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  • New Information
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  • FREE BOOK UNIT #1 HOW WILL I KNOW? Red Flags & Checklist
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #2 WHY IS IT AUTISM? Diagnosis & DSM-5
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #3 PRIORITIZE CONCERNS 2023 Eating & Toileting
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #3 PRIORITIZE CONCERNS 2023
  • #3 Social & Daily Living Skills
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 When is it Sensory?
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 SENSORY, Cont.
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 SENSORY, Chapter 3
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #5, Ch. 1 & 2, What To Do While You Wait?
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #5, Ch. 3 & 4, What To Do While You Wait? Cont.
  • FREE BOOK UNIT 6 CH 1 – Where to Look for Resources?age
  • #4A Behavior & Communication Programs ABA,DIR, OT, PECS
  • #4B1 Programs/Intervention/Therapies (5-8): RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH, & CBT
  • #4B2 More Programs/Therapies/Approaches; Meds, Diet, Bio Therapy
  • #4C CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
  • #4C1 CAMs Cont. Animal Assisted Therapy
  • #4C2 CAMs Creative & Adventure Therapy
  • #4C3 Last of CAMs Cont. 6. - 12.
  • #5 Know Your Child: INTRODUCTION
  • #5A Know Your Child: GETTING STARTED
  • #5B Know Your Child: TEMPERAMENT
  • #5C Know Your Child KNOW AUTISM
  • #5D Know Your Child: RESOURCES & INSURANCE
  • #5E Know Your Child: LAW & AUTISM
  • GALLERY SLIDESHOW
  • *PREVIEW Books in Gallery
    • AMAZING ADVENTURES Extended Book Reviews
    • DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, & DENIAL Extended Book Reviews
    • SAVVY SOLUTIONS Extended Book Reviews
    • SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS Extended Book Reviews
  • *WHAT TO DO while you wait. 1-5
    • #1 What to do While You Wait, Checklists & Red Flags
    • #2 What to do While You Wait: Diagnosis, Denial & Doctors
    • #3 What to do While You Wait: Try New Things
    • #4 What to do While You Wait: Programs, Therapies, & Interventions
    • #5 What to do While You Wait: Know Your Child
  • ExtendedBookReviews~
  • Rules for David
  • A Friend Like Henry & All Because of Henry
  • No You Don't
  • Twirling Naked
  • Survival Guide
  • A Spot on the Wall
  • Child's Journey Out of Autism
  • Paula's Journal
  • How Can I Talk
  • 101 & 1,001 Tips
  • Hello, My Name is Max
  • What Color is Monday?
  • Spinning in Circles
  • Miracles Are Made
  • Secondhand Autism
  • I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames:
  • 3500: An Autistic Boy's
  • Ido in Autismland
  • The Journey to Normal
  • All I Can Handle
  • He's Not Autistic, But...
  • The Horse Boy
  • Building in Circles
  • Autism Goes to School
  • I Am In Here
  • The Aspie Parent
  • Seeing Ezra: A Mother's Story
  • Autism: Turning on the Light
  • Autism: Why I Love Kids
  • Autism: Triplet Twist
  • Someone I'm With Has Autism
  • Making Peace with Autism
  • The ABC's of Autism Acceptance
  • The Long Ride Home
  • Autism by Hand
  • Knowing Autism
  • Autism Belongs
  • A Real Boy
  • A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
  • LATEST BLOG POSTING...
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Help Us Grow
  • Paid Link Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Know Autism, Know Your Child
  • New Information
  • Previous BLOGs Good Ideas
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #1 HOW WILL I KNOW? Red Flags & Checklist
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #2 WHY IS IT AUTISM? Diagnosis & DSM-5
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #3 PRIORITIZE CONCERNS 2023 Eating & Toileting
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #3 PRIORITIZE CONCERNS 2023
  • #3 Social & Daily Living Skills
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 When is it Sensory?
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 SENSORY, Cont.
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #4 SENSORY, Chapter 3
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #5, Ch. 1 & 2, What To Do While You Wait?
  • FREE BOOK UNIT #5, Ch. 3 & 4, What To Do While You Wait? Cont.
  • FREE BOOK UNIT 6 CH 1 – Where to Look for Resources?age
  • #4A Behavior & Communication Programs ABA,DIR, OT, PECS
  • #4B1 Programs/Intervention/Therapies (5-8): RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH, & CBT
  • #4B2 More Programs/Therapies/Approaches; Meds, Diet, Bio Therapy
  • #4C CAMs Complementary & Alternative Medicine
  • #4C1 CAMs Cont. Animal Assisted Therapy
  • #4C2 CAMs Creative & Adventure Therapy
  • #4C3 Last of CAMs Cont. 6. - 12.
  • #5 Know Your Child: INTRODUCTION
  • #5A Know Your Child: GETTING STARTED
  • #5B Know Your Child: TEMPERAMENT
  • #5C Know Your Child KNOW AUTISM
  • #5D Know Your Child: RESOURCES & INSURANCE
  • #5E Know Your Child: LAW & AUTISM
  • GALLERY SLIDESHOW
  • *PREVIEW Books in Gallery
    • AMAZING ADVENTURES Extended Book Reviews
    • DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, & DENIAL Extended Book Reviews
    • SAVVY SOLUTIONS Extended Book Reviews
    • SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS Extended Book Reviews
  • *WHAT TO DO while you wait. 1-5
    • #1 What to do While You Wait, Checklists & Red Flags
    • #2 What to do While You Wait: Diagnosis, Denial & Doctors
    • #3 What to do While You Wait: Try New Things
    • #4 What to do While You Wait: Programs, Therapies, & Interventions
    • #5 What to do While You Wait: Know Your Child
  • ExtendedBookReviews~
  • Rules for David
  • A Friend Like Henry & All Because of Henry
  • No You Don't
  • Twirling Naked
  • Survival Guide
  • A Spot on the Wall
  • Child's Journey Out of Autism
  • Paula's Journal
  • How Can I Talk
  • 101 & 1,001 Tips
  • Hello, My Name is Max
  • What Color is Monday?
  • Spinning in Circles
  • Miracles Are Made
  • Secondhand Autism
  • I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames:
  • 3500: An Autistic Boy's
  • Ido in Autismland
  • The Journey to Normal
  • All I Can Handle
  • He's Not Autistic, But...
  • The Horse Boy
  • Building in Circles
  • Autism Goes to School
  • I Am In Here
  • The Aspie Parent
  • Seeing Ezra: A Mother's Story
  • Autism: Turning on the Light
  • Autism: Why I Love Kids
  • Autism: Triplet Twist
  • Someone I'm With Has Autism
  • Making Peace with Autism
  • The ABC's of Autism Acceptance
  • The Long Ride Home
  • Autism by Hand
  • Knowing Autism
  • Autism Belongs
  • A Real Boy
  • A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
WWW.SARASAUTISMSITE.COM

