May 27, 2024
- As the eastern half of the country prepares for a loud summer with the emergence of cicadas, Dr. Rachel Follmer, assistant professor of developmental behavioral pediatrics at Northwestern University, offers advice for parents of children with autism or those sensitive to sound. She suggests showing photos of cicadas, watching videos or listening to audio clips of their sounds, and using social stories to prepare children with ASD. Additionally, parents should develop a plan for managing loud noises, such as using headphones, earplugs, or AAC devices to help children communicate discomfort. Dr. Follmer emphasizes that preparing all children, not just those on the spectrum, for the cicada noise may be beneficial.
- A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with autism exhibit different attention patterns than neurotypical children during shared book-reading activities. The authors discovered that children on the spectrum focus less on socially relevant cues, such as the reader’s face and the book, and more on objects with nonsocial backgrounds. These findings highlight the challenges children on the spectrum face in social learning and engagement, suggesting the need for tailored interventions to improve their social, cognitive, and language development.
- The Collaborative for Health & Environment is hosting a webinar titled “Mapping Environmental Injustice: Disparities in Chemical Exposures and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes” on July 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. This presentation will discuss Project TENDR’s recent literature review, highlighting disparities in the United States in neurodevelopmental outcomes among children from low-income families and communities of color. Last month, Project TENDR proposed seven legally binding provisions to safeguard children’s brain health.
- Tickets are selling fast for TACA’s Family Carnival. This annual event occurs on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California. Come out for a day of fun and community planned for families caring for children with special needs (not limited to autism) in a secure and safe environment. Oak Canyon Park is a private venue that provides 17 acres for families to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and play. The picnic will feature carnival rides, bounce houses, arts/crafts and sensory activities. Parents and caregivers will also be able to meet and interact with autism resource leaders.
