www.autismtoday.com

“I know how important early intervention and proper support are to the long-term lives of my children, “says Karen.“I needed to find ways to tend to the needs of all my children without completing depleting our family’s physical, emotional, and financial resources.”Doing nothing was not an option, yet there were times when I was paralyzed by indecision. I needed to choose a course of action now, but I was exhausting myself trying to locate and evaluate pertinent information. While I was going through this maze, I realized I was also doing so on the behalf of all the other parents and children with affected by autism and related disorders.”

Autism Today is now the world’s largest information and resource center all in one place for anyone affected by autism spectrum disorders. The site features top experts like Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, Dr. Jed Baker, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, the list goes on. It also provides much needed support to millions of parents, caregivers, para-professionals, therapists, educators, community members and those on the autism spectrum through books, CD’s, online education, audio seminars, tele-seminars, webinars, on site conferences and workshops and an interactive membership based community for blogs, podcasts and forums. The theories and practices that help the autism spectrum are being used in many other special needs areas such as Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Non Verbal Learning Disorder, Tourette Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Autism Today, a free-membership site, offers the following:

Up-to-date medical information about autism
A library of articles containing thousands of pages on autism
Poems, art, and stories by —and for —members of the autism community
A listing of conferences and events for the autism community
The latest information on treatments and alternative therapies
A database to locate physicians, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational and behavior therapists, schools, camps, programs, employment organizations, and recreation facilities that service the autistic community
Weekly newsletter with a summary of the latest news articles on autism
About the CEO & Founder of Autism Today, Karen Simmons
Autism & Special Needs Expert and Speaker
Passion for Helping Children, Families, Parents, Educators, Teachers, and Doctors Worldwide
Mother of 6 Children (1 Autistic / 1 Special Needs)
Organizer of Over 50+ Children’s Conferences
Author of 7 Books
Chicken Soup for the Soul – Children with Special Needs
Little Rainman – Autism Through the Eyes of a Child
Artism – Art by Those with Autism
The Official Autism 101 Manual
Surrounded By Miracles
The Autism Experience – Stories of Hope and Love
Autism Tomorrow – Complete Guide to Helping Your Child Thrive in the Real World
#health #wellness #co-working #karensimmons #autismtoday autism

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Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because “I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that ‘once autistic, always autistic.’ This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can” (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic).

Even though she was considered “weird” in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Swift, and others.

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is now the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes has been brought to the screen. She has been featured onNPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow”, ABC’s Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times.. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+.

Dr. Grandin’s current bestselling book on autism is The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s. She also authored Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships, Animals Make us Human, Animals in Translation, Thinking in Pictures, Emergence: Labeled Autistic and produced several DVDs. All books and DVD’s available through Future Horizons.

Temple Grandin’s work continues to inspire millions, drawing superlative reviews such as these:

“Temple is my hero. She has my vote for the person who has provided the greatest advance in our understanding of autism this century.”

-Dr. Tony Attwood, world renowned expert on autism spectrum disorders.

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My name is Karen Simmons and I am the founder and CEO of Autism Today. I want to introduce you to a film that I affected me very deeply. I have a son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. The worry I had for him and how he would ultimately grow up was constantly with me. But I learned from and watched others and I studied their stories. I wish this film had been around when he was young because I believe this film will help the world embrace autism in a unique and unprecedented fashion.

Parents really DO leave their kids sometimes, women DO get
raped by fathers and people with very different but surprisingly
compatible ways of living DO forge mutually beneficial
relationships along the way, enjoying the harmony and
discord of being human. No one needs fixing or sugar-coating
and the “A” word (autism) is never mentioned, yet it is understood.

The story line of “The Odd Way Home” starring Rumer Willis, Chris Marquette and Veronica Cartwright begins with the gritty reality of abuse but launches into an adventurous journey filled with unexpected surprises and hard realities that redefine the notion of love, peace and forgiveness. The two main characters see in each other what no one else has ever seen before and accept each other completely.