LATEST BLOG POSTING...

FREE BOOK POSTING UNIT 5 - wHAT tO dO wHILE yOU wAIT?

3/11/2023

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UNIT 5 SEC 1, CH1, CH2, CH3, CH 4 - KNOW YOUR CHILD
 
UNIT 5   What to Do While You Wait?
         
          INTRODUCTION     
          CHAPTER 1 – Getting to Know Your Child & Yourself & Concerns
          CHAPTER 2 – Determining Social & Personal Awareness    
          CHAPTER 3 – Working on Daily Living Skills aka                                                   Getting Started with Concerns
          CHAPTER 4 – Understanding a Child’s Thinking
            PART 1 Learning Strengths
            PART 2 Learning Weaknesses
UNIT 5 – REFERENCES
UNIT 5 – APPENDICES
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FREE ASD BOOK ~ UNIT 4 wHen iS iT sENSORY?

3/10/2023

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FREE BOOK Download, March 2023

Thank you so much for following @AutismSara on Twitter. I appreciate your kind words, support, forwarding, mentioning, & the retweeting of my website information! If you are trying to reach me, please respond to ‘COMMENTS’ on www.sarasautismsite.com.

To all #parents #clinicians #therapist #nurses #nurses2B #educators #SPED #Sensory #EdChat #SkilledAides #caregivers #AutismAdvocates #HealthcareProfessionals, & persons interested in the world of #autism. Knowing autism & knowing your child will give you hope as you journey along the #AutismSpectrumDisorder #ASD highway.

Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023

Go to MENU. Find FREE BOOK UNIT 4 ~

UNIT 4          When Is It Sensory?
          INTRODUCTION –
 
Chapter 1 – Sensory Issues
                    PART 1.
                              a. Sensory Defensiveness
                              b. Sensory Avoidance
 
Chapter 2 – Sensory Categories
          PART 1. HYPO-ACTIVITY
          PART 2. HYPER-ACTIVITY
          PART 3. SIRS (Sensory Interests,  
                Repetitions, & Seeking behaviors)
             a. Sensory Interests      
                                    a. 1.  SIBs Self-Injurious Behaviors.
             b. Repetitious Behavior
             c. Seeking Behavior
          PART 4. ENHANCED PERCEPTION
                              APPENDIX –
 
Chapter 3 – Sensory Integration
          PART 1. Sensory System
                    PART 2. Sensory Profile
                    PART 3. Sensory Diet
                       a. Brushing Techniques
                    PART 4. Sensory Room
​
This POSTING is UNIT 4 of 7 total UNITS. This is a labor of 'love' in the hope that this 'sharing' will help those in need. 
​DISCLAIMER (2023) Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us.  Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
 
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
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Mixed Emotions!

2/12/2023

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​Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, has
followed ‘Autism Sara’ on Twitter & ‘sarasautismsite.com’, almost from
the beginning. I’m not certain what his autism interest is,
but he has several well known generous philanthropic connections.
 
But, Sonny’s dad was born in Philly and a huge Eagles fan.
Their organization has a focus for autism families.

Retrieved online from:
https://www.eaglesautismchallenge.org/

Today, millions of people around the world are connected to
autism. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in
44 people under 21 living in the United States are on the
autism spectrum, making it the fastest-growing
developmental disorder. For Eagles owner and CEO Jeffrey
Lurie, it is personal. With autism in his own family, Lurie
knows his is just one of many families dealing with this
condition and has seen firsthand the difference the right
resources can make.

The Eagles Autism Challenge is dedicated to raising funds
for innovative research and care programs. By providing the
necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading
institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected
by autism as well as future generations. Our event aims to
inspire and engage the community, so together; we can
provide much-needed support to make a lasting impact in
the field of autism.

BEST OF LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS!!!
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February 04th, 2023

2/4/2023

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FREE BOOK Download

Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < 
My Thoughts 
> by Sara Luker; 2023

Continuation of UNIT #3 Cognition has been posted. 
​Also, see Social Skills under #3 Social & Daily Living.  Go to MENU
​

There will be 7 UNITS Posted, eventually. This is a labor of 'love' in the hope that this 'sharing' will help those in need. 




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FREE BOOK ~ KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD

1/24/2023

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FREE BOOK Download
Go to MENU
There will be 7 UNITS Posted, eventually. This is a labor of 'love' in the hope that this 'sharing' will help those in need.  Here are the UNITS ~

Know Autism – Know Your Child: with <
My Thoughts
> by Sara Luker; 2023
 
UNIT 1 – How Will I Know?
 
INTRODUCTION
     CHAPTER 1 – Checklists
     CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags
     CHAPTER 3 –Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
         PART 1. Developmental Screening
Unit 1 – REFERENCES
Unit 1 – APPENDIX A Informal Checklist
 
UNIT 2  Why Is It Autism?
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Diagnosis & DSM-5 Diagnostic and    
         Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition;   
         published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric
         Association (APA)
      CHAPTER 2 – Denial & Misdiagnosis
      CHAPTER 3 – Doctors & Direction
UNIT 2 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 3  Which Is Most Concerning?
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Gross & Fine Motor Skills
         PART 1. Poor Eating
         PART 2. Toilet Training
      CHAPTER 2 – Speech & Communication (Including  
                                     nonverbal)
      CHAPTER 3 – Cognition & Temperament/Personality
UNIT 3 – REFERENCES
UNIT 3 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 4  When Is It Sensory?
                   
