by Marguerite Elisofon | Jun 19, 2015 | actors with disabilities, autism, autistic spectrum, civil rights laws, disabilites, equal opportunity, George Clooney, John Robison, love, Meryl Streep, neurodiversity, Temple Grandin, truth
Q: What do people with autism want out of life? A: Love and acceptance. What people on the spectrum want is what EVERYONE wants: a fighting chance to succeed in life. All parents hope their kids grow up and are able to leave the family...
by Marguerite Elisofon | Feb 21, 2014 | actors with disabilities, assistant teachers, autism, autistic spectrum, colleges, employment for disabled adults, Landmark College, learning disabilities, OASIS, Pace University, special needs
I should be simply thrilled that my “special needs” daughter, Sarah, is graduating with a BA from Pace University in May. (Knock on wood.). But “simple” is not in my vocabulary, at least not when it comes to Sarah. Diagnosed on the autistic spectrum with a variety...
by Adriane Tillman | Jul 5, 2013 | actors with disabilities, Asperger's Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, Down's Syndrome, Gregg Mozgala, Lauren Potter, Marlee Matlin, Peter Dinklage, special needs, theater, Tourette's Syndrome
On Sunday, June 30th The New York Times ran an article about a unique theatre company on the Lower East Side, Apothetae—named for the place where Spartans supposedly abandoned weak or disabled babies. Founded by Gregg Mozgala, an actor with cerebral palsy,...
by Adriane Tillman | May 10, 2013 | actors with disabilities, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, autism, college, family, film festivals, parenting, Tourette's Syndrome
Last May, Sarah was “discovered” by a Columbia University film director. Director Rachel Israel was looking for someone to play opposite a young man with Asperger’s and Tourette’s Syndrome in her thesis film. She had already auditioned 100 neurotypical...
Marguerite Elisofon is a New York City writer and the author of My Picture Perfect Family, a memoir about how her family navigated life with a child on the autistic spectrum before the internet and support groups existed. She also blogs about parenting young adults and disability related issues in The Never Empty Nest. Her writing has been featured in a variety of publications, including Time and NY Metro Parents magazine, and her family’s story has been featured by the NY Post, Fox News, The Daily Mail, and on Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty Sexy Funny radio show. A Vassar graduate, Marguerite was born and raised in New York City, where she still lives with her husband, Howard, in their mostly-empty nest. She is available to speak about a wide variety of issues relating to twins, parenting, and autism. 