Autism Today

Join us this Monday for a meaningful webinar

2026-06-20T11:01:32-04:00

Dear Friends,

Some conversations bring together voices that have shaped the autism community for decades. This is one of them.

On Monday, June 22, we are honored to welcome three extraordinary Luminary Leaders - Stephen Shore, Robert J. Bernstein, and Marcia Eckerd - for a special live Yakinar webinar: What Does It Mean to Truly See an Autistic Child on Screen?

Together, these distinguished leaders bring a remarkable combination of lived experience, professional expertise, advocacy, education, and innovation.

Stephen Shore is an autistic self-advocate, internationally respected educator, author, and speaker whose work has inspired autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals worldwide. He was also part of the Emmy Award-winning team behind Carl the Collector, receiving an Emmy for his contribution to the groundbreaking series.

Robert J. Bernstein is an award-winning writer and autism advocate whose career has been dedicated to advancing authentic autistic representation in media and storytelling. His work has helped elevate autistic voices and create meaningful opportunities for inclusion and understanding.

Marcia Eckerd is a highly respected occupational therapist, autism specialist, author, and educator whose decades of experience have empowered families and professionals alike. Her expertise in neurodiversity, sensory processing, and developmental support brings invaluable insight into helping autistic children thrive.

Together, they will explore the role of neurodiversity in children's media, discuss the impact of the Emmy Award-winning Carl the Collector, and share why authentic representation matters - not only for autistic children, but for families, educators, and communities seeking to create a more inclusive world.

The stories children see on screen can shape how they view themselves and how others view them. For autistic children, authentic representation can foster confidence, belonging, and a powerful sense of being truly seen.

Whether you're a parent, educator, professional, self-advocate, or someone who cares deeply about autism and inclusion, this promises to be a meaningful and inspiring conversation.

Warmly,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

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4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
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Happy Autistic Pride Day!

2026-06-18T11:02:08-04:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Autistic Pride Day!

Today, we celebrate the wonderful diversity, strengths, talents, and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to our families, communities, and the world. It is a day to embrace authenticity, recognize the value of neurodiversity, and honour the many ways autistic people enrich our lives every day.

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At Autism Today, we are grateful for the autistic individuals who inspire us through their creativity, determination, insight, kindness, and unique ways of experiencing the world. We believe that every person deserves to be accepted, respected, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Autistic Pride Day is about more than awareness - it is about appreciation, belonging, and recognizing that differences are an important part of what makes our communities stronger.

Today is an opportunity to listen to autistic voices, celebrate achievements both big and small, and affirm the right of every person to thrive as their authentic self.

To our autistic friends, family members, advocates, and community members: thank you for sharing your gifts, your perspectives, and your journeys with us. You make our world richer, more compassionate, and more vibrant.

Today, and every day, we celebrate you.

With gratitude and pride,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this to those who may appreciate recieving meaningful emails

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4430 Aaron Place
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You're Invited: Yakinar Webinar with Autism Advocates on June 22

2026-06-17T11:01:44-04:00

Dear Friends,

What does authentic autism representation really look like - and why does it matter?

Join us on Monday, June 22, for a special live Yakinar webinar featuring three respected Luminary Leaders: Stephen Shore, Robert J. Bernstein, and Marcia Eckerd.

By attending this webinar, you will:

Take away ideas that can help parents, educators, and professionals better support autistic children.
Gain insights from leading autism advocates, educators, and professionals with decades of combined experience.
Learn why authentic representation of autistic children in media can influence self-confidence, belonging, and public understanding.
Discover how children's television can help shape more inclusive attitudes in schools, families, and communities.
Explore the impact of the Emmy Award-winning series Carl the Collector and what makes its approach to neurodiversity unique.
Hear perspectives from both autistic self-advocates and professionals working to create meaningful change.

Stephen Shore, Robert J. Bernstein, and Marcia Eckerd bring a unique combination of lived experience, advocacy, education, and clinical expertise. Together, they will discuss the role of neurodiversity in children's media and why it is so important for autistic children to see themselves represented in ways that are authentic, positive, and empowering.

Whether you are a parent, educator, professional, self-advocate, or simply interested in building a more inclusive world, this conversation will offer practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiration.

Meet the Luminary Leaders

Stephen Shore is an autistic self-advocate, internationally respected educator, author, and speaker whose work has inspired autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals worldwide. He was also part of the Emmy Award-winning team behind Carl the Collector, receiving an Emmy for his contribution to the groundbreaking series.

Warmly,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

from Autism Today and encourage them to join our mailing list.

4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
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Autism News This Week - June 15, 2026

2026-06-15T11:02:31-04:00

Addressing the Needs of Aging Autistic Individuals

As more autistic individuals reach midlife and older adulthood, experts are calling attention to the unique health, social, and support needs that often go overlooked. A recent United Nations event highlighted challenges such as healthcare access, social isolation, co-occurring health conditions, and the need for greater inclusion and autonomy in later life.

