The Autism Blog

Please join us for Autism 208: Autism and the African American Experience

Facilitator:

Shayla Collins, Parent, UW LEND, Arc of King County Board Member, OBCC Mindfulness and Compassion Program Read full post »

Seattle Children’s in conjunction with local experts is proud to offer Autism 101 in Spanish. This video, the first is an upcoming series, is titled “What is Autism?” The 19 minute video features a local pediatrician and early educator as well as one local family’s journey.  

El Hospital de Seattle Children’s junto con expertos locales, se enorgullece en presentar Autismo 101 en Español. Este video, es el primero de una próxima serie, se titula “¿Qué es Autismo?”. Este video de 19 minutos, presenta a un pediatra local y un maestro de educación temprana, así también como la experiencia de una familia local.

Please join us for Autism 207: Autism and Sleep Issues  

We welcome ARNPs from Seattle Children’s Autism Center to present this month.

Presenters: Karen Sporn, ARNP, Katelyn Cotter, ARNP and Dora Hall, ARNP

Children with autism can have sleep issues, which can be hard on both the child and their family. In this 200 class we will discuss the importance of sleep, sleep problems and their potential causes, and strategies to improve sleep in children with autism.

Date: October 21, 2021

Time: 7-8:30 pm PT

Registration is not required

Watch live on Seattle Children’s Facebook page

Following the presentation, it can be viewed on Seattle Children’s Facebook and will be added to Seattle Children’s Autism 200 Series YouTube Channel within two weeks of the lecture date:   Thursday, October 21, 2021.

Please join us for Autism 206: Access to Care and Services in Homes, Schools and Communities

Maximizing education and health benefits to support individuals and their families throughout the lifespan

Presenter: Arzu Forough, President & CEO, Washington Autism Alliance. Ms. Forough brings over 25 years of experience in training and development to her position, including leadership development, government relations and non-profit management.In 2007 she founded Washington Autism Alliance and developed the “Autism IEP supplement: Best Practice Guidelines for educating students with autism”. Her IEP supplement as well as guidelines for training teachers was legally adopted by the Washington State legislature in 2008 and became the requirement for all teachers working with learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders statewide.

Arzu introduced Shayan’s Law, Autism Insurance Parity to the Washington State legislature, petitioned the state Health technology Assessment of evidence based treatment of autism and ignited multiple legal actions that have clarified state and federal laws mandating insurance benefits for those with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Date: September 16, 2021

Time: 7-8:30 pm PT

Registration is not required

Watch live on Seattle Children’s Facebook page

Following the presentation, it can be viewed on Seattle Children’s Facebook and will be added to Seattle Children’s Autism 200 Series YouTube Channel within two weeks of the lecture date:   Thursday, September 16, 2021.

      First, when the pandemic began I was in a Toastmasters meeting and then I got home and found out that we have a pandemic going on from my Dad. At this point we did not know what that meant and everything was closed down for a couple of weeks.  Then we got used to working virtually with Zoom, Facetime, Teams and other resources.  As we were going through this I got really anxious about the unknown and what was going to happen during the pandemic and how long it was going to last.  I know this. Because of my condition I did not want to get sick. I started watching local media coverage to figure out what was going on and as I was doing my research I found out that individuals with developmental disabilities are able to get the vaccine as soon as it became available after doing the vaccine research and trials.  My first shot was at a mass vaccination site on the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe.  We were in the car and I felt weird getting the shot the first time, but then I felt okay getting the shot.  My second shot was at the Alyssa Burnett Center with the UW Mobile Unit. After getting the second shot is when my immune system activated. I ended up being in bed for a couple of days with a slight fever, headache, and a sore arm. I continue to wear a mask to this day even though I am fully vaccinated and continue to follow public health guidelines. And I feel better since being vaccinated going out in public and my anxiety is better. I’m nervous to find out what will happen next. Whether we will need a booster shot or if we are good with what we have now.