Welcome to School District 15

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) is a branch of the neurodiversity movement that advocates for autism awareness and the eschewing of the medical model. The medical model focuses on finding a “cure” for autism, as well as implementing treatment programs to teach people with autism to act neurotypical.

Learn more: http://understandingtheurban.qwriting.qc.cuny.edu/2017/03/09/autism-rights-movementneurodiversity-movement/

A soon-to-be high school graduate started his job search in a unique way -- he wrote a candid open letter and posted it on LinkedIn. Ryan Lowry has autism and wants future employers to understand that while he may learn in a different way, he is worth taking a chance on.

Read about it here: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/16/us/man-autism-linkedin-cover-letter-trnd/index.html 

Exceptional Minds’ three-year, full-time flagship Professional Training Academy is unique in that they combine the skills of artists, instructors, technicians, and behaviorists into a completely articulated curriculum based on idiographic, empirically validated principles of instructional design. They are the only autism education organization that provides technical instruction in the digital arts while fully integrating behavioral training into the curriculum. Their Employment Support Program provides work readiness training, job coaching, placements, troubleshooting, and employer education. 

Learn more: https://exceptional-minds.org/generalinfo/ 

Jesse A. Saperstein is a best-selling author, autism advocate and motivational speaker.  He is considered one of the most respected leaders in the Anti-Bullying movement of his generation.  Jesse also has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome (AS).  Individuals with Asperger’s are impaired by a profound lack of social skills, common sense, and resistance to change in routine.  But they are often enhanced by empathy, intellectual gifts, and morality.

Learn more about Jesse: https://www.jessesaperstein.com/ 

JT FireStarters are a great way to light a fire in your fireplace, grill, wood stove, campfire, chiminea, or home fire pit! Each firestarter is handmade by Daniel, an adult with autism. Each purchase helps Daniel in "Taking My Own Path" towards independence. Daniel also hopes to employ more adults with autism in the future. 

Learn more: http://www.justtoops.com/ 

Anthony Ianni is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. Learn more: https://raind.msu.edu/people/anthony-ianni 

DaniMation Entertainment is a cloud-based autism talent development company that produces original and contract Animation, Illustration, and Graphic Arts. Founded by Dani Bowman at age 14, the company has produced nine animated shorts, a PSA, and a Music Video premiering at San Diego Comic-Con, has illustrated 6 children's books available on Amazon and numerous commercial work. Bowman also travels around the country, teaching animation to teens and young adults with autism at summer camps, and speaking at autism and neurodiverse conferences about "Autism and the Importance of Inclusion of Neurodiversity in the Workforce". Learn more: https://danimationentertainment.com/ 

Alexis Wineman is an autism advocate who was named Miss Montana 2012. She won the "America's Choice" award at the Miss America 2013 pageant and is the first known autistic contestant to compete in the Miss America pageant. When she made it to Miss America, she realized she wasn't just representing Montana, there was a much larger community, who like her longed to prove to others that their autism doesn't limit who they can become. She did not win Miss America in 2013, but she walked away with so much more--a purpose. With the scholarship dollars from Miss Montana and Miss America, she eventually graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL with a degree in Art and thanks to so many she continues to tour the United States speaking, advocating and showing the world that a label does not define autistic people. 

Learn more: http://www.alexiswineman.com/ 

The mission of Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) is to provide community, support, and resources for Autistic women, girls, transfeminine and transmasculine nonbinary people, trans people of all genders, Two Spirit people, and all others of marginalized genders.  AWN Network is dedicated to building a supportive community where Autistic people can share their experiences in an understanding, diverse and inclusive environment. AWN is committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity and the many intersectional experiences in the Autistic community.

Learn more: https://awnnetwork.org/  

Dr. Temple Grandin is well known to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Grandin has been referred to as the "most famous person working at CSU" by her peers. Her life’s work has been to understand her own autistic mind, and to share that knowledge with the world, aiding in the treatment of individuals with the condition. Her understanding of the human mind has aided her in her work with animal behavior, and she is one of the most respected experts in both autism and animal behavior in the world. Grandin shares her wealth of knowledge with her classes at CSU where she teaches the Graduate Animal Behavior and Welfare program and continues her research. She has no plans on stopping anytime soon.

Learn more: http://www.templegrandin.com/  

POPCORN FOR THE PEOPLE is a nonprofit established to create meaningful employment for individuals with Autism and disabilities. They aim to combat the current 80% Unemployment Rate in the Autistic community with the training and hiring of adults with Autism to create, cook, package, and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn.

Learn more: https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/ 

Dr. Stephen Shore is an autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University. He has written books that include: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond the Wall.  Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks, and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history, looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He once headed the Asperger's Association of New England and was on the board of the Autism Society of America.

Learn more: https://drstephenshore.com/ 

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives.  The organization provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

Learn more: https://www.aane.org/  

Award Winning and Breakthrough Advocate Kerry Magro knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Kerry was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) a form of autism, at age 4. Growing up Kerry’s future was very uncertain. Today however, after countless hours of therapy and the support of a loving family, Kerry has conquered many of his challenges. Now as an adult Kerry is a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant and non-profit founder.

Learn more: http://kerrymagro.com/  

Formerly known as Talk About Curing Autism, The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a non-profit organization. It provides education and support to individuals and families living with autism. According to its website, the organization’s vision is “for every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life.”

Learn more: https://tacanow.org/ 

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is an educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate. She is passionate about human rights, justice, and inclusion. She is involved in various social justice advocacy endeavors including HIV awareness, learning via technology, research, gender, disability, and racial equity and other issues. A prolific writer, Morénike has written for and/or been featured in numerous blogs, abstracts, magazines, books, and other platforms, often drawing from her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed Autistic adult woman, a person of color, an Autistic parent of Autistic and non-Autistic children, and a survivor of intimate partner violence. 

Read more: https://morenikego.com/ 

Amy Gravino is a certified autism specialist, college coach, speaker and author, amongst other things. Amy’s work particularly focuses on how autism affects women. She is heavily involved in ongoing autism research and is dedicated to supporting adults on the spectrum as they navigate their symptoms.

Learn more: https://www.amygravino.com/ 

Autism National Committee (AutCom) is the first autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Autistics" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. The organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism and related differences of communication and behavior. 

Learn more: https://www.autcom.org/