains
1. Rather than trying to adhere to a strict schedule and setting for brushing your teeth, build in flexibility so that you can care for your teeth whenever the thought strikes you. Place a toothbrush and toothpaste in multiple locations: by your kitchen sink, in your shower, in your guest bathroom, and even in your car. Because of the way ADHD motivation systems work, you are most likely to think about brushing your teeth while headed out the door (Oh no! My breath stinks!) or when randomly prompted by the sight of your toothbrush (I’m already here, so I might as well!). You might also consider keeping deodorant and a hairbrush or comb in these places.
2. If showering is too boring, try getting a waterproof speaker. A good podcast or audiobook that you save for the shower can suddenly transform an onerous chore into a decadent treat. Also, a fancy hair towel or a high-powered blow dryer can reduce time spent on your wet hair.
3. If showering aggravates your sensory aversion, consider changing your environment to mitigate this. For instance, turning on a space heater before a shower will prevent that awful cold shock you feel when exiting the tub or shower. Using a soft and gentle towel also typically helps.
4. Create a hygiene kit for the days you skip a shower or bath. You deserve to be clean and comfortable; there is more than one way to get that done. A little bag with deodorant, dry shampoo, body wipes, and mouthwash can be kept in multiple locations in your home and car.
Maintaining good hygiene is important to your health, so get creative and find what works for your unique brain.

How to Keep House While Drowning – with ADHD: Next Steps

KC Davis, LPC, is a licensed professional therapist and the author of How to Keep House While Drowning.

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.
[ad_2]

Melanie Wachsman

Source link
May 11, 2023
“Stop Chasing Others’ Approval: On Twice Exceptionality and Living Life for Me”
[ad_1]
“You’re going to do great things!”
“You have so much potential!”
“You’re so talented. I see great things in your future!”
So many people in my life have directed various versions of these well-meaning yet anxiety-inducing, expectation-laden comments to me during every phase of my academic career. As a gifted child, I felt as though I could succeed and, at the same time, as if I had to… or I would be letting everyone down.This black-and-white way of thinking did get me to check off a list of great accomplishments:

first in my family to graduate college, go on to complete a masters, and start a doctoral program

a successful career

financially independent since age 18

But hidden in these accomplishments are the many, many struggles and failures I encountered along the way:

flunking out my freshman year of college

being asked to resign from a job for an error in judgment I made

flunking out of my Ph.D. program due to being unable to complete assignments

piling on credit card debt

I eventually learned that my setbacks — so confusing and contrary to my successes — were actually due to undiagnosed and unmanaged ADHD. I was twice exceptional (or 2e) all this time, and I had no idea.

[Read: I Grew Up Gifted and Autistic — and Suffered the Burnout of Twice Exceptionality]

My undergraduate transcript is a wonderful example of my interest-based nervous system. I had As and Bs in classes within my major, but failed yoga (which likely had to do with my impulsive, oppositional streak).

Perspective Shift: From Never Enough to Good Enough

At the age of 29, I came to the realization that my life is my own, and while the approval of others is nice, I would never feel content if I continued to chase it. I made the conscious decision to let go of “greatness” as defined by others and to start experiencing life as it came to me.

Letting go of greatness freed me up to be content with where I am currently, instead of always trying to do more or be better. I still have personal and professional goals, but these goals are now based on my values rather than the values of other people.

My shift from “not good enough” to “good enough” has changed my self-view from lazy, unmotivated, and stubborn to efficient, understanding, and passionate.

[Read: “Twice Exceptional Is a Cruel Double-Edged Sword”]

Now I am:

enrolled in a doctoral program to advance MY learning and knowledge

in a job I can see myself in long-term, with opportunities to advance or switch it up, if I choose

writing this blog from a house that I own after paying down my debt

I don’t believe any of this would’ve been possible if I hadn’t made the choice to live life for me, instead of an image I could never realistically attain. I’ve found a specialty I love and a life that finally feels sustainable.

How to Live for Yourself

If you are 2e like me, or if you see yourself in my story, start living life for you with these steps:

Clearly identify your current values. Your personal values will come to define and frame everything else you do in life.

