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Autism

Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services
Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services President-elect Donald Trump tapped a controversial New Yorker to oversee public health. Robert F Kennedy Jr. is his choice for secretary of health and human services, Trump announced Thursday, Nov. 14.  "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health," Trump said on Truth Social. Earlier Report: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any A…
Seen Her Or This Car? Missing Long Island Woman May Be In This Upstate NY Village Seen Her Or This Car? Missing Long Island Woman May Be In This Upstate NY Village
Seen Her Or This Car? Missing Long Island Woman May Be In This Upstate NY Village Have you seen her or her car on a New York roadway? A Long Island woman has gone missing and authorities are asking the public's help in locating her. Erin O'Brien, age 37, was last seen on Harrow Lane in Levittown at 6:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, authorities say. She is described as being 5-foot-7, 225 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. Authorities describe her as being vulnerable and say she has autism. She was driving a 2018 green Honda HRV with New York registration KMK-2814. Information indicates that she may be in the upstate New York village of Speculator in Hamilton County, acco…
First In NY: 'Sensory Inclusive' Tools Now Standard Equipment For This Police Department First In NY: 'Sensory Inclusive' Tools Now Standard Equipment For This Police Department
First In NY: 'Sensory Inclusive' Tools Now Standard Equipment For This Police Department A police department on Long Island is the first in New York to become certified sensory inclusive. The Village of Rockville Centre Police Department was certified by KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that typically trains venue staff to accommodate people with sensory needs, like those with autism. Every officer at the department underwent training that focuses on understanding, acceptance, and empathy toward those who have sensory needs “with the goal to enhance future interactions between law enforcement and the community to create the best outcomes,” the village said. In addition to…
Drones Help Locate Missing, Endangered Man In Region Drones Help Locate Missing, Endangered Man In Region
Drones Help Locate Missing, Endangered Man In Region A 30-year-old autistic man who had wandered away from an Airbnb his family was staying at in the region was found hours later with the help of drones. The incident occurred Saturday, June 15, in Sullivan County around 1 a.m., in the town of Forestburgh. According to Undersheriff Eri Chaboty of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, the department received a report of a missing handicapped man who had been staying at an Airbnb on Philwold Road in the town of Forestburgh.  The missing person, who was 30 years old and autistic, was visiting from Clifton Park in Saratoga County when he wal…
Seen Him? Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old Reported Missing Seen Him? Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old Reported Missing
Seen Him? Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old Reported Missing Police are asking for help in locating an 18-year-old Hudson Valley man who was reported missing. Orange County resident Tyler Rivera was last seen at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in the village of Washingtonville on Emerson Drive. Rivera is considered a vulnerable adult with autism and may be in need of medical attention, according to the Washingtonville Village Police Department. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a light gray sweatshirt, blue sweatpants, white sneakers, and was carrying a black backpack. Police said he may have traveled to Ulster County. Anyone…
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children A former police officer and co-founder of a Westchester-based charity for autistic children has been sentenced after stealing $24,000 from his own organization named after his son, officials announced.  New Rochelle resident Christopher Greco, age 52, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge for stealing from Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children that he co-founded, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, Dec. 3. Earlier Report - Former Police Officer Steals $24K From New Rochelle Charity Fo…
New Update: Missing Hudson Valley Man Found New Update: Missing Hudson Valley Man Found
