The Autism Center at Hospital for Special Care is the first of its kind in Connecticut and only one of 10 in the country. The Autism Center is the nation’s first and only Patient Centered Specialty Practice for autism recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its responsiveness to patients and medical colleagues, cooperation and integration with other healthcare groups and dedication to continuous improvement.
One of my students, who is severely autistic and nonverbal, was rocking in his chair the other day and accidentally smashed my foot. Since I know he can say something vaguely similar to “Sorry” I told him to say it. He kept saying something that wasn’t even close. “Say you’re sorry!” I demanded. “Say it. […]
Stories of Courage and Inspiration
Mothering Autism
I have three beautifully unique children: a son, Noah, who is 19 and twin daughters, Gabby & Alex who are 17. We are a family challenged by autism. Both my son Noah and my daughter Alex have autism. Our journey began 15 years ago when my husband and I first heard the word “autism” applied […]
My Sister Debby – age 70
Luann – “Debby, why are you crying? Were you worried I wasn’t coming to visit?” Debby – “No, I was crying because I heard a song that made me sad.” Luann – “What song did you hear that made you so sad?” Debby – “I heard ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’ by The Platters.” Luann […]
Autism Answers!
If I had grown up surrounded by less autism, I think I would have had very little motivation to discover my truth. I was born with a quiet inner voice; one that whispered self-consciously, though it wanted to be heard. However, its timid ways were easy for me to ignore and with less autism to […]
Break Time Friends
Edwin Girling and I met a young man named Tyler two years ago. He would drive by our shop, Meriden Manufacturing, with his Dad and say “Hi Guys.” After that first meeting, we asked his Dad to pull over so we could get to know the young man who said hello to us every day. […]
Autism Does Not Define Our Family
Miller is 14 years old and a part of a busy household with three boys, hectic sports schedules, homework and a lot of love. Miller was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as a preschooler. He is embraced by his parents, his brothers, his extended family and the entire community. He may not know all the […]
A Great Haircut
Like many other children on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders, my son has a difficult time with haircuts. He doesn’t like anybody messing with his head. As he grows older, he can be even more resistant. Kudos to Tammy, a stylist at Snip-its hair salon, for her patience and creativity. On a […]
Thank You HSC!
Thanks to the Hospital for Special Care for creating the Spectrum of Kindness!
Local Baseball Team Plays for Autism Awareness
On April 11, 2014 the New Britain High School varsity baseball team dedicated it’s game to Autism awareness. Players wore blue cleats and parents sold puzzle piece ribbons at the front gate. The game also featured facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as testimonials from families affected by ASD. This is the second year […]
Zach’s Autism Awareness Video
We are so proud that our son wanted to do an Autism Awareness Video. Please share with your families and friends.