Sam’s story: Rock RApids boy featured in autism documentary
April 5, 2013 in Worthington Daily Globe
ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa At age 11, Sam Wessels has already hobnobbed with a lot of important political figures all the presidential candidates in the last two elections but he’s quick to quash any speculation about a future in politics.
“I don’t think I’m going to be a politician when I grow up,” he offered without even being asked the question. “I’m into politics, but it’s too tough for me.”
Sam’s campaign trail stumping has all been on behalf of people with autism people like himself. His message will reach a broader audience with the release of a documentary, “The United States of Autism,” next week. Sam and his parents are one of 20 families featured in the film. Continue Reading
When her son, Ethan, was diagnosed with autism at age 2 in fall 2005, Jalene Suda devoted herself completely to his recovery. She quit a good job to stay home and marshal every available resource to free her son from this complex, isolating brain disorder. 
Researchers are using “toy” robots in an attempt to diagnose autism early, before children reach the normal stage of speech development when the disease is usually recognized. 
“Music truly is the universal language,” said music therapist Anna Driscoll. “Whether or not we have the ability to communicate in the first place, music has the ability to bridge the gap. Music is able to express feelings we can’t ourselves.” 
She lives in a world no one else can enter, unable to speak or interact with others. But 16-year-old Rebecca Singer may be playing an important role in science. 
Connecting with nature can improve lives of people with autism and other disabilities
Legislature will consider recommendations on how to help familiesHis caregiver knew something was wrong when Alexander Cherney only wanted to sit and watch “Wheel of Fortune” or “The Price Is Right.”
Most Discussed This Week