Rates of autism are skyrocketing. The question isn’t just why—but what we need to do about it right now, and what’s holding us back. By Jill Escher July 20, 2023 In the summer of 2001 we took our younger son, two-year-old Jonathan, to the neurologist. He hadn’t developed speech, never played with toys, and had a…
A full semantic toolbox is essential for autism research and practice to thrive By Alison Singer, Amy Lutz, Jill Escher, Alycia Halladay 12/12/22 Abstract Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a highly diverse set of challenges, disabilities, impairments and strengths. Recently, it has been suggested that researchers and practitioners avoid using certain…
We’ve been delighted to see many local theaters close out 2022 with relaxed-rule performances. Performances where families could take children with autism without worrying about fidgeting or outbursts. We put a lot of effort into increasing events and social opportunities for the Bay Area autism community, and we’re excited to see it paying off and…
Profound Autism: A Label to Help Those Who Need it Most Earlier this year, we addressed the confusion and discord that arise from people using one word — autism — to describe two different things, an identity and a disorder. In her excellent opinion piece in Spectrum News, Alison Singer addresses the same issue and…
In the News SFASA’s Totally Unspooky Halloween with the Animals was great fun! We appreciated all the help from Animal Assisted Happiness, and imagine our surprise to find ourselves hoppping into the local news—in bunny costume no less! “SUNNYVALE — On Halloween night, kids of all ages will be hitting the streets, looking for…
2022 SFASA-Stanford Adult Autism/DD Conference Recap Our 2022 annual conference on adult autism/DD was held on October 15 at Stanford University in partnership with Stanford Autism Center. While the in-person event was a great success, our virtual platform had an audio glitch, an error for which we are very sorry! We are busily compiling the…