Set at least one goal for each value. They can be as broad or as specific as you like. For example, if you value family, how will you commit to spending more time with them?

Let go of the constant pursuit of greatness. If you are always thinking of where you could or should be, it only robs you of the ability to appreciate who and where you are now.

Foster self-compassion. You are a multi-faceted person. Your worth is not directly measured by your productivity or your achievements.

2e and How to Live for Yourself: Next Steps

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.
[ad_2]

Nathaly Pesantez

Source link
May 11, 2023
LearningRx Reviews Results of Personal Brain Training for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

[ad_1]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 18, 2019 (Newswire.com)
–
June 18 is Autistic Pride Day and LearningRx (www.LearningRx.com), the world’s largest personal brain training company, is sharing the results of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who went through its program.

Unlike digital brain games, one-on-one brain training uses customized exercises and incorporates immediate feedback, intensity, and loading, among other features, to target brain skills—including attention, auditory processing, memory, logic & reasoning, processing speed and visual processing.

“Between 2010 and 2015, 857 clients came to LearningRx with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum,” explains Chief Research & Development Officer Tanya Mitchell. “The average age was 11.9. Using the Woodcock-Johnson III – Tests of Cognitive Abilities both pre- and post-training showed significant improvements for all cognitive skills.”

According to Mitchell, overall, the largest gains were seen in auditory processing and long-term memory, followed by logic & reasoning, working memory, and broad attention.

The average pre-training IQ score was 92 and the average post-training IQ score was 101. The average age-equivalent gain in cognitive skill performance was 3.1 years.

In addition to clinical data, anecdotal evidence from parents of children with ASD can help explain how personal brain training helped target and train cognitive skills.

Matthew Evans of Chattanooga, for example, came to LearningRx with an ASD diagnosis. He was at risk of being retained for another school year and struggled with reading, memory, and comprehension issues, as well as low confidence.

After completing a LearningRx personal brain training program, Matthew’s mom says that he started reading, having conversations with other kids, and demonstrating more confidence. When he went back for a new school year, his teachers were amazed at his progress. His mom says LearningRx took the “hard parts of autism and the things he couldn’t understand and made them bearable.” Now Matthew plans to be a veterinarian.

Watch Matthew’s video here: http://studentshoutouts.com/2016/11/03/from-reading-struggles-to-honor-roll

To learn more about how LearningRx personal brain training might be able to help your student with ASD, visit www.learningrx.com.

About LearningRx

LearningRx, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the largest one-on-one brain training organization in the world. With 80 Centers in the U.S., and locations in 45 countries around the globe, LearningRx has helped more than 100,000 individuals and families sharpen their cognitive skills to help them think faster, learn easier, and perform better. Their on-site programs partner every client with a personal brain trainer to keep clients engaged, accountable, and on-task—a key advantage over online-only brain exercises. Their pioneering methods have been used in clinical settings for over 35 years and have been verified as beneficial in peer-reviewed research papers and journals. To learn more about LearningRx research results, programs, and their 9.6 out of 10 client referral rating visit http://www.learningrx.com.

Source: LearningRx

Related Media

[ad_2]

Source link

June 18, 2019
Exceptional Minds Class of 2019 Begins Careers in Digital Arts

[ad_1]

The 2019 graduating class made up of six men and one woman on the autism spectrum is the sixth graduating class for Exceptional Minds, a pioneer in autism employability, self-sufficiency and inclusion.

Press Release
–

updated: Jun 11, 2019

LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2019 (Newswire.com)
–
After three years of technical and work-readiness training, the Exceptional Minds class of 2019 ended their formal education on Friday and began their professional careers in the competitive digital arts fields.

The 2019 graduating class made up of six men and one woman on the autism spectrum is the sixth graduating class for Exceptional Minds, a pioneer in autism employability, self-sufficiency, and inclusion and belonging. “These grads are an example of what the potential and possibilities are for individuals with autism,” said Exceptional Minds Executive Director Jeff Shapiro, who addressed family and friends during Friday’s commencement at the school in Sherman Oaks.

