At the Autism Society, we have prioritized the need to connect families to the services and resources to keep members of the Autism community safe. Through our Safety on the Spectrum™ program, we believe it is important to share the many benefits that water has on someone with Autism while also shedding light on the imperative need for safety surrounding aquatic environments.  

“We chose to highlight the water scenes featured in Charlie Makes A Splash in our social narrative which outlines key water safety rules in aquatic environments.” said Chris Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Through our Water and Wandering Program, we plan to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community to reduce water and wandering-related incidents.” 

Our upcoming Facebook video being published on Monday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm EST highlights the importance of water safety within the Autism community. Holly Robinson Peete of the HollyRod Foundation reads her new children’s book Child Makes and Splash during this episode. Christopher Banks joins in this discussion and shares water safety resources with viewers and how they can access these materials. 

Autism Society Water Safety Program

The Autism Society of America seeks to develop an adaptive aquatics curriculum that aims to support instructors and the Autism community nationwide. The Autism Society’s water and wandering initiative focuses on proactive programming, prevention, and improved responses to wandering incidents. The water and wandering initiative is a national effort to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community in order to decrease the tragic loss of life caused by water and wandering-related accidents.  This program works to not only prevent wandering-related tragedies but to increase water safety skills among Autistic children, teens, and adults- and those who support them.

To learn more about the Autism Society’s national programs and ways to get involved, please email info@autism-society.org.

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Autism Society of America

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

HollyRod Foundation

Founded in 1993 by actress, Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL player, Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation is a recognized California based 501c3. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to families that have a loved one who has received an Autism or Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. We advocate for ethical treatment, inclusion, and access to services and treatment of individuals living with Autism or Parkinson’s Disease with the goal of empowering them to live their best lives.

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Affordable, accessible, quality child care and respite services are essential to give families the support they need. The Autism Society prioritizes advocating for additional funding for Medicaid-funded home and community-based services.

“Our community-based service system is in crisis. Many Autistic individuals want to live at home or in their community with support, but funding has not kept up with the needs of families,” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Parents often care for their adult children until they need support themselves.”

The bipartisan Better Care Better Jobs Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, would increase access to personal care services, family supports, community behavioral health services and expand eligibility requirements. It would also facilitate greater coordination with employment, housing and transportation supports. An independent analysis estimates the bill would provide enough funding to enable 3.2 million more individuals to receive services.

The President’s Budget also includes $150 billion over the next decade to improve and expand Medicaid home care services—making it easier for people with disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities. 

Banks continued, “We applaud President Biden’s actions and urge Congress to pass the Better Care Better Jobs Act to support families with disabilities.”

Next week, the Autism Society is co-sponsoring the Disability Policy Seminar, along with several other major disability organizations. The annual seminar includes a day on the Hill where people with disabilities, family members, and professionals will urge Congress to support the President’s Budget and legislation, such as the Better Care Better Jobs Act, to address waiting lists and raise wages for direct care workers. 

The post National Statement: Autism Society of America Applauds President Biden’s Executive Order to Support Families with Disabilities appeared first on Autism Society.

Employment plays a pivotal role in transitions to adulthood, independent living, socialization, self-worth, and confidence. The Autism Society is committed to:

• Educating employers to build inclusive hiring models
• Training teams for supportive services and accommodations
• Connecting Autistic employees to job opportunities
• Working to reduce systemic barriers to meaningful employment

Through this initiative, we seek to redefine employment for Autistic individuals by embracing a Fulfillment Mindset. Recognizing that traditional notions of employment may not be ideal or accessible for everyone, our approach highlights the importance of social-emotional fulfillment for Autistic individuals in their employment journeys. In this introductory article, we will explore various avenues of employment, maintaining benefits, and the importance of including individuals with higher support needs and learning disabilities in our mission. 

