When Alan Lawrence’s son was born with Down syndrome, he said, “it was a shock. It felt as though he would put limits on what I would a
ccomplish, what my family would accomplish.”
Fast forward 18 months, and nothing could be further from the truth, Lawrence said. Wil, his fifth child, “brings a light to our family.” See pictures and read more.
Santi Rogers, Director of the Department of Developmental Services notes:
Autism is a complex and varied neurodevelopmental condition. Since the first National Autism Awareness Month was declared by the Autism Society nearly a quarter century ago, the number of persons in California diagnosed with Autism continues to increase at a significant rate. Over 80% of California’s growing Autism population is male. Read more.
April is Autism Awareness Month. It would be expected that all persons with autism would be preparing to “light it up blue” with blue clothing, shirts and light bulbs to show support for those with autism.
Some autistic people would argue that awareness is already out there.They feel that autism is not only known, but widely feared. This fear being the source of prejudice and misunderstanding.
What is needed, is more acceptance. Read more. Then see how one Mother faced her son’s transition to adulthood in this report on the Today show here.
Stephanie Sullivan dons a hard hat at the groundbreaking of a new home for those with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s. Sullivan plans to move into the residence when it opens next year. (New Horizons/Flickr)
The sound of hammers and saws coming soon to a vacant Reseda, Calif. lot means that someone like Stephanie Sullivan will have a home where she will be cared for and her needs understood.
The Sonoma Developmental Center has been the focus of a series of patient abuse scandals over the years. Credit: Monica Lam for CIR
Abuse, neglect and lack of supervision at California’s state-run homes for the developmentally disabled have directly caused the deaths of 13 people since 2002, newly released records from the state Department of Public Health show.
Microsoft says it will hire people with autism for full-time positions in Redmond, Wash. through a new pilot program. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) The launch of a new pilot program positions Microsoft as the latest corporate giant looking to tap the employment potential of those on the spectrum.
The company says plans are underway to hire individuals with autism for full-time positions at its Redmond, Wash. headquarters.
Kaiser Permanente is about to begin what is believed to be the largest genetic research project ever conducted by a health organization into the causes of autism, gathering biological and other health information from 5,000 Northern California families who have a child with the developmental disorder.
The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) represents the autonomous regional centers objective to support and advance the intent and mandate of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. To learn about important legislative updates and current initiatives.
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