Leaders from research, healthcare, government, and the autistic community emphasized the importance of better-trained providers, more inclusive services, and policies shaped by lived experience to help autistic adults thrive throughout their lives. Read more

Experts Gather to Discuss Neurodiversity and Autism Representation in Children’s Media

A live webinar titled What Does It Mean to Truly See an Autistic Child on Screen? will be held on Monday, June 22, focusing on the impact of authentic representation of autistic children in media.

Luminary Leaders Robert J. Bernstein, Stephen Shore, and Marcia Eckerd will discuss how neurodiversity in children’s storytelling shapes identity, inclusion, and public perception. The session will examine the role of inclusive media in supporting understanding and belonging for autistic children. Read more.

24/7 Autism Guidance Expanded Through New AI Digital Protégé by Karen Simmons

Autism advocate Karen Simmons has introduced a new AI-powered Digital Protégé built on the Apex Replicant AI platform, designed to extend access to her decades of autism expertise.

The tool allows individuals, families, educators, and professionals to engage in 24/7 interactive conversations grounded in more than 30 years of experience in autism support and advocacy. It aims to make trusted guidance, information, and resources more accessible at any time.Read more

School Chef Recognized for Supporting Autistic Students

Tracy Nwabia, a school chef at Spa School in London, was recently named Britain's top school chef for her work supporting autistic students with diverse sensory and dietary needs.

Over the past 13 years, she has helped many children expand their food choices and build confidence around mealtimes through patience, understanding, and nutritious meals. Her award is a wonderful reminder of how small acts of care and inclusion can make a lasting difference in children's lives. Read more

New Eye-Tracking AI Model Improves Early Autism Detection Accuracy

A new study introduces a new machine-learning model using eye-tracking biomarkers to improve early autism detection across multiple clinical sites.'

The system uses graph neural networks to analyze gaze patterns and attention shifts, showing improved accuracy compared to traditional behavioral screening tools. Researchers suggest this approach could eventually support earlier and more objective identification methods. Read more

Autistic Siblings Earn International Book of Records Recognition

Two young autistic siblings from Malaysia, Abhineya and Arisshvaran, have earned recognition from the International Book of Records for their remarkable achievements.

Seven-year-old Abhineya was recognized for completing a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle in under 10 minutes and an incredible 643 puzzles in a single hour, while six-year-old Arisshvaran set a record by building a pyramid of 120 paper cups in just 10 minutes. Their accomplishments are inspiring families around the world and highlight the extraordinary abilities that can flourish when autistic children's strengths and interests are encouraged and celebrated. Read more

Two Distinct Brain-Based Subtypes of Autism Identified

A major international study has identified two clear neurobiological patterns in autism, suggesting the condition may involve multiple underlying brain systems rather than a single pathway.

Researchers analyzing brain scans from nearly 1,000 autistic individuals found one subtype characterized by increased connectivity between brain regions, and another showing reduced connectivity across networks. These differences may help explain why autism can look so different from one person to another and could eventually support more personalized approaches to care and support. Read more

AutismDirectory.com Expands Access to Autism Resources and Community Support

The platform aims to simplify access to tools and organizations across education, advocacy, therapy, and wellbeing sectors. Read more

Closing Reflection

What stands out across this week’s stories is the reminder that autism is a lifelong experience, not one defined by any single stage or milestone. From growing conversations about the needs of aging autistic adults, to breakthroughs in early detection research, to everyday acts of inclusion and achievement, we see a shared thread of dignity, possibility, and evolving understanding.

Together, these voices and innovations point toward a future where autistic individuals are supported, recognized, and valued at every age.

Friends, thank you for reading this weekly newsletter.

Please forward this to those who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

from Autism Today and encourage them to join our mailing list.

4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
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Discover "Little Rainman Too" with Dr. Temple Grandin's Insight

2026-06-14T11:01:43-04:00

Dear Friends,

I’m delighted to introduce you to Little Rainman Too, a book that is very close to my heart. Featuring a special foreword by Dr. Temple Grandin, this heartfelt story shares the real-life experiences of my young autistic son, Jonathan, and offers readers a unique glimpse into the world through his eyes.

This story offers readers a unique glimpse into how a young autistic child thinks, feels, learns, and experiences the world. Through Jonathan’s voice, parents, educators, therapists, and family members can gain a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the remarkable strengths that often accompany autism.

Recommended by Dr. Temple Grandin, Little Rainman Too has become a valuable resource for families and professionals alike:“This book gives a clear picture of what it is like to be autistic. It will help parents, teachers, and professionals better understand the autistic mind.”

