Chesley Maldonado

Thirteen-year-old Illiana Figueroa, an autistic girl from New Jersey, has recently reached over 100 thousand subscribers on her YouTube Channel, Toy Quest 101. This milestone marks a great accomplishment after three years of posting videos online with her dad.

Toy Quest 101 is all about toys, comics and pop culture. Illiana records videos with her father Miguel. They unbox and review toy products, and hold interviews. Their goal is to be inspiring to other people with autism or other special needs. The want to raise awareness about autism, and encourage people with disabilities to go after their dreams. 

Illiana used to spend time watching other YouTube channels, until her father encouraged her to create her own channel. His emotions were struck when she said that she didn’t believe she could do it because of her autism. He motivated her to get it going, and he helped her. She was scared at first, but she got used to the idea and she really likes it now. Now they cohost the show together, and have been doing so for a few years now, since 2017. They have posted about 100 videos over the last few years.

In a recent video, they unboxed their very own Silver Creator Award. The award is issued to YouTubers who surpass 100,000 subscribers. The Figueroas expressed the excitement and gratitude to the viewers, guests, and to YouTube for the achievement.

Miguel and her daughter earned the Daily Points of Light award in June 2020. Daily Points of Light is an organization founded by former president George H.W. Bush to address a number problems facing society. The two were featured and interviewed last summer after being nominated for their volunteer work in their local New Jersey communities. They try to stay active and involved in positive activities such as food drives and cosplay fundraisers.  They join events with the Boys and Girls Club to help clean up communities and other similar activities.

The show has also received some other celebrity attention, including the writers of X-Men the Animated Series and professional wrestlers Matt Cordona and Sonya Deville. They have appeared on the show for interviews and proudly show their support for Toy Quest 101’s mission. The Figueroas also have their own logo on products available on their Merch page. They also have pages with modest followings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Parenting special needs children can take a toll on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. The financial burden of therapies and gadgets can also add to the stress. With the additional difficulties of COVID-19 this past year, including masks and reduced school support, there is no doubt that some parents and guardians are being pushed to the breaking point, and are downright exhausted.  Fortunately, there are ways to combat stress and find ways to rejuvenate, even under these circumstances. The key thing to remember is to be intentional about self-care. Here are some key ways to make sure that you are at your best.

Plan, plan, plan. The only way that you will have rest is if you plan to get it. Schedule time that is just for yourself, even if it is 15 minutes or a half-hour. Work it into the daily schedule and give yourself some much needed attention. You may need to take something less important out of your schedule, but it will be worth it.

Get help. Insurance may cover the costs of respite care, which is hired help. You may have a family member or trusted friend take over for you so that you can run errands in peace or just take a break. Many states offer such family services that you do not have to pay for 100%. Someone can come to your home, or there may be a facility that will look after your special needs child for a few hours. Look into what your state and your insurance have to offer and take advantage of it. You do not have to do this alone.

Make friends. Forming bonds with other parents in similar situations can be life-saving. Being able to connect with someone else who gets it can truly be a way to reduce stress. Having friends can also provide the opportunity for you both to help each other out with the kids. Find local parent groups on Facebook or other social media. Check your state for autism centers and introduce yourself to other parents.

Workout. Getting just 20 minutes of exercise can make a world of difference in your mood and stress levels. Go for a walk, practice yoga, dance, jog, or find exercise videos on streaming services or YouTube. Anything that requires your body to move will do.

Enjoy yourself. Do the things that you love to do the most, at least once in a while. Take up a new hobby or find a way to work in your passion on a daily basis. Even if you only spend a few minutes having fun, it can give you the boost that you need to continue to care for your demanding children. 

Remember that one of the best things that you can do for your special needs child is to take good care over yourself. The healthier and stronger you are, the more you can give to them. You are also setting an example for them to take good care of themselves, too.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

A recent study conducted in Italy found that certain strains of probiotics can have a positive effect on some individuals with autism. 

People found to be within the Autism Spectrum Disorder range tend to have various issues with communication, behaviors, and sensory experiences. One of the issues that could trigger problem behaviors or become sources of frustration or distress for autistic people could be digestion related. The study found that the use of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus (typically found in yogurt), can help relieve digestive discomforts. As a result, some behaviors that are caused by digestive problems, that an autistic person may not have the communication skills to describe, can be reduced or eliminated.

Autistics often have specific and very limited dietary preferences, which can in turn create some problems when it comes to the stomach and intestines. Picky eaters might only rotate four or five meals, and be generally unwilling to eat other foods. In addition to this, many autistic people have trouble communicating verbally, making it difficult to make others aware that they are having stomach upset. Problems such as constipation or painful bowel movements, gastric upset, diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion may cause outbursts, anger, aggression, and other disruptive behaviors in certain individuals. Adding probiotics as a regular part of an autistic person’s diet could cause them to be more physically comfortable, and therefore more cooperative, less irritable and more at ease.

Registered dietitian Karen Mountjoy, from New Hampshire, confirms that a majority of children with autism have issues with diet or digestion in some way. Reactions to these problems may be misinterpreted as poor behavior, when the child is actually trying to express that they are not feeling well. Because of limited food intake and low strength in the abdominals, a diet that includes probiotics as well as peaches, plums, pears, and lots of vegetables is recommended. Strengthening the health of your child’s gut can make them more comfortable, according to Mountjoy, and that can make them behave better.

The best sources of probiotics are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimichi, miso, kombucha, pickles, natto, and some cheeses (cheddar, gouda, mozzarella). There is also a wide variety of probiotic supplements available on the market. 

Diet is an important factor an ASD symptoms and behaviors. There is other research out there that seems to support that a diet in reduced sugars and reduced or eliminated gluten can help lessen various behavioral issues and other symptoms in autistic people. At the very least, a healthy diet can add comfort to an individual with ASD, making everyday life a little bit easier for them and those that care for them. 

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Over the summer, PBS Kids released a new series called “Hero Elementary” that features a group of kids with special abilities. Each character is unique, and has their own challenges and super powers. One of the main characters, AJ Gadgets is on the autism spectrum.

While the creators of the show, Carol-Lynn Parente and Christine Ferraro, didn’t originally set out to create an autistic character, they love how it worked out. Ferraro stated in a recent interview that it sends a strong message because the show isn’t all about AJ Gadgets or his autism, instead it is about the group of diverse kids who solve problems together. AJ can project his thoughts and has various devices that help the team. His teammates can fly, teleport, or create forcefields. They are all portrayed as equally important to the team.

Autism is not the focus of the show, and people who are not familiar with the disorder may not notice that AJ has it. He doesn’t like hearing loud noises, feeling wet clothes, or being without his backpack. There are one or two future episodes that focus on AJ Gadgets, but the creators are very intentional about keeping AJ as just another regular part of the team, showing that people on the spectrum have a place in the world, and they contribute, too.

Dennis Taylor, is a consultant for the show. He is a 27-year-old, autistic artist and storyteller. He helps with the AJ Gadget’s character on every episode. Taylor hopes to help bring awareness and acceptance of people on the spectrum through his work behind the scenes of the show. His involvement helps keep the character true to life when it comes to being on the spectrum.

The other characters have their own issues to face as well. Lucita is afraid of heights. Sara is really small. They are all still learning to use their powers to the best of their ability. Everyone helps each other out, including AJ Gadgets. There is a lot of teamwork, and no one character is pointed our more than the other, showing great inclusiveness, support, and understanding for our autistic representation.

One of the major goals of “Hero Elementary” is to encourage children between the ages of 4 and 7 to use problem solving skills, empathy and kindness. The creators want to help people remember that all kids are different in their own ways. PBS will produce at least 40-80 episodes, each with two stories, for a total of about 30 minutes each. Co-creator Parente noted that she wants the show to help kids think more scientifically and independently. 

Parente is also behind the Sesame Street character Julia, who is also on the spectrum. Julia was introduced several years ago online, and has appeared on the show several times. In the last three years, Julia has been a special part of Autism Awareness Month, which is April. 

“Hero Elementary” is being shown on PBS stations, including the PBS kids 24/7 channel, and the PBS kids digital application.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Next year’s Autism Full Employment Act will be put together over the next several months with direct communication for the autistic community. The goal of this act is to improve employment opportunities for adults on the spectrum seeking work. 

