In Recognition of World Autism Awareness Day

Introducing: Rachel Barcellona!

They say I am autistic... I say I am capable​.

I am very introverted, but once you get to know me, I will be your best friend and never stop talking! I love to sing opera, and have sung the national anthem at Madison Square Garden twice, as well as several national sports events. I love to write, and am working on a series of fantasy novels, which I hope to get published one day.

My biggest success was speaking at the United Nations for World Autism Day! I also got to travel to the Czech Republic to educate people about autism, and I'm now part of Sephora's "We Belong to Something Beautiful" campaign.

Let's show the world that we are not defined by labels. Submit your application here: https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/iamapp.html

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day

With little Addison scampering around the room, Jocelyn and Vince sit on a sofa discussing the family’s amazing experience after completing Unicorn’s Early Star Denver Model (ESDM) Parent Coaching Scholarship for parents of toddlers and preschoolers with autism. Unicorn’s scholarship program teaches parents effective techniques for incorporating learning opportunities into play and every-day routines.

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Know the Signs

It's #WorldAutismAwarenessDay !!

Do you know the signs?

Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Lending Library is the original artist and source for this image

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is #WorldAutismAwarenessDay !!

Here is list of 100 amazing individuals with autism. You might notice a familiar face on this list... our Youth in Service Ambassador, Rachel Barcellona!!

http://kerrymagro.com/68-people-with-autism-to-know-for-autism-awareness-month/

NEWS UPDATE: The Creating Compassionate Children Toolkit

You can help break down stereotypes and stigmas of neurodiversity with the Unicorn Children's Foundation's Creating Compassionate Children Toolkit!

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day

April 2, 2017- Unicorn Children's Foundation presents the Creating Compassionate Children™ campaign and toolkit. This character development program promotes a positive culture of understanding, acceptance, inclusion, and respect towards differences in other students learning comprehension, including children with special needs, and accepting them into their social environment. Unicorn Children's Foundation wants young children to contribute to the elimination of bullying and build a world where their peers can be fully engaged in the classroom and in society, no matter the neurological differences they have.

The introduction of the Creating Compassionate Children toolkits are pre-assembled by individuals with special needs for preschool and elementary age classrooms to help create a kinder classroom. Each toolkit consists of a:

• Teacher's Guide to using the Creating Compassionate Children Curriculum

• Get Caught Being Kind™ Cards 

• Get Caught Being Kind™ Poster

• Brain Break Cards© 

• Sensory/Fidget Toys

• Promise Ribbon 

• Exceptionally Good Friends: Building Relationships with Autism book

"Children with special needs are an easy target for bullies because of their desire to fit in and make friends coupled by their challenges in understanding social cues,” said Sharon Alexander, Executive Director of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation. “More and more doors to inclusive opportunities are opening for individuals with special needs, but these very doors may also make them more vulnerable to bullying by their peers. Your gift will ensure that when these doors open they will reveal supportive peers."

 

With support from the community, donate today and help the Unicorn Children's Foundation raise $30,000 to make sure 1,000 classrooms receive the Creating Compassionate Children. Click here to learn more about how these kits can make a positive impact in the classroom. 

About Bullying

Students with neurodiversity, the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, encounter bullying. Nearly 85% of children with special needs are victims of bullying by their peers. They are two to three times more likely to be bullied than non-disabled students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 27.8% students between the ages of 12 and 18 are victims of bullying. One in three of those students encounter cyberbullying. Because of bullying, 18.5% of students between the ages of 12 and 17 have skipped school and 2% of those students make skipping a frequent occurrence. With constant bullying, the self-esteem of pre-teens and teens begins to lower and 29% of bullied victims report suicidal thoughts. However, with the help of peers learning how important it is to stop bullying, more than half of the reported cases of bullying stopped due to peer intervention. In order to increase peer intervention and stop bullying, children and teachers must work together to create an environment where all children, no matter what disability, can learn to their full potential. 

 About Unicorn Children's Foundation

Unicorn Children's Foundation is a 22 year old international non-profit organization dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support and opportunity for individuals and families challenged by special needs and neurodiversity.  We connect families to resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals and support success by providing education, awareness and funding opportunities to organizations for special needs children in an effort to help them excel in the community.  We all can create a positive environment for children with ADHD, autism, bipolar, dyslexia, and other learning disorders while they learn.  To learn more about the Unicorn Children's Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.

World Autism Awareness Day 2016

April 2015 Newsletter

The April 2015 Newsletter is now available online!

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/415newsletter/

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is a very special day to celebrate and spread awareness of the unique strengths and talents of individuals who have been diagnosed with autism.

Five years ago today, our Founder, Dr. Mark Rosenbloom, and Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, were invited guests to the Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

At that time, the incident of autism was 1 out of 91 births. Statistics released by the Center for Disease Control reveal that 1 in 68 U.S. children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) are affected, a 30% increase between 2008 and 2010.

What change has occurred over the last 5 years that has not yet been revealed?

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is working diligently to increase opportunities for individual’s with neurodiversity to live independently, obtain and sustain employment, pursue continued academic endeavors, and participate in the communities where they live.

Your donation will help us to make a difference in the lives of those who think communicate and learn differently. To help, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is a very special day to celebrate and spread awareness of the unique strengths and talents of individuals who have been diagnosed with autism.

Four years ago today, our Founder, Dr. Mark Rosenbloom, and Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, were invited guests to the Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

At that time, the incident of autism was 1 out of 91 births. Statistics released this week by the Center for Disease Control reveal that 1 in 68 U.S. children are affected, a 30% increase between 2008 and 2010.

What change has occurred over the last 4 years that has not yet been revealed?

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is working diligently to increase opportunities for individual’s with neurodiversity to live independently, obtain and sustain employment, pursue continued academic endeavors, and participate in the communities where they live.

Your donation will help us to make a difference in the lives of those who think communicate and learn differently. To help, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

Day 3: 30 Days of Neurodiversity Acceptance

"We need to help students who have unique minds to be successful." Aren't we all good at certain things and bad at others? Why are we turning these neurodiverse differences into disabilities? Listen to Temple Grandin, Ph.D. discuss this concept (fyi, she was diagnosed with autism). Leave us a comment if you agree that those with neurodiversity are different not damaged, and capable of contributing to society.

Day 2: 30 Days of Neurodiversity Acceptance

Never assume a lack of intelligence when someone does not communicate the way we do. How many people are we underestimating who could be capable of offering great insight if given the tools to express themselves?

Day 1: 30 Days of Neurodiversity Acceptance

As many around the world are participating in World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month, Unicorn Children’s Foundation encourages you take it one step further by accepting and respecting differences and celebrate each person’s unique contribution to society. Please continue to follow us as we launch 30 Days of Neurodiversity Acceptance. Watch as internationally acclaimed fashion designer Lloyd Klein shares his personal experience with neurodiversity.