Tag Archives: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Life and Living Announces Celebrity Paddle Battle 2025 with Jerry Colangelo as Honorary Chair, Benefiting Vulnerable Individuals with Autism

PHOENIX, Ariz., Sept. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Autism Life and Living (ALL) today announced the launch of the Celebrity Paddle Battle 2025, a premier table tennis fundraiser set for Friday, November 1, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will bring together celebrities, athletes, business leaders, and community members to raise much needed funds for Oak Tree Ranch, a first-of-its-kind independent living community for adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).

Image caption: Autism Life and Living Announces Celebrity Paddle Battle 2025.

Adding star power and leadership to the event, Jerry Colangelo — iconic sports executive and community builder — will serve as Honorary Chair. Colangelo’s involvement underscores the event’s importance and provides a powerful platform to elevate awareness and support.

JERRY COLANGELO’S LEADERSHIP

Among his many accomplishments, Jerry Colangelo owned the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, brought Major League Baseball to Phoenix with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and led the team to a world championship. As Chairman of USA Basketball, he returned the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team to glory, capturing gold medals in 2008 (Beijing), 2012 (London), and 2016 (Rio).

“I’ve spent my career building organizations and teams that could change the game. Now, I’m proud to support Oak Tree Ranch — a project that will change lives. Every adult with autism deserves a safe, permanent place to call home, and I’m honored to stand behind this vision,” said Colangelo.

THE STORY BEHIND OAK TREE RANCH

Oak Tree Ranch was born from the vision of Lisa Schey, a single mother of two young men with autism. Like many parents, Lisa wrestled with the urgent question: “What happens when I can no longer care for my children?”

Determined to provide answers for families like hers, Lisa founded Autism Life and Living in 2021. Today, the need is urgent, with more than 40,000 individuals with autism and IDD in the Greater Phoenix Area, most of whom live with aging parents and face uncertain futures.

“Housing is healthcare,” said Schey. “Oak Tree Ranch will provide dignity, safety, and independence for adults with autism — and the Celebrity Paddle Battle is how we help bring this vision to life.”

ABOUT OAK TREE RANCH

Planned as a 3-acre pocket neighborhood, Oak Tree Ranch will feature 31 homes for 62 residents and a 4,500 sq. ft. community center with supportive services, social activities, and workforce development programs. Designed to be inclusive, innovative, and replicable, Oak Tree Ranch will integrate neurodiverse adults, seniors, and young professionals in a safe and empowering community.

Unlike traditional group homes, Oak Tree Ranch offers a holistic model that fosters independence while ensuring safety and support.

CELEBRITY PADDLE BATTLE 2025 – EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday, November 1, 2025
Location: Biltmore Adobe

The event will feature a ping pong tournament for all skill levels, celebrity players, dinner, 2 drink tickets, contest prizes, and a silent auction. Proceeds will directly support Autism Life and Living’s mission to provide permanent, supportive housing for adults with autism.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Sponsorships, tickets, and volunteer opportunities for Celebrity Paddle Battle 2025 are now available. To learn more, visit: https://autismlifeandliving.org/events/ or contact Lisa Schey at (602) 292-8283.

ABOUT AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING

Autism Life and Living (ALL) is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and young adults with autism and related needs by promoting inclusion, independence, socialization and well-being. Founded in 2021 by Lisa Scheys, ALL advocates for long-term housing, community integration, and innovative solutions to ensure adults with autism can thrive with dignity and independence. Learn more: https://autismlifeandliving.org/.

Autism Life & Living is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

LOGO link for media: https://autismlifeandliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-Autism_Logo_Final_Full-1.png

NEWS SOURCE: Autism Life and Living

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Autism Life and Living), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/autism-life-and-living-announces-celebrity-paddle-battle-2025-with-jerry-colangelo-as-honorary-chair-benefiting-vulnerable-individuals-with-autism/

Stride Autism Centers Hosts Open House in Coralville, Iowa

CORALVILLE, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Stride Autism Centers ("Stride") is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its center in Coralville, Iowa. Their mission is clear: to become an integral part of the local community while making a meaningful impact in the lives of preschool children with autism.

