Ok, so my son Garrett is not potty trained yet. He's 4.5 years old. He started using the potty in November and here it is almost July and still not there yet. I'm not here to complain or be upset with my son just to let off steam. I've said many prayers for my son. I just keep thinking look how far he's come! By the way, he hasn't been officially diagnosed with autism but in my heart I know he's on the spectrum somewhere. He does have a meltdowns from time to time but isn't completely rigid about everything. Actually, he's very easy-going and sweet. There are just certain things that set him off from time to time. I'm so............proud of him for the progress he's made since Firststeps and entering his preschool. He is verbal and speaks;  however communication can be rocky from time to time. He doesn't interrupt or process exactly what we say to him sometimes.

 Soooooooo back to potty training. I purchased spiderman, Thomas, and every other kind of underpants last summer or hoping he would love them and wear them. He did wear for a bit just wet them and didn't seem to care. So, back to diapers and pull-ups. We're at the point now where he isn't happy about wearing underwear. He did wear them yesterday for 5 minutes but couldn't take it more than that and off them went. Tonight he wore them for 2 hours and seemed to love them. ;)

 He has the act of going potty down (#1 that is). He goes when we take him to the toilet which is normally every 2 hours.  It's the verbal part that is missing- he doesn't say "I have to go potty". He's told us that just a few times.

Does anyone have any ideas, advice , anything at all that has worked for your child? I know I must be patient and understand he will do this at his own pace. Any advice from a parent or professional provider that has been in my shoes would be greatly appreciated!

This new CD was developed to teach children with Autism, PDD and other learning delays and difficulties.

My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 years and 3 months. A month later he was on intensive one-on-one home-based therapy. By five, he was in a regular mainstream school, totally indistinguishable from his peers.

I soon found there was very little software available to teach children with Autism. This document outlines the information on Autism I have acquired over the years and the computer software I used to aid my son's recovery.

To view our complete software list, click on the "Products" tab above.

It is important to understand that without any Autism therapy or intervention, a child with Autism or PDD will absorb far less information and knowledge from the environment than a typical child. A typical child will start to talk at 1.5 to 2 years with almost no help from his parents or siblings. He will then acquire around 6 new words a day and will have a vocabulary of an amazing 10,000 words before the age of seven. A child with Autism may become verbal much later and have poor language and social skills if he is not given speech and behavior therapy. At least initially, a child with Autism must be given a strong knowledge base i.e. he must be taught speech, language and age-appropriate behavior.

To print this document on Autism, click above on "File", then "Print" and then "OK". Bookmark and visit this site again for more tips. I usually add more material on Autism software and other resources every week or two.  read more »

In a breakthrough scientific study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism. The study demonstrated that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein in neural stem cells had smaller brains, fewer nerve cells and showed behaviors similar to those seen in humans with a form of autism known as Rett Syndrome.

Alex Naylor, 7, left, stands with his cousin James during a race-a-thon to benefit autism in the Mill Grove subdivision, Noblesville, Saturday, June 28, 2008. Alex asked his mother to do something in place of his usual birthday party that could help his cousin James who has autism so they came up with the idea of a race-a-thon. The money raised will benefit children with autism at St. Jude.

A DRUG that prevents immune rejection in human transplant patients has improved the memory of mice with a hereditary learning disorder. The finding suggests the disorder is a result of reversible abnormalities in brain chemistry rather than irreversible differences in architecture, as was previously assumed.

I'm a reporter working a newspaper story about how families with a child who has autism travel with their child (or don't). What have you tried? What has worked, and what hasn't? If you are interested in telling me your story, please email me at jsmargolies@earthlink.net to set up a phone interview. Many thanks. Jane Margolies 

I think that's what we all worry about, the future. I try to take it

a day at a time but that's so against my nature (Im a worry wart)

that I struggle daily. Marcel is only 8 now but I've decided (and

daddy & his doctor agrees) that eventually we'll have to get a live

in to assist me. This is the plan, my sister in law is a realtor. When the

time comes we'll buy a bigger home & find our own version of the

Brady Bunch's Alice. She'll get free room & board in exchange for helping

me during the day. I'm curious if anybody else has thought of this. We're

doing okay right now but when he gets bigger and stronger I will need

more help when my husband is at work.

 Thanks for the comments. We have had staff bring Chris home. They have funding for transportation 3 times a year and we have visited him twice this summer. It just seems the more we visit the more difficult it becomes for him when there is a change at his group home. He just seems to loose it when he has a great deal of change typical  autistic behavior . The guys at his group home have more ability and parents closer to the home. He calls every evening and we are working on another visit next month and bring him home for a week. It seems every time he comes home for a visit we have to deal with the adjustment back to the group home. It seems sometimes as if the more we visit the harder it is for him.

Check out this sign from a store in Eagle, Colorado this summer 2008. It says,

"The impossible is often the untried."

I just received a phone call from one of my son's respite workers that our son Chris is having a difficult time. He is in a group home 2 1/2 hours away. He has three other house mates that live in the group home. As it turns out all three of theses guys are able to leave the house on weekends which leaves Chris alone with staff. He really does what to be home with us and does not understand that because of gas prices we are unable to visit or bring him home for a visit as often as we would all like. Some of the staff understand and try to get him out with activities while others just sit at home with him. He loves hardware stores and that is one of the rewards that he gets if he has good behavior. Since this change with room mates  his behavior has escalated and now he is stuck in the house. I feel very sorry for our son and have tried to communicate with staff that they are setting him up to fail. Chris gets very bored and that is when things get out of control. It is just so hard to parent from such a distance. We would like to get him closer to home. The group home is not the issue but the day program. Chris went through 5 day programs here and sorry to say his history followed him and people just wouldn't accept him. To parents some times people see stuff on paper about our kids and that follows them forever.

A way to pack for a road trip with an energetic ASD child is to create a separate tote bag with one change of clothes (for the entire family) for each day of your trip.  That way you don't have to load and unload a big, heavy suitcase every day.  I also like to pack a pool bag that I can grab quickly, and a small bag of toiletries (shampoo, deoderant, etc.).  The pool bag should contain suits, towel, lotions, diaper, deflated/small pool toy, and flip-flops as needed.

Always have a backpack for your child with "busy time" toys, beverage, and at least one change of clothes within easy reach.  Also, I like to keep at least two extra pairs of kids' shorts in the seat pocket.  I do this for everyday excursions, not just road trips.

Try to keep putting your camera, maps, flashlights, books, and other gear back in the same place every time so you don't waste time looking for them during your trip.  In other words, save time by trying to stay organized.

Save your sanity by investing in a portable DVD player.  If you don't have one and you will be traveling, look for one during 4th of July, Labor Day, and day-after-Thanksgiving sales this year.

You're too quiet...... you didnt float away in all that floading did ya??

We're having a drought in Tx ugh.

Preston is now in MN with grandparents and seems better. He told me he rode in the plane with his worn out ratty "blankie" over his head (his way of coping with a stressfull situation). I have decided to try to see what I can do on the legal end of getting visitation and travel arrangements modified so that he will not have to travel alone in the future. The visitation arrangements were made in 2002 and before Preston was diagnosed with autism so there is a good reason to reexamine the judgment and modify if that is within Preston's best interests which i am quite sure the court will see that. Surely there is something out there where this has happened before. I try to google similar situations but it has turned up nothing so far. Also, about the American Airlines allowing my son to fly even though I had a signed letter from Preston's pediatrician advising him not to fly alone, I feel that was irresponsible and grounds to look into some policy changes concerning special needs children. I know Preston's dad failed to tell them he was autistic, but I did tell them Prior to his flying of his special needs and the Dr's note. I am bothered that an airline would allow that to happen. For now, Preston is well and calls me about 8 to 10 times a day with the first words being "How many more days Mom?". Preston can talk but not well enough to express everything he is feeling. He has made big strides in progress, but he is still and perhaps will always be challenged in that area. It' s okay, I love him anyway. 

