Introducing Our All-New Website EP-MAGAZINE.COM

This April, Exceptional Parent Magazine is proud to announce the launch of ep-magazine.com – our all new website which coincides with our expanding role as a leader in the field of special needs publishing and communications.

and communications. ep-magazine.com now features a bold new design and intuitive site-wide navigation system with improved menu functionality that directs you to the information most relevant to you.

It is also fully responsive with mobile devices, making it easy to navigate on a wide range of web browsers and portable devices. We've introduced a range of new content to the website, including In This Issue that highlights selected content from our latest issue, and From Our Contributors, which features the most recent offerings from regulars such as Genetic Alliance and the AADMD.

Our eNewsletter is the latest innovation in our digital strategy, enabling you to sign up for updates right on the homepage, and access the articles that matter to you each and every week. We also plan to continue adding more video content and product information to provide you with all of the resources you need to care and plan for your loved one with special needs. We're really proud of the new website and feel it will create the experience you're looking for when you pay us a visit. Check it out here: ep-magazine.com •

PLEASE NOTE that our previous web address, eparent.com, is no longer associated with Exceptional Parent Magazine.

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Sesame Place: The First Theme Park To Be A Certified Autism Center

Sesame Place®, in conjunction with the IBCCES, has announced the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training at the theme park.

The completion designates Sesame Place as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as distinguished by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) — the first theme park in the world to receive such a distinction. The certification aligns with National Autism Awareness Month and comes as the park readies for its 38th season, opening on April 28, 2018.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options, and in response, created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.

As a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place is required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam. The autism training must be taken two years in order to maintain the certification.

"As the first theme park in the world to complete the training and become a CAC, Sesame Place is better equipped to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs," explained Sesame Place park president Cathy Valeriano. Robust pre-visit planning resources will be added to the park's website including a sensory guide, developed by IBCCES. This sensory guide will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child's specific needs and accommodations by providing insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for each attraction. The park will also have two quiet rooms located on Sesame Island. These rooms will have adjustable lighting, and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break.

Sesame Place's certification aligns with Sesame Workshop's commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of autism. Sesame Workshop launched the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative in 2015 and Julia, a Sesame Street Muppet with autism, came to life on the award-winning broadcast last spring, signaling a strong, continuing commitment to the autism community. Julia made her debut at Sesame Place in 2017 as a walkaround character and is available for guest meet & greets. The park is developing in-park programs that will be implemented this season giving guests additional opportunities to interact with Julia.

"Since her debut, Sesame Street's Julia has touched the lives of millions of children and families around the world and we're proud that partners like Sesame Place are committed to providing autismfriendly experiences," said Scott Chambers, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop. "We applaud them for earning this distinction."

INSPIRING AMERICA: Julia, a Muppet with autism, made her first appearance on Sesame Street in April 2017.

"IBCCES works with leading travel destinations to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe that have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards," said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. "Sesame Place is ideal because of its accessibility to families and convenient location, as well as everything the organization has done to be inclusive for all. The CAC certification helps give parents and other guests on the spectrum peace of mind when visiting a new destination or attraction."

Sesame Place, the only theme park in the U.S. based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street, is ideal for families and kids of all ages. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City, the park has over 25 attractions, three live shows, a daily parade and of course, everyone's favorite furry friends. NEW IN SPRING 2018: the biggest, most exciting roller coaster ever – Oscar's Wacky Taxi! The new woodensteel hybrid roller coaster will take thrill seekers of all sizes on a crazy, curvy taxi cab ride, with everyone's favorite grouch at the helm. Before little kids become big kids, go before they grow to the nation's only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street.

RAISING AN AUTISTIC SON… WITH A DIFFERENCE

A utism affects families in a myriad of ways, and many books, written by professionals, parents, family members, and writers with autism reflect that spectrum of experience. Originally intended as a practical guide for families of autistic children and adults, families of autistic children and adults, Raising Ross by Laurie Rubin-Haber gradually evolved into a story that, while incredibly personal, applies to every reader – whether they have been touched by autism or not. Her sub-title, It's All About the Love for Our Autistic Son, reveals what she has discovered… a simple truth not commonly recognized nor thoroughly explored until now: love engenders love, in a widening circle that begins with the close family dynamic, which then spreads out into the community – resulting in the overall involvement in the raising of a child by those around him. Raising Ross is a deeply personal story of a family's journey with autism. Rubin-Haber chronicles the life of her oldest son Ross from his birth and diagnosis through his early adulthood. She tells how they learned to navigate through new terrain, and how they constantly fine-tuned their expectations in practical ways. She shares her hard-won wisdom, while providing hope and encour agement to other special needs families. Above all, this book is about the deep-rooted love for Ross, an extraordinary boy who became an extraordinary young man.

While having a developmentally delayed son or daughter is often isolating, Raising Ross offers hope and a positive solution to every parent who feels overwhelmingly daunted by parenthood.

In recognition of World Autism Day, Raising Ross will be released on April 2nd. On April 29th, Laurie Rubin Haber will launch her new book at the Center for Developmental Disabilities in Woodbury, NY. There, she will read an excerpt and discuss her perceptions and methodologies.

PRAISE FOR RAISING ROSS "In Raising Ross, Laurie candidly and Title: Raising Ross: It's All About the Love For Our Autistic Son Author: Laurie Rubin-Haber Paperback: 142 pages Publisher: Special Needs Parent Consulting LLC ISBN-10: 0999534416 Available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com unselfishly brings us into her home, family, career and heart to poignantly convey her journey of raising a son with autism. In so doing, parents of sons and daughters with autism owe a debt of gratitude to Laurie for she has made it clear to the world that we are motivated and inspired by unconditional love." — Lori Lapin Jones, Vice Chairwoman, Board of Directors Organization for Autism Research, proud parent of a son with autism •