ABOUT US
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Hello! We are thrilled to introduce ourselves as your new publishers of Autism Digest.
We know how special this magazine is. As experienced speech-language pathologists and Certified Autism Experts (and an autism mom), we’ve seen how Autism Digest delivers exactly what so many autism parents need for decades: expert insights and guidance from the world’s most knowledgeable sources, written in plain English, because autism is complex.
Lois Brady and co-publisher Matthew Guggemos are excited to continue providing the best actionable information for parents and educators. We won’t be recommending you go and buy a $6k VR headset, but we will try to make sure you know what simple steps you can take when your kid gets a diagnosis, when the holidays are drawing near, or when you just need to get your child out from under the table, so you can take a shower!
In clinic, we like to use everything from music to animal-assisted therapy to help autistic kids to communicate. Because this is our mission, we don’t want to change autism. Autistic people will always have autism, with all the challenges and unique gifts that come with it. We know that to live a fulfilling life, every person needs other people, so we’re passionate about giving each autistic person the tools to express themselves fully.
It’s not always an accepted opinion, but we believe — and have seen time and time again — that every autistic child has the ability to learn to speak or write. This observation led us to become assistive-technology specialists, and we’re now the proud creators of multiple communication apps designed to help non-verbal or minimally verbal children learn language and literacy skills. With the help of the right evidence-based techniques, we’ve seen countless non-verbal children start to communicate with their family and teachers.
We love to challenge assumptions when it comes to autism. We believe in a forward-thinking, science-based approach, and we have completed three autism-related research projects for the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. We aim to continue the progressive outlook of this fantastic magazine and relish the opportunity to publish a wide range of voices from the diverse autism community.
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FOUNDER'S LETTER
In memory of the founder R. Wayne Gilpin, 1938 – 2016
Dear Friend,
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The Autism Digest, founded by Future Horizons, Inc. was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism. Our magazine is geared to bring you the most current information possible to assist in that challenge.
It is our strong belief that every child and adult with autism can improve and contribute to the lives of those who love them and, in many ways, contribute to society.
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We at Autism Digest pride ourselves in bringing to the mission not only a strong sense of professionalism, but one that is also based on personal relationships. Virtually all of us have family members or friends who are affected.
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Personally I am proud to be the father of a wonderful son, whom I had the immense pleasure of watching develop into a fine young man. Alex was a light that lit up lives wherever he went.
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Whether working with TEACCH in North Carolina, speaking at Future Horizons conferences, attending the family gatherings he enjoyed so much, meeting people at our bookstores, working in the jobs he held, etc., his delightful sense of humor, courtesy, and caring improved the lives of all who knew him. You could not help but smile back at his infectious grin. He never, never said anything disparaging or demeaning about another person. I never heard him say an unkind or hateful word about anyone.
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Alex made me a better man and is the genesis for this company. People often compliment me or my staff as they relate how our offerings have made their lives easier and better. With due deference to the fact that I have a terrific staff, we and you owe it all to him. Without him, Future Horizons would not exist.
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His memory lives on through our efforts. Thank you, Alex. I’m honored that you called me Dad.
Keep Smiling!
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R. Wayne Gilpin