New Update: Missing Hudson Valley Man Found Update: A 34-year-old Hudson Valley man who was reported missing has been located. Orange County resident Kenny Ray Brewster, age 34, had last been seen at around 10 p.m. Monday, June 12, in New Windsor, on Union Avenue. On Wednesday, June 14, police announced that the alert was canceled. No other information was released by authorities. Original story: Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 34-year-old from the Hudson Valley. Orange County resident Kenny Ray Brewster, age 34, was last seen at around 10 p.m. Monday, June 12, in New Windsor, on Union Avenue. Brew…
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing 'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing One year after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her own mother’s ex-boyfriend, a state lawmaker is pushing to close what he calls the “dangerous” loophole that led to her killing. Dutchess County resident Melanie Chianese, age 29, of the town of Wappinger, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds on May 29, 2022. Deputies from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office found her while responding to a home on Scott Drive in Wappinger for a report of a woman being injured. Earlier Report: Man Sentenced For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend's Daughter In Poughkeepsie She was rushed…
Missing Toddler Rescued From Train Tracks Near Station In Westchester: Video Missing Toddler Rescued From Train Tracks Near Station In Westchester: Video
Missing Toddler Rescued From Train Tracks Near Station In Westchester: Video Several Metro-North employees are receiving recognition for rescuing a missing three-year-old boy who they spotted on train tracks near a station in Westchester.  The incident happened on Thursday, April 6 around 3:15 p.m., when MTA Locomotive Engineer William Kennedy was operating a southbound Hudson Line train north of Tarrytown station when he noticed a young child on the northbound track, according to MTA officials.  Kennedy then sent out an emergency radio communication to all nearby train crews to let them know about the child.  Soon after this, northbound Train 737, operated by Loc…
President Kennedy? Former Westchester Resident RFK Jr. Announces 2024 Bid For White House President Kennedy? Former Westchester Resident RFK Jr. Announces 2024 Bid For White House
President Kennedy? Former Westchester Resident RFK Jr. Announces 2024 Bid For White House There's now a possibility of another Kennedy back in the White House if the political winds blow in the right direction. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - son of the late US Attorney General and New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy - filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to run for president in the 2024 election, he announced Friday, April 7. The 69-year-old will run as a Democrat, according to his FEC filing. He said that he will officially kick off his campaign in Boston on Wednesday, April 19. “I am grateful for the outpouring of support…
Alert Issued For Missing Hudson Valley Boys Believed To Be With Non-Custodial Parents Alert Issued For Missing Hudson Valley Boys Believed To Be With Non-Custodial Parents
Alert Issued For Missing Hudson Valley Boys Believed To Be With Non-Custodial Parents Law enforcement officials are asking the public for help locating two Hudson Valley boys who were allegedly abducted by their non-custodial mother and father. Dutchess County residents Kevin Qualters, age 11, and his 8-year-old brother Aiden who has autism and is non-verbal, were abducted from LaGrange on Thursday, Dec. 8, the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services said in an alert. Aiden has autism and is non-verbal, said authorities. The two, who are believed to be endangered, are with their non-custodial mother, Kristen Cullen, and non-custodial father, Kevin Qualters, said …
4-Year-Old Found After Multi-Agency Search In Northern Westchester 4-Year-Old Found After Multi-Agency Search In Northern Westchester
4-Year-Old Found After Multi-Agency Search In Northern Westchester A 4-year-old boy who slipped away from his grandfather as he turned his back for a second was the focus of a large manhunt in the dark woods of a Northern Westchester town.  The incident took place around 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, in North Salem, off Hardscrabble Road.  The search for the autistic, non-verbal boy began when he disappeared within a second as he played in the backyard of his home with his grandfather and two brothers, said North Salem Police Officer Anthony Spennicchia. The boy apparently slipped through a hole in a chain-link fence into the neighbor's yard that inc…
