Greystone's Helpful Articles
Autism Resources, Programs, and Schools in the Hudson Valley
By Lisa Cesarano And Kathryn Walsh
As mothers of children with autism, we know what it’s like to live in a world that has been turned upside down and inside out. From the devastation of the diagnosis; to the hours of reading, research, and therapies; to the recognition of our children’s challenges and appreciation for their strengths, we have been there. And after 30 combined years of learning about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), what we’ve come to recognize is: There’s always something you don’t know. Hence, the genesis of this resource guide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, one in 54 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. Of the 448,926 children in the Hudson Valley, an estimated 3,662 live with autism. According to some studies, ASD can be detected as early as 18 months or younger by specialized screenings, such as evaluating eye tracking in infants.
Op-Ed | Supporting New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities means impacting those who support them
By Matt Sturiale, CEO, Birch Family Services
Often overlooked, 11% of New Yorkers are living with an intellectual or developmental disability. Each person with a disability deserves and has the right to a healthy, fulfilling and inclusive life, all of which is made possible by the support of family members, doctors, teachers and the essential service workers known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
The Power of Sensory Integration: Enhancing Communication for Non-Speaking Individuals
By Corrina Riggs, MA, SLP-CCC The Guild for Human Services
Sensory integration strategies are valuable tools to optimize communication by addressing individuals’ sensory needs. The role of sensory processing in shaping our ability to communicate is gaining recognition, with sensory integration strategies emerging as key facilitators...
People with disabilities demand fund in N.Y. budget to permanently raise staff pay
By Kate Lisa and Spectrum News
Workers who care for New Yorkers with disabilities said Monday they no longer want to have the same fiscal battle with state lawmakers over their salaries each year — pushing the Legislature this budget cycle to include a fund to permanently boost wages.
Hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rallied in Albany on Monday to fight for more support for staff who work for nonprofit providers and help the viability of the field.
"We all need to be paid the way we're supposed to be, and we haven't been for a long time," New York Disability Advocates President Mike Alvaro said. "It's time for them to start investing in us. We care for our individuals so our individuals can live their lives the way they're supposed to."
The Importance of Special Needs Trusts for Children with Autism
By: Karen B. Mariscal, Esq. Mariscal Special Needs Law
One thing we can do to ease the anxiety and make sure our children are not only safe and secure but can live the best lives possible after we are gone is to prepare an estate plan that takes our children’s special needs into account.