This is a great link:

http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.  read more »

Have you all been waiting to hear about the not-so-rosy parts of our road trip?

I'm not sure if you all know that Wyatt is a head banger.  He lightly bangs his head on the carpet when he is happy, he bangs his head against the wall, floor, cement, whatever if he is unhappy.  The latest in innovative head-banging happened on our trip when Wyatt wanted to reboard a train we had taken.  Marc put Wyatt up on his shoulders.  Even though Wyatt weights close to 70 pounds, this is a way we have been using to quickly remove Wyatt from situations. 

However, Wyatt decided to slam his head into the back of my husband's skull--repeatedly.  Oh my God, my husband saw stars, yelled, nearly passed out.  And now since Wyatt knows that he has gotten some sort of reaction from Marc because of this head slamming behavior, we can no longer use the shoulder hoist method of getting Wyatt away from places.  We thought about getting special football-player helmet padding and putting it inside a baseball cap that Marc could wear, but I think it would be too easy for Wyatt to grab and throw off. 

I just thought I'd share something about I.D. Marcel has a medicalert bracelet

but the little stinker manages to get it off. The chain is aluminum so it stretches

just enough that a determined little boy can get it off. We'll have to get a different

chain, anyway I have made up what we call I.D shirts. I just take a black permanant

ink marker and write his first name, our cell phone number and that he has autism

and isnt to be left alone just in case he were to wander off. He wore an I.D shirt when

we went to his doctor last week, I thought Dr Fierro would think we were overly

paranoid but on the contrary, he thought it was an excellent idea and that I should

share it. I told him about this group =) Anyway I always use a light shirt (that I get

second hand at a thrift store) and write on both the front and the back. It just makes

us feel a little more secure =)

This is kind of weird... maybe it was a coincidence brought on by the thrill of being on vacation in a new environment, but right after Wyatt gulped down a ton of salty hot springs water at the Hot Springs Pool in Colorado, he repeatedely and spontaneously asked for a "ball" and also began saying "door-key-go" when he wants to go out--which is a huge 3-word communication. Additionally, he now very clearly says, "itchy" when he is itchy and he has been spontaneously identifying cars, trucks (chu), and trains (chay).

And now for an ASD Travel Review on the Hot Springs Pool at Glenwood Springs:

Save money and go after 6 p.m. The entrance fee is significantly cheaper, the heat and sun are not as intense, and most importantly, the water slide closes at 6 p.m. Another bonus is that there are not nearly as many pool toys in the water. During the day at the pool Wyatt got a little overstimulated by all of the tube rings and beach balls, watching people jump off the diving board, and the waterslide activity--he wanted to hang out in the exit pool where it felt like simulated waves when people would emerge from the slide.

But at night we were able to really relax and enjoy the pool with Wyatt. The pool was much quieter and you could actually hear the mellow 1970's to the present tunes over the poolside speakers. When the pool lights came on it created an even more serence ambience. It was obviously summer when we visited, but we went in winter a few years ago and when the water is warm and the air is cold a very romantic steam rises from the water. If you stay at the pool from 6 to 10 p.m. you and your kids will sleep incredibly well.  read more »

I'm looking for your help again. I'm looking to fill up the Autism Resources page, but I keep coming across spammy or junky links and I'm having a hard time coming up with valuable autism related links. If you have any links to any great autism sites, please post them (create content, link) to the resources page. I'd like to make a great links page that members will find useful. As usual, thanks for the help!!

And I'm completely drained after driving from Albuquerque to San Diego in one day.  We got home at 4 a.m. this morning. 

It was the first day of summer school and the bus driver went to the wrong street (but she swore she went to the correct street even though my husband, on his way to work, saw a school bus sitting one street over from us at our corresponding house number).  And also my mother was standing outside the house for a full hour talking on her cell phone and she didn't see any school buses or taxi cabs.  I think that kind of thing would be hard to miss.  There was a UPS truck, but so far the school district has not tried to ship any kids to school by freight, tempting as the cost-saving benefits may be.

My mother is visiting.  Thank God she's put herself in charge of the mound of laundry. 

Anyway, I want to tell you all about my trip but it's all still swirling around in my tired brain.  

We wanted so bad to be parents, and when Ivan came home our dream became true, there he was a wonderfull new experience, when his autism diagnostic came, my huband did not take it wery well, but I think I found a new purpose in life...to be Ivan' mom, to guide him, and prepare him for life, and that's where were at.

We love him very much and we hope that we are doing the best for him. It's hard some times, when I think about what could have being, but i'm happy for what he is now, and that all that matters.

He was loved since the moment he was concived and my heart is so full of love for this little boy.

My 5 yo son takes many vitamin supplements and compounded medicines per day. They really help him, however, we put them in his juice which means 5 glasses of juice a day which equals one chubby boy!

Any advice on how to get him to swallow pills. Our attempts with hiding them in foods and drinks have been exhausted.  And now he won't even drink the juice we use. The capsules total about 12 a day.

Thanks!!!!

I found this today, seems like such a cool idea. It is a blog that is maintined by a six year old autistic child. He gets some help from his mother, here's what it says at the top of the blog:

"This is my own blog. I am a six year old autistic boy who struggles to talk (at this time). My mom has set this blog up for me. [My mom will write or ask questions in square brackets] so you know who is talking until I can tell her to stop interfering." 

Really interesting stuff and a great idea. Get your kids blogging.

Adam's Blog 

I found Michael sitting on the toilet. All on his own. No popps, but hey it is an improvement.

I would be interested in getting your input. My name is Joel Pearlman, and my 8 year old daughter (Danielle) has autism. Obviously I’m passionate about autism and about a year ago I decided that I would really like to figure out a way to help the cause. Quick background on me, I have successfully run my own business for 18 years (Image One) which has given me the ability to focus on my passion. I decided to start an organization called www.tonerforautism.com. The site sells ink and toner for printers with the idea that people are buying these products for their home or businesses; why not make a purchase with purpose? Our mission is to raise awareness and donate at least $1,000,000 by contributing 5% of every sale to organizations that support autism related research and issues, such as Autism Speaks. I would love to get your feedback and or help in spreading the word to other people who support this important cause. Please check out the website at www.tonerforautism.com and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Those who read everything know I am a single mother. Michael's father lives 6 hours away and has a hard time making any effort, though he says he loves Michael, I think he is scared of showing it. Anyways...

I am supposed to be getting involved in a new group for respit care. Only they not only provide care, they also evaluate your situation. They are the reason my neighbor's children's father lost his rights. Their say will have more lee-way with a judge than mine. David has most the same issues (except for criminal activities) going for him. I finally broke down and closed the silence gap and told him that getting involed with this program for Michael will mean unless he gets in gear and like NOW he can lose Michael and I have no say. I will not give up my son for anybody. Even fighting to defend David. I am tempted to come up with an ageement. He is basically out of Michael's life but will be allowed visitation if arranged and such, but no longer be given a say in medical or educational decisions, and I will not ask anything else of him other than he continues to pay according to the court ordered child support agreement.Then I can say well techinally David is not in and out, he is out but financially supporting his son.  read more »

Hello my name is Stephanie and I have a beautiful 8 year-old son named Preston. He was diagnosed at age 5 with PDD. I suspected it earlier due to his speech delay among other little "quirky" behaviors. Preston is high functioning and is social and loving. He loves to be hugged and will join groups. He does need "alone time" from time to time. His father and I divorced when he was age 2 1/2 years and Preston spends most of his time with me. I feel his dad has a hard time accepting the fact that Preston ASD. The custodial arrangements were made before Preston's diagnosis and therefore I feel is not the best for Preston. His dad is supposed to be able to get him for 2 months in the summertime and 1 week around Christmas time. The 2 months in the summer time are hard on Preston and his father hardly spends any time with him. The last three summers, his dad only spent 1 week or less with Preston then he spent the rest of his visit with his dad's parents. Preston is happier with his grandparents for some reason. I am livid about what happened this summer. Preston was supposed to fly with his father to his grandparents and spend the whole summer as usual with the grandparents. Dad decided to fly Preston to his home in TX instead without telling me. I only found out by speaking to Preston who was upset about the change and stated he wanted to come home. His dad, then told me he was going to have Preston fly by HIMSELF to MN to his grandparents and refused to give me flight info and refused to answer my phone calls or let me talk to Preston but only a couple of times in 5 days. I was upset and afraid for Preston to fly by himself for obvious reasons the mom of an ASD child would be upset. I determined that there were only 2 airlines that allow unaccompanied minors to fly and one of them went bankrupt (ATA) and that left American Airlines.  read more »

Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect, and I don' t live to be. But before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean.

I found that quote from Bob Marley and fell in love with it. I think it should be written int he sky and shoved in every person who dares judge those of us with Autistic children. Or rather any child with special needs.

Hello everyone.  I have received so many emails from parents who have told us that our Baby Gourmet and Food Safari videos and DVD's work for their autistic children and thier struggles with food that I want to pass it on.  We realize there is a broad spectrum and the DVD's may not work for all, but we are hearing they are helping children get over the aversion to different textures so more foods are eaten, thus making mealtime easier on the whole family.

 We so hope this helps.  We created the videos to inspire kids to eat and accept fruits and veggies and we are grateful that they are helping eating disorder and autistic children, as well.   Our heart goes out to all of you. 

Go to www.yumyumstudios.com for more info. 

Katheryn 

Katheryn

Hello all.... Here's that positive story I need to share with you.

Trinity repeated first grade this year. Because of last years upset with a neighbors child..(earlier blog) I kept thinking about going to class with her and talking to the kids...I was reluctant. FINALLY, I got brave. It's funny...my husband and I used to be musicians and singers for a living. I fronted our show....Talking is what I did best. But, talking to all those 6 year olds was scary!!

I asked her teacher if I could come and talk with the class and she was happy to have me do it. This is what happened.

I took Trinitys favorite book...."I Love You Stinky Face"...(by the way, I recommend this highly) All the children made a half moon around me and Trinity...I read to them to get their attention. The book reassures children that no matter WHAT...we will love them. When I finished, I asked if any of the kids knew anthing about autism. A couple of hands went up. These children were REALLY paying attention. I explained to them that this is what Trinity has. I went on to say that she was just like them, even when she acted different. I told them that she loved school and friends and her family and all the things they liked. I told them that her brain processed information and language differently, so sometimes she would not respond in a proper way .

I asked these little people to have patience with her and redirect her when necessary. In short...to be her friends. The teacher was grateful for my visit and said she now had a much better understanding of Trinity.

These beautiful little people stepped up like you wouldn't believe!! They had unlimited patience and resolve with her. They included her in every way they could. They enjoyed standing by her in line and eating at the lunch table with her. They WERE HER FRIENDS! I saw it in action many, many times.  read more »

I was thinking earlier about how insensitive some people can be in regards to our special needs children.  Thought I would share a story of mine.  I'm sure we all have some of these to share.

Trinity was 7 last year and in the public school system, mainstreaming...she has special ed classes and classes with "typical" children..(I hate that word "Normal"...how many of us actually are??!)   Trinity loves school...she loves her classmates.  This probably annoys some kids and this was brought to my attention in a callous way.

A neighbor of mine had a little girl in first grade with Trinity.  Trinity talked about this child and would say..."I love her".  One day this neighbor came to my door to use my phone because hers was on the fritz....As she was leaving, I mentioned to her how much Trinity loved her little girl...At which time whe commented..." Yes..I've heard from Mary..."  then she went on to say that Mary found Trinity annoying because she always wanted to stand in line beside her and sit beside her in the lunchroom..  Then she said..rather matter of factly..." I told her to have the teacher move her."   I just stood there thinking   , why?   Why couldn't she have just told her little girl that Trinity was a little different, but to just be her friend.?  Why did she have to react like it was something she might catch??  

The absolute clincher for me was this.......This adult woman, with two kids of her own...had absolutely NO IDEA that she had offended me!!  She walked away with a "have a nice day attitude."   I said nothing....then sat down and cried...I SHOULD have told her I was offended, I guess...but really....If you have to TELL someone that....would it really matter?   I found myself angry with her child....irrrational, I know.  read more »

Hi!  I'm at an internet cafe in Durango, Colorado.  Wyatt and Marc are riding the train today.  Wyatt just would not go to sleep until 3 a.m. last night and we had to get up soooo early to make the train.   Because I was so groggy, I forgot to bring extra diapers so there are only 2 spares to last until 5:30.  Uh oh!  My poor husband!  I was really, really worried that things were going to go badly when I saw two big-time, big-spender tour buses filled with mostly elderly people pull up.  Also, this train outfit seems to be filled with rules and regulations.  But then I saw where Wyatt would be sitting, in a noisy open air car at the very end with no one sitting next to him.   So I think (hope, pray) that Marc doesn't have a miserable time and that Wyatt doesn't pee on anyone :)

I miss you guys so much!  I can't believe how addicted I've become to this website.  Love the new pic, Shootingstars!  I wish I could read through all of the postings and comments for the week, but there is a lady who is DESPERATE to use the computer, so I'm going to be nice and go--even though I have lots and lots to write about, like how I haven't had a shower in 3 days because I thought there would be showers at my current yurt site, but no!  So I have to find a Y.  I knew that membership would come in handy for something.  Also need 2 do laundry, if possible.  The dog is in the car anyway (in the shade, and it is early, but still).  Shootingstars, I've seen 2 Iowa plates on this trip!

Thanks so much for the responses. Before I became a Mom of a special needs child, I worked for about 10 years for our local Parks and Recreation. We ran trainings for special needs kids and adults for Special Olympics. We would spend weeks putting the kids in age groups and then in heats depending on their abilities so that the groups would be fair and well matched. The state meets gave kids the opportunity to have a trip away from home. I guess some things have changed but I started Chris when he was about 6.

I also have a physical disability myself and I went to a summer camp for kids with special needs. The camp sessions we divided into groups of kids with physical disabilities and then those with more mental disabilities on different times of the summer. I went to school with "normal" kids so being with others like myself was very important. I went for two weeks every summer, made life long friends, got my first paid job there and met my husband of 34 years. Had it not been for my connection with my disabled peers I would have never felt equal. I went on to get my Masters in Social work and my biggest and greatest accomplishment was becoming Christopher Mom. I agree with mainstreaming kids as long as it treats our kids with respect and dignity and makes them feel a part of the group. When Chris was 10 we moved him to a special needs school. Mainstreaming just did not work for him.  It was the best move we made for us and our son. It was very important that our son have success. Most of the teachers he had before we moved him had little or no special education training. He had a aide and he spent most of his time on the side lines. He spent two years with limited goals on his IEP. I do not care if he can tie his shoes, thank God for Velcro.   read more »

I am beating myself against a wall. Michael will not poop in the toilet. He has only had one pee accident in a long time and that was at the park and no bathroom. But for all I try he will not poop in anything but his unders or pants. I tried telling him that he is a big boy now and has to poop in the potty like Mommy. Nothing I do seems to work :(

I took this on my webcam of me and Michael. In ways I am glad he looks just like me :) Only alot cuter.

Michael had his eye appoinment today. He did not want to cooperate overly well, but he tried. No temper tantrums or crying. I was pretty proud of him. Grandma gave him 5 dollars to spend at Wal-Mart since he was such a good boy. Lucky for me Michael is not a greedy child. He loves getting one dollar so he can buy a Hotwheels car.

They say his eyes are pretty good. I was the same age when one of my eyes turned slightly and messed up my vision. So I have to say I am happy Michael got such a patient eye doctor. If I had one like him things could have been much better for me. 

I think it was about 3 months ago when our only smooth jazz radio staion went from Digital Fm to HD FM. Boy what a disruption in our lives! No warning, to preparing the listeners. Just one minute they were broadcasting the next minute they were off. How could this happen? Smooth jazz and this particular station had been in our son's life all his 10 years of living.

