Walk into the Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center, and you can “feel” the soothing and safe environment. The new facility helps the care team work together better and give special support to kids with autism and their families. About the new center Clinicians, patient families and the design team worked together to turn […]
Mom shares what Akron Children’s new Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center means for families
When Melissa Baker talks about her son, her voice fills with both love and a deep understanding of kids who see the world differently. Melissa is mom to 11-year-old Korbin, who has autism. She has worked at Akron Children’s Hospital for nearly 2 decades – 15 years as a child life specialist in the pediatric […]
Twin boys are thriving 1 year after their emergency birth
When Alison Speelman learned she was pregnant in the fall 2023, it was a total surprise. But a bigger surprise was yet to come. “I had my first ultrasound at 7 weeks, and that’s when we found out we were having twins,” she said. “My husband, Josh, and I didn’t speak on the ride home […]
Sister dedicates book to older brother, shares tips on befriending a child with autism
From the moment she was born, Tara Johnston, of Canal Fulton, was in a unique situation to learn how to befriend a child with autism. Now, 19 years later she shares all the knowledge she has learned in a self-published book, “Tara’s Tips for Friends with Autism,” which is dedicated to her older brother, […]
Seize the golden opportunity that summer presents and delve into a good book
Worries about pandemic-related academic progress will persist but … Seize the golden opportunity that summer presents and delve into a good book With heavier days of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, this summer looks a lot brighter than the last. We are reuniting with family, planning trips and slowly finding our way back to restaurants, […]