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Sensory Issues
         PART 1.
            a. Sensory Defensiveness
           b. Sensory Avoidance
      CHAPTER 2 – Sensory Categories
         PART 1. HYPO-ACTIVITY
         PART 2. HYPER-ACTIVITY
         PART 3. SIRS (Sensory Interests, Repetitions,  
                                  & Seeking behaviors)
            a. Sensory Interests       
               a. 1.  SIBs Self-Injurious Behaviors.
           b. Repetitious Behavior
           c. Seeking Behavior
         PART 4. Enhanced Perception APPENDIX
      CHAPTER 3 – Sensory Integration
         PART 1. Sensory System
         PART 2. Sensory Profile
         PART 3. Sensory Diet
            a. Brushing Techniques
         PART 4. Sensory Room
UNIT 4 – REFERENCES
UNIT 4 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 5  Who Is Your Child?
  
   INTRODUCTION
      CHAPTER 1 – Getting to Know Your Child and 
                               Yourself
      CHAPTER 2 – Working on Daily Living Skills aka
                             Getting Started with Concerns
      CHAPTER 3 – Determining Social & Personal  
                               Awareness
      CHAPTER 4 – Understanding A Child’s Thinking
         PART 1. Learning Strengths
         PART 2. Learning Weaknesses
UNIT 5 – REFERENCES
UNIT 5 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 6  Where Are the Resources?
     
      CHAPTER 1 – Networking & Support
         INTRODUCTION
         Networking
            PART 1. Autism CARES Act of 2019
            PART 2. Government Websites
         Support
      CHAPTER 2 – Insurance & Intervention
         INTRODUCTION
         Insurance
         Intervention
      CHAPTER 3 – Law – Federal, State, & Local  
         INTRODUCTION
            PART 1. IEP Individualized Education Program
            PART 2. Autism Education & Bullying Policies   
         Law – Federal, State, & Local  
            PART 1. Judges
            PART 2. Court System
UNIT 6 – REFERENCES
UNIT 6 – APPENDICES
 
UNIT 7  Which Will Help Us?
 
INTRODUCTION
UNIT 7 – 1 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
       Section 1– Introduction, Medication, Dietary Approaches
UNIT 7 – 2 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 2: ABA, CBT, DIR, OT, PECS
UNIT 7 – 3 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 3: RDI, SPD, ST, TEAACH
UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
        Section 4: CAMs Complementary & Alternative     
                         Medicine
             PART 1 –
     1.  acupuncture
     2.  animal assisted therapy
           a. Dog Assisted Therapy
                b. Dolphin Assisted Therapy
                c. Horse Assisted Therapy
  UNIT 7–5Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 5: CAMs Complementary & Alternative   
                           Medicine
             PART 2 –
                3. anti-inflammatory therapy
                4. auditory integration therapy
  UNIT 7–6 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 6: CAMs Complementary & Alternative  
                           Medicine
             PART 3 –
                5. chelation therapy
                6. chiropractic
  UNIT 7–7 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 7: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
             PART 4 –
                7.  creative therapy
                     a. introduction
                     b. art
                     c. music
                     d. dance, theatre
                     e. adventure therapy
                8.  facilitated communication
  UNIT 7–8 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 8: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
              PART 5 –
                 9.  hyperbaric oxygen therapy
                10.  immunoglobulin infusions
  UNIT 7–9 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)
          Section 9: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                           Medicine
               PART 6 –
                 11. massage therapy
                12. mindfulness & meditation
  UNIT 7–10 Complementary & Alternative Medicine
                    (CAM)
          Section 10: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                             Medicine
               PART 7 –
                13. neuro-therapy
                14.  physical activity program
   UNIT 7–11 Complementary & Alternative Medicine    
                     (CAM)
          Section 11: CAMs Complementary & Alternative
                             Medicine
               PART 8 –
                 15.  stem cell therapy
                16.  vitamin/supplements
   UNIT 7 – REFERENCES
   UNIT 7 – APPENDICES

DISCLAIMER Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2023
 
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned and experienced about autism. My intent is to inform and educate, by sharing < My Thoughts >, plus the stories and referenced studies of those who have gone before us. 

Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’.

