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More Women Are Getting Diagnosed With Autism Than Ever Before
By Claire Gillespie
Traditionally, autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a developmental disorder caused by differences in the brain—has been most commonly associated with boys. Current figures suggest that one female is diagnosed with Asperger’s or autism for every four males diagnosed, but the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) says the actual prevalence is more like one autistic female for every three males. Growing evidence indicates the failure of longstanding diagnostic procedures to establish how ASD manifests in women, which is likely to amplify the disparity in prevalence rates. Data may also be impacted by the fact that women tend to be diagnosed with ASD at significantly later ages.
What’s more, they’re more likely to experience greater delays between the time of initial evaluation to receiving a clinical diagnosis of ASD. This is reflected in conversations happening on social media, where the popularity of autism and neurodivergent-centric Tiktok and Instagram pages has exploded in recent years. April is Autism Awareness Month, so a broadening of the discussion around women with autism is essential for improving diagnosis. Autism in Women
People with ASD often have issues with
communication and interaction in social settings, and display reduced or repetitive behaviors. They may also have different ways of application, learning, or moving.
“The symptoms of autism in women typically aren’t that different from men,” says Amy Morin, LCSW, psychotherapist. However, girls and women may display different outward reactions to the profile, according to AANE. Of course, every girl and woman with ASD is unique—but many share specific experiences.
“Women may be better at social interactions because they observe and copy other people’s gestures,” says Morin. “They may also recognize that it’s socially appropriate to make eye contact even when they feel uncomfortable doing so. Women tend to be better at masking their autism symptoms and we’re used to seeing the classic signs in men which tend to be more obvious.”
A female with ASD may be aware that she is different—perhaps in the way that her interests aren’t the same as those of her peer group. She may be more comfortable with only a couple of friends than a large group and may enjoy spending time alone. She may also feel an aversion to what is widely considered popular, feminine, or fashionable.
Many girls with ASD are sensitive to textures, favoring comfortable, practical clothing. Sometimes they come across as naive or immature, or bucking social norms.
In all of these cases, a female with ASD may work very hard to disguise her social anxiety or confusion around who she is, by imitating her peers, relying on a fantasy world, or isolating herself from social activity. At the same time, she may display different aspects of her personality in different social settings. When she’s at home, she may release her pent-up feelings through outbursts and feel tired from the pressure of interpreting social etiquette and hiding her true self.
“Boys with autism tend to have more repetitive and limited areas of play, whereas girls are less repetitive but have broader areas of play. They are also more likely to respond to nonverbal communication,” says Julian Lagoy, MD, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health.
“We’re getting better at recognizing autism in women,” adds Morin. “Women tend to be better at masking their symptoms and we’re used to seeing the classic signs in men which tend to be more obvious.”
Raising Awareness of the Spectrum
Increasing awareness of ASD in general helps to dismantle the stigma, says Dr. Lagoy. “It helps people understand the disorder more and be less judgmental and stigmatizing to those with it,” he says.
For women who are diagnosed with ASD in later life, more awareness and less stigma can be extremely empowering.
“It can help explain a lot of things for individuals, and also helps empower them to understand themselves better,” says Dr. Lagoy. “People tend to look down on individuals with autism, however, they have many unique and positive qualities that should not be overlooked. We should value everyone for their unique gifts.”
A growing number of people with autism speaking out about their diagnosis and their experiences can help break down some of the stereotypes people have from how they’ve seen it portrayed on TV or in the movies, adds Morin. “Increased awareness may help some women feel more comfortable talking to a professional about their symptoms,” she explains.
Sometimes people experience a sense of relief when they receive a diagnosis later in life. “They may feel like they finally have a name for all the things they’ve experienced or an explanation for their symptoms,” Morin says. “A diagnosis may also give them an opportunity to connect with other people who share the same diagnosis.”
founded in 1986
Sports
LESS THAN 1,000 FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that less than 1,000 season tickets for the inaugural season of UTRGV football remain available for purchase.
Page 4
Local Events
OPINION
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
Mexico’s slide into semi-dictatorship will threaten U.S. trade, border security
When we think about Latin American dictatorships, the first countries that come to mind are — rightly so — Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. But there are growing signs that we may soon have to add a much bigger country, Mexico, to a subcategory of non-democracies.
Leftist populist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who leaves office on Oct. 1, has announced plans to make constitutional changes that would leave his protégé, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, with almost absolute powers.
