Choosing Own Leisure Activities Benefits Individuals on the Spectrum, Study Finds

Free time is not always a fun time for people with autism. Giving them the power to choose their own leisure activities during free time, however, can boost their enjoyment, as well as improve communication and social skills, according to an international team of researchers.
"For many of us, we look at recreation as a time to spend on activities that are fun and that are designed for our enjoyment," said John Dattilo, professor, recreation, park and tourism management, Penn State. "But for some people with disabilities, particularly those who have autism, these activities can be a source of frustration, simply because they didn't have a chance to make their own leisure choices."

NBA Helps Spread Word to End the Word

Words are powerful things. They can be helpful or hurtful, inspiring or disheartening. And sometimes, powerful beyond what we can expect.
"Spread the Word to End the Word" is a Special Olympics campaign to eliminate use of the words "retard" and "retarded." Its goals are to promote the contributions made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to educate the public about the damaging effects of the "R-word."
The movement to eliminate the R-word began in 2004 by the Special Olympics and its international board of directors.
The NBA has a longstanding partnership with the Special Olympics, which includes sponsorships of basketball tournaments, the creation of public service announcements and NBA player participation in Special Olympic events. Several NBA players, including Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, have signed up to be a part of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

A Universal Approach to Day Care

HADDON HEIGHTS, N.J. -- Michael Gentry ran into a day care center room and dove head-first into a pit filled with colorful plastic balls.
His 3-year-old sister Kate was close at his heels, copying his every move.
Michael, 5, has Down syndrome, while Kate is a typical child.
The Gentrys were at Little Butterflies, a day care opening next month at Bancroft's Haddon Heights campus. The center will accept both children with special needs -- especially children on the autism spectrum -- and children who do not have additional developmental needs.

Actress Joins Rally Against Cuts in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas -- A serious issue got a touch of Hollywood glamour Tuesday when celebrity Eva Longoria spoke to a crowd of more than 1,000 gathered at Morgan's Wonderland to rally against proposed cuts to services for those with intellectual developmental disabilities, or IDD.
As the petite star spoke, many in the crowd — made up of folks with disabilities such as mental retardation and autism, along with their caregivers and families — hooted, hollered and fist-pumped the air.
"When I heard about the budget cuts in Texas, I was outraged, personally hurt," said Longoria, co-founder of a program for those with IDD in San Antonio. "We need those in Austin to hear us loud and clear — this is not OK!"

Strategic Plan for Autism Research Unveiled

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) Monday released the 2011 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research. The Strategic Plan provides a 'blueprint' for autism research as well as providing up-to-the-minute information about possible causes of autism, an overview of treatments for autism, information about where to find services, and a sense of the #1 question parents of autistic children might prefer not to think about, but have to: What does the future hold?

Opinion: Specialization, Not Segregation, for Special Needs Students in New Jersey

Guest column by Michele Adubato, the founder of New Jersey's first charter school for students with autism.

"Segregation" is an ugly word typically associated with forced separation, harking back to a terrible time in our country’s history. Now, the word is being used by organizations seeking to stop the first charter school in New Jersey serving children with special needs.
Ironically, opponents say the school would discriminate against "nonautistic" students. I've got one thing to say to them: "Are you kidding me?"
As the founder of what will be New Jersey’s first charter school for children with autism spectrum disorders and pervasive developmental disabilities, I am offended by the use of the word "segregation" to describe the placement of children in schools designed to serve their special needs.

Upgrades at Center Amid Uncertain Future

CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- At a time when the future of Virginia's training centers for the disabled hangs in the balance, there's a flurry of activity at the one tucked behind a busy industrial corridor in Greenbrier.
New roads are being laid at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center, and concrete poured for the foundations of 15 new cottages.
At the same time, state officials, to avoid a federal lawsuit, are vowing to make a dramatic shift in moving disabled people from institutions like Southeastern to community-based programs.
The question still to be answered is this:
Could the downsizing of the state's training centers lead to closing them altogether?