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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Beyond Awareness: Building Acceptance of Autism in Ohio

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Monday, July 28, 2014   

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Autism is a reality of life for an estimated one in 68 people.

And while annual observances such as Autism Awareness Month in April have increased recognition of the disease’s prevalence, some say better understanding also is needed.

Andie Ryley, board chair of the Autism Society of Ohio, says that's why her organization is promoting this August as the first ever Autism Acceptance Month.

"You have to have awareness,” she stresses. “And after awareness comes acceptance – and then comes empathy and understanding."

Ryley says too often negative words – like suffering or tragic – are wrongly used to describe the lives of those with autism. She says these impressions are misconceptions.

"Many adults believe their autism gives them special and unique abilities,” Ryley points out. “So, there's many people who don't want to, quote-unquote, cure autism – because they like, and they just want acceptance of, who they are."

Ryley says part of acceptance is learning that each individual with autism is unique, with his or her own strengths and abilities – and that, with the right supports, can live happy and enjoyable lives.

Ryley adds helping people understand autism will require better education. And she says more research also is crucial, because much of the focus has been on young children on the autism spectrum, but not enough about what's needed for them as they age and integrate into the community as adults.

"Awareness – you know that it exists,” she says. “Now, how are we going to go through developing the supports and the practices to accept this population of people, and accept what they can contribute?"

The Autism Society of Ohio is networking with other state affiliates to make Ohio the first state to declare August as Autism Acceptance Month.







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