Dr. Grandin uses the book’s illustrations in her presentations to help explain different types of autism and has also recorded a personal video testimonial sharing why she recommends the book.

She believes it can help people recognize early signs of autism while fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

Beautifully illustrated by Rob Woodbury (an artist with autism) and Kasun Kasun (a volunteer with the Autism Today Foundation), the artwork helps bring Jonathan’s inner world to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

As both Jonathan’s mother and the author of this book, my hope is that his story inspires greater empathy, inclusion, and appreciation for the unique perspectives of autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Thank you for joining Jonathan on part of his journey.

Order your book here

Warmly,

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

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4430 Aaron Place
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Unlock 24/7 autism insights from Karen

2026-06-12T11:02:03-04:00

Dear Friends,

Meet My Digital Protégé on Apex Replicant

For many years, I've had the privilege of supporting autistic individuals, families, educators, and professionals through Autism Today. One of the challenges I've always faced is that there are only so many hours in a day to answer questions and share what I've learned.

That's why I'm excited to introduce my Digital Protégé on Apex Replicant.

This innovative AI platform allows you to interact with a version of my knowledge, experience, and approach to autism support whenever it's convenient for you. Whether you're looking for resources, ideas, encouragement, or guidance, my Digital Protégé is available 24/7 to help point you in the right direction.

My goal has always been to make trusted autism information more accessible. Apex Replicant helps me extend that mission by reaching more people and making support available whenever questions arise.

I invite you to explore my Digital Protégé and discover another way to connect with the insights, resources, and advocacy that have guided my work for more than 25 years.

Click Here!

I look forward to being part of your journey.

Warmly,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

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4430 Aaron Place
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Three Luminary Leaders. Decades of Wisdom. One Important Conversation.

2026-06-10T11:01:53-04:00

Dear Friends,

Some conversations bring together voices that have shaped the autism community for decades. This is one of them.

Together, these distinguished leaders bring a remarkable combination of lived experience, professional expertise, advocacy, education, and innovation.

Whether you're a parent, educator, professional, self-advocate, or someone who cares deeply about autism and inclusion, this promises to be a meaningful and inspiring conversation.

Warmly,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

from Autism Today and encourage them to join our mailing list.

4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
US

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Autism News This Week - June 8, 2026

2026-06-08T11:01:54-04:00

This week highlights continued progress in autism research, early identification efforts, and new approaches to support, alongside expanding tools that aim to improve access to guidance and information. It also reflects ongoing momentum in awareness and inclusion, supported by community initiatives and personal stories centered on connection and everyday lived experience.

Major Research Project on Premature Babies and Autism

An international team of researchers has launched a five-year, €6 million study to better understand why babies born prematurely are at higher risk of autism. The project aims to improve early identification and support by finding signs of autism much earlier in development. Read more

New Digital Protégé Brings Karen Simmons' Autism Expertise Online 24/7

Autism advocate Karen Simmons has launched a Digital Protégé on the Apex Replicant AI platform, giving individuals, families, educators, and professionals access to her autism knowledge and guidance anytime they need it. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, the tool is designed to make trusted autism information, resources, and support more accessible through 24/7 interactive conversations. Read more

Father and autistic son undertake long-distance hiking journey to build connection and independence

An Australian father has taken a year off work to travel and complete multiple long-distance hikes with his teenage autistic son, who is nonverbal and has additional developmental conditions. The father says the outdoor journey is both a way to support his son’s happiness and independence, and an “indirect awareness campaign” as their story resonates with other families they meet along the trail. Read more

AutismDirectory.com Expands Access to Autism Resources and Community Support

AutismDirectory.com continues to position itself as a centralized online resource designed to connect individuals, families, educators, and professionals with autism-related services, information, and community supports. The platform aims to simplify access to tools and organizations across education, advocacy, therapy, and wellbeing sectors. Read more

Experimental Urine Test Shows Promise for Earlier Autism Screening

Researchers have reported encouraging results from a new urine-based screening test that identified autism-related biomarkers in young children with approximately 90% accuracy in a preliminary study. Scientists emphasize that larger studies are still needed before the test could be used clinically. Read more

First Autism-Focused ETF Launches

A new investment fund, the Defiance Autism Impact ETF (ticker: ASD), launched this week. The fund is designed to invest in companies developing autism-related therapies, technologies, educational tools, and support services. The creators have pledged to donate 100% of net profits during the first two years to autism-focused nonprofit organizations. Read more

Looking Ahead: Autistic Pride Day

Many organizations are beginning preparations for Autistic Pride Day, celebrated annually on June 18. The day focuses on autistic acceptance, self-advocacy, and celebrating neurodiversity. Read more

Teen autistic guitarist finds purpose & transformation through music

A 15-year-old autistic boy with significant medical and developmental challenges has experienced a life-changing shift after discovering heavy metal music, particularly Metallica. His passion for guitar has helped improve his emotional wellbeing, build confidence, and develop remarkable musical skill, with his family crediting music as a major positive force in his progress and daily life. Read more

🌱 Closing Reflection

This week highlights growing progress in autism research, support, and innovation, alongside a continued focus on inclusion and lived experience. The overall direction reflects a stronger emphasis on earlier understanding and more accessible, human-centered support.