Stride cordially invites you to experience their state-of-the-art facility and its comprehensive offerings, they are hosting an Open House event on Thursday, April 11th, and extend a warm welcome for you to join them. The event promises guided tours, appetizers, and free autism screenings for children under the age of 6.

Coralville ABA Therapy open house event details:

* Where: 2850 Coral Ct., Coralville, IA 52241

* When: Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 4:30-7:00 p.m.

* Who: Everyone is invited (bring the kids)!

What to Expect: Whether you're eager to deepen your understanding of autism, learn about the gold standard of autism treatment, called applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy, or explore the unique features of a preschool-like learning environment for children with autism, this event is tailored to your interests.

At the Open House, you will have the opportunity to interact with our dedicated clinical leadership who will be on-site to address any inquiries you may have. Additionally, there will be an information session on autism and ABA therapy, coupled with insightful guided tours of the newly established center.

Notably, Stride Autism Centers' team of specialized autism professionals will be providing free on-site autism screenings for children under the age of 6. Stride Autism Centers is proud to offer a comfortable and family-friendly environment where you can obtain the information you need.

To register for the event please visit this website - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stride-autism-centers-coralville-open-house-tickets-849611138787?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at info@strideautismcenters.com. Or if you know you'd like to attend the open house, reserve your free spot today!

About Stride Autism Centers:

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. Stride has numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills.

Families interested in learning more can contact Stride Autism Centers at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska), or visit the Stride website at https://stridecenters.com/.

If you're interested in a rewarding career assisting children with autism, please visit https://stridecenters.com/careers/ to view our available positions.

Stride Autism Centers ("Stride") is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its center in Coralville, Iowa. Their mission is clear: to become an integral part of the local community while making a meaningful impact in the lives of preschool children with autism.

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

Stride Autism Centers Hosts Open House in Sioux City, Iowa

SIOUX CITY, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Stride Autism Centers ("Stride") is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its latest center in Sioux City, Iowa. Their mission is clear: to become an integral part of the local community while making a meaningful impact in the lives of preschool children with autism.

As Stride settles into its new home, they cordially invite you to experience their state-of-the-art facility. To showcase the center and its comprehensive offerings, they are hosting an Open House event on Thursday, November 16, and extend a warm welcome for you to join them. The event promises guided tours, appetizers, and free autism screenings for children under the age of 6.

Sioux City ABA Therapy open house event details:

* Where: 4280 Sergeant Rd, Ste 230 Sioux City, IA 51106

* When: Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 4:30-7:00 p.m.

* Who: Everyone is invited (bring the kids)!

What to Expect: Whether you're eager to deepen your understanding of autism, learn about the gold standard of autism treatment, called applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy, or explore the unique features of a preschool-like learning environment for children with autism, this event is tailored to your interests.

At the Open House, you will have the opportunity to interact with our dedicated clinical leadership who will be on-site to address any inquiries you may have. Additionally, there will be an information session on autism and ABA therapy, coupled with insightful guided tours of the newly established center.

Notably, Stride Autism Centers' team of specialized autism professionals will be providing free on-site autism screenings for children under the age of 6. Stride Autism Centers is proud to offer a comfortable and family-friendly environment where you can obtain the information you need.

To register for the event please visit this website. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at info@strideautismcenters.com. Or if you know you'd like to attend the open house, reserve your free spot today!

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stride-autism-centers-sioux-city-clinic-open-house-tickets-730551337717?aff=oddtdtcreator

About Stride Autism Centers:

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. Stride has numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills. Families interested in learning more can contact Stride Autism Centers at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska), or visit the Stride website at https://stridecenters.com/.

If you're interested in a rewarding career assisting children with autism, please visit https://stridecenters.com/careers/ to view our available positions.

Stride Autism Centers ("Stride") is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its latest center in Sioux City, Iowa. Their mission is clear: to become an integral part of the local community while making a meaningful impact in the lives of preschool children with autism.

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

Sedona Lago Gardens, a new Community Empowering Neurodiversity, launches an innovative Free Summer Webinar Series Exploring ‘Relationships on the Spectrum,’ ‘Independent Living Life Skills,’ and ‘Launching Careers’

SEDONA, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sedona Lago Gardens is excited to announce the opening of a new residential community for young adults with neurodiversity, like autism. Sedona Lago will showcase their innovative approach in a free Summer webinar series exploring "Relationships on the Spectrum," "Independent Living Life Skills," and "Launching Careers."

Opening in July of 2023, the village-like community offers a customized "Pathways to Independence" program with curriculums in four targeted domains: Independent Living, Social Awareness and Achievement, Vocational Skills and Management, and Personal Health and Wellness.

"Our community offers unprecedented opportunities for self-directed neurodivergent young adults to polish their skills, pursue their dreams, and become more independent," said Gary Wagner, Founder and President of Sedona Lago Gardens.

The free Summer webinar series will cover three topics: "Relationships on the Spectrum," "Independent Living Life Skills," and "Launching Careers." Each 60-minute webinar will include a brief introduction to Sedona Lago Gardens, a 20-minute presentation-style discussion, followed by an interactive Q&A.

"We are excited to offer a fun, educational, and interactive webinar series," shares Life Coach Erin Boisrond.

The webinar series will be held on June 16, June 30, and July 7 from 11 a.m. to noon MDT. For more information and to register, visit https://sedonalago.org/ or call 928-325-8400.

Research shows that neurodiversity, such as autism, is extensively linked to deficits in executive functioning skills. Sedona Lago selects 11 executive functioning domains (task initiation, attention, working memory, time management, organization, planning, flexibility, perseverance, processing, emotional regulation, and impulse control) to target deficits and increase individual productivity. These skills are embedded in the fully customized curriculum. They will also be woven into the webinar discussions.

"Young adults with neurodiversity face unique challenges often coupled with anxiety related to the demand to perform both at the high school and postsecondary levels. Increased academic, social, and personal challenges frequently develop in the mid to late teen years, making it difficult for adults with neurodiversity like autism to find independent success and feel confident in their skill set," added Boisrond. "This is why it is so important for us to customize programs and experiences for each individual."

The Pathways to Independence program is also available to individuals living in the Verde Valley area. It utilizes an evidence-based curriculum and individually customized programming developed by professionals as part of the psychological and educational assessment process.

About Sedona Lago Gardens:

Sedona Lago Gardens and the Pathways to Independence Program offer a pioneering approach for self-directed young adults with neurodiversity, including ADHD, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, cognitive challenges, or other neurodivergent capabilities. Their highly focused, one-on-one coaching is based on the stated life goals of each resident and integrated with the rest of the community and work life. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit community and an affiliate of Rainbow Acres.

For more information, visit: https://sedonalago.org/

Sedona Lago Gardens is excited to announce the opening of a new residential community for young adults with neurodiversity, like autism. Sedona Lago will showcase their innovative approach in a free Summer webinar series exploring "Relationships on the Spectrum," "Independent Living Life Skills," and "Launching Careers."

Related link: https://sedonalago.org/

WHO 13 News Spotlights Stride Autism Centers’ ABA Therapy Services During Autism Acceptance Month

DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- As part of its Autism Acceptance Month efforts, WHO 13 News - Des Moines's local NBC station - sat down with Brad Zelinger, Founder and CEO at Stride Autism Centers. Not only did they discuss the new Stride location opening up in Des Moines, but Zelinger and Anchor, Erin Kiernan, also explored effective treatment for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

At the top of the interview, they discussed Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, which Zelinger described as the "Gold Standard" in treatment for individuals with autism. He explained that at Stride, they use ABA to customize a treatment plan to help young children overcome their unique challenges.

Kiernan shared that her own son attends an ABA program. Her primary takeaway, she said, was that she often observes her son and other children playing as part of the program.

"The most effective therapy is when it's fun," Zelinger explained. He said that Stride Autism Centers specializes in supporting children ages 2-6. "They're really young and they should be playing and having a good time, and there's a lot of research supporting that. The more fun kids are having, the more engaged they are in those skill-building exercises," he said.

Zelinger also shared how the founding of Stride was born of his experiences with his older sister, Marissa, who has Rett syndrome, a severe autism-related disorder. "Knowing that there was a type of therapy that could make a huge difference and change the arc of someone's life, and not only for them but for their whole family, I decided to leave my old career in the business world to build something that would make an impact."

The result is Stride Autism Centers, which currently operates sixteen centers throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, with new locations in the works. One of them, in particular, will be opening right in the heart of Des Moines. This will be the fourth Stride location in the greater Des Moines area.

"I'm really motivated to bring this type of care to communities in need," Zelinger said as the interview wrapped up.

To learn more about ABA therapy and Stride's various centers, visit https://stridecenters.com/.

About Stride Autism Centers:

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. Stride has numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills.

Families interested in learning more can contact Stride Autism Centers at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska), or visit the Stride website at https://stridecenters.com/.

As part of its Autism Acceptance Month efforts, WHO 13 News - Des Moines's local NBC station - sat down with Brad Zelinger, Founder and CEO at Stride Autism Centers. Not only did they discuss the new Stride location opening up in Des Moines, but Zelinger and Anchor, Erin Kiernan, also explored effective treatment for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children’s Hospital Host Successful Free Workshop Series for Autism Caregivers

DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- On March 22, 2023, Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital co-hosted a free workshop to help caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The "Orientation to Autism Diagnosis and Treatment" event was designed to provide essential information for parents and other caregivers, with the aim of helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a child with ASD. The workshop was held both in-person and online to ensure optimal accessibility for attendees.

During the event, ASD experts from Stride and Blank Children's Hospital shared their knowledge on key areas, including navigating autism diagnostic assessments, the post-diagnosis applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy assessment and treatment process, and strategies to implement at home while on a waitlist. The content was tailored for caregivers in the early stages of navigating an ASD diagnosis or suspected autism.

This workshop was the first in a series of planned events between Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital. Both organizations are committed to providing ongoing resources and care for children with ASD and their caregivers throughout Iowa.

"We are proud to work alongside Blank Children's Hospital to support families navigating an ASD diagnosis," said Brad Zellinger, CEO & Founder of Stride Autism Centers. "By offering these workshops, we hope to empower caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best possible care for their child."

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. With numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills.

To learn more about Stride Autism Centers and its services, interested families can contact Stride at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska), or visit stridecenters.com.

About Stride Autism Centers:

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-driven organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to children with autism ages 2 to 6. Stride has numerous locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Stride's full-day program combines structured one-on-one therapy with naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, and transitioning skills. Families interested in learning more can contact Stride Autism Centers at 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska).

Learn more at https://stridecenters.com/

On March 22, 2023, Stride Autism Centers and Blank Children's Hospital co-hosted a free workshop to help caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The "Orientation to Autism Diagnosis and Treatment" event was designed to provide essential information for parents and other caregivers, with the aim of helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a child with ASD.

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

New Centers for Children with Autism Open in Omaha and Lincoln, with Additional Centers Planned for 2022

OMAHA, Neb. /ScoopCloud/ -- Stride Autism Centers ("Stride"), a provider of evidence-based therapy for preschool-age children with autism, is thrilled to announce two new convenient locations in Nebraska. Enrollment for children ages 2-6 has begun for the Lincoln clinic, located at 4545 S 86th St, Suite 101, and for the Omaha clinic, located at 310 Regency Pkwy #115. Stride is planning more center openings in Omaha and throughout Nebraska to serve more families in need.