Police Department In Northern Westchester Welcomes Future Service Dog Police Department In Northern Westchester Welcomes Future Service Dog
Police Department In Northern Westchester Welcomes Future Service Dog A Northern Westchester police department has welcomed a new furry friend onto the force.  The Bedford Police Department announced its newest addition, a future BluePath service dog named Maverick, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, representatives announced. The yellow labrador and golden retriever mix is set to be cared for by the entire department, with officers Andrew Klein, Zach Leone, Mark Montanaro, and Joe Sagliano, serving as lead puppy raisers. Town of Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves, police officers Mark Montanaro, Joe Sagliano, and Zach Leone, and Police Chief Melvin Padilla with future …
Have You Seen Him? Police Asking For Help Finding Missing Hudson Valley Man Have You Seen Him? Police Asking For Help Finding Missing Hudson Valley Man
Have You Seen Him? Police Asking For Help Finding Missing Hudson Valley Man Police in the Hudson Valley are asking for assistance locating a missing man who hasn't been seen in a week. Dutchess County resident Christopher Imperatore, age 31, of Hyde Park, was reported missing on Wednesday, Aug. 31. According to Chief Robert Benson, of the Hyde Park Police, Imperatore left his residence on Haviland Road around 3 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 27, and has not returned. Imperatore left his residence with two laundry bags loaded with unknown items, Benson said. The missing man has had a history of leaving his home and going into the woods for s…
Police Officer For A Day: NY Teen Lands Dream Gig Thanks To Make-A-Wish Police Officer For A Day: NY Teen Lands Dream Gig Thanks To Make-A-Wish
Police Officer For A Day: NY Teen Lands Dream Gig Thanks To Make-a-wish A “stolen” piece of art was recovered by a New York teen who got to live out his dream of being a police officer, if only for a day, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Saratoga County resident Connor Hayhurst, age 15, of Ballston Spa, donned his very own Schenectady Police uniform on Tuesday, Aug. 30, before helping investigators track down the culprit in a mock theft case. Hayhurst, who is on the autism spectrum, was born with a rare heart condition and has no active immune system, according to The Daily Gazette of Schenectady.  The teen has undergone three open heart surgeries and m…
Grand Opening Set For Brand-New Jersey Mike's Subs Location In Hudson Valley Grand Opening Set For Brand-New Jersey Mike's Subs Location In Hudson Valley
Grand Opening Set For Brand-New Jersey Mike's Subs Location In Hudson Valley Jersey Mike's Subs announced plans for the grand opening of its new sandwich shop in the Hudson Valley. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, the restaurant chain will open a location in Orange County at 444 Route 211 East in Middletown, representatives announced. The grand opening will include a fundraiser through Sunday, Aug. 14, to support Hudson Valley Light It Up Blue For Autism, according to the announcement.  Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon prior to the opening can make a minimum $3 donation in exchange for a regular sub. “I am so very excited to be the general manage…
NY State Police Issue Alert After 6-Year-Old Goes Missing At Fairgrounds NY State Police Issue Alert After 6-Year-Old Goes Missing At Fairgrounds
NY State Police Issue Alert After 6-Year-Old Goes Missing At Fairgrounds New York State Police issued an alert about a missing 6-year-old boy who is believed to have wandered off at fairgrounds in the region. Police received a report at about 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 10, that Onnex Thompson-Hall went missing after reportedly wandering off in the area of the Washington County Fairgrounds in Easton. Authorities said Onnex is described as 4 feet tall and 55 pounds. He is not wearing shoes and is wearing only a diaper, police said. He has autism and is unfamiliar with the area, police said. Onnex's family believes he will answer to his name if called, authoritie…
4-Year-Old Critically Injured After Apparent Fall In Westchester 4-Year-Old Critically Injured After Apparent Fall In Westchester
4-Year-Old Critically Injured After Apparent Fall In Westchester Police are investigating an incident in which a 4-year-old child was critically injured in an apparent fall in Westchester, police said. Parents of the autistic boy flagged down New Rochelle Police Department officers at their apartment complex located at 570 5th Avenue on Friday, July 8, and told them their son was missing, and possibly wandered from their apartment, said New Rochelle PD Captain J. Collins Coyne. Officers began to search for the boy then located him behind 570 5th Avenue laying on the grass, unconscious with difficulty breathing, Coyne said.  Officers rende…