That would not only turn Mexico into an elected autocracy, but threaten to disrupt America’s trade with its biggest commercial partner in the world, and increase political strife and illegal migration. Last year, Mexico became the top U.S. trade partner, surpassing China for the first time in 20 years.
Lopez Obrador’s proposed constitutional changes would change the way in which judges are elected and eliminate several autonomous government agencies. They are very likely to pass, and have already sparked a rare public confrontation with the Biden Administration.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar,
who until now had gone out of his way to avoid criticizing the Mexican government, said on Aug. 22 that Lopez Obrador’s planned judicial reform poses a “risk” to Mexico’s democracy, and “threatens the historic commercial relationship” between Mexico and the United States.
Under Lopez Obrador’s judicial reform, which is supported by Sheinbaum, Mexico would start electing its judges and Supreme Court justices by popular vote. That would allow the ruling party to use its huge electoral machinery to pack the courts with loyalist judges, and would in effect leave the government in full control of the executive, legislative and judicial powers.
If these reforms are implemented, the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade agreement will be in serious trouble, U.S. and Canadian trade experts say. The three-decade-old treaty is coming up for a new renegotiation in 2026, and neither the United States nor Canada are likely to accept renewing it without an independent Mexican court system.
A day before Salazar’s statement, investment bank Morgan Stanley downgraded its Mexican stocks appraisal, in effect telling its clients to sell Mexican shares, in part because of Lopez Obrador’s planned judicial reform.
The Mexican president reacted angrily to Salazar’s remarks, calling the U.S. envoy’s statements “improper” and an intervention in Mexico’s internal affairs. On Tuesday, he declared a “pause” in Mexico’s ties with the U.S. and Canadian ambassadors, although he did not extend it to their respective governments.
Sheinbaum said that neither investments in Mexico nor the country’s democracy are in any danger by the planned reforms.
I have serious doubts about that. The proposed legal changes are already on shaky ground because the government has twisted the law to get a questionable two-thirds majority in Congress it needs to change the Constitution.
Using a dubious interpretation of the law, Mexico’s government-controlled National Electoral Institute awarded the ruling party and its allies 73% of the seats in the lower house of Congress, despite the fact that they only won 54% of the vote in the June 2 elections.
In addition, Mexico has a long history of elected authoritarian governments, which would make Sheinbaum’s near absolute powers hardly a novelty. An all-powerful party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party, ruled Mexico for about 70 years in the 20th century, before the country’s transition to democracy in 2000.
Nearly 30 years ago, when I covered Mexico as a correspondent for The Miami Herald, I wrote a book on Mexico titled “Bordering on Chaos,” in which I portrayed the country as a nation grappling with record homicide rates, besieged by drug trafficking, plagued by corruption and dominated by an almighty ruling party.
Three decades later, after a democratic transition that in part thanks to closer ties with the United States helped modernize Mexico, the country seems to be going back to where it was then. That’s very bad for Mexico, and will be bad for the United States.
Brownsville Beautication Committee Leads Effort To Enhance City’s Aesthetic Appeal
The City of Brownsville has formed the Brownsville Beautification Committee, a group dedicated to improving the appearance of city-owned properties through planting and landscaping efforts. In addition to beautifying public spaces, the committee plays an active role in shaping city laws that promote a cleaner and more appealing environment.
One of the committee’s standout initiatives is the “Keep Brownsville Beautiful” project, which encourages residents and businesses to maintain their gardens and green spaces, contributing to the city’s overall beauty. Amanda Dave, chair of the Brownsville Beautification Committee, highlighted the group’s ongoing mural projects, which have been in development for several years. “We have worked directly with local artists to create murals in spaces identified by owners of large walls or parks and recreation buildings,” Dave explained.
Recently, the committee sponsored the Traffic Control Box Project, which invited local artists to design unique wraps for traffic control boxes throughout the city. “We have six locations in the city that will feature these traffic control wraps. The wraps, similar to what you see in other cities, will be unique to Brownsville and reflect the character of our community,” said committee member Mary Elizabeth Hollmann.
Beyond art, the committee is working on several other projects, including installing holiday lights in every district and planting more trees across the city and along local trails. These initiatives are intended to create a more inviting atmosphere that everyone in the community can enjoy.
“The committee is committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone, not just for a select few,” said Dave. “We’ve made it a priority to ensure our projects are open and accessible to the entire community, which is why we’ve spread our efforts across every district.”
