Marina Sarris Interactive Autism Network ian@kennedykrieger.org You’ve probably seen the headlines: studies say that children and adults with autism are at risk for an inactive lifestyle and obesity. While the reasons are subject to debate, it’s clear that people with ASD often face unique challenges to physical fitness. The core features of autism – social, communication and behavior problems – can make joining a game of kickball at recess or playing tag with neighborhood kids […]
by Carey Handley I remember the day we were told our daughter would never drive, would never live alone, would never reach many of the milestones most children will. And then there was the day she stood beside us in court as the judge declared her permanently disabled and granted us Guardianship. I listened as the judge asked her questions, some of which had to be rephrased so she could understand them. On each of […]
By Janet Shouse Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities die an average of 16 years earlier than typical Americans? And unlike other Americans, women with IDD die earlier than men with IDD. This is not information any of us really want to hear. So why is this happening? We know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher rate of co-occurring physical disorders, such as epilepsy, chronic constipation, obesity, […]
Children at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health receive free shoes for Back to School Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation provides $4,300 Back-to-School shopping spree for children in residential autism treatment program. GREENVILLE, S.C – More than 60 children in Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health’s residential treatment program were treated to a shopping spree to pick out shoes for back to school, thanks to a $4,300 donation from the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation. “We were so touched […]
Marina Sarris Interactive Autism Network at Kennedy Krieger Institute Why are children and adults with autism more likely to be obese than other people?1-3 Studies show that many have extremely picky eating habits, do not exercise as much as others, or take medications that cause weight gain.4-11 While those may affect weight, a new study says the biggest risk factor, at least for youth, has nothing really to do with autism: it’s families.12 Youth whose […]