In keeping with their mission to help as many children and families as possible, Stride accepts Nebraska Medicaid as well as a majority of private insurance plans. They are committed to serving clients regardless of their funding source.

Stride's empathetic and highly skilled clinical team relies on a thoughtful approach based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy is widely considered to be the most well-supported and optimal treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

One of the biggest advantages of Stride's program is that it offers personalized support and guidance during a child's most critical time of development (ages 2-6). As a means of giving each child the care and attention they deserve, Stride keeps a 1:1 therapist-to-child ratio. Their refined center-based model enables children with autism to develop and improve communication and social skills while engaging with peers and participating in fun and educational group activities.

To be effective and deliver the best results possible, Stride has its Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) put together treatment plans meticulously customized for each child that enrolls in the program.

Brad Zelinger, Stride's Founder and CEO, explained that "Stride's mission to provide the best possible support to children with autism and their families is deeply personal to me. My sister has an autism-related disorder called Rett Syndrome. She is nonverbal, and requires substantial support in everyday activities. I founded Stride so individuals like her can get the effective therapy they need as early as possible to live more independent, joyous lives. As a Midwesterner myself, I'm particularly motivated to bring Stride's services to underserved communities throughout the Midwest."

Discussing their program, Stride's Clinical Director and University Chair of ABA at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Dr. Ashley Whittington-Barnish, PhD, LCP, BCBA-D, NCSP commented that "Decades of research demonstrating the effectiveness of early intervention for children with autism underlie our decision to specialize in the early treatment of young learners."

"Our mission-driven team is incredibly motivated by Stride's unwavering commitment to meaningful outcomes. We're grateful that our singular focus on the highest quality care has allowed us to attract outstanding clinical leaders and therapists alike," Dr. Whittington-Barnish also stated.

About Stride Autism Centers

Stride Autism Centers is a mission-focused organization that provides evidence-based ABA therapy to preschool-age children with autism. Stride has locations throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Stride's well-rounded program includes structured one-on-one therapy as well as naturalistic group activities. It is designed to assist with self-care, school readiness, social skills, emotional regulation, communication, transitioning, and play and leisure.

Families interested in learning more about the full-day program can contact Stride Autism Centers at 515-207-5251 (Iowa and Nebraska) or 312-554-5578 (Illinois) or visit the Stride website at http://www.stridecenters.com/.

Are you interested in a career helping children? Visit http://stridecenters.com/careers to browse our open roles.

Stride Autism Centers ("Stride"), a provider of evidence-based therapy for preschool-age children with autism, is thrilled to announce two new convenient locations in Nebraska. Enrollment for children ages 2-6 has begun for the Lincoln clinic, located at 4545 S 86th St, Suite 101, and for the Omaha clinic, located at 310 Regency Pkwy #115.

Related link: https://stridecenters.com/

Great Speech Inc. Strengthens Its Presence Nationwide with Medicare Enrollment

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Great Speech Inc., a national virtual speech therapy company committed to improving health equity for America's underserved seniors, today announced its affiliated clinical group Great Therapy Group LLC, has significantly increased the breadth and depth of its provider network nationwide by receiving its own Medicare number.

"With over 10,000 people turning 65 each day, this expansion will align Great Speech's therapists to support the senior population from the convenience of their home and on their schedule. No need to weather the storm, ask for favors or try to figure out how to get a ride to your nearby clinic," says Avivit Ben-Aharon, Founder and Clinical Director of Great Speech.

Our goal is to assist with social determinants of health since numerous studies indicate that communication skills of older adults are strong predictors of their mental health. Poor communication skills can not only evoke anxiety, depression, and stress in older adults but also predispose them to social isolation and loneliness (*citation).

Individuals eligible for Medicare Part B in 41 states can request a free screening today to determine eligibility and start services immediately.

Great Speech commonly treats: Alzheimer's & Dementia, Articulation disorders, Autism Spectrum disorder, Cognitive Communication Disorder, Head & Neck Cancer, Hearing loss, Language disorder, Parkinson's disorder, post-Covid complications, Stuttering, Stroke & Aphasia rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Voice Disorder & More

About Great Speech, Inc.