The Fulfillment Mindset

The core principle of our Fulfillment Mindset is recognizing that there are numerous ways for Autistic individuals to achieve fulfillment through employment. This could include continued learning, passion projects, job/career shadowing, volunteering, coaching, and part-time or full-time integration into competitive integrated employment. By focusing on whole-person integration in employment and community surroundings, we can better support those with Autism in workplace settings and throughout their lives.

Exploring New Industries and Opportunities

It is essential for Autistic individuals to have access to a variety of industries and opportunities that align with their interests, strengths, and passions. As part of our employment focus, we will provide resources and support for exploring different fields, such as technology, arts, healthcare, and more. By doing so, we aim to empower Autistic individuals to make informed decisions about their career paths, while simultaneously promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Through connections with K-12, post-secondary training and college, and with state and federal support systems, we aim to make the journey from exploration to innovation an opportunity for the Autistic community. 

Maintaining State and Federal SSDI Benefits

We understand that financial stability is crucial for many Autistic individuals and their families. Our employment initiative emphasizes the importance of maintaining any state or federal SSDI benefits while exploring fulfilling employment opportunities. By educating individuals and families about their rights and options, we aim to strike a balance between pursuing meaningful work and securing necessary financial support.

As we work towards the ability for individuals to navigate the complexities of the SSDI benefits, know that we are working to promote better transitions and supports for exploring career opportunities, and options, while simultaneously receiving benefits. No one should have their financial stability shaken by striving to integrate themselves into the workforce.

Inclusion for Individuals with Higher Support Needs and Learning Disabilities

Our commitment to the Fulfillment Mindset incorporates the idea of being fully inclusive to those who have differing needs on the Autism spectrum. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience fulfillment and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. By providing targeted resources, training, and support, we strive to create more inclusive environments and systems that ensure individuals with diverse needs can thrive in their chosen paths.

Conclusion

We at the Autism Society of America embrace the concept and ideal of a Fulfillment Mindset and aim to redefine employment for Autistic individuals and encourage social-emotional fulfillment, exploring various industries, and maintaining necessary benefits. By emphasizing whole-person integration, we hope to create a more inclusive and supportive landscape for Autistic individuals to achieve success in their employment journeys. Together, let us celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of the Autism community and work towards a future filled with diverse, fun, interesting, and fulfilling opportunities for all.

We are also dedicated to identifying organizations and programs that allow individuals with Autism, who have complex support needs, to explore their interests and expand their skills in a variety of fields and industries. If you are an organization or know of one, please reach out to us so we can work to collaborate on opportunities for all Autistic individuals. Learn more about our employment work and related resources. 

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Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America secured a mission-critical grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) to expand its Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) – one of the many programs the organization promotes for the overall health and well-being for individuals with Autism. 

Healthcare inequities are seen across disability communities, including Autism, and are exaggerated by social and economic factors. These inequities can result in differences in length and quality of life, disease rates, access to treatment, disability, and death. Recent data shows that people with Autism have barriers to accessible healthcare, an increased risk for comorbidities, and have more anxiety and depression than people without disabilities. 

“Health Equity is the foundation for a healthy life,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “It addresses the range of life-sustaining issues that are the social determinants of health, and are often lacking or inaccessible for Autistic Americans and other underserved or marginalized groups.”

Vaccine hesitancy has long been an issue within the Autism community, and has been perpetuated by unsupportive provider settings, unprepared healthcare providers, and trauma-based experiences. With training for healthcare professionals and systemic changes, providers can use evidence-based methods to better support the Autism community. 

The new grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative – an initiative funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide outreach, technical assistance, and support to promote vaccination uptake – will help the Autism Society substantially expand the VEI. This ensures more people will receive factual, unbiased information about vaccines, safety, and public health, as well as expanded access to supported vaccine clinics and trained healthcare providers.

“The Autism Society has been pioneering strategies to help families and individuals with Autism get vaccinated since it can be especially stressful and upsetting for people with Autism,” said Dr. Kelly Moore, President and CEO of Immunize.org. “They have some simple, low-cost ideas like putting on headphones, listening to your favorite music, or using a “shot blocker” to make the shot hurt less.”