With nine members, the Brownsville Beautification Committee is dedicated to making Brownsville a more attractive place to live, work, and visit. Anyone interested in getting involved with the committee’s efforts can reach out to Keep Brownsville Beautiful or the City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department.
Through a variety of beautification projects and community engagement, the committee continues to contribute to the city’s transformation into a more vibrant and appealing destination.
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UTRGV welcomes third cohort of Luminary Scholars
By Amanda Alaniz
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS–UTRGV recently welcomed a new cohort of 24 incoming freshmen to its prestigious UTRGV Luminary Scholars program, further highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
The merit-based scholarship allows selected students to complete their education debt free, removing financial barriers to higher education by covering all expenses associated with undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, and includes the UTRGV School of Medicine and the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine.
Selected from more than 600 applicants, students in the new cohort, as with the first two cohorts, signed a Luminary Scholar Vow pledging to work in the Rio Grande Valley post-education.
Students selected as Luminary Scholars will reside on campus for the first two academic years. Second-year students will serve as mentors to first-year recipients.
The scholarship program is made possible thanks to philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, HEB, the Serafy Foundation, and the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation.
Each of the gifts is meant to enhance the university’s mission of improving student success and expanding educational opportunities.
The new cohort and their families were welcomed to UTRGV at a banquet Monday, Aug. 19, at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus.
Students met with college deans and university leadership that included Dr. Maggie Hinojosa, UTRGV senior vice president for Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs, Dr.
Griselda Castilla, associate VP for Strategic Enrollment, and Dara Newton, associate VP for Strategic Enrollment.
MEET THE THIRD COHORT OF LUMINARY SCHOLARS
Abigail Montalvo, Corpus Christi, College of Health Professions.
Abril Leon, South Houston, College of Sciences.
Adhira Tippur, McAllen, College of Sciences.
Adrian Yanez, Mission, College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Adriana Gonzalez, Mercedes, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Allysa Ashley Torio, Edinburg, College of Health Professions.
Anthony Puente Tovar, Brownsville, College of Health Professions, Vaquero MD.
Brizeida Ramos, Roma, Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Danielle Barber, Brownsville, College of Sciences.
Diego Lopez, Mission, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Dyani Martinez, Brownsville, College of Sciences.
Ethan De Leon, Edinburg, College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Horacio Gutierrez, McAllen, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Isabella Garcia, Mission, College of Sciences.
Jayeth Lopez, Edinburg, College of Sciences.
Joseph Montoya, Harlingen, College of Health Professions, PACT.
Leah Adame, Mercedes, College of Health Professions.
Nicolas Rios, Edinburg, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Samantha Lara, Progreso, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Sebastian Flores, Brownsville, College of Health Professsions.
Sebastian Ruizsoriano, Mission, College of Sciences, Vaquero MD.
Srinidhi Sompalli, McAllen, College of Sciences.
Vanesa Calvillo-Fernan, Hidalgo, College of Sciences, PACT.
Victoria Saenz, Alamo, College of Liberal Arts.
Hinojosa addressed the scholars and their families, underscoring how impactful and important the program is to them as UTRGV students.
“It is such a great opportunity to meet such wonderful students, the future of who we are not just as an institution, but in the state and the nation,” she said. “To the parents, the grandparents, to the entire support system of these students – we appreciate you, and we thank you for entrusting us your student with us. We will not let you down.”
‘HE’S SET, HE’S ON HIS RIGHT PATH’
New Luminary Scholar Sebastian Ruizsoriano, of Mission, a recent graduate of Mission Collegiate High School, is majoring in biomedical sciences and will be enrolled in the BMED program.
He also is enrolled in the Vaqueros MD program, a prestigious program for a selected number of students who begin their undergraduate career and receive conditional admission to the incoming class at the UTRGV School of Medicine upon graduation from high school.
Being chosen as a Luminary Scholar helped lift a massive financial burden off his parents, not only for his undergraduate years, but also for his postgraduate work. He is looking forward to beginning the path to becoming a doctor and giving back to his community.
“I was really happy when I found out about the Luminary Scholarship. About two or three weeks later, I found out that I got into the Vaqueros MD program. So that was even more over-the-moon happiness that I had this great opportunity,” he said. “My parents are able to not be super worried about me and what my future is going to be. They can just think, ‘He’s set, he’s on his right path. He’s doing the right thing.’”
