President's Message, April 2025
Kate Tigue, MD, FAAP
Colleagues,
It seems safe to say that April is finally bringing some more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures across Pennsylvania, and I hope you are having some time to enjoy the welcome changes and extended daylight.
I was recently pleased by the number of children I saw in the office sporting colorful rainbow shirts, hair ties and bows, socks and other accessories in recognition of Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) and Month. The children were so excited to talk about the special activities planned in their schools and communities to celebrate and support their friends, siblings, or even themselves. Thankfully now there is more open conversation about children and young adults who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and recognizing their strengths and how they contribute to our communities every day.
I saw a clip this week of ESPN sports broadcaster, Dan Orlovsky, and his 13-year-old son Madden, who has a diagnosis of Autism, on NFL Live. I encourage you to watch the clip not just to see this young man’s artistic ability but to experience the pure joy on his face as he sees his art and animation massively brought to life on a national platform. You can also see the pride in his father’s face and hear the emotion in his voice when he talks about his son and his SUPERPOWER. What a wonderfully positive, encouraging word that resonates with children. All of us have gifts and talents but what are we doing professionally to help our families recognize the superpower in each of their children? This is an amazing way to reframe some in-office conversations as we care for children who have been diagnosed with ASD.
It seems safe to say that April is finally bringing some more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures across Pennsylvania, and I hope you are having some time to enjoy the welcome changes and extended daylight.
I was recently pleased by the number of children I saw in the office sporting colorful rainbow shirts, hair ties and bows, socks and other accessories in recognition of Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) and Month. The children were so excited to talk about the special activities planned in their schools and communities to celebrate and support their friends, siblings, or even themselves. Thankfully now there is more open conversation about children and young adults who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and recognizing their strengths and how they contribute to our communities every day.
I saw a clip this week of ESPN sports broadcaster, Dan Orlovsky, and his 13-year-old son Madden, who has a diagnosis of Autism, on NFL Live. I encourage you to watch the clip not just to see this young man’s artistic ability but to experience the pure joy on his face as he sees his art and animation massively brought to life on a national platform. You can also see the pride in his father’s face and hear the emotion in his voice when he talks about his son and his SUPERPOWER. What a wonderfully positive, encouraging word that resonates with children. All of us have gifts and talents but what are we doing professionally to help our families recognize the superpower in each of their children? This is an amazing way to reframe some in-office conversations as we care for children who have been diagnosed with ASD.