Other areas of health equity in which the Autism Society is working include employment, mental health, suicide prevention, and home and community-based services. During Autism Acceptance Month, the organization will be highlighting its work and impact to ensure accessible experiences in healthcare and other social determinants of health.

About the Autism Society of America:

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the Autism community. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

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Rockville, MD, March 29, 2023 – Goodnites, the #1 bedwetting underwear¹ brand, announced a new partnership with the Autism Society of America, America’s largest and oldest grassroots Autism organization, to educate, support, and provide solutions for families of children with Autism who need a longer-term bedwetting solution.

Since inventing the absorbent bedwetting underwear category in 1994, Goodnites has been committed to empowering users to have a dry night’s sleep and wake up awesome! Its bedwetting underwear is designed to provide children ages 3 to 17 a dry night’s sleep with 35% fewer leaks². While bedwetting is a common occurrence among most children, children with Autism and/or ADHD may face a longer experience with nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting.

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month this April, Goodnites will donate $150,000 to the Autism Society of America to support education and community efforts throughout 2023. As part of the programming, the brand is also unveiling new proprietary research illustrating the impact of bedwetting on families of children with ADHD and/or Autism, sharing awareness-driving content across digital channels, and amplifying influential voices in the neurodivergent and parenting space to help reduce the shame and stigma around bedwetting through education.

Driven by insights, Goodnites is committed to supporting this underserved group by combating the bedwetting stigma and giving parents and children the comfort that they are not alone. Through an ongoing partnership with the Autism Society of America that extends through 2023, the two organizations will support the community through educational resources, national and local community events, and advocacy. Designed with these families’ needs in mind, Goodnites will unveil a resource hub later this year to provide free access to bedwetting education tailored to the Autism and ADHD communities with contributions from the Autism Society of America.

In January 2023, Goodnites conducted a survey among 1,000 U.S. parents of children with Autism and/or ADHD, ages 3 to 17. The survey uncovered the physical, emotional, relational, and mental impact that bedwetting has on families of children with Autism and/or ADHD. The study found:

• Three-fifths of parents of children with Autism and/or ADHD who experience bedwetting express increased feelings of anxiety (60%) and helplessness (58%).
• About two-fifths of these parents also state that bedwetting has made their child more anxious (41%) and lowered their child’s self-esteem (38%).
• Half (50%) of parents say their child’s bedwetting has caused them to feel like a failure as a parent and roughly half (48%) of parents feel bedwetting has led to concerns that others will judge them.
• Participants expressed that they feel friends (71%) and family (65%) don’t understand the challenges of parenting children with Autism and/or ADHD.

“The Goodnites brand is proud to stand up to the stigma and shame wrapped up in wet sheets and begin a conversation to help parents of children with Autism and ADHD find answers and begin a conversation to help parents of children with Autism and ADHD find answers and solutions to help their kids wake up dry for a better start to the day for the whole family,” said Aaron Gretebeck, Kimberly-Clark’s North American Vice Present of Goodnites. “We are proud to partner with the Autism Society of America to fulfill the shared goal of empowering families of neurodivergent children with educational resources and meaningful support.”

To better serve the needs of children who experience longer-term bedwetting and provide size-inclusive products with outstanding comfort and fit, Goodnites launched a dedicated XL size in 2021. Following this launch, consumer data showed that the second largest group of XL buyers were parents of children with disabilities. One in six children experiences bedwetting, and of those who experience bedwetting, one in 10 has a disability, with Autism and ADHD being the most prevalent³. While bedwetting is a common occurrence among many children, it can have a greater impact on families of children with Autism and/or ADHD who experience additional physical, emotional, relational, and mental tolls on their everyday lives.

“Goodnites is addressing challenges faced by many in the Autism community with higher support needs, that are not often talked about,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “The resources this partnership creates will serve as a starting point for conversations that will help break the stigma in a community that can often feel isolated and underserved.”