The journey with my son brought me face to face with many of the films’ themes:

Duncan being bullied
Hope for peace during times of stress
Respect and compassion that rises above difficulties
Communication styles that are different but convey needs and preserve self-respect

The role of Maya, played by Rumer Willis, is a product of childhood abuse who escapes her shattered life in Los Angeles and meets Duncan, played by Chris Marquette, is a hermit from a tiny town who also has autism though his label is not the theme of the movie. He is simply loved for who he is and the two of them resiliently and carefully work out their relationship moving through many challenges. Duncan is sensitive to his environment, as many on the spectrum tend to be. With the incidence of autism 1 in 50 now according to the CDC’s latest stats, these children are like canaries in the coal mine, indicators of what is becoming of our world and the environment we live in. We are all affected in many ways by the foods we eat, the chemicals we ingest, the air we breathe and the medications and chemicals we come into contact with. The reactions can have a much more severe effect on those with autism.

In the movie it is noted how well Duncan has been taught through the most important interventions to date which is early intervention when they are children such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy and even biomedical and dietary interventions. The window of time for these to be implemented is from 2-5 or earlier to make the biggest impact.
In our world, the choice of peace instead of anger, love instead of fear and harmony rather than discord begins in the home. As human beings, we all are confronted by different emotions every day. Its how we choose to deal with them that makes all the difference in the world.

In order to make the world a more peaceful place for everyone, people must learn to embrace their demons and know that choosing peace over anger and resentment right from the center of their being is what will eventually spread out to all of humankind and change the world. By making the inner choice to move through the drama of life, we can model love, acceptance and understanding thereby making the world a more peaceful place to co-exist one person at a time.

The Odd Way Home isn’t a typical movie, but then nothing about autism is typical either. The film’s producer and director make it clear that while some of the scenes are hard to watch, in the end, they remind us of how much we need each other and why every meeting can be important. Everything we do to and for each other can have a lasting impact, and we should never be afraid to take “the odd way”.

My journey with my son goes on and I now share with world my thoughts and ideas for a brilliant future with our children. I know you will enjoy this movie as much as I did.

Karen Simmons

You can order The Odd Way Home here.
http://www.autismtoday.com/owh/

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Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders are growing at epidemic rates — affecting 1 in 88 individuals and 1 in 54 boys. Many people with ASDs suffer anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor self-regulation, and sensory sensitivities… all of which “significantly” impair daily functioning… and quality of life.
Can a simple, easily-learned, evidence-based meditation technique be an effective tool for reducing the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Transcendental Meditation, an evidence-based meditation technique, practiced by more than FIVE million people. It has been found capable of improving  symptoms of ASDs.

People with ASDs “frequently” struggle with transition and changes in routine, and find social interactions… stressful. Friendships tend to be challenging; individuals with ASD commonly struggle to perceive social cues, interpret the social intentions of others, recognize the impact of their “own” actions in social situations… and respond in socially conventional ways.

Reducing stress and anxiety has the potential to “significantly” improve the quality of life of people with ASDs… and their families.  However, current treatment for anxiety and stress is very limited.

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique practiced for just 15 to 20 minutes, TWICE a day, by adults, and 10 to 12 minutes TWICE a day by adolescents.  It is practiced by sitting comfortably with your eyes CLOSED.  People of ALL ages and backgrounds (including those with ASD) are able to learn and practice TM.

During TM sessions, the individual experiences a unique state of deep rest and heightened alertness, which reduces stress… and promotes more coherent brain functioning.

Why is THIS relevant today?

Because conventional treatment options for ASDs are “limited.” TM has an “excellent” record of success for reducing anxiety and stress, and improving the quality of life for children AND adults with autism.

A gathering was co-hosted by the David Lynch Foundation (DLF)—and the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, founded by mother and son, Roberta and Joey Lowenstein, at the DLF offices in New York. Bob Roth, Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation served as Moderator.

