The Autistic Voice Blog

The Disney megahit was almost a disaster, until a series of creative brainstorms saved the day. By Charles Duhigg from the book Smarter Faster Better Photo: Claire Benoist/Reader’s Digest In 2014, the Disney movie Frozen became the top-grossing animated movie of all time. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, and “Let It Go” won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The film contained all the elements of a traditional Disney plot—princesses and ball gowns, a handsome prince, a wisecracking sidekick, and a stream of upbeat songs. But throughout, these elements had been disturbed, just enough, to let something new and different emerge. We assume such original storytelling comes from the innate genius of its creators, but here’s how Frozen really got its fairy-tale ending. The siblings were playing ‘Frozen Backward Mash-up’ on the piano. (YouTube) It’s 2012, and the screening-room audience is all Disney employees. As the lights dim, two sisters appear on the ...

A dolphin's "smile" is actually an illusion. So is our belief that these animals can heal. By Lori Marino Photo: Getty Images JAY, AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy with autism whose behavior has always been agitated and uncooperative, is smiling and splashing in a pool. A pair of bottlenose dolphins float next to him, supporting him in the water. Jay’s parents stand nearby as a staff member in the water engages Jay in games with colorful shapes. She asks him some questions, and the boy begins to respond. He names the shapes correctly, speaking his first words in months. Jay appears more aware and alert, and a quick, noninvasive scan shows that there have indeed been changes in his brain activity. Jay’s parents are elated to have finally found a treatment that works for their son. They sign up for more sessions and can’t wait to get home and tell their friends about their experience. They’re not surprised to find that dolphins have succeeded where mainstream physicians hav...

By Lisa Jo Rudy, Autism Spectrum Disorders Expert Definition: Autistic Disorder is one of the five Autism Spectrum Disorders (also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders). It is among the most severe of the disorders, which include Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Rett's Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Children with Autistic Disorder develop symptoms before their fourth birthday, and may have such issues as total lack of spoken language, marked inability to interact with others, and difficulties with meeting others' eyes. If you suspect your child may have Autistic Disorder, it is important to schedule an evaluation as early as possible. Early intervention, including a variety of behavioral and developmental treatments, can make all the difference for your child. Most important will be developing a reliable means of communicating with your child, even if he or she is not verbal. PECS (a picture-card based communication system) has been proven to be a very e...

I was so worried about having the perfect father-son relationship that I almost missed the incredible gift in front of me. By Ron Fournier from the book Love That Boy Photo: Glenn Glasser/Reader’s Digest My wife, my children, and I stood in front of a white, seamless wall, our noses practically touching its surface. Suddenly, the wall opened—it was a hidden door to the Oval Office. “Come on in, Fournier!” shouted George W. Bush. “Who ya’ dragging in?” It was my last day covering the White House for the Associated Press, and this 2003 visit was a courtesy traditionally afforded to departing correspondents. I introduced my wife, Lori, and daughters, Holly and Abby, before turning to my son, Tyler, five. “Where’s Barney?” Tyler asked. The Scottish terrier ran in, and Bush said, “Let’s do a photo!” As the most powerful man on earth posed, my son launched into a one-sided conversation. “Scottish terriers are called Scotties; they originated from Scotland; they can be trace...

Jacob Sanchez, diagnosed with autism doesn’t speak at age 3. (YouTube/Autism Speaks) Autism Speaks’ multi-year Ad Council public service advertising campaign stresses the importance of recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking early intervention services.  Recent research   confirms that appropriate screening can determine whether a child is at risk for autism as young as one year. While every child develops differently, we also know that early treatment improves outcomes, often dramatically.  Studies show,  for example, that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching. The following “red flags” may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectru...