Remember Justin and Ryan, the brothers with autism who are Disney experts? We chatted with them and their mom, Theresa, to gather their thoughts on Inside Out 2 and Proof Positive’s Movie Guide on the Side. Watch their video to see how they liked Inside Out 2! Justin and Ryan told us they still have…
Disney movies have long been a source of joy and inspiration for many, but for families navigating the world of autism, these beloved films can be much more—they can be a bridge to understanding and connection. Theresa Forthofer shared how Disney has played a pivotal role in her family’s wellbeing, particularly for her two sons,…
Ryan, 31, and Justin, 24, are brothers with autism, avid movie-watchers, and Disney experts. They know everything about Disney’s history, the origins of Mickey Mouse, and the best attractions at Disney World (they have different Disney t-shirts to go with each park they visit). In appreciation of Disney and Pixar’s movie Inside Out, Proof Positive…
The practice of mindfulness helps to calm the mind, ground the body, and keep the focus on the present. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce challenging behavior, improve attention, boost learning and cognitive performance, strengthen emotional intelligence, foster engagement, and enhance self-regulation. Research shows that mindfulness practices can also improve the…
Maurice Snell has worked as a Development Coordinator at De La Salle Institute in Chicago, as a national spokesperson for Easterseals, and is a member of a band called The Naturals. We talked with him and his mother, Jennifer Snell, about Mother’s Day and the importance of relationships for autism wellbeing, including mother-son relationships. What…
Written by Marisa Hamamoto It’s Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history, and also reflect on challenges we face, including experiences of families navigating autism within our cultures. Recent data highlights…
Written by Marisa Hamamoto Autistic special interests are intensely focused activities, topics, or hobbies pursued with immense dedication by autistic individuals. While neurotypical individuals might also have focused interests, the depth of engagement for autistic individuals often results in these interests dominating their thoughts and sometimes appearing as extreme obsessions. Special interests among autistic individuals…
On March 20, the International Day of Happiness, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the Happy Schools Report. The Happy Schools Report places happiness at the core of transformation for education. The Happy Schools Framework outlined in the report stands on four pillars: People: To enhance interpersonal relationships, physical and socio-emotional…
Written by Marisa Hamamoto Quoting Reverend Desmond Tutu, “Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” Language evolves, as culture and society evolve. As we learn more about autism, we realize the importance of using words that respect everyone’s unique experience. Changing how we talk about autism helps everyone feel included…
Written by Marisa Hamamoto March 20 is the United Nations International Day of Happiness. Like the UN, Proof Positive recognizes happiness as a universal right. Whoever you are in the autism community, whether you are autistic or not, and whether you are an educator, parent, caregiver, service provider, advocate, or something else, you deserve happiness. …