Table of contents
5 CREATING INNER PEACE - THE BENEFITS OF
YOGA FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDER
Learn about how yoga can have a positive effect on
an ASD child’s communication skills and anxiety levels while possibly reducing challenging behaviors and
providing a better sense of self. Tips for teaching yoga
to children with ASD are also provided.
Author: Shawnee Thornton Hardy
10 CHILDREN MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
The mom of seven children shares her autistic teenage
son’s journey leading up to being awarded the Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards for his part in a special lunch buddy program.
Author: Lisa Fish Smith
36 THE RISK OF SUICIDE - NAVIGATING THE
TUMULTUOUS TIMES OF ADOLESCENCE WITH AN
ASPIE
As the rates of suicide rise among teens with high
functioning autism rises, Certified Autism Specialist
and Licensed Christian Counselor Stephanie C. Holmes
suggests Aspie teens may need extra help navigating
adolescence.
Author: Stephanie C. Holmes, MA, BCCC
40 A HELPING PAW —HOW ASSISTANCE DOGS CAN
HELP A CHILD WITH AUTISM
Read about the incredible bond that has been made
possible between a young boy with autism and his assistance dog.
Author: Press Release
13 TOP 10 BENEFITS OF ORGANIZED RECREATION
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
42 AMBER’S ALERT: A SHORT STORY
17 A FATHER’S VIEW OF AUTISM — THE VERY
OPPOSITE OF DISABILITY
45 5 TIPS FOR KEEPING OUR CHILDREN WITH
AUTISM SAFE FROM HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
AND/OR MEDICATION
Learn about how children with autism can gain the
kind of skills beneficial to everyday life by participating
in a specialized recreation program.
Author: Chelsea Bogino
A father describes his deep respect and love for his
11-year-old Aspie daughter and her ASD friends for
giving him the gift and honor of standing up for an inspirational cause.
Author: Dave Farrell
21 KICKBOXING THERAPY CREATES EVERLASTING
BONDS
Learn about the rewards of a specialized Autism Kickboxing Therapy Program, from improving overall fitness to targeting neurodevelopmental and behavioral
therapy.
Author: Amy KD Tobik
26 THE BEST FIVE SECONDS
Steven Josias, grandfather of a young boy with autism,
poignantly describes the great joy his young grandson
brings to his life.
Author: Steven Josias
29 SCUBA DIVING: A SOOTHING ADVENTURE
A mom shares how the discovery of scuba diving
has wonderfully benefitted her now 17-year-old son
with Asperger’s syndrome. Learn how this hobby has
soothed and calmed him and possibly changed his future.
Author: Alice Kay
32 TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH
AND HAPPINESS OF OUR CHILDREN ON THE
SPECTRUM
A board-certified psychotherapist and author of a book
on treating ADHD, Apraxia and ASD offers her personal advice on how to naturally improve the wellness of
children on the spectrum.
Author: Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, HpN
An exclusive short story surrounding a young non-verbal girl on the spectrum and her family who are brought
closer together through an emergency situation.
Author: Don Sweeney
Excellent tips from an Applied Behavior Analyst on how
to keep children on the spectrum safe from household chemicals and/or medication. Includes advice on
teaching kids to identify and respond to unsafe products if they encounter them.
Author: Sarah Kupferschmidt, MA, BCBA
48 INTERACTING WITH AUTISM AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Academy award-winning documentary filmmaker
Mark Jonathan Harris has collaborated with USC University Professor, Dr. Marsha Kinder, to develop a reliable, evidence-based video-based autism site for those
on the spectrum and their families as well as educators
and healthcare workers.
Author: Danielle Giudici Wallis
50 SPECIAL NEEDS TAX BREAKS TO CONSIDER
Professional financial planning tips regarding potential
tax breaks for special needs families.
Author: Ryan F. Platt, MBA, ChFC, ChSNC
52 FUNDING BOOSTS MUSIC EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE ON THE
SPECTRUM
The Boston Conservatory announces funding which
will help create innovative programming in its music
lessons for individuals on the spectrum as well as provide scholarships for some of the neediest families.
Author: News Release
54 CITRUS CHICKEN STIR FRY
Delicious and healthy chicken stir fry in a matter of
minutes.
Author: Elouise Robinson, Autism Food Club
Disclaimer: Please note that the advertised business and products are not endorsed
or guaranteed by Autism Parenting Magazine or any of it’s employees.
4 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 33