Friends, thank you for reading this weekly newsletter.

Please forward this to those who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

from Autism Today and encourage them to join our mailing list.

4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
US

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Join us June 22: See the Impact of Authentic Storytelling for Autistic Kids

2026-06-04T12:05:18-04:00

Dear Friends,

The stories children watch can shape how they see themselves and how they are seen by others. For autistic children, authentic representation can be especially powerful—helping them feel understood, valued, and included.

That's why I'm excited to invite you to a special live Yakinar webinar on Monday, June 22: What Does It Mean to Truly See an Autistic Child on Screen?

This inspiring webinar will feature renowned Luminary Leaders Robert J. Bernstein, Stephen Shore, and Marcia Eckerd as they explore the role of neurodiversity in children's media and celebrate the impact of inclusive storytelling.

As an autistic adult, educator, author, and internationally respected advocate, Stephen Shore brings both lived experience and professional expertise to this important discussion. Stephen was also part of the Emmy Award-winning team behind Carl the Collector, receiving an Emmy for his contribution to the groundbreaking series. His unique perspective helps illuminate why authentic representation matters and how it can foster greater understanding, confidence, and belonging for autistic children.

Together, our speakers will discuss the Emmy Award-winning Carl the Collector and why authentic representation is so important—not only for autistic children, but for families, educators, and communities striving to create a more inclusive world.

Whether you're a parent, educator, professional, self-advocate, or simply passionate about autism and inclusion, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Join us on June 22 for an inspiring evening of learning, connection, and celebration. Register today and reserve your spot!

Warmly,

Karen

Friends, thank you for reading this message.

Please forward this email to anyone who would appreciate recieving meaningful emails

from Autism Today and encourage them to join our mailing list.

4430 Aaron Place
Boulder Colorado 80303
US

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June Newsletter: Celebrating "Dads & Grads"

2026-06-03T13:19:49-04:00

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please share it with anyone who you feel would appreciate it and encourage them to join our mailing list.

Dear Friends,

June brings meaningful moments for our community, offering a chance to pause and reflect on the people and milestones that shape our lives. This includes our look at "Dads and Grads".

To all dads and father figures, thank you for your steady presence and support - often shown in quiet ways that make a lasting difference, especially for neurodivergent individuals who rely on understanding and consistency.

We also celebrate graduates of all kinds this month. Whether finishing high school, college, university, or trades training, your growth and resilience deserve recognition.

Wishing you a warm and hopeful June.

The Autism Directory is now Live!

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We’re so excited to share that the brand new Autism Directory, created in partnership by CircaThera and Autism Today, is now live!

Designed to help families, individuals, and professionals connect more easily with trusted supports and services, this growing resource is already making it easier to find the help you need. We invite you to explore it today and check back often as new listings and resources continue to be added.

Honoring the Super Dads

June is a special time to recognize and celebrate fathers and father figures, especially within the autism community where their love, advocacy, and resilience shine in so many meaningful ways.

With Father's Day around the corner, we’re taking a moment to honor the everyday moments, the quiet strength, and the unwavering support they bring to their families.

Read the article here

Celebrating Neurodivergent Graduates

Graduation season is a time to celebrate the perseverance, growth, and achievements of neurodivergent students across high school, college, university, and trades programs. Many have faced unique challenges along the way, yet continued forward with determination, resilience, and strength.

Each graduate represents more than an academic milestone; they reflect personal growth, self-advocacy, and success in many different forms. To read the full article and join in celebrating these inspiring journeys, follow the link to learn more.

Introducing Little Rainman Too!

Autism Through the Eyes of My Child

Recommended by world-renowned author and speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, this children's book paints a picture of what life is like for children with autism. Unique illustrations accompany a child's voice as he explains the different ways he thinks, sees, hears and feels.

Told in Jonathan’s own voice, it shares what his world truly feels like including sensory overload, social confusion, comfort in routines, and the joy he finds in the things he loves.

Readers often say, “This helped me understand.” That is exactly why this book exists.

The Healing Power of Gardening for Neurodivergent Wellbeing

Gardening is a simple but powerful way to support calm, confidence, and connection for many neurodivergent individuals. Time in nature can help with emotional regulation, sensory engagement, and building gentle routines that support wellbeing.

Recent features on NPR’s Living on Earth and the Cultivating Place podcast featuring Luminary Leader Jill Mays highlight how accessible gardening can be with small adaptations that make a big difference.