Everyone loves music and many are aware of the therapeutic effect that comes from a favorite tune in a time of stress. People spend more than 30% of their time on their smart devices in audio apps like Spotify, so we know music is important to humans. For individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism,…
Being a parent can often be full of turmoil and surprising outcomes in multiple situations, but nothing really compares to all the turmoil that goes on in your inner dialogue. Parents and caregivers, particularly parents of young children, seem to have a constant mental stream of “what if” situations going through their mind. What happens…
There are a number of avenues available for work for people with disabilities. One that isn’t discussed often is a personal business. Starting a business can be liberating because if a person has an idea and the funding, anyone can start a business. People have often asked, “what kind of a business can a person…
Independence is an important and vital aspect of growth as a person. Everyone strives for their own independence. At Lexington, members are encouraged to pursue independence and to work toward their goals, no matter how minute or lofty. When working to develop and reinforce independence for people with ASD, it’s important to strive toward those…
Choosing a career is one of the most exciting times of an individual’s life, full of apprehension and the promise of the future. For people with disabilities, it can be a uniquely overwhelming and challenging experience. There are a number of factors that must be taken into account including experience, required skills and education based…
As young adults with autism transition into adulthood, they face a difficult challenge that many of their peers will never have to face. Studies show that nearly 20% of young people with autism suffer from depression, which is nearly triple the amount of neurotypical people with depression. Young adults with autism are facing a gap…
Everyone deserves to live in an optimum location for their lifestyle. Whether that includes your hobbies, cost of living, proximity to family or the opportunities a city and state has to offer, people make choices for where they live based on their concerns. For people with disabilities, states that have more opportunities and services to…
Video games have quickly integrated into the global culture and become one of the most beloved hobbies in the world. The diversity of games and platforms for playing has made gaming one of the most innovative industries. For children and teens with autism, video games can function as a hobby, but there are surprising benefits…
The time of businesses overlooking people with disabilities when it comes to hiring is coming to end. A new era of disability friendly business is being ushered in on a tidal wave of data that supports a simple message: when you hire people with disabilities, it’s in your best interest. For people with disabilities, this…
If you have spent anytime in the autism community, you have likely seen the puzzle piece that is the accepted symbol of autism and the ally community. The puzzle piece is not limited to one community or a branded symbol of one organization. Instead it signifies several major things unique to ASD and it’s a…