Exceptional Minds is a professional training academy and studio with a mission to prepare individuals on the autism spectrum for careers in the fields of visual effects, animation, titles, and animation and rigging for games. Full-time program graduates Chris Iddamalgoda, Peter Jensen, Jacob Riess, Russell Sayre, Luke Shneour and Quinn Wright as well as Alex Adlawan join an alumni body of Exceptional Minds graduates who have gone on to work for entertainment companies such as Marvel Studios and Cartoon Network and to complete visual effects for major motion pictures and animations for entertainment organizations such as Sesame Workshop.

“Our ability to interpret the world differently … can have challenges. Despite the impediments that were laid down in front of us … we stayed focused and became an exceptional mind,” said graduate Chris Iddamalgoda, who will begin his career in animation with an emphasis in game rigging as an apprentice in the Exceptional Minds studio.

Exceptional Minds academy opened its doors in 2011 and in 2014, opened a professional studio to bring in contract work for graduates of its three-year program. Since then, Exceptional Minds artists with autism have completed projects for more than 196 movies and television shows, including Oscar-nominated movies Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, First Man, Green Book and Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as recent blockbuster Avengers: Endgame and for notable TV shows such as Game of Thrones, The Good Doctor and Atypical. Exceptional Minds clients include Sesame Workshop, Disney, HBO, Marvel Studios, Netflix, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros., among others.

During Friday’s graduation, the students and staff awarded Exceptional Minds founding board member Helen Wu with its Exceptional Minds Ed Asner Award. The award is named after the school’s most notable founding advisor and is presented annually to a champion of Exceptional Minds and its cause to transform expectations for autism employability. Wu is the seventh recipient of the award, following Gretchen Libby of Industrial Light & Magic, Robert Sorcher of Cartoon Network, Holly Schiffer of HBO, Victoria Alonso of Marvel Studios, Sam Nicholson of Stargate Studios and Ed Asner himself.

“The common core belief that brought us all together was that we needed to create a place of belonging. And not just a place of belonging at Exceptional Minds, but the belief that [people with autism] belong and deserve to be in greater society and achieving all the great things that everybody wants in life,” said Wu, who served as board chair the first six years of Exceptional Minds’ existence. One of her many achievements was to help create independent housing alternatives for her son on the spectrum as well as the students at Exceptional Minds.

Graduating along with the full-time students on Friday was Alex Adlawan, the first to complete the academy’s Freelance Exceptional Artist Program (FLEAT), which is part of the school’s growing initiative to reach a wider autism population through workshops, private tutoring and virtual online instruction.

The training academy now annually serves an average of 250 full-time, part-time and privately tutored students (as well as graduate artists), providing technical as well as behavioral training to a population sorely underrepresented in both the labor market and society as a whole.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 84 percent of adults with autism are unemployed and many more are underemployed.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that one in 59 kids is now diagnosed with autism.

Source: Exceptional Minds

[ad_2]

Source link

June 11, 2019
Zoo Miami Earns Certified Autism Center Designation

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Nov 15, 2018

MIAMI, November 15, 2018 (Newswire.com)
–
Zoo Miami is committing to ensure all visitors, even those with sensory needs or on the autism spectrum, have an amazing experience. As part of this commitment, the Zoo recently earned the Certified Autism Center designation, which is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs.

“Zoo Miami aims to provide each guest with an enjoyable visit and is proud to be designated as a certified autism center. Our staff has undergone training to be able to better serve guests with autism and other special needs,” said Carol Kruse, Zoo Miami Director.

Zoo Miami aims to provide each guest with an enjoyable Zoo visit and is proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs. We have highly trained staff to serve the fastest growing population of developmental disorders.

Carol Kruse, Zoo Miami Director

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find new experiences and traveling to new destinations a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children with special needs have limited travel options and created programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.

“We believe it’s important to ensure all guests can experience the world around them in a safe way,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards, and we’re so excited to work with Zoo Miami on this initiative.”

