I'm still getting my head around how this site works, so I apologize if someone has already posted this news story!

Many people, including DAN! doctors and parents, are excited that a new clinical study on HBOT has just been published. The study, by a group of therapists including Dan Rossignol and Jim Neubrander, found that children completing a 40 hour program of hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed improvements in overall functioning, eye contact, sensory/cognitive awareness, receptive language and social interaction. This is great news for those of us who believe in HBOT and also those considering it as part of a program of treatment for their child.

I have a question for anyone out there with experience.  My son is 15, uses little verbal language, but can read, write, type, and continues to learn.  Over the last few years, we have been pushed to focus his school education on 'life skills'.  It was suggested that spelling was unnecessary when he was 12, and that using a vacuum was important to learn.  We have continually fought this, and are of course, problem parents.  Our position has been that the number one life skill that our son needs to acquire is language, and a functional way to use it.  Happily, he continues to make wonderful strides in this direction.  Given his current age, the pressure for life skills is getting harder.  Our child study team is pushing for loading the dishwasher and folding clothes.  Our son showers, dresses himself, makes his bed, sets the table for dinner, clears the table, and is currently learning to shave.  These skills have been taught at home, as needed.  To those out there with an autistic teenager, what in your experience has been the ratio of academics to life skills as your child moves to high school age?  Also, we are being told that home programs are not done for children over 15.  Again, does anyone have any experience with this?

Here are some links to sensory related topics.  Many times just knowing some of this infomation can be benefical to the adult working with a child with autism.  I hope the links work for you.

 Sensory Needs

A Sample Sensory Diet

Sensory Integration Info

Sensory Integration Info #2 

Sensory integration Info #3

Movies (Sensory Sensitive Films/theaters)

Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Foundation Website   read more »

The more I think about how fortunate I am because I have had success in dealing with the Child Study Team in the past, makes me believe that I know I can help many people. I've been an advocate for 16 years and I have been through it all. It all started with my son Akyli who is about to turn 17 this April. I like so many parents didn't know what to do when I found out that my son was autistic. He went from non-verbal and aggressive to very verbal and kind hearted. He even gets honor roll in the school he is attending. I am finding that more and more parents are trying to find proper placement for their children and the CST in the district that they belong to is uncooperative. I know what most parents are going through right now having to fight for thier children to be properly placed and the district not helping. I had this problem once and long story short I sued the state of NJ and won and my son never again had this problem, all thanks to god. It's a long road for many parents and sometimes it feels like no matter what you do no one will be able to help. I 'm here to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep on fighting for what you think is right and in the end everything will pay off. I am currently working on an audio book and e book to help parents who are having these types of problems and I hope when I release it that I can help many people out there. If you would be interested in something like this let me know so that when it comes out I can let you know.

This blog has to be a compromise; I have to write it, but I also have to do lots of chores (gritty floor, wrinkled clothes, food that hasn't been cooked yet)...so imagine it's a sound byte or a newspaper headline.

Parents' Jaws Drop As Team Refuses Appropriate Placement For Son

These 2 parents, both who have had careers in special education, were shocked when, after having made an excellent case for a private school placement, the district firmly dashed their hopes blah blah blah...

We had 2 IEP meetings, everyone was polite, we had plenty of opportunity to state the case for our son's needs being met in an out-of-district placement.  Then we were told that the district high school was all we were being offered.  A partially-adequate program.  So do we go to mediation?  And further?  This is really upsetting.     Now I've got to get on with the Mom Job, so more later-

This is from the ASA website:

Monsters vs. Aliens
April 4, 2009

10 a.m. local time

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

Coming Soon:

April 18: Hannah Montana: The Movie

2009 Summer Programs
This summer Creative Interventions, LLC will be offering three programs for children on the Autism Spectrum.  The groups will run for six weeks on Monday through Thursday from July 7 – August 13.

These programs are designed for children ages 5-9 who are non-aggressive:
•    Sensory Integration/Motor Group
•    Social Skills and Language Development Group
•    Academic/Cognitive Learning Group

The cost of the groups:
•    Sensory Integration/Motor Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Social Skills and Language Development Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Academic/Cognitive Learning Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Total for all three sessions for six weeks - $2,700

Each session will run for one hour on the dates listed above.  Services will be provided by Autism Specialists, ABA Consultants, and Licensed Occupational Therapists.  You may elect to register for one of or a combination of the groups listed.