Roberta Lowenstein is the mother of an extraordinary young man with autism, 17-year-old Joey Lowenstein. She is also the Founder and Chair of the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, a nonprofit which focuses on Athletics, Nutrition, Self-Development,   RPM(RapidPromptingMethod), and Seizure and Brain Research.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and a half years of age, Joey — and Roberta — have endured much over the years. The most inspiring of which was Joey’s recent conquering of a 14-year virtual silence. Unable to communicate through typical speech (or so was thought), Joey had uttered few words through the age of 14.

However, this changed three and a half years ago when Joey’s mother discovered a method of communicating called Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). RPM is an educational platform that utilizes a letter board to facilitate education and communication. Having tried dozens of therapies over the years nothing could have prepared Roberta for what was coming.

What was previously impossible became possible when Joey began using a letter board to speak. The flood gates of communication opened (and so had Roberta’s tears) releasing 14 years of ‘bottled-up’ expression, thoughts concealed, fears and dreams for the future. Matthew Kennedy, Joey’s mentor and RPM instructor has played an integral role in Joey’s expressing his “voice”.

Although not formally taught, Joey could read. He could perform eighth grade math. He is witty. He can write poetry; possessing a wisdom well beyond his teenage years. His Rabbi describes Joey as ‘an old soul.’

Joey Lowenstein presented his thoughts using RPM in front of an audience at the David Lynch Foundation. It was truly an inspiration to “hear” his thoughts. Here are some excerpts from the dialogue:

Bob Roth (BRoth):  Bob explained Transcendental Meditation, what it is and what it is not.  Seeking your rich Internal world……
Roberta Lowenstein shared the fact that she had learned Transcendental Meditation about three years ago when her dear friend Lorraine Cancro, MSW, Executive Director of the Global Stress Initiative coordinated many of their Scientific and Lay Advisors take the class with Bob Roth.  After continuing meditating Roberta asked Bob if he thought Joey, who was autistic, could learn to meditate? Roberta spoke about the process of Joey learning to sit quietly for 20 minutes twice a day, and that both of Joey’s RPM therapists, (Matthew and Brianne), had learned to meditate with Bob. Roberta related to the audience Joey’s famous  phrase that “TM Calms the Mind and the MOM”

Some excerpts from the enlightening dialogue between Joey and the audience are below:

BRoth:  Joey, how do you feel during meditation and afterwards?

JL:  NOW I HAVE REALLY TO THANK MY MEDITATION TEACHER BOBBY

BRoth:  How do you feel during Meditation?

JL:   DURING MEDITATION I REALLY FALL INTO A SPELL OF QUIETNESS.

BRoth:  How do you feel right after Meditation?

JL:  HOW I FEEL IS TOTALLY RESTORED AND JUST LIKE I CAN HANDLE THE CRAZY WORLD WE JUST LIVE IN.
BRoth:  Why do you think other people will benefit from Meditation?

JL:  YES, IT MOST CERTAINLY REALLY  MORE THAN EXPECTED, WILL REDUCE STRESS IN THE LIVES AND FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO MEDITATE.MOM WILL REALLY TELL YOU THAT BEFORE WE FOUND MEDITATION AND THE LETTER BOARD, I WAS NOT, NOT, NOT SEEN BY OTHERS AS A VERY MATURE AND SMART YOUNG MAN.

The audience shared a few questions and comments below:

Richard Peterson: (Joey’s personal trainer and nutritionist)  I noticed that after TM started that Joey’s ability to concentrate and calm himself showed improvment, and his athletic abilities increased.

Martha Simmons: (Family friend/Reading specialist)  Did you ever have any moments of doubt about RPM or Meditation?  If so what kept you going?

JL:  MATTHEW ALWAYS TELLS ME NOT TO EVER GIVE UP

There was Spontaneous Applause from the audience!

Vinnie Forras:  (someone new to Joey)  Joey your clarity and depth of thinking is so impressive.  It is obvious people around you love you so much.