In addition to the certification, Zoo Miami is working on creating sensory bags for special needs guests that contain noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys or stress balls before the end of the year. Quiet places will also be identified within the zoo by the first quarter of 2019. In preparation for Autism Awareness Month in April, Zoo Miami will also provide Zoo Sensory Guides to ensure the best possible experience for guests with disabilities.

Rather than relying on the growing number of organizations promoting “autism-friendly” options that can vary widely, more parents are now seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center requirements.

###

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders –
IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders. As part of our commitment to sharing the latest innovations and research, IBCCEs also hosts the International Symposium on Cognitive Research and Disorders to create a forum for collaboration among industry stakeholders.

About Zoo Miami

With nearly 1 million annual visitors, Zoo Miami is part of the Miami-Dade County Parks Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Department and home to more than 3,000 animals from all over the world. Among many sights, visitors can enjoy Florida: Mission Everglades expansion with alligators, bobcats, bald eagles, a Florida panther, and more impressive Florida natives. Guests can slide along otters, come face to face with bears, crawl through a tunnel in the crocodile exhibit, float along the Lostman’s River “airboat” ride, play in the Cypress Landing Playground and more!

Zoo Miami is open every day of the year from 10:00 AM – 5:00PM with the last ticket being sold at 4:00 PM. Admission is $22.95 plus tax per adult and $18.95 plus tax per child ages 3-12. Children under three are free. Zoo memberships offer free access year round. For tickets, membership, and information, visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 251-0400.

About Zoo Miami Foundation

As a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, Zoo Miami Foundation is the non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits. The Foundation serves more than 20,000 member households through its zoo membership program. For more information, visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 255-5551.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Meredith Tekin
IBCCES
904.508.0135
meredith@ibcces.org

Cindy Castelblanco
Zoo Miami Foundation
305.255.5551 ext. 111
ccastelblanco@zoomiami.org

Source: IBCCES

[ad_2]

Source link

November 15, 2018
Georgia Aquarium Becomes First Aquarium Designated as a Certified Autism Center

[ad_1]

Press Release
–

updated: Oct 29, 2018

ATLANTA, October 29, 2018 (Newswire.com)
–
Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing vacation locales and attractions to visit a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase is a generic term that does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they review search for options.

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.

Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality

“Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide,” said Anthony Rivera, vice president of guest experience and hospitality.

While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and industry leaders such as Georgia Aquarium are working to change that.

“Our goal is to partner with the leading travel destinations in the world to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.

About IBCCES

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 42 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, Certified Autism Travel Professional and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders. This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org.

About Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Atlanta, Georgia, that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Georgia Aquarium is committed to working on behalf of all marine life through education, preservation, exceptional animal care and research across the globe. Georgia Aquarium continues its mission each day to inspire, educate and entertain its millions of guests about the aquatic biodiversity throughout the world through its hundreds of exhibits and tens of thousands of animals across its seven major galleries. For more information, visit georgiaaquarium.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Meredith Tekin
Phone: 904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534
Email: meredith@ibcces.org

Lindsey Ford
Public Relations Coordinator
Georgia Aquarium
404.581.4277 | lford@georgiaaquarium.org

Source: IBCCES

[ad_2]

Source link

October 29, 2018
Third Annual Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award Will Be Presented to ‘Disability Emissary’ Neal Katz at Autism Society of America National Conference July 10-12

[ad_1]

ASA Conference to Host Breakout Session on Employment of Autistic Adults Sponsored by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

Press Release
–

updated: Jun 26, 2018

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 26, 2018 (Newswire.com)
–
The third annual Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award will be presented to 24-year-old “disability emissary” Neal Katz during a Keynote Luncheon at the Autism Society of America‘s 50th Annual National Conference to be held this year in Washington, D.C., July 10-12. Foundation president Linda Walder will present the award to Neal.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJFF) was founded in 2002 and was the nation’s first and only autism organization focused exclusively on adults at that time. Since then, the foundation has been a beacon of hope for millions of autistic adults through its groundbreaking programs, endowments and partnerships with the nation’s leading colleges and universities, researchers, autism organizations and governmental advocacy groups.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award furthers our mission to inspire and support individuals diagnosed with autism, their families and the community at large in their efforts toward full recognition and inclusiveness for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Linda Walder, President, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

Foundation President Linda Walder established the organization’s namesake award in 2016, together with the Autism Society of America (ASA), to recognize an inspirational person, service provider or employer in the field of adult autism in order to encourage all autistic adults and their families to dream big and roll up their sleeves to create options for employment, housing and leisure activities that open doors to full and productive lives.