For more information please call our office at (860) 413-9538. 

Programs will be held at the main office:
15 School Street
East Granby, CT 06026
(860) 413-9538

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2009 Summer Programs
This summer Creative Interventions, LLC will be offering three programs for children on the Autism Spectrum.  The groups will run for six weeks on Monday through Thursday from July 7 – August 13.

These programs are designed for children ages 5-9 who are non-aggressive:
•    Sensory Integration/Motor Group
•    Social Skills and Language Development Group
•    Academic/Cognitive Learning Group

The cost of the groups:
•    Sensory Integration/Motor Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Social Skills and Language Development Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Academic/Cognitive Learning Group - 24 sessions/ $960
•    Total for all three sessions for six weeks - $2,700

Each session will run for one hour on the dates listed above.  Services will be provided by Autism Specialists, ABA Consultants, and Licensed Occupational Therapists.  You may elect to register for one of or a combination of the groups listed.

For more information please call our office at (860) 413-9538. 

Programs will be held at the main office:
15 School Street
East Granby, CT 06026
(860) 413-9538

Hello blog relationship buddies...  in addition to writing here on Autism Blogger, I'd like to create a blog somewhere where I can talk about stuff that's not autism related.  I want to write about the rest of my boring life!  Any ideas about blog sites or titles?  Yes, I'm an autism mom, but I'm also just me, a person who shops sales, mends clothes, needs to get more exercise, brings troubled neighbors food, sends helpful suggestions to Obama, and generally spends too much time on the internet.  On another site that I write articles for I'm NearlyTypicalMom.  I don't know if I want to even include the word  "Mom" in my everyday blog.  

Well, if there are any people who wish to contribute, please do so with out discrimination.

The thing is driving. No matter how much I attempt to learn it, there seems to be this gap that I can't overcome. Although I seem the basics of driving down, I seem to miss those finer points and it's those crucial points where trouble occurs. In case you're wondering, yes I have had more death encounters than probably all of my whole family members combined (which is at 5). It frustrates me to no end. For example, merging into traffic. Somehow I just can't get it down. I'll look and it will seem clear and I'll start the turn but about a second later, the passenger (usually Dad) will say "you got to hurry up. There's a car coming!") As a I straighten out, then I'll see the car behind me. I get frustrated because I wonder why I didn't see that earlier. I also have to wonder if it's some psychic link people have but not autistic people. Even today, when I tried to get on to a main highway, I figured I could turn after I saw this black sedan zoom past. I start the turn (at what I thought was a fast speed) but the next thing I know, there's this brown car that comes zooming down behind me. (almost got hit and unfortunately learned that automatic cars don't have good accelerating engines). I scared my Dad shitless and he's yells at me for not seeing the brown car and being stupid for taking the chance to merge. I'm there again wondering how I missed seeing that car.

I'm worried that I'll have to accept the following conclusion of being catered to and from places because I can't drive. I'll always have to take public transportation or have  somebody who is willing to drive me for the rest of my life.  read more »

I have just created an Autism Blogger page on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, please visit this link and become a fan of Autism Blogger! Thank you, much appreciated.

So i just joined today and hopefully this helps me with everything going on in my daughters life. She is 2 1/2 and was diagnoised a few months ago, for a while i was really convinced she was getting better.  Just last week she started having sleeping problems. She was always a good sleeper. At night time she falls asleep with out problems, during the day its been harder to get her to take a nap. She had a seziure the other day while i was making her take a nap. Since the seziure and this was her first, she wakes up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder, she screams for me and when i get close to her she kicks me and pushes me away, when i then leave the room she screams for me, i go back in her romm and again she screams louder and kicks me. This whole thing lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. I feel helpless i dont know what to do. Is there anyone out there experiencing the same thing? I need help!

Boys, Bathrooms, Urinals...Clueless...I'm a Girl!

