“Astronauts helped me learn more about our planet, how beautiful it is from space, how important it is to take care of it. One day my dream is to go to Space, to the Moon or to Mars,”  Hayden “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…” As astronaut Tim Peake blasted off on his journey to reach…

by W.E.Powers What is it? I see it in the eyes of those battling mental health issues. I see it as a wet, dim band of light cutting through the blues, browns, and greens of those impacted by autism. Sometimes it reflects a struggle against depression or PTSD. It is often a scoreboard worn on the fac…

Keep the Change makes a significant departure from traditional film portrayals of autism since it has the unique distinction of casting actors who are actually on the autism spectrum in the roles of autistic protagonists and supporting characters who are on the spectrum. By Nils Skudra I recently ha…

“The Dove of Peace, more than anything that’s something this world needs, peace. He is flying through the city at night in front of a billboard that shows the earth holding a banner reading “Peace”. I love to draw. I think it’s because it calms me down. For whatever reason I a…

By Alex Frank My sister Mia, who is now 24 years old, was at a crossroads before being employed at Popcorn for the People. Most people who are autistic or have special needs struggle intensely to find some form of employment. In fact, the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities in America is …

The authors conclude that if our children on the spectrum are not lovingly ‘pushed,’ particularly away from a reliance on internet technology, ‘the outcome is predictable: continued dependency, vulnerability to internet/gaming addiction, loneliness, and insecurity, and a vocational wasteland.&…

Wendy describes the challenges for someone on the autism spectrum for what many would call a simple outing. By Wendi E. Powers Going out in public is always an adventure for those of us on the autism spectrum.  While I can’t speak for the others, I can share a personal example.  Just…

How painting unlocked one woman’s ability as a savant. Congratulations to Amanda LaMunyon who on the Megyn Kelly show this morning! Here’s the video for those who missed it! Here’s a link to the Today show article Source: The Art of Autism

Ryan Smoluk talks about the importance of not listening to other’s negative projections for the future. By Ryan Smoluk “Oh no, no Ryan don’t think about going to university! You will never be able to do that!” a teacher in elementary told me. I was crushed. Was that true? I only ever tho…

As an autistic person myself, I do not take being verbal for granted and I understand how powerful writing can be to express oneself. I understand Pam’s saturation in books, her safe places to escape to and think, because I had mine too and still do. I identify with the types of “beyond the norm” gi…

Ron Sandison interviews Dr. Paula Kluth, consultant, author, advocate and independent consultant What inspired you to study special education in college? My high school started welcoming students with more complex needs when I was a senior. I approached the teacher to volunteer and work in her c…

By Stephie King Are you one of those readers who devours material about autism with a dry well of content to drink from? Check out some of the books loved by autistic creator, Lizzie, as well as her own contribution to the book pile. A new book project is looming on the horizon of completion you may…

By Jasmine Dyoco Going back to school can be exciting and fun for some kids, but for others, it can cause anxiety and stress. It’s normal to be nervous about the unknown. New teachers, classmates, schedules, classrooms, and subjects can cause the jitters in just about anyone. But for children and te…

How an accidental brush by an autistic savant with a silent movie classic has changed one of the world’s most recognizable films into Hollywood’s first 3D motion picture. By Carl Hernz For those not familiar with the ways of children with autism, a toy in our hands can all too often serve its …