From her Charleston, S.C., office Walder said: “The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award furthers our mission to inspire and support individuals diagnosed with autism, their families and the community at large in their efforts toward full recognition and inclusiveness for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).”

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is an organic collaboration between the foundation and the Autism Society of America, as both organizations share an abiding respect for the lifelong rights of all autistic individuals. The ASA’s national conference is world-renowned as the premier autism event for individuals, professionals and families. The Autism Society of America, founded in 1965, is a leading national autism advocacy, resource and family support organization whose mission is to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people living with ASD.

According to Scott Badesch, president/CEO of the Autism Society of America, ”We are so grateful for our partnership with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, including the sponsorship of their ‘Leader in Adult Autism Award,’ which recognizes inspiring adult individuals on the spectrum, as well as forward-thinking businesses and organizations that employ and celebrate autistic adults.”

2018 honoree Neal Katz, 24, lives in Los Angeles with his mom and stepdad. He is nonverbal and communicates via assistive technology on his iPad. He loves hanging out with his friends at the beach, listening to music, shopping and helping with chores at home. Neal holds a job as an organic gardener, as part of Shemesh Farms’ program at the Shalom Institute, in Malibu. He also works at the farm’s grocery store in Santa Monica. Neal inspired the award-winning social skills and performing arts program The Miracle Project, which was founded by his mother, noted acting coach Elaine Hall. Neal is the star of HBO’s Emmy-winning film “Autism: The Musical.” He has also made inspirational presentations across the United States, using his iPad to speak, at the United Nations on World Autism Day in New York and as a panelist at the FRED Conference, the premier organization advancing housing and employment options for adults with special needs, in Los Angeles.

Says Neal Katz: “Linda Walder and her amazing foundation have been a part of my life since I was 10 years old. I’m thrilled to receive the Leader in Adult Autism Award and to celebrate this honor with all of the inspiring guests at this year’s ASA Conference.”

Following the award presentation, Neal and Elaine will lead a breakout session on Neal’s transition to employment and his inspiring growth despite significant challenges. Entitled “From Passions to Employment,” the session will track the story of how Neal’s passion for nature led to his discovery of joyful and meaningful employment as an organic gardener. Attendees will learn how to listen to a child’s needs, especially if they are nonverbal like Neal; how to view “obsessions” as “passions”; and ways to develop educational goals that reflect the child’s true nature and abilities.

About The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

Founded in 2002 by Linda Walder, a pioneer in the adult autism arena, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJFF) has established a leadership platform to develop, fund and advocate for programs and public policy related to all aspects of adult life such as job training, residential living, the arts, recreation, health and wellness, as well as social and life skills. DJFF is named in honor and memory of Linda’s son Danny who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and passed away at age nine.

Since 2014, DJFF has established endowment funds, known as The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Endowment Funds, that focus solely on adult autism at Yale University, the University of Miami, Rutgers University and Brown University in a trailblazing initiative that in perpetuity will assure that the most innovative research, program development, support systems and services will continue to serve the diverse population of autistic adults.

Says Walder: “Our aim is to ensure that for generations to come there will be an impactful focus on adult autism. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is committed to providing inspiration and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The foundation’s endowment funds are poised to lead the way on all fronts.”

(Interviews in connection with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award are available with Linda Walder, Elaine Hall or Scott Badesch, upon request.)

Media Contact:
Linda Mann
212-675-0100
linda@PRdivas.com

Source: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

[ad_2]

Source link

June 26, 2018