The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
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Happy, Healthy, & Peaceful New Year 2023

1/8/2023

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In this New Year, continuing to offer my FREE BOOK 2023~

Know Autism, Know Your Child, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker

"With Knowledge and Early Identification comes Hope!"
​
​PLEASE go to MENU to begin reading.
​
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free asd book ~ know autism, know your child          SEE WEBSITE MENU

12/24/2022

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On MENU (Left) see ~
​Conclusion of UNIT 2 –
Why Is It Autism? – CHAPTER 3 – DOCTORS & DIRECTION  Posted 12/24/2022.

​Coming soon...


 UNIT 3 – THE MOST CONCERNING THING ~
   CHAPTER 1 Gross / Fine Motor Skills (Part 1: Poor Eating; Part 2: Toileting)
   CHAPTER 2 Speech & Communication
   CHAPTER 3 Cognition & Temperament/Personality
   REFERENCES & APPENDICES
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Thankful 2022!

11/24/2022

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​Thankful for all the loyal Twitter & Facebook followers who faithfully read, comment, and SHARE the Weebly website. Thankful to offer a continuance of my FREE BOOK Know Autism, Know Your Child, with <My Thoughts> by Sara Luker Latest posting is #DSM-5 #Asd Diagnosis www.sarasautismsite.com Check MENU.
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Veteran's Day 2022

11/11/2022

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Veteran’s Day 2022
 
As our nation commemorates Veterans Day, honoring and remembering those who have served and sacrificed, it is an appropriate time to consider the financial, medical, and other assistance available to veterans, their families and survivors. Veterans Benefits are administered at the federal level by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is the second largest cabinet-level department and has a yearly budget of over $300 billion.

The full range of VA benefits extends to housing and home loan guarantees, job training, small business loans, burials, memorials, and education. There is now new recognition for children and adults on the autism spectrum. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ((CDC), one in every 44 children may be diagnosed with autism. Added to established ‘military benefits’, armed services recruiters are now looking for bright, industrious recruits, and applicants with Asperger’s. This population often proves to fit the bill of specialized services, with their high IQ.

For instance, Rubin (2016) Staff Writer for Atlantic magazine describes a selective intelligence squad formed by the Israeli Army. Many autistic soldiers who would otherwise be exempt from military service have found a place in Unit 9900. 

​She says that a 21-year-old recruit with autism enjoys spending long hours combing through each millimeter of satellite images of the same location from various angles. And, that that most persons with autism can outperform in auditory tasks (such as discriminating sound pitches), detecting visual structures, and mentally manipulating complex three-dimensional shapes.
 
< My Thoughts >   “…millimeter of satellite images…”
 
After becoming highly trained by the military, it seems likely that these skills would easily transfer to a variety of hard-to-fill civilian jobs. Air traffic controller comes to mind!
 
Rob V. (2020) recruitment is determined on a case-by-case basis; if the recruiter realizes that you have something to offer the nation. Like most things in the military, it depends on the military branch and the level of autism. In addition, you must not be under any medications for at least one year before submitting your application.
 
Mander (2022) makes us aware that there are many government programs to help military veterans' children with special needs — the trick is to find them.
///
Thank you for your service, Veterans. And, persons with autism, desiring a military career..."Show them what you've got!"
 
References:

Mander, L. (2022). Assistance Is Available for Veterans’ Children with Disabilities; Retrieved online from – https://specialneedsanswers.com/assistance-is-available-for-veterans-children-with-disabilities-18827t 

Rubin, S. (2016). The Israeli Army Unit that Recruits Teens with Autism: Retrieved online from – https://www.theatlantic.com › health › archive › 2016/01

V. Rob (2020). Can You Join the Military with Autism? By Rob V.; founder of Operation Military Kids.org. Retrieved online from –
www.operationmilitarykids.org/can-you-join-the-military-with-autism/
 
Other Resources:
  • https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/cs-watching-horizon-military/
  • https://specialneedsanswers.com/assistance-is-available-for-veterans-children-with-disabilities-18827
  • https://operationautism.org/
  • https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/blog/veterans-benefits-2/
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BLOG ~

