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The Arc Responds to Potential Change in Definition of Autism

/in /by The Arc

Washington, DC – The Arc is the nation’s largest and oldest human rights organization for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), serving more than a million individuals and their families including people with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (P.D.D.-N.O.S). In response to the news that the American Psychiatric Association is working on revisions to the definition of autism, The Arc issued the following reaction:

“Over the last decade, we have made major strides in ensuring that people diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and P.D.D.-N.O.S. have access to the services that advance their health, education, independent living skills, and work skills. These efforts have increased inclusion in educational settings, and, in society, young adults with disabilities are gaining life skills that can lead to jobs and independence. The unintended consequences of a diagnostic definition change could potentially limit access to the services that children and adults with autism and P.D.D.-N.O.S. need, potentially putting at risk their education, and the health and economic stability of their own lives and the lives of their families,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.

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Autism Bill Now Law: Let’s Celebrate and Get Back to Work!

/in /by Peter Berns

Thanks to many of you who reached out to your Members of Congress as the clock ticked down on the Combating Autism Act – President Obama signed a three year extension of the law on Friday. Without approval by the House and Senate, and President Obama’s signature, this important law for children on the autism spectrum could have disappeared.

The Combating Autism Act provides funding to educate professionals about proper screening, diagnosis, and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. It also funds autism research and surveillance. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is just one of the things that the law supports.

While this is a moment to celebrate our success, our work is far from over. In 2014, Congress will need to revisit this law, and The Arc is committed to pushing for the next version to include services and research across the lifespan.

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HollyRod Foundation Giving Away Free iPads to Children With Autism

/in /by David A. Kennedy

Many people with iPads love all the fantastic things you can do with them. The folks at the HollyRod Foundation think children with autism should be no different.

The foundation, started by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete thirteen years ago to give a voice and a hand to those striving for quality of life when theirs has been diminished due to disease or disorders, is giving away free iPads to children with autism.

This giveaway isn’t just about handing out the latest and greatest gadget, but helping children with autism communicate with the world around them in a richer, more fulfilling way.

To find out more about the giveaway, and to download an application, visit the foundation’s webite. Don’t forget to spread the word about this to parents, self-advocates and anyone else who might be interested.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

  • The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (as identified in diagnosis report).
  • Reside in the United States of America .
  • Be non-verbal or minimally verbal (as identified in speech pathology report).
  • Be in financial need: Gross income not to exceed $35,000 single income family or $50,000 two-income family (as identified by documentation).
  • Have access to a computer and an iTunes account (some programs must be downloaded on a computer and transferred to the iPad due to size).
  • A professional on your team (i.e., speech pathologist, doctor, teacher) must be willing to take responsibility of the gift card that downloads the applications.