Thursday, June 28, 2012

AUTsumers!


Hi5!    Numerous factors point to the relevance of  individuals with Autism.  One vital aspect is how, what, why, when, where and how often we spend money or cause money to be spent.  People living on the Autism Spectrum and their families, friends, groups, clubs, organizations, independent businesses, supporters and advocates are ALL consumers.  We can be quite focused.  We can advocate until laws are changed.  We are experts at raising awareness.  We can be a marketers dream target group or a P.R. nightmare!   Many are beginning to realize the positive and productive economic impact of individuals living on the Autism Spectrum.   

AUTsumer(consumers who are autistic) are a force to be reckoned with!

A Consumer is  a person or organization that uses a commodity or service. 1)

 The consumer is the one who consumes the goods and services produced. As such, consumers play a vital role in the economic system of a nation ...2)



AUTsumers
 around the world are contending AND collaborating with producers, providers, services, resources, policymakers, marketers, leaders, owners, corporations, and various entities about why the world needs to carefully calculate and adjust their views on the relevance of the Autism Spectrum community.  We are not a burden in society. We are powerful contributors to the world.  

AUTsumers  embrace  the principles of traditional consumers:  we know what we want and need and will not settle for less.  We make our demands known. We understand supply and demand.  Therefore, we consciously share that we are driven by our Autism-related lifestyle.  Thus, our spending habits reflect who we are - - - AUTsumers!

AUTsumers significant consumers who purchase essentials such as household items, 'picky-eater' food, MEDICINE, Sensory Integration decor and sensory-friendly clothing; and much more!

 AUTsumer consume many services and products:  children, family, teen, adult; recreation, leisure, vacation, medical,  health and nutrition, beauty-products, blue- ray dvd, smart-phones, notebooks, tablets, specialty items(adaptive, sensory, integrated) and numerous touchscreen and digital devices; and much more! 

 AUTsumerutilize the supports and services of doctors and specialists(neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, child development, audiologists), BCBAs, lawyers, home-healthcare, therapists(Occupational, Speech/Language, Assistive Technology, Adaptive Physical Education), advocacy organizations, education(public,private,religious) and reform, after-care, respite care, therapy dogs, ABA behavior and social skills groups, transportation services, babysitters, barbers, beauticians, reflexologists, chiropractors, school resources, community-based services; utility, life insurance, health/medical and car insurances; real estate and estate planning companies, and many more!



AUTsumerenjoy Autism-friendly theatres and movie theaters, restaurants, summer camps, swimming, apps, music,art, karate, arts & crafts, decorating, rock climbing, surfing, traveling, kayaking,  water rafting, hiking, participating in raising-awareness fundraisers(i.e.,2k walks and runs), trained pets, athletic/fitness centers and numerous integrated venues and inclusive sports & teams, and much more!

AUTsumerneeds, wants, demands, and Autism-related lifestyle is directly reflected in new millennial TRENDS:  bloggers, book publications, writers, research periodicals, fiscal budgets, policies, ocial networking, apps developers, augmentative and alternative communication devices, clothing/apparel, toys, assistive devices, foods, primetime tv shows, advocacy movements,  social acceptance statements, hiring of 'geek' /techno-savvy employees, professions, life skills training, higher education degrees (BCBA, law, education, O.T., SPL, software designers, medical/scientific researchers, computer tech., doctors) , Sensory Processing Integration, inclusive practices, disability employment, professional development, legislation, community growth patterns; entrepreneurial and philanthropic giving/donations and many more!

There are many global instances of the value of individuals who are autistic.  Being consumers is only one aspect of our significance.  
Brenda Lee Cosse', Mother of a 6 year old son diagnosed with Autism at age 3, who has changed her consumer spending patterns to reflect his wants, needs, care and contentment.




Enjoy these examples of the consumer power of AUTsumers!
We highlighted in bold text many terms that reflect why AUTsumers need to continue to be vocal and selective in our consumer interests and spending. 




   SENSORY STAR is a program that brings sensory friendly hotels and resorts to those who need or desire them.  SENSORY STAR is a program that brings sensory friendly hotels and resorts to those who need or desire them.  The Sensory Star™ program brings sensory friendly hotels and resorts to the attention of the growing segment of hotel guests who require or prefer them.
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What is Sensory Star™?
 Sensory Star™ hotels and resorts are those that have gone through a thorough planning and preparation of their property to become sensory friendly. These hotels offer a specified number of guest rooms that are especially prepared to be sensory friendly. In addition..., each such hotel has a Sensory Star™ Lounge for the special use of those with sensory considerations. Assorted sensory equipment is available for this group in the Sensory Star™ Lounge. Sensory Star™ guests may choose to gather and interact here in an atmosphere that is tailored to specific sensory considerations. The following benefits are examples of what these guest rooms and lounges offer:
     * More quiet environment than other areas of the hotel
* Softer lighting with no florescent or bright down lights
* More child resistant door latches, curtains, etc.
* Less offensive cleaning and unscented personal hygiene products used/offered
* Decorated with softer cooler color schemes
* Bedding sheets and pillowcases of 300 count or higher
 The specifications for the sensory friendly program of Sensory Star™ have been developed in collaboration with, and under the advisement of, an impressive array of sensory processing experts. T. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our Advisory Board members
.