One more male only ritual exposed for the sake of our children.
Until now Nicky's support team at school has been mostly women. They have been perfect nurturers, smart, kind and gentle. This year I decided that "we" women could not, no matter how well trained or intentioned give Nicky his "Man" stuff. This week we got the perfect example of our shortcomings :). His male therapist came to me and said when he pulls his britches down to his knee's at the urinal the other kids laugh at him and it's got to stop".  All I could say was "Okay I'll tell everyone". It just happened that we were having a team meeting with his behavioral team the next day. I raised this as a topic of discussion - to the all female team - and it was hysterical. I realized as they starred blankly at me, and explained that they had only potty trained little ones to sit on the toilet, that none of us had a clue into the details of the all male world of the urinal!!!!  We didn't know if he was supposed to pull his pants down, or use the hole in the front of his "tighty whities" so we all stared at each other. Finally I said "Okay let's call his school guy who told me this".  We called him and he explained the MAN process, starting with a stern "Donna the whole POTTY thing has got to go!. He's too big for you to being saying "POTTY", its restroom. He needs to:
• Go in the Urinal
• Undo the top of his pants - Not pull them down below his bottom
• Grab a hold of "his business"
• Lift "his business" out of his pants and pee.  
• Then shake off "His Business" and put it back.  read more »

My daughter has Asperger's and does not seem to fit anywhere. We have summer day camps for severe disabilities and "normal kids," but nothing for her? Any advice would certainly be welcome. Thanks, Rhonda

Below is an audio link to a news story that I found interesting because the UCLA researcher who was interviewed said that, contrary to popular belief, the brain doesn't peak at a very young age.  He says that the brain can constantly be improved even in our later decades of age. 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102169531

Friday, 20 March 2009

Not everyone in Northern Ireland knows this but there are still children and adults with autism, living in Muckamore Mental Hospital, some of whom have been there a very long time and who are now institutionalised. Who knows if their lives could have been different if it wasn't for this war. Is it inevitable that they had to end up there? Was this their destiny from birth? Mental health problems associated with having autism are common and totally misunderstood and tragically mishandled. In the link below is a culmination of the thoughts of some of the parents of these individuals. In reading it, the fear they have of their loved ones being as they put it "re-settled" is palpable. Imagine having to fight to keep your child institutionalised. I am not making a value judgement here, their situation is what it is and they no doubt made the best decisions they could as parents and with what they were offered in terms of help. But as I look on the face of my young child I cannot accept or comprehend such a fate. Who knows what his future holds, but I would not want this for him and I am quite sure, nor would he. see:  read more »

AutismNI have a lot of staff and they seem to have lots of money. At first glance, it would appear they are doing something useful. No charity could be in existence for 20 years with that kind of money (I think they have 24 staff now, maybe more) and not be doing good work. No charity could have the same CEO for so long together with other long standing members and not be top of their field in knowledge about the condition.  read more »

A growing trend in Early Childhood Education is the focus on using materials with real photo images rather than illustrations.

Teaching ideologies such as Montessori have long understood the importance of focusing on fact rather than fiction in the materials used for teaching young children. The closer the educational experiences are to real life, the easier it is for children to make the links and connections to their real world experiences, and to recognize and transfer the learning value when they later encounter the real thing in nature.

In Special Needs and Autism education the use of real pictures rather than drawings, clip art, or illustrations reduces confusion and helps students generalize the lessons to their environment. Research has actually demonstrated that many children with Autism respond better to real pictures than to line drawings (Willis 2009).

Multiple Intelligence Theories tell us that children learn and thrive in different ways. As some students are visual learners, the use of real photos becomes very important to support and enhance their learning experience.  read more »

I was told spring was coming by the weather guy on t.v. But when I woke up this morning I noticed that it was snowing outside. My kids were so happy to see the snow. I had the day all planned out. I was supposed to go spring clothes shopping but I think maybe I should hold out and wait. It's really pretty to see the snow I will miss it when the summer months come.

Does anyone have any suggestions of how to get a 1 on 1 aide for high functioning autistic child?  Any ideas of alternatives for funding other than the school district?  With all the budget cuts across the country it maes this task even harder.  Thanks for your help!