‘ONE STEP CLOSER’
Another new Luminary Scholar, Brownsville native Danielle Barber, a graduate of Brownsville Early College High School, says she knows just how meaningful the scholarship will be for her and for her future as she begins her college journey. She will be majoring in Biology and wants to be a pediatrician. She knows UTRGV is helping her follow that career path, she said.
“I have such a goal for my future. I want to become a pediatrician, and I think this scholarship will help me achieve that goal, one step closer,” she said. “I always wanted to help others. My mom is a nurse and she works with delivery at the hospital. So, that has always been in my blood … I feel like there’s a lot of kids suffering right now, and one thing I could do is to help them.”
Her mother, Rebecca Barber, said she was excited to learn her daughter had been chosen as a Luminary Scholar. Most of all, she is proud that Danielle wants to pursue medicine.
“It makes me feel really happy that she’s following those footsteps,” Rebecca Barber said. “It’s a very good career, a very rewarding career, being able to help people. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s totally worth it at the end of the day.”
Her advice as Danielle begins her college career is to stay focused, to learn, and to take advantage of every opportunity along the way.
‘IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT’
New Scholar Adrian Yanez’s mother, Alma, gave him similar advice. Education can be transformative, she told him, and he would serve as a role model for his siblings.
“I kept telling him, I have a feeling you’re going to be one of the finalists to be able to go, and get the interview done and everything,” she said. “It was very exciting for us, especially because he’s our first generation to go to college.”
Adrian, a Mission native, graduated from IDEA North Mission College Prep and is a computer science major. He said it felt surreal to be named a Scholar, but that he is eager to get started with college.
“I want to show my siblings that university is achievable. If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the rigorous classes. I want to be challenged and pushed as far as I can go. As well as the extracurriculars – I’m very excited for that, so I can make new friends, meet new people and make new connections.”
His mother said she is proud of her son and everything he is working toward as a first-generation college student.
“I tell him to keep doing his best. That it will be a challenging process, but I know that if he puts all his dedication into it, he will make it work,” she said.
He told his mom to keep trusting in him.
“It will be possible,” he told her. “I’ll try my very hardest and you’ll be proud of me, I’ll make sure of that.”
UTRGV’s Luminary Scholars moved into their dorm rooms on Friday, Aug. 23, and will kick-off their first semester as college students on Aug. 26.
Visit UTRGV Luminary Scholars to learn more about the prestigious program.
LESS THAN 1,000 FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that less than 1,000 season tickets for the inaugural season of UTRGV football remain available for purchase.
UTRGV is hard at work to ensure the Rio Grande Valley community has the best game day experience possible. As a part of that process, it has been determined that limiting season ticket deposits to 6,000 will be necessary to accommodate enough seats for season ticket holders, UTRGV students, the marching band, the player pass list, and the visiting team pass list.
Fans have currently placed more than 5,000 season ticket deposits to guarantee their spot for the inaugural season of UTRGV football in 2025.
$25 for ‘25
Fans can reserve season tickets with a $25 deposit at UTRGVTickets.com. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable and will be applied toward season ticket purchases.
UTRGV Athletics is finalizing details regarding ticket prices and will announce prices in September. The plan is to offer a variety of price points with season tickets as low as $99 to ensure there is something for everyone.
Season tickets will include games at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium. UTRGV will host one game at Sams Stadium in Brownsville every year. Season ticket holders will have the option to purchase discounted tickets for the Brownsville game during the selecta-seat process.
Season tickets are required to purchase season parking passes and tailgating spots. Pricing for parking passes and tailgating
spots will be available in September.
Select-A-Seat/Suite
Fans who have placed their deposit(s) for UTRGV football season tickets will have the opportunity to select their seats at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in the spring of 2025. The number of seats available to select will be based upon the number of deposits placed (i.e.: four deposits = four seats). Fans will be assigned a date and time to make their selection based on their Vaqueros Loyalty Points rank. The UTRGV ticket office will provide fans with a map of every section detailing available rows and seats ahead of their assigned date and time.
For the inaugural 2025 football season, only points accumulated through January 15 will be considered for the select-a-seat process. Loyalty points accumulated after the January 15 deadline will determine priority for future seat selection, seat upgrades, and additional ticket requests/benefits.
Fans interested in a suite will be assigned an earlier date and time, also based on their Vaqueros Loyalty Point rank. Points accumulated through November 15 will be considered for the select-a-suite process. The select-a-suite process will take place in December. Suites will require a 4-year commitment.
