Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt Our Global Community We try to find resources for every country, and state within the USA. Local resources are also available for our area. If you have suggestions, please contact me. Global Resources State by State Community Resources AUSTISM-LIVE Be a part of our global map! You visit - then you are added. It updates once a day. Welcome!

Best autism awareness commercial - EVER!! Autism Commercial - This is autism Autism Prevalence is Growing! Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Every 15 seconds another child is diagnosed with autism. 1 in 88 children, 1 in 50 boys are now diagnosed with some form of autism. Each child is unique in their symptoms and behaviors, falling somewhere on the autism spectrum. Thus, you may see autism referred to as ASD - autism spectrum disorder. Does your child have autism? Check list of symptoms National Institute of Neurological Disorders - Common Signs According to the NIND , "The hallmark feature of ASD is impaired social interaction. A child’s primary caregivers are usually the first to notice signs of ASD. As early as infancy, a baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time. A child with ASD may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement. Children with ASD may fail to respond to their names and often avoid eye contact with other people. They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can’t understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and don’t watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior. They lack empathy. " Want to bet? Although this is true for most young children, older autistic individuals have learned many social cues and facial expressions. They do feel empathy but expressing it is difficult for them. "Many children with ASD engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging. They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me.” Children with ASD don’t know how to play interactively with other children. Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favorite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking" . Only in the early years. With speech programs and a supportive home environment many of these behaviors can disappear. Symptoms of Autism Here are the most commonly seen behaviors suggesting autism. Behaviors can change quite a bit over time For many children, symptoms improve with supportive services and age. Social skills can improve, speech evolves and behaviors classic to the autism spectrum can drop away. Autistic children are not mentally handicapped and are quite intelligent. They go through the same life changes as other people; childhood, adolescence and adulthood and need to be treated like people their age. Many of the social and communication cues they lack can be learned allowing many autistic adults to function independently with only supportive services. Matt with his step-sister Sarah. Before Matt could speak he was doing this shadow alphabet. The photo above is of the letter "n". Sarah was trying to interact by doing the shadows with him. Temple Grandin's Website - Great info on autism! Temple Grandin explains autism as seen from the autistic on her official website. Prevalence when Matt was diagnosed in 1986 - 1:10,000 Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt

Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt Diagnosed with Severe to Moderate AUTISM in 1988 A wonderfully unique individual! Interview with SJ Childs - This is Matt Adventures in photography Matt's Artwork over the years Symptoms and behaviors at diagnosis (age 2 1/2) Looking back over the last 26 years I feel nothing but pride for my son, Matt. Autism makes a child different than their peers in areas of learning, communication, speech, emotions, and even in health issues. It forces them to use very creative ways to learn to enmesh themselves into a world that can be confusing and sometimes hostile. The amazing thing is that they do and continue to move forward, against all odds. Maybe Matt is different than other autistic individuals, but I doubt it. I know the autism spectrum is vast, with varying degrees of severity and symptoms, but I don’t feel others can’t learn and move forward as Matt has done. Am I being overly optimistic? I don’t think so. I truly believe all children can learn. Sometimes it just takes longer and the road is more difficult, but learning remains dynamic – not static – regardless of his age. Each year I can reflect on the accomplishments my son has made and set new goals for the year ahead. I find I am constantly in awe of my son; his perseverance and courage define him in my heart. At diagnosis I was told that he was “moderately-severe”autistic. The doctor told me the only reason he didn’t get the “severe” title was because he did not harm himself, other than that he was classically autistic having every text-book symptom. They didn’t wish to saddle him with the severe moniker, but they stressed his severity. In the doctor’s next breath he recommended institutionalizing my son, adding he would be too tough for me to raise and that I didn’t understand how difficult it would be on my family. I bring this up to illustrate where we started on this journey. Don’t assume that the reason he has done so well is due to a milder form of autism…. don’t assume any degree of autism is easy…and don’t assume a child’s autism will ever go away. We have had our struggles and our bad days, but the good days out-number them by far. You have heard the saying, “It takes a village” and we met some great people along the way that had a wonderful influence on him – a village load of people. As a parent – to any child, not just an autistic one -it is normal operating procedure to try our best, learn about our child’s needs, and seek out the right path. In comparing a neurotypical child to one who happens to be autistic, the only thing different in your quest are the specific needs and the amount of time devoted to those needs. For me, figuring out what he needed required me to understand what he was going through. It took lots of time, lots of observation, lots of trial and error, and above all else, lots of hope. In 1988 these were Matt’s symptoms as listed on his medical record. Social interaction Avoids eye contact Difficulty in understanding facial expressions or body gestures. Lack of interest in people. Lack of empathy. Doesn’t want to be held. Anxiety in a crowd Communication Delay in, or lack of, speech, or echolalia. Difficulty