Visit Goodnites.com to learn more, find the right product for your family’s unique needs, and discover how awesome days start with Goodnites. Follow @goodnites on Instagram, @goodnites on Facebook, @goodnitesbrand on TikTok, @autismsociety on Twitter, @autism society on Instagram, and @autismsociety on Facebook to learn more.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we’re committed to our purpose of Better Care for a Better World. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, holds No. 1 or No. 2 share position in approximately 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

About the Autism Society of America

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the Autism community. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.         

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 1. Youth Pant Category Share Data

 2. vs. Boy Large vs. Ninjamas Boy Large

 3. Goodnites Bedwetting Diary Study, ©Burke, Inc. 2021

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October 3, 2022, Rockville, MD — The Autism Society of America is thrilled to announce Claire Tibbetts, Russell Lehmann, and Autism Spectrum News as recipients of 2022 awards presented at the 2022 Affiliate Conference, an internal event. Their passion, advocacy, and collective works have exemplified the Autism Society’s mission and positively impacted the Autism community. The awards include:

• Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship, presented by the Beggan Family: Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director, Autism Society Greater New Orleans
• The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award, presented by the Joyce Family and Jim Ball: Russell Lehmann, Author, Poet, Advocate
• The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award, presented by Linda J. Walder: Autism Spectrum News, accepted by Founder and Publisher, David Minot

Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship: Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director, Autism Society Greater New Orleans

The Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to mentoring other peers and professionals. This year, the Autism Society of America is proud to announce Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director at the Autism Society Greater New Orleans, as the recipient of the Bob Beggan Award for Professional Mentorship. 

“I’m truly honored to have been recognized for my time spent helping other affiliates this year.  I am excited to have been able to give something back to the network, since I have been supported by many other leaders in the past when I needed it,” shared Claire Tibbetts.

Claire demonstrated outstanding work in supporting affiliate leaders and her own affiliate, in the areas of marketing, digital media, and programming. Aside from effectively adopting the new national brand at the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, she continued to support the brand launch by providing other affiliate leaders with creative materials, social media, and website guidance. 

Claire is a leader with the Vaccine Education Initiative, as an ambassador in her community, and a collaborative and trusted affiliate partner. 

“Claire is quick to share her knowledge, creations, and best practices, so others don’t have to create things from scratch,” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “She is engaging, thoughtful, and provides actionable feedback to National so that they can better support the network.”

The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award: Russell Lehmann, Author, Poet, Advocate

The David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award is given to an Autistic individual who has advanced the well-being of other Autistic individuals through exceptional dedication to educating federal, state, and/or local policymakers, educators, and the community, about the needs of the Autism community. The Autism Society of America is proud to honor Russell Lehmann with The David Joyce Advocate of the Year award, for his dedication to the radical acceptance of those in the Autism community. 

“Elise and I are humbled that this award has been named in honor of our son, David Joyce,” said Joe Joyce, Past Chair of the Board of Directors at Autism Society of America. “Despite his challenges of being non-verbal and having severe self-injurious behaviors, David has been a source of inspiration as a self-advocate, raising awareness and acceptance.”

Russell is a celebrated author, poet, advocate, and friend of the Autism Society. Russell had a number of personal successes this year from his career as a spoken word poet, to advancements in advocacy. Russell works to create bridges between the Autistic experience and those “on the outside.” Russell’s dedication to the Autism Society includes his time as a former member of our Council of Autistic Advisors, a member of our strategic planning committee, participating in annual campaigns, and other efforts. Currently, he is the co-chair of the Autism Society’s Safety Task Force, as we address the intersection of mental health, crisis response, first responder training, police interactions, and Autism.

“When I received word that I was chosen to be the recipient of the David Joyce Advocate of the Year award, I had no words to express my gratitude. Through my speaking engagements and advocacy efforts, I bare my soul in order to talk about what’s not talked about, thus spreading transparent and raw awareness into the world of Autism and mental health, while also helping others (as well as myself) feel a little less alone.”

