"I'm just bursting with delight and pride," says Managing Editor Veronica Zysk, about learning that the Digest has once again been awarded a NAPPA Gold Award for 2010. "Last year when we made NAPPA history by capturing Gold for the third year, I thought we couldn't top that. But we did! And knowing this award comes from not just industry experts, but in-the-trenches parents and educators as judges - that's the star that sits on top of our celebratory cake!"

Gold is NAPPA’s highest honor, and the prestigious award recognizes the AADigest as one of the most useful products geared to expectant, new or veteran parents today. The recent 2010 award notification reinforces the magazine’s unrelentless attention to top-notch content and visual excellence.

NAPPA spokesperson Barbara Smith Decker sent a special message along with the award notification: 

“Autism Asperger’s Digest is the go-to-source for current research, practical tips and informative discussion for families with children and adults on the spectrum. Our NAPPA judges and parent testers gave two thumbs up for content from leaders in the field and applicability of content to a wide range of ages.”

Riding right on the heels of the NAPPA recognition comes notification on July 1st of another outstanding achievement, a 2010 APEX Award for Publication Excellence. APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications effectiveness and excellence. Over 3700 entries were submitted in the 2010 competition in 11 major categories.

"Winning the APEX award brings a different level of excitement," stated Zysk. "We love that parents and professionals find the magazine a valuable resource. Knowing that our peers in the publishing and communications industry recognize its commitment to quality and communication excellence tells us we're steering in the right direction in how we design and deliver our content."

For more information on either awards competition visit their websites:
www.NAPPA.parenthood.com
www.apexawards.com

Positive Perspectives…Practical Strategies…Proactive Solutions!

In a nutshell, that sums up the Autism Asperger’s Digest.

Readers of our multiple award-winning magazine know that when they open a new issue of the AADigest they’re sure to find it brimming with practical, in-the-trenches tested strategies and information. Home ideas. School ideas. Teaching anywhere ideas. Ideas that can – and do! - make a difference, for the child or adult on the spectrum, and for you.

Since its debut in 1999, as the first national magazine published for the autism community, that’s been its trademark: real life information for meeting the real life challenges of ASD.

But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to informative articles and do-it-now help, there’s also soul-satisfying stories that keep spirits high and supply the fuel needed to tackle another day (or another hour) - those times when motivation dips and energy dissipates. Best of all: this great information is rolled up in an unswerving positive attitude about spectrum kids and adults and their abilities.

That’s the Autism Asperger’s Digest. We’re a magazine focused on offering ways you can be a “can do” parent or teacher and help those on the spectrum be “can do” kids, teens and adults. Our Vision Statement says even more about us.

Maybe that’s why parent after parent (and teacher too!) says, “I can’t imagine my life without this magazine.”

Six high-quality issues per year address a wide variety of topics relevant to the autism community, from traditional, evidence-based methods and strategies to complementary/alternative options and emerging thought. 

Curious? Judge for yourself with a single issue, or a half-year Trial subscription.


 
 

The Autism Asperger’s Digest debuted in 1999 with one purpose: to provide practical, actionable information to help parents and professionals improve the quality of life and quality of care for individuals on the autism spectrum. We are guided in this mission by a set of core beliefs:

• We believe autism is a spectrum disorder and that no single available treatment program is right or best for all individuals diagnosed with ASD. We therefore offer information that spans many different viewpoints.
   
• We believe knowledge is power. Our mission is to help parents and professionals choose options through sharing unbiased information on topics pertinent to their values, their family/school environment, and their child.
   
• We believe readers have a right to know about different programs, philosophies and avenues for treatment, ranging from traditional methods and evidence-based practices to what may be viewed as “emerging thought” or experimental in design or methodology.
   
• We believe that with choice, however, comes responsibility. Beware of programs that make “too good to be true” claims or promise to “cure” your child’s autism. Question, investigate and evaluate treatment options carefully and thoroughly. Weigh risks and benefits as they pertain to your child and family. What is right for others may be completely inappropriate for you. 
   
• We believe an open and honest curiosity about how best to help a child or adult with ASD will light a path to understanding and success with any child.
   
• We believe in the ability, rather than the disability, of individuals with ASD.
   
• We believe people with ASD enrich our lives and our world and therefore to try to make them “normal” devalues that which makes them unique. We celebrate “functional” over “normal.”
    
• We believe progress within children and adults with ASD is limited only by our courage, our creativity and our dedication. Meaningful connections arise through patience, practice, love and acceptance rather than program dollars.
   
• We believe our understanding of ASDs and people with ASD is in its infancy. As our knowledge evolves over time, so will this magazine change in response to the needs of the community we serve.