in starting a conversation or continuing a conversation. Difficulty understanding sarcasm or humor in language use. Appears not to hear, doesn’t respond to their name. Types of play. Spinning toys or just the wheels on toys. Lining up toys in long lines. Fascination with a particular topic. A need for sameness and routines. Lack of imaginative play. Plays alone. Sensory Reduced sensitivity to pain Hypersensitivity to sound, taste, and sometimes light. Stereotypical behaviors. Body rocking. Hand flapping. Spinning. As Temple Grandin has said, autism is based in fear – fear of all the unknowns of this world, from how to communicate to reading facial expressions to trying something new. I understood his fear. I was gentle in my persistence to communicate with my son and it paid off. Once he understood I was there to comfort him and fight the fears with him the learning began. We moved ever forward, sometimes at a snails pace, and other times with leaps and bounds. Now let’s look at my son as he is today – 24 years after his autism diagnosis: Social interaction with others is still an area that we work on daily. He converses, even when it’s difficult for him, and as he does so, he looks into your eyes. If you smile, he smiles. Matt has an interest in the people he knows and loves. If someone feels bad or is happy – so is Matt. I have found that Matt actually has more empathy than most neurotypical individuals. He cares deeply about his family, his pets and his home. He will stand up to another person if he feels that person is wrong in their behavior and he always champions for those whom he feels is weaker. He is uncomfortable at times around people he hasn’t officially met, but an introduction opens the door to acceptance. He can be in the middle of an enormous crowd of people he doesn’t know without showing any signs of apprehension as he has learned to focus on other things. Actually, Matt enjoys the adventure of going out. Football games, flea markets, beach combing….crowds are just not a concern anymore. Communication . In the early years I was most worried about his ability to speak, as I knew the brain would stop attempting speech around 5 years old. If he didn’t speak by age 5 his chances of ever being able to speak would be minimal. I have read that 40% of all autistic children have no speech – that’s a very scary statistic . .. and a very sad one. Matt began speaking just before his 5th birthday. We passed through the echolalia stage next (about2 years worth) and then his speech seemed to improve yearly. He developed a wonderful sense of humor, gained insights into neurotypical behaviors and speech and adapted his own behaviors to more closely resemble what he saw. Types of Play. As a young child, Matt spun toys and the wheels of toy trucks, trains, and cars. But as he learned new outlets for communication and imagination; in art, games and books - the spinning stopped. Matt still has a fascination for particular topics but he has expanded his interests to many new areas. Although he still likes to be alone for several hours each day, he also enjoys being with others. Keeping to routines are mostly a thing of the past also, (with the exception of Friday night pizza), there really are no set in stone routines anymore. Sensory . Matt still has some hypersensitivity and certain sensations can still cause discomfort on occasion. His showers are still luke-warm and his room dimly lit, but he doesn’t avoid loud sounds anymore. He is still very particular about what he wears, especially on his feet, but he has overcome a tremendous amount of hypersensitivity in his clothing. He tries new foods – doesn’t eat them, mind you – but he will taste-test. There's always that hope that any day now he could add a new food to his limited menu. Pain, unfortunately, is still an unknown. We are always vigilant for signs of pain because we are unsure if he would reveal his pain to us before it becomes life-threatening. But a recent illness showed me that he could take care of himself with rest, fluids and medication all self determined and administered. Stereotypical Behaviors. These are a thing of the past. We haven’t seen any for many, many years now. Matt is 26 years old and we take each step forward now at his pace. I accept Matt for who he is and I don’t push him to change any particular behavior – instead I suggest various ways to achieve the things he wants and help him focus on the steps toward his goals. If he never changed another habit or behavior he would still be the light of my life and me his proud mama. Matt chooses what to change, what to improve on, and what is fine just the way it is. When new challenges are met or old ones are overcome, we celebrate in this house – not because we want him to change, but because Matt sought to change - it’s always a big deal, and it always has been. I recognize that he is continually trying to be the man he wants to be and I am in awe of his courage and willingness to do what it takes to accomplish that goal. I can honestly say that his progress has been one unexpected joy after another and that’s because I remember where we started. Each year we fought battles, met challenges head on and set new goals. It wasn’t a picnic, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom either. Life has been an adventure, and not just for Matt. I know I am a better human being for having the opportunity of sharing my life with this incredible young man. Many years ago I was asked if I believed in miracles. Without hesitation I replied, “I see them every single day”. I was of course, referring to Matt and the wonderful way each day provided some tiny step forward, some steps so small you would miss them if you weren’t looking. I’m always looking- eager to witness that next miracle. Each time I see a small step forward my heart is filled with hope that my son's dreams will be realized. For those new to raising the autistic child, I send you that same hope. Hope - that you see the tiny steps. Hope – that you see and understand the courage it takes to make those steps. Hope – that autism as a disability will not define your child, but autism as a uniqueness will be seen instead. Hope – that your child’s dreams will eventually be realized. Hope.......that you too will witness miracles every day. To Know Matt - you really need to read the stories . . . . Matt's Awards From early on Matt received awards - for silly things at first, then good things, then great things. Take a look at the progression over the years - THE AWARDS.

Writer at Large! Autism Support Network FEAR! and Autism Autism and Critical Thinking - as Simple as Reading a Map A Home of His Own Walk with me, Matt Autism and how a simple rainy day pushed the limits of endurance Autism and just another day at the flea market Parental Courage: Knowing when it's time to rock the boat. Mission Accomplished! The whispered secret - part II A party is not just a party - it's social interaction to the extreme His wings are open, he's ready to fly For World Autism Awareness Day I am Sending YOU Hope! Mostly non-verbal and the whispered secret A glimpse of the past brings hope to the future Autism and Christmas at Grandma's House In autism, there's no such thing as a simple shave and a haircut Autism and the battle against textures Autism and the ultimate goal - independence Autism and life-long learning Guardianship and Autism Who's Rock Are You? Autism and the Covert Observation In Autism, A Game is More Than Just a Game Meltdowns: In Search of a Trigger Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost - Sometimes, they're just autistic. From a simple Path to a Road of Hope Enjoying the Magic of Christmas - autism style Autism and Supporting the Curious Autism and Theory of Mind: Just whose mind are we referring to here? How art transformed an autistic mind Memory Loss in Autism - are we alone? Autism and a Wonderful Lie Autism Awareness Teaches More Than Just Facts. Autism and Discovering Acceptance Late to bed, late to rise For World Autism Awareness Day I am sending you HOPE Autism and a Mother's Day Tradition A simple conversation...a life-changing path Grief and Autism Go to the Autism Support Network Facebook Page + SHARE Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt

Exceptional People with Autism This page is dedicated to those that show us that people with autism - a disability in social interaction and communication - also have some wonderful talents and gifts. I showed these to my son, Matt, to help him see that autism is not just a disability. Autism means "exceptional" and special". His wonderful reaction to viewing the talents of other autistic people brought about the idea for this page. Matt knows he is different. He knows I see him as both exceptional and special. After viewing these video clips and reading these stories Matt now sees himself as special too. If you know of a video or story for this page please send me the link. David Patton - author, "Dummy - a memoir" David, dyslexic and autistic, took me on a wonderful, heartfelt journey of his early years in his new book, "Dummy - a memoir". The voice of the young David was loud, strong and full of emotion. I found myself right there with him in the dim halls of his alternative school awaiting trouble by those that would bully him, right there jumping the fence with him as he sought to get away from his emotionally damaged and very angry girl friend, and even felt the cold panic of being trapped in a snow tunnel by his brother. I was amazed at his recall of his childhood and was impressed by his ability to bare it all to the world. Unable to read or write, David dictated his story as an example of the struggles and the triumphs of his youth. The only draw back? I want more! David is again dictating a book, this next one on his adult life - and I am looking forward to reading about how he overcame the numerous obstacles laid before him in adulthood. David Patton is a voice of struggle and hope - shedding light onto the emotional price of having a disability. Kyle Coleman - non-verbal, but can sing! Kyle's autism has kept him almost mute all his life - that is until mom took him to music therapy in 2009. Now, at age 25, Kyle will be releasing his first album on Autism Awareness Day this April. His voice in song is amazing - perfect pitch and strong. Go Kyle! Great instincts, mom! Read the story and listen here. David Militello- singer David was a contestant on America's Got Talent in 2008. At 9 years old, David won the hearts of Americans in his rendition of the Jackson Five song, "Ben". A beautiful child and a beautiful voice - watch the youtube performance of David Militello. Tony drake - R&B singer and guitarist "Tony Drake is blind and autistic, but plays Blues and R&B like nobody's business. Stinging guitar licks and a true soul sound is what he's all about" . Listen to him play - The Tony Drake Story. James Hobley - exceptional dancer! James was a finalist in the 2011 Britain's Got Talent. Watch this wonderful performance of self expression through dance - James Hobley Daniel Tammet - math wiz "Daniel Tammet is a twenty-something with extraordinary mental abilities, Daniel is one of the world’s few savants. He can do calculations to 100 decimal places in his head, and learn a