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Coexisting Conditions Individuals affected by autism are at an increased risk of experiencing additional cognitive, emotional, or behavioral disorders. It is very common for individuals on the autism spectrum to be dealing with other challenges and coexisting conditions. Sometimes these co-existing conditions are noticed and diagnosed before the diagnosis [...]
Past Autism Empowerment Outreach Events Outreach events and activities that we participate in give youth, adults and families impacted by Autism and Asperger's to have an opportunity to connect with Autism Empowerment and to meet other members of the autism and autistic community. There are many opportunities throughout each [...]
Autism Facts Quick Start New visitor? Please check out "Understanding Autism, A Few Quick Notes." This Autism Quick-Start section is meant to provide a quick introduction to basic autism facts written in conversational language. Autism is a Developmental Disability: Autism is considered a developmental disability and neurological [...]
Current News Our Fall 2021 edition of Spectrum Life Magazine is here! Please visit www.SpectrumLife.org for all things Spectrum Life Magazine related! Print distribution took place in Washington and Oregon in mid-September 2021. The online version has been published and is available now at www.SpectrumLife.org/currentissue. Here is [...]
Acronym Directory An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word. Alphabet soup is often used as a metaphor for an abundance of acronyms or abbreviations. When it comes to the autism, disability and special education community at large, we [...]
What is Asperger syndrome? Asperger or Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a developmental autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The discovery of Asperger Syndrome (AS) dates back to 1944. Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger described the syndrome when he was treating four boys with similar symptoms. His writings remained relatively unknown until 1981 [...]
Registration for the Autism Serves Kids Care Club How do I register my kid(s) Registration is pretty simple. We will walk you through the process. At this time there is no online registration so you will need to print out the forms and either [...]
In-Kind Donations and Gifts An in-kind donation is one in which needed goods or services are given to a charity instead of giving money that can used to purchase these goods or services. In-kind donations are a terrific way to support Autism Empowerment! The three types of in-kind donations [...]
In Language You Can Understand Autism is a spectrum disorder and neurological difference that includes a broad range of symptoms. For purposes of this page, we're using "autism" to represent all autism spectrum disorder / differences including Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS). With autism, [...]
Chris Parrott Bio Chris Parrott joined Autism Empowerment’s Board of Directors in 2014. Chris was born and raised in Texas, and was a resident of Oregon from 2011 to early 2022, when he relocated to North Carolina. Chris identifies on the autism spectrum with an Asperger's syndrome [...]
Autism Empowerment Mission Autism Empowerment is devoted to promoting a culture of acceptance, enrichment, and empowerment in the lives of children, teens, adults and families in Autism, Autistic and neurodivergent communities. We offer innovative and inspiring programs, training, and services as well as opportunities for leadership and volunteerism for [...]
What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders / PDD / PDD-NOS? The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is [...]
Autism Serves Volunteerism Program Autism Empowerment introduces a positive and proactive program for our community and for our world. Our Autism Serves volunteerism program also known as Autism Serves Across the Lifespan was founded on the guiding belief that children and adults each have unique strengths, talents and gifts. Some [...]
Getting an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis / The Diagnostic Process Autism varies widely in severity and as it is a spectrum disorder, it will present differently from one person to another and from male to female. Signs and symptoms may go unrecognized, especially if they initially appear as mild or [...]
We are thrilled to announce that as of October 2022, autistic advocate Niko Boskovic has joined Autism Empowerment as a contributing writer for Spectrum Life Magazine and our Spectrum Life blog. Niko is 21-years-old and lives in Portland, Oregon. He is nonspeaking and uses a letterboard to communicate. Niko's goal is [...]