Most people are pretty familiar with the saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” Dogs are animated, fiercely loyal, and guarded protectors. But their worth goes beyond just being a trusted companion. For many, these furry friends serve a significant purpose as therapy dogs in the treatment of social, behavioral, and cognitive delays common …

In our last issue, we discussed the continued rise in technology that will support individuals with autism as they live and work in their communities in the most independent manner possible. However, in order to take advantage of these growing opportunities, individuals with autism must be financially prepared to do so. At A Special Needs …

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a rising percentage of the world population is being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As of 2014, an estimated 1 percent of the world population had an ASD, with the United States estimating 1 in 68 children or 3.5 million Americans living with ASD.   …

I’m struggling with my son remembering the things he has learned. I teach him one thing and he forgets. Any tips? –Matsepo Hey Matsepo! What you’re experiencing is very common for people with developmental disabilities. Research shows that children with autism require significantly more learning opportunities to gain a new skill than other children. On …

Autism Warrior: Ernie Els, South African professional golfer, founder of the Els for Autism Foundation, along with Liezl Els and Marvin R. Shanken Location: Jupiter, Florida Accomplishments: Ernie Els has 70 professional career victories to his name, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships, and a record seven World Matchplay titles. Off the golf course, …

It’s common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to experience sensory overload or adverse reactions to sensory input more often than their neurotypical classmates. Some children with ASD find processing stimuli, such as sights and sounds, difficult and exhibit hypersensitivity to being touched. Sensory overload can occur in the classroom when multiple stimuli occur simultaneously, …