My son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Aspberger's Syndrome) years ago. After learning of the diagnosis, my family went into hyperdrive finding and scheduling appointments for various treatments through an assortment of specialists in occupational therapy and speech therapy for my son. After long hours, many appointments and countless miles on the car, my son is doing very well. Had I known that home therapy services for autism existed, my journey might have been a little easier.

The shock of a child receiving an ASD diagnosis can throw any parent into a tailspin. I had a chance to interview Dr. Robert Brooks, Ph.D. on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and staff of McLean Hospital, about strategies parents can use to overcome the initial "now what?" phase and some methods that can be effective toward helping children with autism spectrum disorders become confident. Dr. Brooks is a co-author of Raising Resilient Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Classic Lanes and OUCARES launch bowling league for persons with autism and autism spectrum disorders

Our friends at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills have teamed up with OUCARES (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) to form a bowling league for individuals ages 16-plus on the autism spectrum. This opportunity will allow ASD students (over 16) and adults to enhance physical activity in a social, community setting.

The annual OUCares (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) Autism Symposium is scheduled for May 7th and 8th, 2012 at the Auburn Hills, Michigan Marriott at Centerpoint. The event is a wonderful resource for educators, parents, family members, researchers, students and persons living with ASD.

Featured presenters and topics scheduled for the 2012 Annual Oakland Univeristy OUCARES Autism Symposium include:

My family has attended Family Fun Day at Oakland University for the past 3 years. Sure, it's a tremendous learning experience for anyone interested learning about Autism Awareness, but it's also fun for the whole family. The Oakland University Center for Autism Research celebrates its annual Family Fun Day for 2012 kicking off Autism Awareness month on March 31st, 2012 from noon-4p.

Our friends at BY YOUR SIDE, a leading center for therapy for children, teens and adults with autism are experts that use apps frequently in their autism therapy practices. Julie Martin, M.A. CCC-SLP/L, BCBA, Center Director of BY YOUR SIDE, has provided us with a list of their favorite apps for autism therapy and a brief description of how they can help individuals with ASD.

iPads and other tablets have proven to be powerful tools for helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). We are fortunate to have groups like Corner Pieces that raise money to provide iPads and other communication devices for children with ASDs.

Below is a list of BY YOUR SIDE’S Top 30 autism therapy apps for 2012:

Determining the success rate a child may have after being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) depends on many variables. Can the diagnosis change if co-existing conditions such as speech delays, seizures or helping fine motor skills are improved upon?

A lot of time has gone by since I started my own Autism Diary for Oakland County Moms. One of the things I'm most often asked about when it comes to autism is the reason for the rise in ASD diagnoses. Is the cause vaccines or something in the water? Or, is it an over-diagnosed condition diagnosed to appease helicopter moms demanding answers for strange behaviors in their children? Trust me, I've heard it all.

Rochester Community Schools sent out some information regarding upcoming presentations designed to help individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders gain independence through long-term housing. The presentation, Getting My Own Address, will be offered with worksheets and helpful links at four different locations in Oakland County from October 27th, 2011 through February 15th, 2012.

Here are the details: