austinautism

First Responder Training Resources

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Autism First Responder Training Video

After a generous donor offered to support an Autism training video for first responders, the Autism Society of Central Texas worked with Red Media Group, Chester Security, parents, and individuals with Autism to create a free training video for first responders. The video is 26 minutes long and includes information about Autism to educate and inform various first responder groups who may encounter individuals with Autism in their community. Important: This video was created in 2016. The Autism prevalence rate and some data is no longer accurate, however, much of the content is still a valuable learning tool. Since creating the video, our organization became the Autism Society of Texas.

It is recommended to show this video then use the National Autism Association (NAA) Big Red Safety Toolkit to further educate first responders about Autism. It is available as a free download here.

Autism: The Person, Not The Diagnosis

This video was created in 2019 by the Texas Office of the Attorney General with assistance from the Autism Society of Texas. Autistic participants, and their support people, discuss their experience with Police interactions.

Team Alex

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Alex was diagnosed with Autism right before his 2nd birthday. It was the scariest time in our lives. He lost his abilities to communicate in what seemed like overnight. There were not many resources available like there are now. I really had to search for help. We started early intervention. […]

Study Finds Brains With Autism Have Too Many Synapses

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Thanks to the New York Times for another article on autism.  This one describes a brain study at Columbia University that may lead to new treatments. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/22/health/brains-of-autistic-children-have-too-many-synapses-study-suggests.html?_r=0 From the article: As a baby’s brain develops, there is an explosion of synapses, the connections that allow neurons to send and receive […]

The Kids Who Beat Autism

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This article from the New York Times Sunday Magazine is long but worth reading all the way through because it is thorough and balanced. I found this quote especially refreshing in its honesty: “I’ve been studying autistic kids for 40 years,” [clinical neuropsychologist Deborah] Fein says, “and I’m pretty good […]

The Potts Family

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When our son Luke was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 5, the first place we called was the Autism Society of Greater Austin. We received the resource guide, as well as great information and referrals. We are so grateful for the support and information that the Autism Society of Greater Austin provides and […]

From a long time member

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Our family has been a member of the Autism Society of Greater Austin for the past 8 or 9 years. What a fabulous organization! I have networked with many other parents and found new friends and families who have adult “kids” like my son. ASGA (as we call it) has […]