Fans will have the ability to renew or upgrade their tickets every season. It is important to renew season tickets before the renewal deadline to keep the same seats. After the renewal deadline, seats may be released and available for purchase.
In the event there is ticket inventory remaining after the completion of the selecta-seat process, those seats will become available to purchase at a later date. However, neither the possibility of availability nor the
The Titanium 45th Swimming & Diving Signs AJ Rogers for 2024-25 SPORTS
potential quantity available is guaranteed.
How Vaqueros Loyalty Points Work
Vaqueros Loyalty Points program will ensure that the seat and suite selection processes are fair, equitable, and transparent. Additionally, Vaqueros Loyalty Points will determine priority when it comes to allocating seat relocation requests, new or additional season ticket requests, premium seating requests, parking, tailgating, neutral site and postseason ticket requests, and other giving benefits for all sports.
Vaqueros Loyalty Points are earned based on donations to UTRGV Athletics and season ticket purchase history dating back to 2017-18. Each giving category is assigned a specific point value which is added to each member’s point total. Point values from each category will be combined to create point totals that will determine rankings, which will be determined quarterly and provided upon request.
Supporters earn one point for every $100 of lifetime giving to athletics, one point for every $100 of giving to athletics in the current year, one point per year of giving to athletics, five points for season ticket(s) purchased per sport per year, and 100 points per $10,000 pledged as a donation. Additionally, supporters can earn one-time points totaling three for every $1,000 of sponsorship spend dating back to 2017-18, 10 points for being a graduate of UTRGV and its legacy institutions (awarded once, not per degree), 10 points for being a lifetime Varsity Club member, 20 points for being a former student-athlete who graduated from UTRGV or its legacy institutions, and 100 points for Silver Buckle Society members (those who have generously gifted at least $1 million to UTRGV).
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head swimming & diving coach Betsy Graham announced on Tuesday the addition of sophomore mid-distance and IM swimmer AJ Rogers for the 2024-25 season.
Rogers is transferring in from Asbury University where she earned top three finishes in the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, and the 200-medley relay in her freshman year. Rogers consistently improved her times throughout the year ending the season with personal bests in the 100 and 200 free to finish 10th and 11th, respectively, at the Liberal Arts Conference Championship.
Rogers, a Portland, Texas native, has competed in the Valley on several occasions in not only the pool but the beach as well. Competing in the Texas Gulf Surfing Association, Rogers won the 2022-23 Texas State Surfing Championship in the junior women’s division in South Padre Island. Rogers was a three-time points state champion as she ended the 2021-22 season as the overall points leader for the women’s division and ended the 2021-22 and 202223 seasons as the overall points leader for the junior women’s division.
“We are pleased that AJ is joining us,” Graham said. “As a transfer, she will bring experience and add depth to our middle distance and IM group.”
Rogers joins Madiana Lofgren, Manou Meulebeek, Delaney Murphy, Ida Rudelius, Chloe Siegrist, Annaleagh Stahl, and Olivia Votava as part of this year’s signing class.
The Warren Group Architects Titanium Sponsor for IMAS’
45th Annual Collage
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is thrilled to announce the 45th Annual Collage Gala, taking place on September 14, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This year’s sold-out event is made possible by the generous support of The Warren Group Architects, Inc., the Titanium Sponsor of the gala. Their exceptional commitment to fostering arts and culture in our community is a testament to
The Warren Group: Building a Legacy of Community Support
As the Titanium Sponsor, The Warren Group has played an instrumental role in ensuring the success of this year’s Collage Gala. Their support reflects a deep commitment to the arts, culture, and the enrichment of the Rio Grande Valley. The Warren Group is known for its innovative architectural designs and its dedication to community-centered projects. By supporting the 45th Annual Collage Gala, they continue to build a legacy that goes beyond bricks and mortar, touching the lives of countless individuals through their philanthropy.
Honoring Community Leaders
This year’s gala will also honor three
distinguished individuals—Joe Brown, Jim Darling, and Tim Smith—who have made significant contributions to our community. Their achievements and dedication align with the values upheld by The Warren Group, making this event a true celebration of leadership and community spirit.
About the Collage Gala
The Collage Gala is more than just an elegant evening; it is an event that directly supports IMAS in its mission to inspire, educate, and engage our community through the arts and sciences. With the Titanium Sponsorship of The Warren Group, the funds raised from this event will enable IMAS to continue offering high-quality educational programs, exhibitions, and outreach initiatives.
