News and Notes from The Johnson Center

Programs for Siblings of People with Autism

JCCHD | Sat, April 02, 2016 | [Autism Treatment][Sibling Spotlight]

Growing up with a brother or sister who has autism is a unique experience. Research suggests that siblings often experience difficult emotions including guilt, anger, resentment, loneliness, envy, embarrassment, and anxiety. Siblings may feel as though they get less attention, their needs are not a priority, they are expected to behave perfectly all the time, or they are the only ones who have ever had to live with a sibling with autism. Embarrassment around their peers can occur and some are at risk of being bullied. Adolescent siblings may believe they have increased responsibilities or feel more pressure to succeed.

These emotional challenges can also result…

Supporting People with Autism in the Workplace

JCCHD | Sat, April 02, 2016 | [Autism Treatment][Community]

As the rates of autism have gone up, so have the number of people with autism facing the transition to adulthood and employment. This has presented the need for more vocational opportunities for adults with ASD. Most people with autism would like to work; however, lifetime employment rates are low. Many companies are starting to recognize the great value in hiring employees on the autism spectrum. This includes increased workplace diversity and a sense of inclusion among both employees and customers. In turn, employees with autism can expand their potential, independence, and self-esteem.

Employees with autism have…

Teach Your Children About Autism

JCCHD | Sat, April 02, 2016 | [Autism Treatment][Community][Sibling Spotlight]

Does your child have a friend who has autism? With 1 in 68 children having an autism diagnosis, the chances are high that your child has encountered or will encounter a peer who has autism at school, extracurricular activities, or community events. People with autism might…

World Autism Day 2016 - Take the Action Pledge

JCCHD | Sat, April 02, 2016 | [Applied Behavior Analysis][Autism Treatment][Assessment Corner][Community][Events][Family and Food][Healthcare][News][Q and A ][Research][Resource Review][Sibling Spotlight][Staff Spotlight][Webinars]

There are now well over 200 official “health awareness days” in the US, and many more unofficial ones. Autism is included on that list; April has served as Autism Awareness Month since the 1970’s, and April 2, 2016 is designated as World Autism Day.

Since over two million people in the US have an autism diagnosis (and tens of millions worldwide), most people are now aware of autism. Most people know someone with autism and have heard about ...

The Health Benefits of Generosity

JCCHD | Tue, March 08, 2016 |

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” One way to serve others is through generosity. Generosity is defined as the quality of being kind, understanding, unselfish, showing concern for others, or freely giving money, time, or other valuable things without expecting anything in return. Examples of this include making a charitable donation, spending time volunteering, or helping a friend with a task. Generosity not only…

Navigating Higher Education for Students with Autism

JCCHD | Mon, February 22, 2016 |

On Thursday, February 18th, Dr. Claire Schutte presented a webinar on Navigating Higher Education for Students with Autism. This webinar can be viewed here and there is a link to get a Certificate of Attendance here as well.

The most important point that Dr. Schutte made was that it is…

Sibling Spring Break Camp

JCCHD | Tue, February 09, 2016 |

sibling intro

It’s King Cake Time!

JCCHD | Sun, January 31, 2016 | [Family and Food]

King Cakes are an important part of the Mardi Gras tradition. This ring-shaped cake is as rich in history and tradition as it is in taste. But for people with food allergies or issues with certain foods, King Cakes are often something to be avoided. But we set out to make a King Cake that is free of…