language in a week. This documentary follows Daniel as he travels to America to meet the scientists who are convinced he may hold the key to unlocking similar abilities in everyone". Watch The Boy with the Incredible Brain Jason McElwain - Autistic Kid Owns the Court A coach puts in his team's manager, a young autistic boy named Jason, in for the last 4 minutes of a basketball game and the young man catches fire - sinking six 3-pointers back to back! Absolutely amazing and inspiring video! To watch and cheer for Jason, as this Autistic kid owns the court, click here. Blue Light Club Alan Stokes' Blogger site has a special area called the "Blue Lights Club". Very exceptional people on the spectrum. Check out the Blue Lights Kyle Forbes - hero A local 10-year-old boy is being hailed as a hero. He says he used what he learned in Cub Scouts to save his teacher's life. The amazing young man explained to Eyewitness News how he reacted in an unusual situation with maturity well beyond his years. Kyle Forbes, 10, is no ordinary kid. Most everyone will agree upon that. But now he's being honored by his school and his Scout pack for springing into action Tuesday to save his teacher's life. For Hyde Elementary School teacher Sheri Lowe, every day teaching art class now is a gift. "He saved my life," said Lowe. It was about 10am Tuesday when she and Kyle were alone in her classroom. Lowe was eating an apple and choked. They showed us how he reacted. "And I was choking and he squeezed me like that twice. The first time it didn't work, so he goes, 'I got it, Mrs. Lowe.' And he does it again, and he does it exactly the right way and the apple came out," said Lowe. Kyle says he learned the Heimlich maneuver last year in Cub Scouts and that his dad reinforced the teaching. "I just knew what to do immediately and I just like hurried over there and did it exactly right," said Kyle. Lowe calls Kyle her hero, and it's a title he's happy to accept. "Let's get back to the interview about the hero thing," said Kyle. "I mean, that was the first time I've ever saved someone's life, in an accident. That's the first time I've ever done it." Kyle is autistic. He has a passion for learning and like any child he wants to fit in. "Before I was just like a normal kid, always being picked on. Then I was like a superhero. Everybody was cheering me when I came down to the office to get an award. Everyone clapped at me when I got back," said Kyle. Lowe wonders what would be today had Kyle not been with her. "He's in my prayers, and um, (to Kyle) tell me not to cry," said Lowe. "He is my hero." Kyle's father is quite proud of his son. He says this is proof that children with autism can do anything others can do and that they should never think otherwise. HOUSTON Reprinted from a post on Autism Spectrum Disorder, through my eyes Autism Lights Those exceptional individuals who inspire us all. Marnol Scaggs - writer Adam writes science fiction - and is very creative. His first novel is on Barnes and Nobel's website as a nook book - allowing everyone to read it exactly as he wrote it. Having autism hasn't stop this young man from pursuing his dreams. Go Adam! Here's his description of Dawn of the Dragons of Eden "A young man exploring a rock formation discovers a clutch of dragon eggs. The young man and his friends bond with the dragon hatchlings and begin a journey. The journey begins when the young dragons and their riders are forced to deal with an alien menace. The alien menace is a race of insect like creatures bent on destroying the human colony on Eden." If you would like to get a copy, just click on the title. Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt

States Resources for all 50 states and DC. No matter what state you reside in you can start looking for resources and programs for the autistic person in your life just by clicking the link for your state. Each is linked to resources, programs and support groups and organizations. If you know of a link I should add, email me! (my contact info can be found in the "Speaking Engagements" and "About the Author" links in the sidebar. States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey More States New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Washington, DC Matt's adventures around the the country Mt. Rogers State Park - Virginia North Carolina Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt

Global Visitors Honored as one of the - TOP 30 AUTISM BLOGS In bookstores Dec. 16, 2014 Purchase a signed-copy direct from the author for $22.95 (plus tax and shipping) Upcoming Events Quotes Recent Blog Entries Recent Photos Newest Members Autism and the World According to Matt Juniper Hill Farms Juniper Hill Farms is a model of independent living for adults on the autism spectrum. It is not a group home, nor a 'facility'. Juniper Hill Farms is just a farm - a bit outside the city limits - where guys are renting their home, doing their chores - or not, and shopping, interacting and living - independently. A wonder solution to the question of what happens when the autistic child grows up? The small farm in southeastern Pennsylvania is complete with lots of animals.... and fields of sunflowers in the summer.Check out this website - and read their blogs - they're great!! Community Resources Check out the site Autism Hangout for great information on autism resources, education, articles, news - videos too! Let's help our community to raise awareness! Autism Awareness in Southwest Virginia DogWish Dogwish.org DogWish trains and places certified Service Dogs for those with Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome , Seizures , Alzheimer’s Syndrome , Anxiety , Depression , PTSD , and other neurological disorders and/or special needs. We are experts at Tethering, and one of the most successful organizations around for getting our Service Dogs into Public Schools. Autism Family Support Groups Autism Parent Support Group - Blacksburg, VA For parents of school aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Virginia Tech Autism Clinic 3110 Prices Fork Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6914 Contact Jennifer Shanks Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group - Roanoke and Salem, VA The GRVAAG holds planning meetings on the first Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center located at 1502B Williamson Road, N.E., Roanoke. New River League of Therapists Autism Support Group The League is offering a FREE support group for parents and their children. Childcare is provided. Siblings are welcome. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30 pm. 7350 Peppers Ferry Blvd Fairlawn, VA 24141 Please call (540) 633-3816 for more information or to RSVP Southwest Virginia Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group Serving Smyth County and surrounding areas. Meets on the third Sunday of every month in Marion, VA. Contact Jessica Davenport (276) 646-8949 or Miranda Davenport: miranda.davenport@hapco.com Twin County Autism Support Group The Twin County Autism Support Group for Galax, Grayson, Carroll and surrounding areas Contact Leigh Anne Phillips at (276) 236-1766, lphillips@tcrh.org or Karen Poe at (276) 728-3121/236-7151 ext. 143, karen.poe@dbhd.virginia.gov for more information Parents of Children with Special Needs Support Group- Wythe Co. A Special Needs Parent Support Group for Wythe Co. sponsored by the Mt. Rogers Community Services Board. Meets September through May, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, 6-8pm,June through August, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6-8pm, at the Mt. Rogers Community Services Board Youth Services Office, on Main Street in Wytheville. Contact Jenny Buchanan,Counselor, Student Support Services at 276-223-3291, extension 124 or 276-620-2323 Radford University Autism Center Radford University Autism Center Serves individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), families, teachers, speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with children and adults with autism, researchers studying autism spectrum disorders, and undergraduate and graduate students interested in a future career working with individuals with ASD. Autism Smiles Autism Smiles Welcome Trinity International Autism Foundation! Trinity International Autism Foundation serves a community of over 21,000 people of the Wakiso District in Uganda. There mission is to bring hope to the thousands of children in need. They need a sponsor to help bring food and education tools so these children can thrive and learn. Please visit their page and if you can help, contact them by clicking the link above. Danny Did Foundation The book, "Fly Danny, Fly" is a sweet children's book by Chip Gilbertson and Gina Restivo. This is the story about a little boy with a very vivid imagination that starts to doubt himself because other children do not envision what he does. It's about being different and allowing yourself to be different instead of trying to act "normal". Instead, the message is allow yourself to keep your own unique qualities of who you really are if you wish to be truly happy. Founded in 2010 by Mike and Mariann Stanton after the Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) of their four-year-old son Danny, the Foundation is dedicated to preventing deaths caused by seizures. The Danny Did Foundation’s name derives from the last sentence of Danny’s obituary: Please Go And Enjoy Your Life. Danny Did." Learn more by following the link, Fly Danny, Fly.