Joel's Autisable

About Xanga.com and the start of Autisable.com

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:24:14 GMT

I wanted to take a moment and share with you a little story - one that I hope provides encouragement in your journey with Autism.

This is a story of how xanga.com, inc. and the people in their online blogging community, joined together to make what Autisable is today....

More Here...

I'm a Bear!

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:44:41 GMT

I'm extremely excited about an upcoming film I'm a part of. It's called, The Spectacle of Lights. Here's the website that shares a little more about it.

I've been wanting to share about being a part of this for some time - as I enjoy doing voice over work - and I've always wanted to be a part of an Animated film as a character.

My character? A Bear named Mr. Sonny.

The film is about Teamwork, but more importantly it's about bullying - a huge topic within the Autism community.

In the weeks ahead, and as I get more information - I'll be able to share more about what's going on with this film.

I go into the studio soon... we've been doing table reads and working with the audio engineer and animators - more like they've been our audience so that they can see how we 'act'.

Well - more later. :)

Getting Caught Up

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:14:11 GMT

Sometimes when a Holiday rolls around, the routines get a little out of sort.

As many in the Autism Community can share, a disruption in routine can really make things completely go crazy all the way around.

I have several blog posts to write - some just personal notes, others I've been asked to write... and at least 1 or two Giveaway related posts to get on the ball with.

So, consider this a quick note to all.... 'Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready."

A Completed IEP

Sun, 26 May 2013 13:43:31 GMT

We had our IEP meeting with the TEAM. And we are incredibly encouraged by the fact that we kept seeing 'achieved' by all of his IEP goals.

This is a first. It's as if he took it upon himself to do what needed to be done.

It's also great to have a team of people who 'get him', and he loves going to School.

We're pretty bummed that the school year is almost over - and we hope we have the same team this coming year who actually understand him and where he needs to be.

The new IEP has been made.

I know there are parents who have or are going through the same situation this time of year. I have to celebrate these moments, and I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate similar moments of progress with your child.

My Vice? The Short Sighted Insurance Company

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:53:29 GMT

Being a part of the Autism Community we all have our pain points of discussion. For some, it's vaccinations. For others, it's about how non-profits spend their donations.

My vice is the short sighted response of insurance companies.

While I'm still new to what is covered and what isn't - I'm still disheartened by the lack of interest.

Maybe I shouldn't say 'Lack' of interest, but rather the focus on making sure autism isn't being covered - at all.

I remember when folks in the cancer survivor community would fight tooth and nail to deal with mammograms - which has helped millions of women (and men) to battle breast cancer. It also saved the insurance companies millions more.

It's sad that here we are, fighting tooth and nail, to get coverage for services and therapies that would actually help save the insurance industry millions in the long term as well.

The amount of money spent to ensure that people 'aren't' covered amazes me. In fact, one could assume that if the same amount of time and energy avoiding the provision of services was applied to actually provide the services - we could have hundreds of families and individuals in each state be helped.

From personal experience, and from countless of stories I've read over the years - families have drained their bank accounts, sold their cars - and some even lost their homes - just to pay for therapies that have proven to be of long term benefit for their children. In short, the economic impact on families dealing with Autism is extraordinarily overwhelming.

With most companies reacting ONLY when there is a big issue - I don't foresee insurance companies having the wisdom to actually be accountable and responsible for what we as customers pay them for in this area.

Therefore, I would expect only more state laws having to be created - with the hope that a national policy would help families like ours not have to deal with what we've been dealing with for years....

The Same Sandbox

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:05:56 GMT

I'm always encouraged when I come across individuals, organizations and businesses that see our vision.

The fact that there are people willing to look past the differences of opinions regarding Vaccinations, DSM, or other controversial issues - and to focus on providing whatever information we can to the general public is phenomenal.

The phrase I came across this past week is one that I have enjoyed hearing the most - "We're all in the Same Sandbox"

More and more people I talk with are embracing this phrase... and I love it!

With all of our differences regarding our varying viewpoints regarding these issues, we're starting to see that we need to come together - and to work together.

Is it a challenge at times to work together when we disagree? Of course!

From what we are sharing to how we share it means so much to so many people. We're still a young and extremely diverse community. From those who are on the spectrum, the families, the organizations, and even businesses... we're all learning so much - so fast.

With so much going on, we are learning to respect each others differences... and many are willing to look past and look forward....

and it's that willingness to work together that encourages me.

We had to Replace the iPad

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:44:17 GMT

Awhile back we were blessed with an iPad for Short Stack. He's been using it regularly, up until a couple of weeks ago.

The Wifi started going bad on it, then Short Stack figured how to remove it from the Otterbox case. Suffice it to say it was time to get it replaced.

When we initially received the funds for the iPad, we had enough for the iPad, the Otterbox Case, 3rd part insurance through Geek Squad, and a some extra for iTunes/apple store for apps.

With the faulty wifi and the damage to the iPad - we were very grateful for the 3rd party insurance.

Although we had to be out of an iPad for a week, it was very good to just trade the iPad in - and get a replacement - without spending any extra funds.

Let's just say it's a must have in these situations.

Do you have an iPad for your kid? Do you have extra insurance?

Great Bike Giveaway

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:11:31 GMT

For the second consecutive year Friendship Circle is holding the Great Bike Giveaway, a national contest giving away adaptive bikes to children with special needs.

We all know how important good exercise is for our children, and with an adaptive bike - many more children will be able to get around and exercise even more.

For more information - click here: https://friendshipcircle.org/bikes/

Movie Review: The Story of Luke

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 23:16:02 GMT

When Writer/Director Alonso Mayo touched base with our team, I had to admit, I was very reluctant on sharing a movie about Autism.

But, like I always share with our team - I had to remind myself that we share anything Autism related.

This was even before I had an opportunity to watch the film for myself.

And after he contacted me, there were several other films about Autism that are in the works or are in the marketplace that were being promoted... but I digress...

More Here...

To @KatieCouric - My Ultimate Dream

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:32:30 GMT

I've had a dream for the past several years. One of which I've been reluctant to share openly, but one that is already in development.

Autisable has been a serious blessing upon my life, as I've learned so much from other families and individuals who deal with Autism. This knowledge has allowed me to understand what I've been going through as a husband and father of a child with autism, but more importantly - has helped me understand my son even more.

Personally we've had our own health and financial challenges - but we are working our way out of these challenges and pressing forward to achieve this dream.

More Here...