“Through his personal experiences, vulnerability, and courage, Russell continues to make waves through his advocacy efforts,” shared Banks. “He will be a leading force in our efforts to improve safe interactions within the first responder and Autism communities, through his work on the Safety Task Force.”

Please visit Russell’s website, social media @RussL.Co, and LinkedIn page.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award: Autism Spectrum News

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism is given annually to an individual, business, or organization that exemplifies a core value of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation mission to inspire society by sharing success stories focused on the diverse strengths and talents of Autistic adults.

“The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is proud to honor the journalistic inspiration of Autism Spectrum News in sharing vital information on topics impacting the lives of Autistic adults and particularly creating a platform of expression for Autistic adults,” said Linda J. Walder.

This year, we are pleased to announce that Autism Spectrum News received this prestigious award from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. Autism Spectrum News, published by David Minot, is a trusted source of education, information, advocacy, and resources for the Autism community that addresses many important topics including Autistic adults and the aging population. This publication inspires knowledge about the strengths of Autistic adults and the challenges they may experience, and shares science-based research that positively impacts the lives of the diverse Autism community. 

“The Autism Society applauds Autism Spectrum News’ efforts to showcase diverse and varied experiences from Autistic adults, and their commitment to featuring articles written by Autistic contributors,” shared Banks. “Autism Spectrum News exemplifies leadership in journalism that is vital to advancing acceptance for the Autism community.”

David Minot, Founder and Publisher of Autism Spectrum News, commented, “I strongly believe in using Autism Spectrum News as a forum to give Autistic adults a voice. I want to ensure that the neurotypical community sees into the lives of Autistic adults to understand their perspective, their experiences, and to celebrate neurodiversity. Autism Spectrum News is changing how people think about Autism by advocating for acceptance, not just awareness, with equal access, rights, and opportunities.”

The post Press Release: The Autism Society of America Awards Claire Tibbetts, Russell Lehmann, and Autism Spectrum News for Outstanding Work appeared first on Autism Society.

Chosen among 70+ affiliates, the award examines criteria surrounding organizational values, growth, collaboration, leadership and impact.

September 30, 2022, Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America is thrilled to announce that the Autism Society of Central Virginia is the well-deserved recipient of the  2022 Affiliate of the Year Award. The award was presented at the 2022 Affiliate Conference (an internal event) by the Autism Society of America’s Board Chair, Tracey Staley, delivered to Ann Flippin, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia.

Each year, the Autism Society of America reviews the incredible work and impact of our network of affiliates; this award designation is given to an outstanding affiliate that exemplifies our mission, collaborates, is a recognized leader among peers, has premier programming and events, and champions the Autism Society network as a whole.

“The Autism Society of Central Virginia creates connections within its community everyday through its commitment to collaboration, advocacy efforts, and creative, engaging programs and events,” states Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Through Ann’s leadership, and the passionate commitment from her team, Autism Society of Central Virginia continues to be a mentor and leads by example among peers.”

The Autism Society of Central Virginia has experienced tremendous growth over the past year, not just in revenue, but in programmatic development; the affiliate held over 350 programs with more than 5,000 participants. They implemented a strategic plan focused on organizational growth and increased mission impact. Executive Director, Ann Flippin, is an active member of National-led committees, and significantly helped support the Brand Development project, and the network-wide brand launch in November 2021.

“We are truly grateful and humbled to be chosen as this year’s Affiliate of the Year,” shares Ann Flippin, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia. “Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers has worked relentlessly to expand our programs and support services to meet an intensified demand, and to create a community of support for the Autism community in the greater Richmond area.  We look forward to continued growth and impact for many years to come.”

Significantly noteworthy, was the Autism Society of Central Virginia’s “RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion,” a new community event that attracted over 7,500 participants and raised over $160,000 in its first year, creating a fun, inclusive experience for all. Overall, this affiliate is incredibly engaged, passionate, and collaborative; they exemplify our mission every day through their work.

Congratulations to the entire team at the Autism Society of Central Virginia.

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The Connection Is You. ™

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