'Life Spent Helping Others': 29-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed In Hudson Valley Remembered 'Life Spent Helping Others': 29-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed In Hudson Valley Remembered
'Life Spent Helping Others': 29-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed In Hudson Valley Remembered Family and friends of a Hudson Valley woman stabbed to death are remembering her for spending her life helping others. Dutchess County resident Melanie Anne Chianese, age 29, of the town of Wappinger, a lifelong area resident, was killed on Sunday, May 29 in Wappinger, an innocent, secondary victim of domestic violence, her obituary said. Born in Poughkeepsie, Chianese graduated from Arlington High School in 2012 and the Institute for Integrated Nutrition. She was scheduled to graduate from Dutchess Community College with her associate and CSAC. She was a certified health coach who spent he…
Parents Express Outrage At Westchester BOE Meeting For Lewd Images Of Special-Ed Students Parents Express Outrage At Westchester BOE Meeting For Lewd Images Of Special-Ed Students
Parents Express Outrage At Westchester BOE Meeting For Lewd Images Of Special-Ed Students Parents of special-education students in a Northern Westchester School District took a local Board of Education to task after new details emerged about the circulation of lewd photos and videos of their children on social media. Earlier this month, news broke out of the Bedford Central School District regarding depictions of special-needs students after photos were allegedly taken inside one of the boys' bathrooms at Fox Lane High School in Bedford. Original story - Students At Northern Westchester HS Face Disciplinary Action After ‘Disturbing Incident’ Once news of the photos and vid…
Missing 3-Year-Old Northern Westchester Girl, Mother Found Missing 3-Year-Old Northern Westchester Girl, Mother Found
Missing 3-Year-Old Northern Westchester Girl, Mother Found Update: A 3-year-old girl and her mother have been located after going missing in New York. Northern Westchester County resident Sabrina Cabrera was last seen with her mother Jennifer Cabrera in the village of Ossining on Madison Avenue at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 4, according to authorities. Late Tuesday morning, April 5, authorities announced the two have been found and are safe. Original report: A 3-year-old girl and her mother from Northern Westchester County have gone missing and authorities in New York are asking the public's help in locating them. Sabrina Cabrera wa…
High School Student From Westchester Performs National Anthem At Yankees Game High School Student From Westchester Performs National Anthem At Yankees Game
High School Student From Westchester Performs National Anthem At Yankees Game A Westchester high school student with autism took center stage at “The House That Ruth Built” as he wowed a capacity crowd singing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. Ethan Donn, a White Plains High School student who unabashedly loves music, earned a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd before the team took the field against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, June 29. This wasn't the first time on the big stage for Donn, who previously sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch of a Mets game at Citi Field, and performed for the team in Queens during Autism A…
Missing 6-Year-Old Boy Found Safe After Slipping Out Of House In Hudson Valley, Police Say Missing 6-Year-Old Boy Found Safe After Slipping Out Of House In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Missing 6-Year-Old Boy Found Safe After Slipping Out Of House In Hudson Valley, Police Say After a massive search by police and volunteers, a missing boy was located by police in the Hudson Valley. At around 7:32 a.m., Monday, June 14, the caregiver for the youngster, who is autistic, called 911 to report the 6-year-old had slipped out of a house in Ulster County while she was in another room. Police canines were utilized to search the surrounding neighborhoods and woods in the Town of Saugerties.  Neighbors and residents in the area also assisted police in attempting to locate the child, Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra said. Around 8:36 a.m., police recei…
Are Vaccines Safe? Are Vaccines Safe?