University partners including UCLA and Cornell will be aiding the autism community in writing out the details of this act to hopefully complete the details by the end of 2020. Groups such as the Autism Society and Autism Speaks that already have some form of job placement programs will be expanded upon. All of the latest efforts to create jobs or place people with autism in jobs happening nationwide will be considered. While autism is specifically named, other developmental differences are meant to be included in the application of the act.

Typically, family members within companies will advocate for their loved ones so that they can find work at the same companies. The Autism Full Employment Act of 2021 will support and encourage actions like these, as well as other possibilities, such as forming groups and mentoring programs. Financial incentives from the government, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, are expected to help encourage employers to take on more workers on the spectrum. In light of the ongoing pandemic and monetary struggles, many businesses may welcome the funds and hire more people. The writers of the Act are looking to previous subsidies that have shown increases in hiring actions towards people with developmental differences.

There are several other important issues that will be addressed. One goal of this Act is to require state and local governments as well as private employers to hire a certain amount of people with developmental differences. Another issue is providing on-the-job-support from coaches, counselors and trainers in order to keep people working once they do get hired. Low payment for many of these positions is another problem that the Act hopes to address, both for those on the spectrum and their support workers. The Employment Act is also set to help those who may not have advanced or unique skills, so that they can also find appropriate work.

People in the autistic community not only struggle with finding work, but also underemployment. While they may be capable of certain more skilled jobs, they are sometimes placed in positions that they are overqualified for. This is due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of interview skills or communication skills. Many work programs were created for people with other kinds of disabilities, such as physical ones, which may not be satisfying for an autistic person who is more capable in certain ways. 

It is important for parents to investigate transitional programs for graduating students. By the age of 22, school provided programs come to and end. There are limited programs that help adults with autism, though many are beginning to form due to the increase in autistic adults in the population. Life skills and jobs skills training are essential. This Act will hopefully create more opportunities for autistics to find work.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.

Dissatisfied parents are taking legal action to support their special needs children. Lawsuits have been filed against public schools for failing to provide necessary accommodating services in some states, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Hawaii by parents, special education advocates, and teacher’s unions. A class action lawsuit began at the end of July, filed with Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York. Nearly all public schools are under fire from this legal action, for violations of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Many students with a wide variety of disabilities are unable to learn effectively over virtual platforms. Difficulties with technology, shorter attention spans, and the need for physical assistance with tasks is difficult or impossible, especially considering the hours of speech, occupational, and physical therapy often provided in person during school hours. During school shutdowns, many children suffered relapses or partial/full regression. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) were all but forgotten for a while, as everyone adjusted to the new reality of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Now, with schools back in session, a reduction in services that were previously offered creates frustration and difficulty for parents hoping to get their children back on routine and on track with development. With policy changes, distance learning, reductions in staff and other issues, the needs of many students are not being met, and there are clear violations that are being pointed out with the lawsuit. The Patrick Donahue Law Firm along with the Brain Injury Rights Group is taking the public school system to court, naming not only the New York City School District, but public school districts all over the country. 

Other issues are being addressed under this class action lawsuit. Parents have suffered financially not only due to providing regular care for disabled students, but being forced to take off from work and getting therapies and other services (that the school would normally provide) from private agencies. The demand is for all vital in-person services to resume, as well as for IEPs to be reevaluated considering the changes in approach to education overall.  

Parents should respond immediately if they are contacted with information regarding this class action lawsuit if the public school district that they live in has been specifically named in the case as a defendant. There is no reason to do anything unless they receive communication about it in the mail. Schools are challenged with the difficult decisions related to virtual learning, in-person learning, hybrid learning, searching for the safest and most effective learning options for a majority of students. Many districts that have opened have also com under legal fire for poor reopening strategies, while others are being criticized for limiting education to virtual learning only. There is no easy solution to these issues, and clearly not the same answer will work for every student. Parents of special needs students, however, should be accommodated as best as possible, and they should not be expected to simply ignore what their children need to succeed at learning.

Chesley Maldonado

Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.