Author: Denise Resnik

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Housing on the Spectrum: Helping Adults with Autism Build a Future

• August 22, 2017
• Denise Resnik
• Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

Denise Resnik, founder, president, and CEO of First Place and co-founder of SARRC, discusses the importance of community support in creating resources for growing people with autism.

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Oh, The Things You Can Think! Working Together for People with Autism

• March 22, 2017
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Denise Resnik discusses the importance of creating supportive environments for people on the autism spectrum.

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More Big Steps for Individuals with Autism, Families, and Housing in 2017

• January 12, 2017
• Denise Resnik
• Autism

Denise Resnik discusses First Place Arizona, and how their recent groundbreaking marks a personal milestone of progress for helping people on the autism spectrum achieve independence.

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SMILE Miracles: Don’t Underestimate Potential on the Autism Spectrum

• November 4, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

After three years of operations, Rob & Denise Resnik offer their perspectives on the productive and dedicated SMILE team- a company of talented young people on the autism spectrum.

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Lessons Learned: Building the “Most Autism Friendly City in the World”

• September 2, 2016
• Denise Resnik

Community building is a process. It requires vision, passion, grit, resilience and an ability to connect dots—lots of them.

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Education, Jobs, Friends a Reality for Adults with Autism

• June 30, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Together with local and national leaders, we are demonstrating what’s possible when we work together, solve problems, pioneer new practices, focus on a common goal and raise the bar on what’s possible.

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There’s No Place Like Home: For Adults With Autism & Other Special Abilities

• May 29, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Written from a mother’s heart, pondering his first home away from our family home, here’s what I believe Matt wants and says through his words unspoken.

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Ingredients for a Supportive Community

• April 30, 2016
• Denise Resnik

We stop for people who are older or people with obvious physical disabilities.  But what happens when the disability is not so obvious, or in Matt's case, autism?

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Blog Neurodiversity

A World of Possibilities for Autism: Here, There, Everywhere

• March 14, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Whether in a small town in Mississippi or within a 4.3 million-person metropolis, communities are built one person and friend at a time.  Communities make dreams possible, help us overcome obstacles and quiet our fears.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Blog LATEST Neurodiversity

Let It Roll: New Options, More Choices for Adults with Autism

• February 15, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Last year, we connected with a social group for young adults with autism and special needs and find ourselves bowling most Saturday afternoons. With or without bumpers, bowling is a great equalizer.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Blog Neurodiversity

A Community Smiles: Building Hope for Adults With Autism

• January 29, 2016
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

Cleaning out closets, drawers and the garage seemed like a good plan for ringing in the New Year. Matt’s closets took the longest. The biggest challenge: parting with the cue cards, flashcards, Velcro-backed picture cards and all kinds of games, systems and tools that have helped Matt learn, communicate and advocate for himself.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Blog Neurodiversity

Seasonal Smiles For Adults with Autism & Their Families

• December 23, 2015
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

This holiday season marked my husband’s 60th birthday. Rob insisted: no surprise parties or gifts. His choice: spending his Sunday birthday filling SMILE Biscotti holiday orders from across the country...

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Blog LATEST

Navigating Adult Life and Autism with a SMILE

• December 3, 2015
• Denise Resnik
• Autism, Neurodiversity

When our son Matt graduated from high school in 2013, his daily routines and patterns, developed for years within the same safe, supportive environment, came to an end. We asked ourselves, how can we fill 168 hours each week with meaningful, purposeful activities and not allow Matt to slide backwards.

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