**Episode Description:** This week, join us as we dive deep with Laurie Cramer, Executive Director of The Autism Society of Greater Akron. From her heartfelt experiences as a parent to an autistic child, to the pivotal changes needed to uplift the autism community, this conversation is both enlightening and inspiring. Learn about the incredible ways the Autism Society is making a difference locally. Don’t miss out!

About Laurie Cramer:

Laurie Cramer is the executive director at the Autism Society of Greater Akron. Laurie started at ASGA in 2011 and was the very first staff member in what had been up to that point an all-volunteer parent organization. Previously, she was a long-time volunteer at ASGA and served as president of the board of directors. Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University and a master’s degree in organizational development from George Washington University. 

Laurie and her family moved to Akron from Washington, D.C. in 2003. At that time, her family learned that their two-and-a-half-year-old son had autism. From that point forward, life changed forever for her and her family. Laurie’s drive and passion to support a better life for individuals on the autism spectrum comes from her family’s personal journey raising a child with autism.

Laurie currently resides in Fairlawn with her husband, Gregg, and their two sons, Philip and Robbie.

About Rob Gorski and the Special Needs Ohio podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.specialneedsohio.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Quiet Mind:

Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey Goldman, who himself deals with ADHD and anxiety. It’s a portable companion, providing an instant calming effect. Unlike large weighted blankets, this soft, easy-to-move pillow won’t make you too hot or claustrophobic. Using Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), it offers the benefits of weighted blankets in a smaller, portable format, ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. Consider it a stress ball for your body – hold it, hug it, and let your mind relax.

For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15%

Goally:

Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child’s device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we’ve found more effective in our home.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

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