Good Day! Here is today’s Autism News Digest for today, Thursday, December 22, 2022.

The Victimized

• Teacher’s assistant accused of molesting students with special needs in South Florida
• School worker accused of dragging, pushing autistic student at Berkeley County elementary school
• Single mother’s bank account drained after 7-year-old spends $897 on game app

Awesome Advocates

• ‘Jersey Shore’ star Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley teams up with autism inclusion program, Bronx Zoo for holiday season
• Autism acceptance advocate wins statewide contest to design New York’s first neurodiversity flag
• Christian Spencer shattering ‘invisible ceiling,’ raising ASD awareness
• Parents’ persistence leads to discovery of son’s rare neurodegenerative genetic disorder
• West Virginia family featured in US House documentary on economic disparity

Advocacy Corner

• Ontario fails to meet target of providing 8,000 kids funding for autism therapy

The Brilliant and Talented

• Mom overcome with emotion after her 4-year-old autistic son calls her ‘Mama’ for the first time

The Criminalized

• Missing 12-year-old Marlboro Co. boy involved in stabbing will remain in custody: Deputies

On The Beat

• Seal Beach police now pack sensory kits to help those with special needs in times of crisis

Educational Block

• From promoting mental wellness to supporting neurodivergent grads, Mitchell College lays out plans for 2023

Reaching Out

• Project Lifeline provides swift support for South Florida’s special needs families

Acceptance and Awareness

• Greenville toy store offers safe place for shoppers of all abilities and ages
• Sensory room at Port Dover church offers free support to residents with autism, dementia