10/30/2022

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BLOG ~  Sending a ‘thank you’ to the Marketing Assistant of an Orlando Florida Theme Park. He informs us that he and his group are Certified Autism Travel Professionals who have put together, and made available a free ‘Travel Guide’ for visiting their park with autistic family members.
​
Upon researching, my results found several agencies providing education and certification to theme parks, entertainment venues, and others offering ‘Autism & Neurodiverse Travel Guides for their properties and/or vacation packages. You might start your own investigation by searching for Certified Autism Professionals or International Board Training & Certification for Travel Agents. If you have a holiday vacation destination in mind, you may want to request any ‘Guides’ or provisions they have for families of persons with autism.
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< My Thoughts >       …Autism & Neurodiverse Travel Guides…

CAUTION*** ‘Certification’ credentials may only address ‘autism’ in the most general terms. Remember, only you ‘Know Your Child’ and your child’s autism. As a vigilant observer, you must act immediately and quickly to prevent a crisis or unwanted episode from escalation.

When taking our ‘non-verbal autistic’ Sonny to his first theme park, we thought we were prepared for almost anything; sensory issues, allergies, sunburn, restraints, escape/elopement issues. Until, when in the middle of a ‘river ride’, water splashed up drenching Sonny’s clothes and face.  

Frantically, he began escaping his safety restraint, shedding his clothes, and trying to jump out of the boat! When we were finally rescued, the ‘first responders’ took us in a motorized cart to the employee area. Still kicking and screaming, Sonny was suddenly faced with a new dilemma… theme park employees changing from their street clothes into ‘character costumes’. Thankfully, his sense of humor took over and he thought Mickey looked pretty funny without his head.

Although separated from the rest of the family, and Sonny’s backpack with a change of clothes, his medication, and soothing books and toys from home, we finally got it all together. This brings to mind another situation to be prepared for. Where do you change a 13-year-old’s diaper? In the family bathroom dedicated to parents changing baby’s diapers; or?
​

When visiting a theme park or other vacation site, find out ahead of time how to get help if you need it. Don’t assume anything! Expect the ‘unexpected’. Additionally, you can purchase signs which alert ‘first responders’ that your family member has autism. Understandably, most families don’t care to make that kind of announcement. But, when you are away from your community, a ‘life saver’ can be a homemade printout of your person’s description, needs, and medication/medical issues… just in case. A current picture showing how they may look when stressed or anxious is important; not just a ‘glamour shot’ of how they look at their best.
////
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​Dear People ~
 
Please find FREE BOOK ~ Know Autism, Know Your Child, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker on the website MENU. Over the next months, my plan is to replace many of the MENU Chapters with newer, updated versions. Eventually, my wish is to make this material available in an eBook format. Also, because the numbers of autism cases are growing across the globe; so, is the research. My wish is to make a collection of this information easily available on my website www.sarasautismsite.com. Hopefully, this will help us try to keep up with what it means to be on the ‘autism spectrum’.
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<<Previous

    Author

         Just to let you know that I, Sara Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned over my 30 years with autism, Sharing Extended Book Reviews of  stories about those who have gone before us.      
         Understand that all health matters ALWAYS require medical decisions/diagnosis/treatment by highly qualified and licensed individuals. See website DISCLAIMER.

         Here you will find excerpts containing a combination of selections, synopses, general information prose, quotes and references to peer-reviewed articles.

         Plus < My Thoughts >, which are my responses to the material; as a state certified educator with a 2013 Master’s Degree in Special Education, and over 30 years as Sonny’s mom.

         The BLOGs on this site are meant to be insightful and timely. Comments and Responses are welcomed.

         The offered DOWNLOAD material is organized in UNITs and Chapters. The autism information comes from –

    *Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, informational     and educational-writer articles.

    *Prose, which explains the currently circulating general public knowledge.

    *Personal, < My Thoughts > which are ‘educated   guesses’ about what it all means.

    *Poignant synopses of published parent stories.

    *Pages filled with decisions, denial, cited references, definitions, appendices, and more.

     Hearing the words “this child has autism,” parents are often shell-shocked.

         Then, in the face of so many more questions racing through their minds, the doctor says, “Just go online and read everything you can about autism.”

         
    Yes, disturbingly this kind of professional advice is given to many of our families.

    ​  If you are one of those families, or clinicians, I hope this material will give you a good start.
     


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