Autism News for the Week That Was: 1st September, 2015

Here are the latest stories and insights (positive) from the world of autism in the last week. From tips for children just starting school, to the potential of Google Glass to help autistic children, and Adam Sandler delighting a young boy, there is again a lot to take heart from. Do let us know what you think.

Former teacher with Aspergers Syndrome sets up a website about the condition

29 year-old Chris Bonnello was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome about 5 years ago. Needless to say, it shocked him and his family because nobody expected it. Now Chris, who has taught in mainstream and special education schools, has launched a website – AutisticNotWeird.com – to help young people with functioning autism and make others aware of the condition.

Google Glass could help people with autism

Recent media reports have stated that people with autism can find help in the wearable Google Glass after a few enhancements and a piece of software. The reports claim that this software has been designed to help people with autism to make eye contact, engage in conversations, and read social interactions better. The glass will also play soft music to calm them down, and offer a solution for the ‘fear of wandering’. Only time will tell, but we hope such products do more than merely help autistic people externally.

Advice for parents of an autistic child about to start school

This post sheds light on ways that parents of children on the autism spectrum who are about to start school can make their children comfortable. Some great tips include taking pictures of the school for the child, adjusting bedtime beforehand so that the child gets plenty of sleep, and more. Do read the article and share with parents who will find this information useful.

How awesome is Adam Sandler!

After Taylor Swift last week, Adam Sandler recently did something to delight a 10 year-old child. Santino Stagliano (AKA Dragon Master) has been designing t-shirts by drawing dragons on them, and they are wildly popular. But his mother said that something was amiss. When she asked Santino what would make him happy, he said Adam Sandler wearing his shirt would. The Hollywood actor obliged, and how!

Autistic boy finds the meaning of true love

Joey Granados has been facing difficulties forming relationships and bonding with living beings since childhood. He wanted to be alone and didn’t know how to handle himself socially. So he asked his mother for a dog. He met Roxy, a pit bull, and Joey immediately bonded with her like never before. Watch the video of a heart-warming tale of an autistic boy discovering the true meaning of love.

Experts believe that the speed of autism diagnosis must improve

In a letter to National Health Service (NHS) England, 12,000 supporters of the National Autistic Society have asked for the timing in diagnosis of autism to be reduced. Currently children with autism get detected by the time they are 3 years old or more, while adults have to wait for an average of two years, which causes anxiety and depression, said the society. NHS England responded saying that it is working to cut waiting lines, but diagnosis is more complex and could take more time.

8 ways in which an autistic child brings joy in his mother’s life

This is a delightful post by Tracy Smith where she shares why and how her son not only adds joy to her life, but to those of all around him. He sees beauty and takes delight in things and activities that most people take for granted. “He is a bright light in a dark tunnel. He is the life preserver I need when I am drowning in the system”, she writes.

That’s it from us this week. As usual, if there is a heart warming story or news that we have missed, do share it with us in the comments.

image source: The Mighty