Snug Vest founder Lisa Fraser saw the need for a better deep pressure solution after eight years of working with autistic children and was determined to design a product that could help calm them without the use of weights. Weighted vests are commonly used to provide deep pressure therapy, however many parents have expressed concerns about their children wearing weights and the inability to adjust the pressure. “I had a passion to design a tool that could help children with autism function better in their daily lives, promote inclusion, and help them live happy and healthy, to excel and thrive” said Fraser. From day one it was important to her that Snug Vest be both effective & attractive to be discrete and avoid stigma.

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The CDC estimates that 1 in 54 children have been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even more staggering is that approximately half of all children with autism engage in wandering behavior according to a research project completed by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). Many of the children that wander are not able to communicate their basic needs to a person that finds them, including their name. I’m sure you have heard the horror stories of fatalities involving children with autism wandering away. This is a real life everyday fear for parents. As we head back to school for the year, it is important for professionals to be prepared to educate their staff and prepare the environment of the building and grounds for prevention.

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On Friday August 8th, 2014, President Obama signed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2014. Better known as the Autism CARES Act. The act was recently voted on unanimously by the Senate after passing through the House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-04) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa) authored the bill as bipartisan legislature in the House. Smith stated, “This is a critical investment that is working to determine the cause of ASD, identify autistic children as early as possible to begin treatment, and producing better awareness, new therapies and effective services. The quality of life of many children is at stake, as it is with young adults who age out of the support services in educational systems.”

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One of the many hurdles that parents of students who are on the autism spectrum have to overcome, is dealing with the myths that surround the disorder. As a teacher, learning that you’ll be teaching students with autism in your classroom, you’ll want to ensure the highest quality of care and consideration for these children. The following are the 5 most common myths and misconceptions about teaching students with autism.

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By By: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Certified Autism Specialist

Today’s modern classroom for the typical child is well-lit with natural sunlight and grouped in a linear fashion with one classroom set directly across from another to create organized architecture with relatively structured seating within the classroom depending upon the population’s age. Newer schools are being developed with bright and vivacious colors and whimsical patterns. The results are structures that stimulate and excite.

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