Autism News NetWORK

Autism News NetWORK Autism News Network spreads the word about autism from those who know it best. The group is actually

10/28/2025

Ellie shares how her son, who has autism and seizures, gained confidence and safety through lessons at Martar Swim School. With patient, understanding instructors and a focus on connection first, he’s now a strong, happy swimmer. 💪💦

🎥 Interview by The Godfather (Scott Biehl) for the Autism News Network

10/16/2025

Meet Gavin, a young boy on the autism spectrum who has been thriving at Martar Swim School! With patience, fun, and expert guidance from Miss Tara, Gavin has grown more social, begun speaking more, and become a confident swimmer. Kristina Blake from the Autism News Network chats with his mom about the incredible progress he’s made through this program.

MarTar's Links:

https://www.martarswimming.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572542562143

https://www.threads.com/

https://x.com/MartarSchool

09/17/2025

Kristina Blake sat down with Tara from the MarTar Swim School to talk about their life-saving work teaching children and adults with disabilities to swim. Since 1999, MarTar has specialized in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, providing private, semi-private, and adaptive lessons tailored to each swimmer’s needs. With drowning as the leading cause of accidental death for children with autism, their mission is not just about swimming—it’s about safety, confidence, and independence.

Tara shared how the school adapts lessons for sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and physical disabilities, while celebrating each swimmer’s progress with certificates, prizes, and encouragement. From creating an inclusive environment to developing curriculum used nationwide, MarTar Swim School is making a powerful impact for families in their community and beyond.

05/09/2025

We're back at the Rockin' with Autism event in Andrews, SC! Autism News Network’s The Godfather (AKA Scott Biehl) chats with Adria and Marie about the impact of autism awareness, the growth of the event, and the incredible support from the community.

05/02/2025

💙 “Be the voice for your child.” 💙
Kristina Blake from the Autism News Network chats with Adria Cooper-Nesmith and Sharie Brunson at Georgetown’s Rockin' with Autism event. What started as a small gathering is now a vital community hub connecting families to resources and hope.

04/22/2025

Vell Baria chats with Dr. Mary Haspel — professor, behavior analyst, and autism advocate — about:

✔️ The purpose and controversy around ABA therapy
✔️ Mentoring future behavioral analysts
✔️ Creating inclusive workplace environments
✔️ Guiding autistic adults toward independence
✔️ The power of self-advocacy

04/15/2025

🎶 “Wake Up Jeff!” … and tune into our newest episode!
Episode 51 of the Autism News Network is all about THE WIGGLES 💛 Ainsley Knight shares her love and unforgettable memories with the original Fab Four: Greg, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony. From fruit salad 🍓 to unforgettable songs, it's a nostalgic trip with heartfelt stories and fun facts!

04/11/2025

n this video, Vell speaks with Annette Begner to talk about making fitness more accessible and enjoyable, especially for adults on the autism spectrum. Whether the gym isn’t your thing, or you're looking for something more engaging and personalized, Beach Cowboy Fitness has you covered with adaptive workouts, occupational therapist support, and even scooter races! 🛴🔥

💡 Topics we cover:

Why fitness can be a struggle for autistic adults — and how to fix that

What “adaptive fitness” really looks like

Free first classes + assessments with a therapist

Options for personal training and sustainable goals

👟 First class is free: https://beachcowboyfitness.com
📍 In-studio & on-location sessions
💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s YOUR favorite way to move?

03/28/2025

Vell shares her incredible experience at Night to Shine, a global prom event for people with special needs! 💃🏾🎉 From her first time attending in 2019 to making it a tradition with her husband, this event has been a journey of connection, confidence, and joy. 💙

📅 Have you ever attended Night to Shine? Share your experience in the comments! 🗣️👇

03/20/2025

This is the second part of Dr. Gwynette's interview with Dr. Jessica Hellings, the 2024 Tarjan Award Recipient, at the 2024 AACAP conference.

03/14/2025

Dr. Gwynette speaks with Dr. Jessica Hellings, recipient of the 2024 American Psychiatric Association George Tarjan Award for Contributions in Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Hellings is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She earned her medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Board-certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Hellings has developed specialty services for individuals with developmental disabilities at institutions like the University of Kansas Medical Center and The Ohio State Nisonger Center.

With over 40 years of clinical and research experience, her work has focused on severe challenging behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), addressing issues such as aggression, self-injury, and property destruction. Dr. Hellings has co-authored a book on the gut-brain axis, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in neuropsychiatric illness. She also works to improve psychiatry training programs on ASD/IDD and serves on the Missouri board of ECHO Developmental Disabilities.

02/26/2025

Garrett Palmer interviews Charles Webber, a locomotive engineer at the South Carolina Railroad Museum.

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