Oh boy, "Change" Did they not know how valuable they were to me and some of my coaching clients? For some of my families I coach on how to live with autism/ manage challenging behaviors. Smooth Jazz was the choice of music I used. I would say," Oh yea, just go to the Smooth Jazz station at 104.3 when their child starts showing signs of behavioral issues." Then what happens? the station goes off the air. So, in order for us to have calm in our home. We ran out and bought a MP3 for our son ( we knew nothing on how to operate). That didn't work, we then tried keeping the laptop on at night with the Smooth Jazz station on (they went HD and Internet). That didn't work with, because the computer cut off after awhile. So, we headed back over to the store and bought a lousy expensive HD radio. It worked (well sort of, it fades in and out at times).

For my household, smooth jazz is the music of choice for us. It keeps our son very calm. He loves listen to Greg Adams, Boney James, Paul Hardcastle, Paul Taylor, Nils, and many more. He knows every artist, and every song, and every album that was played on Smooth Jazz. He goes to sleep with his MP3 player on with all the jazz we downloaded from Rhapsody.  read more »

The armadillo =)~~

What do porcupines eat anyway mmm?

Title         TACA of Illinois (Chicago Metro - Schaumburg) Meeting - August 9, 2008     
Location         Macy’s Woodfield Center Mall, 1 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL - Special Events Room on 3rd floor near women’s petites     
Date         August 9, 2008 (Meets 2nd Saturday monthly)     
Time         4-6 p.m.     
Description         Midwest Hyperbarics

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It has been employed for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions but is presently gaining widespread recognition for its value in new applications in the field of neurology where it is being used for problems such as traumatic brain injury, stroke and other neurological disorders.
    
Website         www.tacanow.org/illinois     
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Title         TACA of Illinois (Chicago Metro - Schaumburg) New Parent Seminar -July 19, 2008     
Location         Fenwick High School, 505 W. Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302     
Time         9 a.m. - 4 p.m.     
Description         New Parent Seminar

After receiving the diagnosis of autism for a beloved child (or children), parents typically struggle as they search through various resources to locate information needed to help their child the fastest. The goal of the one-day New Parent Orientation is to provide parents and caretakers the “jump start” they need at the beginning of their journey from parents who have “been there, done that.” In addition to sage advice, parents who attend will receive: an overview of beginning therapies and biomedical intervention, where to go for what information, and recommended first steps. The seminar will be given by experienced parents who volunteer their time in providing the education new parents need.

More info
    
Website         www.tacanow.org/illinois     
Fee         $28 individual/$45 couple

Location(s)

Walk Around the World for Autism, Kendallville, Indiana - August 9, 2008

Title         Walk Around the World for Autism, Kendallville, Indiana - August 9, 2008     
Location         Bixler Lake Park, Lions Club Pavilion, Kendallville, Indiana 46755     
Time         8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.     
Description         Walk Around the World for Autism

5k (3 mile) Fundraising Walk for "The Autism Treatment Center of America".

All proceeds raised go toward scholarships for families challenged by Autism to attend classes to learn life-changing therapies to help loved ones affected by autism.
    
Website         http://www.walkaroundtheworld.org     
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Title         TACA of Virginia Meeting - July 1, 2008
Location         Sentara Princess Anne, 1975 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, Ambulatory Surgical Center, enter door next to Emergency Room and take elevator to 3rd floor Get directions from your location.
Description         Parent Support Meeting
Website         www.tacanow.org/virginia
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Title         TACA of Washington Meeting -October 18, 2008
Description         Dr. Amy Derksen

Clinical Indicators & Supplementation Options for Yeast, Viruses, Parasites & Bacteria

Dr. Amy Derksen graduated from Western Washington University with a BS in Biochemistry and earned her Doctorates of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2003. She has since completed a two year apprenticeship with Dietrich Klinghardt, MD PhD, where she developed her skills in neural therapy, as well as gained extensive training in heavy metal detox and treatment of Lyme disease and neurological disorders, including autism.
Website         www.tacanow.org/washington
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Title         TACA of Washington Meeting - September 6, 2008     
Location         Building E Auditorium, South Campus, Bates Technical College, 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA Driving Directions     
Description         John Green M.D.

