On this weeks episode, I sat down with Laurie Cramer, Executive Director of The Autism Society of Greater Akron and talked about her personal parenting journey raising an autistic son. We also talked about some of the things we need change or improve upon, in order to better support the autism community. Finally, we discussed the Autism Society of Greater Akron and how they are supporting the local autism community.
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.
Visit The Autism Society of Greater Akron
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:
Camp Nuhop:
Camp Nuhop in Perrysville, OH offers a summer camp experience for all, specializing in neurodivergent youth. They welcome young people aged 6-29 who are Autistic, have ADHD, learning and/or developmental disabilities, as well as emotional and behavioral health challenges.
Camp Nuhop maintains a 3-8 staff to camper ratio to ensure both safety and that each campers unique needs are met. Camp Nuhop's traditional camp is an ideal option for new campers. It provides a classic American summer camp experience, including activities like hiking, swimming, canoeing, team building, field games, and sleeping under the stars.
The staff at Camp Nuhop is committed to promoting social and emotional development among campers. They understand the importance of being flexible and meeting campers where they are.
Limited, partial camperships are available. Social agency and waiver funding are also accepted. For more information about camp, funding options, or anything else, please visit their website at www.Nuhop.org.
The Autism Society of Greater Akron:
The Autism Society of Greater Akron is once again holding two Step Into Autism walks and resource fairs to support individuals and families living with Autism in northeast Ohio. This event attracts some 1,000 people and raises important dollars for ASGA’s programs like providing a free HelpLine for information and referral to local services, scholarships for every family in their water safety program and bike camp, social clubs for individuals with Autism, and many other ongoing education and community-based programs..
This next part is really important. All money raised here stays here! The ASGAprovides many important programs and services that support, educate, and advocate for people living with developmental disabilities and their families in Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne and Medina counties.
The Summit County walk is Saturday, June 10, at Lock 3, in Akron, and the Stark County walk is Saturday, August 12, at the McKinley Museum, Canton. To learn more, register a team, donate, or become a sponsor, please visit The Autism Society of Greater Akron.