Morgan's WonderlandMorgan's Wonderland - The World's First Ultra Accessible Family ...
Morgan's Wonderland - The World's First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park ... Memorial Wall Morgan's Wonderland honors those with special needs who have touched our ...
https://morganswonderland.com   Opening in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland began with a desire to re-imagine the possibilities of what an inclusive park could be. What if everyone were free to "soar" beyond their perceived limitations? Why not.
This colorful and ultra-accessible 25-acre family fun park serves as a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, friends and the entire able bodied and disabled community.
To take Morgan’s Wonderland from dream to reality, the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation in 2007 established the non-profit Sports Outdoor And Recreation (SOAR) endeavor. The program assisted to raise funds for the park and to provide for quality, key professional management.  

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The Los Angeles Unified School District has chosen CARD's eLearning training program for their schools! Does your child's school need a behavioral therapy training program?









Photo: Cathy Hazley shares this and quote " a pencil drawing of Ryan 14 yr old asperger son has done :)" amazing work <3 love how it captured the emotions.
~Yumi
Cathy Hazley shares this and quote
 " a pencil drawing of Ryan 14 yr old asperger son has done :)"                        
amazing work ♥ love how it captured the emotions.  ~Yumi
The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions

  The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions

by The Art of Autism: Shifting Perceptions features art work and poetry of 77 people on the autism spectrum. The book is much more than an art book. It is a book about faith, determination, love and families. The stories in the book are illuminating and well written. Order at www.the-art-of-autism.com


Artism: The Art of Autism

Artism: The Art of Autism

by The Art of Autism offers an incredible glimpse into the imaginative world of people on the autism spectrum. With fifty-four artists from around the world representing all ages, the book shows that autism has no boundaries and manifests differently in each person diagnosed. At once inspiring and myth defying, the art spans a range of emotion and subject material. This is a...more







Profile Picture   The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures; Autism through Art. A book by Eileen Miller
 # ISBN-10: 1843108895
 # ISBN-13: 978-1843108894

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9QCm7DdvyI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIk1KxEOF7c

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Miller
Worldwide distribution:
Japan, United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States

For many years Eileen Miller's daughter, Kim, was unable to verbalize her experiences and emotions, but she was able to communicate using a less conventional language: her art. The Girl who Spoke with Pictures tells the story of a young woman with autism, and how her enlightening drawings enabled her to share her view of the world.

Illustrated with drawings created by Kim between the ages of 3 and 17 years old, the book gives an insight into how Kim expressed her thoughts and feelings through pictures, revealing her capacity to learn and be understood by those around her.





DoDEA serves the educational needs of the dependents of military and civilian employees by providing PreK-12 instruction to approximately 87,000 students in seven states, twelve foreign countries, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The number of students varies based on the deployment of military troops worldwi





   
Sensory Friendly Films:
In Partnership with the Autism Society, We Bring AMC Sensory Friendly Films to Families Affected by Autism on a Monthly Basis to Select Communities.

The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!
The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
We are thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide — please see below for a complete list of participating theatres. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.


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Autism Society:

GoodSearch/GoodShop for Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. We’ve just made it easier for you to support Autism Society of Greater New Orleans Chapter.
support.autism-society.org/chapter168



Really excited to announce that ODEON Cinemas have confirmed August and September's Autism Friendly Film Screenings too:  August - @Dr Seuss' The Lorax (2D) on Sunday 12th August
September - @Brave (2D) on Sunday 16th September  
Like  Dimensions · 1,292 like this  June 28, 2012 

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  Walk for Autism Dubai 2012  Walk for Autism is a fun-filled, family friendly event. It is our single most powerful force to raise awareness and help
Integrate special children in the community. Experience the power of thousands, united by a single cause by joining  Walk for Autism.  Zabeel Park, Dubai, United Arab Emiratesn    http://www.childeimc.com 

     
Dubai Autism Center , Al Hudaiba, 103737 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 



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THE LION KING Articles
Autism-Friendly Performance of Disney's THE LION KING Sells Out
Last fall, Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the not-for-profit performing arts service organization whose mission includes making theatre accessible for all audiences, piloted the new program, Autism Theatre Initiative, as part of TDF’s Accessibility Programs (TAP), to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families.  They presented the first-ever autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show at Disney’s landmark The Lion King on October 2, 2011 and followed that up with an autism-friendly performance of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins on April 29, 2012. These sold-out performances were successful in opening up the world of live theatre to an underserved community. The performances were presented with the cooperation of Disney Theatrical Productions.  The first autism-friendly performance of Disney’s The Lion King took several weeks to sell out because an autism-friendly performance had never been attempted on Broadway... With that performance’s success, the subsequent autism-friendly performance of Mary Poppins sold out in three days. Tickets for the second The Lion King performance, which is scheduled for September 30 at 1pm, went on sale at midnight on Monday, June 25 and were sold out by 8pm Monday evening.
“We’re gratified to have tapped into this community of families who are hungry for access to the performing arts, which is evident in the speed in which the upcoming performance sold out,” said Lisa Carling, TDF’s Director of Accessibility Programs. The word seems to be spreading as we are now consulting with organizations around the country on how to present autism-friendly performances. We are consulting with other organizations around the country who are interested in presenting their own autism-friendly performances, including Houston’s The Hobby Center which will be presenting their first autism-friendly performance on July 28 of The Lion King.”

