Positively Autism ~ Summer Fun ~ April, 2007

Summer Fun
Volume 2, Issue 4 ~ April, 2007

Positive Autism News

12-Year-Old with Autism wins Geography Contest
Austin Peak, who has a talent and passion for mapreading, has earned a spot in his state's finals of the National Geographic Bee. His score placed him among the top 100 students in New York. The 12-year-old has a large collection of maps at home, and uses the internet to study more. "His geography knowledge is uncanny," says his social studies teacher. Click Here To Read the Complete Article

Teenager with Asperger's Syndrome Publishes Writings
Catherine Schramm, a 14-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome has recently published a book entitled "Catherine’s Journal." The book, which began as a writing assignment for her English class, is a collection of her writings. Her writings reflect her views and experiences. For example, in one piece, she writes, "“If I were Queen of the World I would make sure there was money for all, even the poor. If I were Queen of the World, I would make sure all of the children were in nice homes." Her mother reports that, "The doctors never thought she was capable of doing something like this and I think other parents need to know that." Click Here To Read the Complete Article

Teen Comedian with Asperger's Syndrome Takes the Stage
16-Year-Old Elijah Wapner, who recently appeared on the MTV documentary, "True Life: I Have Autism," recently showcased his talent at a Las Vegas comedy festival. For the first time, Wapner used material about Autism in his show. In addition to entertaining the crowd, he says, "I think it helps people understand what autism is." Performing stand-up since the age of 13, Wapner now has regular performances at comedy clubs in New York. Click Here To Read the Complete Article

Teen with Autism wins Art Contest
Paul Hoffman, an eighth-grader with autism, has had a talent and interest in drawing since the age of 18 months, according to his mother. Paul participates in general education art classes, and his art teacher says that "he has an incredible spatial ability. It seems like everything is worked out in his head ahead of time." Hoffman was recently awarded a first place prize for his entry in a poster contest, which had an anti-bullying theme. Click Here To Read the Complete Article