Using a Defeat Autism Now! Approach

John Green is a frequent presenter at the Autism Research Institute’s Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and Think Tanks. In late 2006, Dr. Green presented an in-depth look at the many toxins found in the environment and how a build-up of these in a body could be a primary factor in the pathogenesis of autism in children at the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute’s Environmental Toxicology Conference. Dr. Green treats individuals living with autism at his practice in Oregon City, Oregon.
    
Website         www.tacanow.org/washington     
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Autism Day – Washington - August 9, 2008      
Location: Jubilee Farm - 229 W Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Carnation, WA     

Stop by our table to meet representatives from the TACA Washington Team and learn more about the new Washington State Chapter of TACA. Free prizes for the kids. Autism Day is a free, fun-filled event designed for families touched by autism - a chance to relax in a beautiful setting surrounded by people who understand.
    
Website         www.autismdaywa.com     
Fee         FREE

Location(s)

Presented by Minnesota Twins Baseball, Autism Society of Minnesota & RT Autism Awareness Foundation

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Mark your calendar!
The Minnesota Twins invite you to celebrate Autism Awareness day at the Metrodome on June 22, 2008.  This will be a special day recognizing autism throughout our community. 

Twins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

First pitch at 1:10 pm

The Twins will provide you the opportunity to purchase Lower Reserved seats at a special price of $23.  These seats are regularly priced at $30.

Three easy ways to order:  Call Luis Breazeale at the Twin at 612-375-7463, or download the order form and fax or mail it in to Luis!

Location(s)

Cam's Ride: Cruisn' for Autism in Minnesota

June 21, 2008

$20.00 per person

Registration opens at 9:00 am.  The Ride starts at at noon at The Junction off of Hwy 169 & Hwy 18, and will stop at Jackson's Hole, The Rustic Trail and The Log Cabin.  Party to follow at The Blue Goose Inn in Garrison.  Proceeds will be donated to AuSM.

Visit camsride.com or call HalfBreed Custom Motorcycle at 218-678-3838/888-509-6604 to pre-register and for more information.

Location(s)

AuSM invites you to join us at the 13th annual Golf Benefit!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Troy Burne Golf Club
295 Lindsay Rd.
Hudson, WI 54016

11:00 Lunch sponsored by Chipotle

         Silent Auction

         Free golf lessons with PGA Pro Marty Lass

1:00 Shotgun Start

        Hole in One Contest

5:00 Awards Dinner

Cost: $125.00/golfer

$25.00 is tax deductible

AuSM members and friends who don't golf are invited to participate in the awards banquet.  Dinner is $25.00 per person.

Registration deadline is July 27, 2008.

Location(s)

2008 Alliance for Community Media Hometown Video Awards Winner - Documentary: Public Awareness, Non-professional

http://2008.acmhometown.org/index.php...

Autism is a mental disability that impairs a person's central nervous system and how it operates, particularly in sensory awareness. In effect, autism impairs a person's social awareness and communication skills.

However, it's also a complex disorder, meaning no two cases are alike, and because it can't be physically detected, is often ignored by unaffected humans. Although boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, it knows no social or ethnic boundaries.

What was originally a project for my electronic art class became my first television program giving viewers an overview on what autism is, how it affects people, how other people respond, and the attitude taken towards it.

I hope this program enlightens you on one of the most prominent disabilities today.

Tune in for this unusual presentation on autism by someone with autism. Animal Science professor Temple Grandin, who designs livestock handling facilities, discusses the value of early intervention in autism, and about medications. Other topics include her sensory sensitivities and how she manages them, how she and other autistic people think, and social relationships and careers. Series: "M.I.N.D. Institute Lecture Series on Neurodevelopmental Disorders"