Are Vaccines Safe? Dear Doctor, The topic of vaccines has been in the news constantly, thanks to the imminent COVID-19 vaccine. But I’m hearing a lot of conflicting information from friends and family about what to believe. Can you set the record straight about vaccine safety? Sincerely, “Searching for the Truth” Dear Searching: Vaccine misinformation is a tremendous problem in this country. And as an infectious disease expert, this has me quite alarmed. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 3 million lives are saved each year because of immunizations against potentially deadly disea…
Video: ‘Silent Graduation’ Held By Area High School So Student With Autism Can Get Diploma Video: ‘Silent Graduation’ Held By Area High School So Student With Autism Can Get Diploma
Video: ‘Silent Graduation’ Held By Area High School So Student With Autism Can Get Diploma A Carmel High School student was able to receive his diploma thanks to the help of the entire 2019 graduating class, and family and friends attending the event. Jack Higgins, who is autistic and hypersensitive to sound, was able to receive his diploma after the school's principal, Lou Riolo, asked all attending the event to hold "silent graduation," when he accepted his diploma. The students all attending agreed and Higgins, escorted by his brothers, was able to walk to the podium and accept his diploma with all silent, but with many clapping silently. As the young teen was leaving the are…
Missing Westchester Teen Found Missing Westchester Teen Found
Missing Westchester Teen Found Update: The 19-year-old who went missing in Westchester has been located and is safe. Zachary Palmieri was last seen riding a bicycle in his hometown of Sleepy Hollow on Evergreen Way at around 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, the New York State Public Safety Department said.  "We have good news to share: Zachary Palmieri is safe after being located by the Sleepy Hollow Police Department in Pleasantville," the department said. Original report: A 19-year-old has gone missing in the area and authorities are asking for the public's help in locating him. Zachary Palmieri was last seen …
Family Feud? Kennedys Blast RFK Jr. Over His View On Vaccines Family Feud? Kennedys Blast RFK Jr. Over His View On Vaccines
Family Feud? Kennedys Blast RFK Jr. Over His View On Vaccines Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been taken to task by three members of his famous family for his views on vaccines, which have been debunked by health officials. Although the country is mired in one of the worst measles outbreaks in years, Kennedy, a former Bedford resident, has been known to spread conspiracy theories about vaccines causing autism and other impairments on social media, prompting his family to respond in an essay posted on Politico. The World Health Organization has reported a 300 percent increase in the number of measles cases around the world as compared to this time last year,…
Missing Westchester 17-Year-Old Found Missing Westchester 17-Year-Old Found
Missing Westchester 17-Year-Old Found Update: The 17-year-old Mel who was last seen around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14  near the Bronxville Public Library, has been found safe. Mel Harris was located at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan, authorities announced late Friday afternoon, March 15. Original report: A 17-year-old boy has gone missing in Westchester and authorities are asking for the public's help in locating him. Mel Harris, who authorities say has autism, was last seen at the Bronxville Public Library at around 6:30 Thursday night, March 14. He is described as being 5-foot…
Missing 16-Year-Old Found Missing 16-Year-Old Found
Missing 16-Year-Old Found Update: The 16-year-old who went missing in the area late Monday afternoon, Feb. 25 has been found and is safe, the New York State Public Safety Department announced. Nicholas Guiliano of Valley Cottage was located at a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway late Monday night, the department said. Original report: A 16-year-old boy has gone missing in the area and authorities are asking the public's help in finding him. At the request of the Clarkstown Town Police Department, a New York State Missing Child Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of Nicholas Guiliano. Gui…
Missing 16-Year-Old Found Missing 16-Year-Old Found
Missing 16-Year-Old Found Update: The 16-year-old who went missing in the area late Monday afternoon, Feb. 25 has been found and is safe, the New York State Public Safety Department announced. Nicholas Guiliano of Valley Cottage was located at a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway late Monday night, the department said. Original report: A 16-year-old boy has gone missing in the area and authorities are asking the public's help in finding him. At the request of the Clarkstown Town Police Department, a New York State Missing Child Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of Nicholas Guiliano. Gui…
Number Of Rockland Measles Cases Increases As Bill Is Introduced Regarding Vaccines Number Of Rockland Measles Cases Increases As Bill Is Introduced Regarding Vaccines
Number Of Rockland Measles Cases Increases As Bill Is Introduced Regarding Vaccines As state legislatures work on a bill that would do away with the state's "religious belief" exemption regarding vaccinations, the number of measles cases in Rockland County has risen to 130 since the outbreak began in October. Across the state, 40 people were diagnosed with measles in January, and there have been at 186 cases since October, with the largest number of cases in Rockland, state health officials said. Officials said, "false fears" of a link to autism, and the religious exemption has allowed the disease to re-emerge when it was once considered eradicated just 18 years …