A twitter hashtag (#) is a way to find tweets that have a common subject, in this case, #autism.  Anyone who searches for #autism will find a whole community on Twitter interested in the same subject matter.  You’ll find humor, resources and sharing.

According to this article in the Washington Times, the YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf hashtag became popular several weeks ago, and is still going strong, with tweets both funny and heartfelt.

Check it out!

Above all, have a happy and safe holiday!

According to Newsday, the team of 14-28 year olds with varying disabilities, played its only game against another team this season.  One of the team’s coaches, Harvey Pollack,  stated they usually divide into two teams and play each other, as there are no other special needs teams to play against.

The Nassau County Police Activity League is the only PAL in the country to have a Special Needs Unit.

Way to go! Congrats to both the Nassau Knights, and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

I’m pleased to announce I am now co-hosting Special Needs Long Island, a weekly radio program dedicated to the special needs community on Long Island.  My co-host is Jeffrey Silverman, Director of Special Needs Planning for the Center for Wealth Preservation in Syosset, New York.

Every Monday night, from 6:30 to 7PM, we feature guests from special needs organizations, professionals practicing in the field and individuals with special needs.

Please tune in 1240 AM WGBB or on the web at www.am1240wgbb.com (click on Listen Live)

The Lion King has been chosen as the first ever Broadway autism-friendly play with a special performance and reduced prices for its October 2 matinee.  The show sold out quickly, but we can expect if the results are good, that it will be repeated.  You can sign up for information on future performances here.

According to the NY Times, some of the modifications made for this special performance include less strobe lighting and softening of the sound in some places.  Many autistic persons are sensitive to light and sound.

The entire theater has been bought out for this performance.  Although many Broadway productions have the ability to modify shows for hearing and sight impaired people, those modifications are made during regular performances.  According to Lisa Carling, T.D.F.’s director of accessibility programs:

“We wanted to create an environment that was welcoming to children and their parents so they could come in and not be afraid of judgment from other theatergoers who might not understand why a child is doing repetitive movements, or rocking back and forth, or why a child might need to wear headphones or get up in the middle of a song and take a time out in the lobby.”

What a wonderful idea.  Let’s hope that more shows follow, and that The Lion King has much success.

The New York State Senate today approved legislation to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The bill (S.4005A), sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R, Merrick), would save tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses spent by families caring for individuals with autism and address insurance companies’ refusal to cover costs for autism treatments and therapies.

Autism Spectrum Disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, are currently affected with autism.

The legislation requires insurance companies to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral health treatments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Insurance companies would be prohibited from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue, or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed with or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

Researchers immediately noticed that Teco was not acting like normal baby chimps.  He did not bond with his mother, did not make eye contact and he became agitated when his surroundings weren’t exactly as he wanted them to be.  Sound familiar?  Furthermore, Teco is showing some repetitive movement, another very human sign of autism syndrome.

Here are a few more questions, answered by Teco’s caretakers: Q &A.

Teco

As CBS News commented, “the Field of Dreams belongs to everyone.”

The Challengers are the brainchild of Kelly Pipitone and Frank Fritz.  Kelly’s son Jake plays on the team.

There are some special rules too– According to Newsday, each player will be accompanied by a volunteer who will stay by his or her side during the game.  One other special rule?  Everyone wins.

And truly, with dedicated parents and coaches, everyone on Long Island does win.

The Journal of Pediatrics has prepared a checklist to be used at baby’s one year checkup. The checklist can be found here.

According to the PBS Newshour, this test can be quickly filled out in the waiting room of the pediatrician’s office and is reliable more than half the time.