“The Warren Group Architects recognizes the need to support the growth and improvement of community spaces such as IMAS. With that said, it is a great honor to be able to continue to support this year’s Collage as top sponsor and be part of the capital campaign and the expansion of our dear museum,” shared President and Principal of The Warren Group Architects, Laura Warren Ogletree, AIA, NCARB. “We congratulate the honorees on a very well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued
support. We encourage our RGV community to visit our museum, get involved and be part of this exciting project.”
Top Sponsors
The International Museum of Art & Science extends its deep gratitude to all sponsors for their generous support. Leading the way as the Titanium Sponsor is The Warren Group. Among the distinguished Gold Sponsors are State of the City – City of McAllen, Clark Chevrolet & Clark Knapp Honda, and Vantage Bank. The Silver Sponsors include H-E-B Helping Here, Lisa Chapa M.D. & Jon Joanis, and Whataburger. These contributions, along with the support from many others, are essential to the success of the event and the continued growth of IMAS.
Auction & Online Bidding
This year’s silent auction will feature a variety of exclusive items generously donated by community members and businesses, including a pair of season tickets to the Valley Symphony Orchestra, 10 admission tickets and a one-hour photo shoot at Gelman Stained Glass Museum, a Doubletree Staycation, a 3-night stay at a luxury location, jewelry, and more exciting items. The silent auction will be available online beginning in early September, with bidding closing during the gala on September 14. For those interested in donating auction items, please contact IMAS at 956-681-2805. Visit theimasonline.org/collage/auction to support IMAS by exploring the auction items and start bidding.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible group of community volunteers who have worked tirelessly to organize this year’s Collage Gala. The event is co-chaired by J. Edgar Ruiz II, Norma Flores-Ruiz, Carlos Melguizo, and Saul Sanchez, with the support of the dedicated Collage committee members: Lesley Chavez, Dr. Rutchie Contreras, Bronson delRio, Annette Garcia, Mariella Gorena, Dr. Katherine McAllen, Cassandra Moreno, David Perez, Tashiana Rodriguez, Bill Ruppert, and Leigh Wooldridge.
A Sold-Out Celebration
The 45th Annual Collage Gala has once again proven to be a highly anticipated event, with tickets selling out well in advance. However, the silent auction remains open to the public, allowing everyone the opportunity to participate and support IMAS.
National Literacy Day At The Studio
“Keep learning each letter; keep climbing the mountain of knowledge.”
Join us in celebrating the power of reading and the joy of storytelling on National Literacy Day! We’re hosting a fun and engaging event at the Studio, and we would love for you to be a part of it.
Event Highlights
National Literacy Day is a perfect opportunity to connect with your local literary community and immerse yourself in the world of books and storytelling. Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Meet & Greet with Local Authors: Connect with talented local authors and hear about their creative journeys. It’s a fantastic chance to get your books signed and gain insights into the writing process!
• Fun Selfie Stations: Capture the moment with themed selfie stations that celebrate the joy of reading and writing. Share your love for books with friends and followers!
• Read Aloud Sessions: Enjoy captivating read-aloud sessions featuring favorite stories for all ages. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s a story waiting to enchant you.
• Q&A Sessions: Engage in thought-provoking Q&A sessions with authors and fellow book lovers. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and discover new perspectives on the literary world.
Event Details
Date: September 8th
Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: The Studio
Admission Fees:
Adults: $5.00
Children: $3.00
Tickets will be available at the door, so mark your calendars and get ready for a delightful day celebrating literacy!
Get Involved
Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this event is for you. Come and celebrate the written word, meet like-minded people, and maybe even find your next favorite book!
For more information or if you have any questions, feel free to call us at (956) 207-8696. We can’t wait to see you there!
What exactly are service dogs for?
Aservicedog is an assistance animal specifically trained to perform tasks that help individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. These highly trained dogs can provide support across various types of disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, and neurological conditions.
Service dogs are recognized and protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing them to accompany their handlers in various public spaces where pets are typically not permitted. This includes restaurants, stores, public transportation, and workplaces.
The presence of a service dog can significantly enhance the independence, safety, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These remarkable animals provide invaluable assistance and companionship, helping their handlers navigate the challenges of everyday life with greater ease and confidence.
