Superhero Project Takes Off

A little inspiration. Happy Thursday.

In looking at her son, Shawna Burbank sees a happy, healthy and active little boy with unlimited potential. She feels, though, that some people may wrongly view him as a child who is suffering because he has Down syndrome. 

So she was excited to participate in The Superhero Project, which features photos of special-needs kids dressed up to show off their inner superhero, a way to help them feel confident and strong while raising awareness about children with disabilities or other challenges.

After Losing Autism Diagnosis, Study Finds Need for Educational Support

A study examining children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder whose social and cognitive symptoms had resolved 4 years later has found that most continued to have emotional and behavioral symptoms that required special educational support.
The research, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in San Diego, CA, aimed to investigate whether any deficits remained after the resolution of early symptoms to the extent that children no longer met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Princeton Provides Funds for Home

PRINCETON — A contribution of $400,000 from Princeton will turn a home on Hill Top Drive into affordable housing units for adults with disabilities.

Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Monday night to purchase 9 Hill Top Dr. at the corner of Route 206 with affordable housing trust funds. It will be renovated into a group home for adults of low to moderate incomes.

NYS Assemblyman Proposes Bill to Help Individuals with Autism Find Jobs

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Assemblyman Santabarbara will be unveiling his proposal to help those with autism in the workplace.

While Santabarbara says he has tried to address the issue of unemployment for those on spectrum in the past, the proposal he will be unveiling Monday will help better tackle the ongoing concern.

Autism Speaks' Grants for Swim Lessons

"Ian, Ian, Ian," squeals 8-year-old Anna as she spots her friend across a pool in the South Bronx. She splashes with excitement until he gingerly joins her in the water.

Five years ago, Anna wouldn't even utter "Mama."
Anna and Ian, 7, are on the autism spectrum. Among their challenges is learning how to swim. With 1 in 68 American children falling on the spectrum, many with a penchant for wandering near water, parents and advocates believe swim safety is crucial.

Connecticut Parents Fear Budget Cuts

Like many 20-year-olds, Jessica Zangrillo stands at the cusp of an uncertain future.

But, unlike others her age, Zangrillo isn't about to move from college into the professional world.

Michelle Rivelli sits with her
daughter Jessica Zangrillo.

 The West Haven resident, who is autistic and dyspraxic, will be finishing class at a special education program. Her next step is supposed to be a state-funded day program that provides employment counseling, therapy and a range of other services to those with intellectual disabilities.

However, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, which funds these services, was one of several departments that would have to cut programming under the proposed state budget.

NJ Medicaid Spending Up, But Rate of Growth Slower Than Most States

New Jersey spent 14.6 percent of its total revenues on Medicaid health coverage for low-income residents during the 2013 fiscal year, a full 2 percent more than the 2000 fiscal year, according to a new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

But that growth in New Jersey’s Medicaid spending as a share of total state revenue was still slower than the overall national trend compared to other states tracked by Pew over the same period.