After Store Closes, Family Creates Blockbuster in Their Home for Son with Autism

blockbuster autism

The Zuniga family has been taking Hector to this particular Blockbuster since he was 13-years-old, and in many ways, he’s grown up with a lot of the employees. He even says one of his only words, “Barney”, when he and his family drive by the store. A few months ago, Hector’s mother Rosa got some tough news: Blockbuster would be closing its doors. Read More

Julia, Sesame Street’s First Muppet With Autism, to Make Her Debut

julia sesame street

Families have turned to Sesame Street for generations in order to start conversations and teach important life lessons. With an estimated 1 in 68 American children having autism, there is no better time than now to show the public what it’s like to interact with these special people among us. Read More

Mental Illness in Children – What You Need to Know

Mental disease in children is surprisingly common. The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention notes that about 20 percent – one in five – of American children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. Read More

What’s Autism and What’s Not?

What's Autism and What's Not?

Don’t freak out if you catch your child head-banging, echoing others words’ or hand flapping. Yes, those are symptoms of autism, but they don’t define your child as having an autism spectrum disorder. Read More

Toys R Us Stores to Offer Quiet Shopping Hours for Children with Autism

Toys R Us Autism Quiet Hours

Stores will reportedly open one hour early on November 6 to accommodate families who would like to shop, just without the familiar stimuli. Management will dim the lights, turn off store-wide announcements and music, display autism-friendly signage, and designate quiet spaces for families that need them. Read More

Being Different Is Normal: Let’s Change the Way We React to Autism

Being Different Is Normal: Let's Change the Way We React to Autism

This post is part of our ongoing series of April Autism Awareness Month posts. View other posts on our blog about autism here. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this article to learn about two great scholarship opportunities relating to special needs children. Evelyn Baker Blogger I came bursting through my front door after school, eyes flooded with tears. My Disney princess backpack slowly dragging on the floor … Read More

My Autistic Sister: An Elementary Child’s Perspective

Autism Awareness Month: My Autistic Sister

This post is from the unique perspective of Sarah DeMonia, an elementary school girl whose older sister was diagnosed with autism at age two. Sarah’s mom, Lori DeMonia is the author of Leah’s Voice and Love for Logan, two Mom’s Choice Award-winning children’s books dealing with autism. Read More