The Different Types of Service Dogs
Service dogs play a crucial role in assisting individuals with various disabilities, and there are several specialized types tailored to meet specific needs, including psychiatric service dogs, guide dogs, mobility assistance dogs, hearing dogs, and diabetic alert dogs.
• Psychiatric Service Dogs: These dogs are trained to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. They can provide support by performing tasks such as interrupting self-harming behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety or panic attacks, and retrieving medication during episodes.
• Guide Dogs: Also known as seeing-eye dogs, guide dogs are trained to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely. They help their handlers avoid obstacles, navigate traffic, and find landmarks or destinations, enabling greater independence and mobility.
dystrophy.
• Hearing Dogs: Hearing dogs are trained to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds in their environment, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, or approaching vehicles. They can also provide emotional support and companionship, helping to mitigate feelings of isolation or anxiety related to hearing loss.
• Diabetic Alert Dogs: These dogs are trained to detect changes in their handler’s blood sugar levels and alert them to potentially dangerous fluctuations, particularly in individuals with diabetes. They can provide early warning signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), allowing their handlers to take prompt action to manage their condition and prevent medical emergencies.
What Makes a Good Service Dog Breed?
When selecting a breed for service dog training, several factors contribute to determining suitability:
• Trainability: A good service dog breed should be highly trainable, and able to learn and reliably perform tasks consistently.
• Health: Breeds with a predisposition to certain health issues may not be suitable for service work due to the physical demands of the job. Good service dog breeds typically have a history of good overall health and longevity.
• Adaptability: Service dogs should be adaptable to various environments, including crowded public spaces, loud noises, and changing situations.
• Compatibility with Handler’s Needs: The breed’s characteristics should align with the specific needs of the individual handler, whether it’s for mobility assistance, psychiatric support, hearing assistance, or other specialized tasks.
• Socialization: Breeds that are naturally social and comfortable interacting with different people and animals are often better suited for service work, as they need to accompany their handlers in various social settings.
• Energy Level: Service dog breeds should have an appropriate energy level for the tasks they will perform, whether it involves being active and alert for long periods or remaining calm and focused during extended periods of downtime.
turning on lights, and providing stability or balance while walking or standing.
• Mobility Assistance Dogs: These dogs are trained to assist individuals with physical disabilities by providing support with tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, turning on lights, and providing stability or balance while walking or standing. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions that affect their mobility, such as arthritis, spinal cord injuries, or muscular
• Temperament: Dogs with calm, stable, and predictable temperaments are preferred, as they must remain focused and composed in various environments and situations.
• Size: Service dogs come in various sizes depending on the tasks they will perform. Larger breeds may be suitable for tasks requiring strength and stability, while smaller breeds may be more appropriate for tasks requiring agility or fitting into tight spaces.
What Do Service Dogs Do?
Service dogs play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities by performing a variety of tasks tailored to their specific needs. These tasks can vary depending on the type of disability the handler has and may include:
• Mobility Assistance: Service dogs can assist individuals with mobility impairments by retrieving items, opening doors,
• Medical Alert: Some service dogs are trained to detect changes in their handler’s medical condition, such as detecting low or high blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes or alerting to oncoming seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
• Psychiatric Support: Service dogs can provide emotional support and assistance to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression. They may perform tasks such as interrupting self-harming behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety or panic attacks, and retrieving medication during episodes.
• Guide Work: Guide dogs, also known as seeing-eye dogs, assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely. They help their handlers avoid obstacles, navigate traffic, and find landmarks or destinations.
• Hearing Assistance: Hearing dogs assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds in their environment, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, or approaching vehicles.
These are just a few examples of the tasks that service dogs can perform to assist their handlers in their daily lives. The tasks they are trained to do depend on the specific needs of the individual handler and the type of disability they have. Service dogs are trained to be reliable, well-behaved, and focused on their tasks, providing invaluable support and enhancing the independence and quality of life of their handlers.
Psychiatric Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Dogs
PSDs and emotional support dogs both provide essential benefits to their owners, but some key differences are. Psychiatric service dogs are trained specifically to perform tasks that their owner cannot do for themselves.
In contrast, emotional support dogs provide companionship and typically do not have any specific training. While anyone can have an emotional support dog, psychiatric service dogs are only awarded to people with a documented disability. As a result, psychiatric service dogs generally have more access rights than emotional support dogs. However, both types of dogs can provide invaluable assistance and support to their owners.