Since 2014, Great Speech, Inc. has been the pioneer in virtual speech therapy, delivering convenient and specialized services virtually. Its innovative approach leverages technology to match highly qualified therapists with clients who are serious about their communication goals. Great Speech believes that everyone deserves the chance to communicate with ease and confidence. Great Speech is a proud recipient of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification.

Learn more at: https://greatspeech.com/

CITATION:

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915212/

Great Speech Inc., a national virtual speech therapy company committed to improving health equity for America's underserved seniors, today announced its affiliated clinical group Great Therapy Group LLC, has significantly increased the breadth and depth of its provider network nationwide by receiving its own Medicare number.

Related link: https://greatspeech.com/

Mom of Three Autistic Boys Pens Book About Navigating the Pandemic and Sobriety with Grit, Humor and Love

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The global pandemic has average parents becoming teachers, referees, cooks, therapists, and so much more. One mother, Melanie Donus, took on the extra challenges of parenting three autistic boys while leaping into sobriety and published a book about the experience.

"I suddenly found myself in sink or swim mode and had to find a creative outlet to alleviate stress. Writing letters to my mom helped me cope with our suddenly upside down world and provided a soothing sense of calm, inspiration and motivation, Donus said." Her efforts soared in the ranks during pre-sale giving her an Amazon "Best Selling Author" badge.

"Leaning On Mom: Letters to Roberta, How a Mom of Three with Autism Found Strength During the Pandemic" (ISBN: 978-0578741789) provides a raw and humorous window into the world of author Melanie Donus, who could be viewed as the next Marvel superhero. In this collection of letters to her own mother, Roberta, Melanie shares what day-to-day life was like for her and her family during the first four months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Donus has "three boys who are quite different, but all who need their routine, structure, education, treatment, school, and therapists. Suddenly, Melanie had to be all those things," says Ray Cepeda, Founder and Director of ABAskills, who wrote the Foreword for Leaning on Mom.

"Please be extra kind to an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) mom if you see her in the community over the next few months. Getting 'back to normal' is not in our vocabulary," Donus says.

The scenes in "Leaning on Mom" move quickly and reveal the endless questions, epic meltdowns, musical Zoom calls, behavior challenges, and heart-wrenching moments that show Donus' boys regressing before her eyes. Her journey through the decision process and arrangements for one of her boys to relocate to an out-of-state residential school is particularly moving.

"Leaning on Mom" is NOT, however all "doom and gloom." Donus details her challenge unfriending "Donna" (code for chardonnay) and includes stories of miracles, heroes, and unexpected acts of kindness. Donus dedicates the book to herself not to reflect narcissism but as a way to shine a light on the enormous responsibilities of those who give 200 percent to their autistic children, leaving little time for themselves. She recognizes that this can result in isolation, loneliness, and a reliance on alcohol as a best friend; and shares her pandemic journey to sobriety, the second pivotal point in her life when she turned away from alcohol.

These un-sugarcoated scenes from the real life of a resilient and resourceful mom as she navigates unprecedented challenges will educate readers about Autism Spectrum Disorder and inspire them to find their own inner strength. This snapshot in time is one for the history books.

ABOUT MELANIE DONUS

Melanie Donus is the proud mother of three school-aged children, Dimitri (17), Michael (17), and Maxx (12), who all have Autism Spectrum Disorder and three very different profiles of abilities and challenges. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her husband Andrew. "Leaning on Mom" is Melanie's first book and became a pre-sale Best Seller on Amazon.

Learn more at: https://www.melaniedonus.com/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Ve5cjHzr97s

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0909s2p-leaning-on-mom-300dpi.jpg

The global pandemic has average parents becoming teachers, referees, cooks, therapists, and so much more. One mother, Melanie Donus, took on the extra challenges of parenting three autistic boys while leaping into sobriety and published a book about the experience.

Related link: https://www.melaniedonus.com/