The audience was truly moved by Joey’s words and the goals of his foundation. Joey’s foundation will have the resources to help people who have autism, in the words of Joey, “Break the Barriers of Autism” and find their own bridge to communicating WHO they are, and WHAT they are capable of doing with their “unique” gifts.

Roberta explained that her relationship with her son, Joey, improved greatly through the regular practice of TM. This shared quiet time or “going within” has helped Joey find  inspiration. Soon after Joey told his mother that he wanted to start a business or foundation to help others like him to find their voice and maximize their potential. He does not want to be limited by his disorder and wants others to know they can “Breaking the Barriers of Autism” too. Clearly, Joey is a remarkable young man.

Bob Roth stated “TM is great for the developing brain and the pre-frontal cortex. TM increases mental flexibility and a willingness to interact with others which leads to a reduction in stress for individual and their family. It helps the autistic individual create a wider world. Two areas of impairment for autistic individuals is their ability to sleep and ability to socialize. These areas improve greatly while practicing TM.”

In the words of Joey Lowenstein, “TM helps you find tranquility within. Stay cool and you can take the heat.”

If you are interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation and how IT can be used to help you or a family member – or your clients – with Autism Spectrum Disorder, please write to:

AUTISM@DAVIDLYNCHFOUNDATION.ORG.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders or “ASDs,” are described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a group of developmental disabilities that can cause “significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”

Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders are growing at epidemic rates — affecting 1 in 88 individuals and 1 in 54 boys. Many people with ASDs suffer anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor self-regulation, and sensory sensitivities… all of which “significantly” impair daily functioning… and quality of life.

Founders and Members of the David Lynch Foundation, the Joey Lowenstein Foundation and the Center for Assessment and Treatment for Autism discussed the effects of a simple, evidence-based meditation technique, practiced by more than FIVE million people, popularly known as Transcendental Meditation, or TM. It has been found capable of improving these symptoms in the treatment of ASDs.

People with ASDs “frequently” struggle with transition and changes in routine, and find social interactions… stressful. Friendships tend to be challenging; individuals with ASD commonly struggle to perceive social cues, interpret the social intentions of others, recognize the impact of their “own” actions in social situations… and respond in socially conventional ways.

Reducing stress and anxiety has the potential to “significantly” improve the quality of life of people with ASDs… and their families.  However, current treatment for anxiety and stress is very limited.

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique practiced for just 15 to 20 minutes, TWICE a day, by adults, and 10 to 12 minutes TWICE a day by adolescents.  It is practiced by sitting comfortably with your eyes CLOSED.  People of ALL ages and backgrounds (including those with ASD) are able to learn and practice TM.

During TM sessions, the individual experiences a unique state of deep rest and heightened alertness, which reduces stress… and promotes more coherent brain functioning.

Why is THIS relevant today?

Because conventional treatment options for ASDs are “limited.” TM is has an “excellent” record of success for reducing anxiety and stress, and improving the quality of life for children AND adults with autism.

Two “leading” scientific experts, Norman Rosenthal, MD and David Black, MD addressed the impact of Transcendental Meditation on stress, anxiety and health… and its impact on autism.

Dr. Rosenthal is the world-renowned psychiatrist who first described seasonal affective disorder(SAD) and pioneered the use of light therapy, which has helped millions of people around the world.  For this, he was awarded the prestigious Anna Monika International Prize for Research.

He is an expert on the medical benefits of Transcendental Meditation, the author of over 200 scholarly articles and the best-selling author of 8 popular books, including “Transcendence,” and most recently, “The Gift of Adversity.”  He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Rosenthal stated “Transcendental meditation can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, fight or flight response, and is a legitimate treatment for hypertension. With Autism Spectrum Disorders symptoms of anxiety are diminished with the regular practice of TM. With a decrease in anxiety there is less chance of tantrums, emotional regulation is improved and leads to the individual’s ability adapt to new things – foods, people, changes in schedule, etc.”

Dr. Black is a pediatric neuropsychologist and scientist, who is a nationally-recognized expert in autism spectrum and related disorders. He has spent much of the last ten years working clinically with children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders. He is a researcher in the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, NIH… where he has been investigating the factors that contribute to the best outcomes among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Black stated, “All medications have side effects as opposed to Transcendental Meditation which has no side effects.”

This webinar was co-hosted by the David Lynch Foundation, the Center for Autism Assessment and Treatment—and the Joey Lowenstein Foundation.

Although not formally taught, Joey could read. He could perform eighth grade math. He is witty. He can write poetry; possessing a wisdom well beyond his teenage years. His Rabbi describes Joey as ‘an old soul.’

Roberta Lowenstein is the mother of an extraordinary young man with autism, 17-year-old Joey Lowenstein. She is also the Founder and Chair of the Joey Lowenstein Foundation, a nonprofit which focuses on Athletics, Nutrition, Self-Development,   RPM(RapidPromptingMethod), and Seizure and Brain Research.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, Joey — and Roberta — have endured much over the years. The most inspiring of which was Joey’s recent conquering of a 14-year virtual silence. Unable to communicate through typical speech (or so was thought), Joey had uttered few words through the age of 14.

However, this changed two years ago when Joey’s mother discovered a method of communicating called Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). RPM is an educational platform that utilizes a letter board to facilitate education and communication. Having tried dozens of therapies over the years nothing could have prepared Roberta for what was coming.

What was previously impossible became possible when Joey began using a letter board to speak. The flood gates of communication opened (and so had Roberta’s tears) releasing 14 years of ‘bottled-up’ expression, thoughts concealed, fears and dreams for the future.

Through fundraising, the Foundation will have the resources to help people who have autism, in the words of Joey, “Break the Barriers of Autism” and find their own bridge to communicating WHO they are, and WHAT they are capable of doing with their “unique” gifts.

Roberta stated that her relationship with her son, Joey, improved greatly through the regular practice of TM. This shared quiet time or “going within” has helped Joey find  inspiration. Soon after he began practicing TM he started his own blog “Earnest to Learn”. Soon after Joey told his mother that he wanted to start a business or foundation to help others like him to find their voice and maximize their potential. He does not want to be limited by his disorder and wants others to know they can “Break the Barriers of Autism” too. Clearly, Joey is a remarkable young man.

Dr. Stixrud is an eminent clinical neuro-psychologist and an expert in the assessment of children and adolescents with learning, social, and emotional disorders.  He has authored book chapters and articles on the adolescent brain, the effects of stress on learning and emotional development, and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.

He is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Children’s National Medical Center, AND he is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics, at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Stixrud stated, “The benefits of TM were dramatic among autistic individuals since their experience of the world is intense. Autistic individuals are wired for stress and anxiety. These individuals do not feel safe and often out of control. When they practice TM they find a safe “address” within themselves.”

Dr. Sarina Grosswald is an expert in cognitive learning, focusing on improving stress-related disorders. Her first-of-its-kind research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on children with ADHD and Autism spectrum, received “worldwide” attention.   She has published and lectured extensively in the fields of medicine and education.   Her work has also been featured in:  US News and World Report,  Business Week, Newsweek, International Herald Tribune, Barron’s, ABC News, and PBS.

She stated “TM is great for the developing brain and the prefrontal cortex. TM increases mental flexibility and a willingness to interact with others which leads to a reduction in stress for individual and their family. It helps the autistic individual create a wider world. Two areas of impairment for autistic individuals is their ability to sleep and ability to socialize. These areas improve greatly while practicing TM.”

In the words of Joey Lowenstein, “TM helps you find tranquility within. Stay cool and you can take the heat.”

If you are interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation and how IT can be used to help you or a family member – or your clients – with Autism Spectrum Disorder, please write to:

AUTISM@DAVIDLYNCHFOUNDATION.ORG.

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