To get a clearer idea of what an autism-friendly performance is, here is a link to a feature on the recent Mary Poppins performance from TDF Stages: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrb-opIcMWw.
For more information about TDF’s Autism Theatre Initiative and to sign up to hear about upcoming autism-friendly performances, go to: www.tdf.org/autism.





   Eric Chessen - as Autism Fitness, I am dedicated to not only providing fitness services to young individuals on the spectrum, but to educating their families, teachers, and other professionals on how to optimize development through exercise. With fitness as a cornerstone, optimal development is enabled.

Solutions are often very simple and sometimes we miss them in the search! A little boy with ASD and my passion as an autism advocate led me to invent The Eating Game, a solution that's making a big difference! www.theeatinggame.ca
Jean Nicol is committed to creating and producing visual support materials for folks with special needs.
EYECAN CREATIONS Publications was established by Jean Nicol as a home for The Eating Game line of products which support the planning of healthy meals every day for those of all ages and abilities. Invented for a child with autism and helping them and many without autism too. Kids love being in control and are making a wider variety of healthy choices. For more product info check out www.eyecancreations.blogspot.com and www.theeatinggame.ca


   


FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM 
Friend 2 Friend Play Centre Grand Opening 

Saturday, September 29 at 4:00pm at 2941 Kingsway, Vancouver Join


   Parenting SpecialNeeds  · 3,867 subscribers

   

Cover PhotoTechnology in Education is a website to Collect, Share the best known technology tools, hardware, applications for the education with emphasis on special education.





Profile Picture     Research Autism -  the only UK charity exclusively dedicated to research into interventions in autism. We carry out high quality, independent research into new and existing health, education, social and other interventions.  We fund research into various aspects of autism and ensure that this research is disseminated as widely and in as accessible a manner to as many people as possible free of charge.    

AmbitiousAboutAutism  

Latest autism news and discussion. 
Mike @talkaboutautism - Our online community is provided by Ambitious about Autism (), the UK charity for young people with autism.


Cover Photo   The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national, nonprofit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome. OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. OAR does this by funding research related to intervention and quality of life and providing evidence-based resources that help individuals, families, and professionals in the autism community find answers to their immediate and urgent questions.








U.S. researchers said they are developing a schoolyard that can become a therapeutic landscape for children with autism "My main goal was to provide different opportunities for children with autism to be able to interact in their environment without being segregated from the rest of the school," Ki


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  • Let's Face It! is a joint project between the University of Victoria Brain and Cognition Lab and the Yale Child Study Centre. The program is a multimedia, computer-based intervention that is designed to teach face processing skills to children with autism. Research has shown that in addition to thei
    Share · June 6 at 6:40pm via NetworkedBlogs



    For Young Adults with Aspergers Whether it’s Chapel Haven West, in Tucson, or the traditional program for adults with cognitive disabilities in New Haven, or the Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program also in New Haven, Chapel Haven takes its mission very seriously: to prov
    Share · May 18 at 9:01pm via NetworkedBlogs




"Preparing young Adults with Asperger's and LD for success since 1984", CIP for Teens 16-19 is a unique 2-week summer Transition located on several colleges campuses in America.CIP is referred by Autism Society of America (ASA) Society of America via ASA -Net (Registration) for

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Serving Young Marines with special needsRetired Marine 1st Sgt. Vivian Price-Butler leads the nation's only Young Marines unit, at Kennedy Krieger High School in Baltimore, that is composed solely of students with special needs.The Young Marines is an education and service program reaching 10,000 yo


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"Every military family makes special sacrifices...those families with children who have been diagnosed with autism have additional stresses as they cope with an extraordinarily complex bureaucracy to secure the support that these precious children deserve. Please support these children and


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Autism Speaks hailed today’s announcement by the federal government, the nation’s largest employer, that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the most widely used behavioral intervention used to treat autism, is a “medical” therapy that qualifies for health insurance coverage, rather than an “educa

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Photo: A picture is worth 1000 words.  How much do you think having thousands of autism advocates registered with Autism Votes to be first responders is worth?  

Share this picture on your page and ask your friends and family all over the country to sign up at Autism Votes AND be part of our mobile advocacy texting program!


References
1)  Economics - Dictionary.reference/consumers
2) Economics and marketing. - wikipedia/Consumer







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