As you are very well aware, the prevalence of children being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is increasing at an alarming rate.  We would appreciate your assistance in helping us try to identify if the use of epidural analgesia/anesthesia and Pitocin during childbirth have any association with the development of autism.

If you are willing to participate in a survey questionnaire, please email Elaine DeLack, RN at elaine@edmsllc.com and the questionnaire will be emailed to you for your completion. 

 Thank you in advance for your participation in this research.

Does anyone else have trouble finding babysitters/ childcare for your autistic child? I seem to have a hard time, especially on the weekends. Just wondering if it was just me or if this was a problem for everyone.

Last week I attended a conference in Monterey for work.  All week my hubby and I talked about him and Caden coming along (my husband was just laid off from his job for budget reasons so he has time on his hands).  My mom agreed to watch the twin babies for the night so we were a bit excited about the prospect of getting a full nights sleep.  That thought was quickly replaced with memories of so many unsuccessful trips we have had with Caden.  The feeling of always being on edge because everything is "new" to him and he doesn't like new things. We decided to take the chance, figuring home was only two hours away in case daddy needed to pack him up and take him home. Caden surprised us in such a delightful way, reminding us that we must continue to expose him to change so he can grow. Caden was besides himself as he didn't have to share us with his brothers and we were willing to do whatever he wanted to do. We went to the park (the Dennis the Mennis Park is awesome), swam in the pool, watched videos - He actually agreed to watch "Finding Nemo" instead of "Thomas the Friends" which has been played more times than I have been here on earth.  We had to get more creative at bedtime because I didn't bring the bed rail. The two double beds were each attached to a platform so I couldn't move either up against the wall.  I had planned to sleep on one side of the bed so Caden would be protected from falling off the bed as he would be between me and the wall.  Putting my thinking cap on (which is a floppy hat these days, due to the lack of sleep caused by the twins), I decided to put a few chairs against the other side of the bed with soft pillows on top, creating a makeshift wall.  It took some heavy negotiating before Caden accepted the fact that it was alright to break the rules and put the pillows on the chairs instead of the bed.  read more »

If you have a child or have a student who resorts to dealing with their own methods of Sensory input, you might want to try a Sensory Diet.  I worked in a couple of schools and I have come across various children who have behaviors like:

• Rocking
• Swinging of hands in the air
• Rubbing on cotton
• Humming

You know, the behaviors that when done impulsively in a classroom can be very disruptive to the rest of the students. When some of my staff decided to try Sensory Diets in the classroom I was very happy but apprehensive. They started using it in class and the student and as a result the students started becoming part of the class rather than the disruption.

 Ex: The class was made aware that everyday before reading time Sammy has to go to the sensory area. Once put into play and repeated this became a less stressful time for Sammy and a less disruptive time for the rest of the class.

 I went to a workshop that taught me that when Sensory Diets are done properly it can develop a change in the nervous system that in time can help regulate sensory input and as a result the student becomes a more productive student in class.  read more »

     I am in a small town and have worked in the school district with special needs.  I have also learned that there is no support group for parents that have children with autism and it is bigger than the few individuals ive been around.  So i decide as a parent of two autistic kids to begin a support group on my own, thus far i have been able to enlist a college and the local school district for assistance.  I have yet to hear from councilors and doctors.  The main thing i am concerned about is what needs to be addressed.  I want to open up the communication between parents, teachers, and the community at large.  Knowledge is key after all.  The school director has said that they have tried to get a group going but parents wouldn't show up, we determined that it would have to start with a parent for other parents to feel more comfortable.  does any one have any ideas one what i can address in news letters and in a group setting.  to alot of this it is a sensitve subject because its about the people we love and care about.  I am a bit blunt and i worry about offending or discouraging ather parents.  I also feel as if i may be to close to the subject to be of any real help besides a listening ear for others.  Please help, this is for the kids in the long run.

thank you

It's been a while since I've written, mostly because I was working on my term paper.  I ended up with this title,  

Autism Research:  Treatment or Prevention?  Genetic vs. Environmental Focus

My premise was:  Genetic research = autism treatment;  Environmental research = autism prevention.  

 At the end of the paper I also had to say which side I supported.  So, if you could only choose one, would you choose to treat autism or prevent autism?  By treat autism I mean a risky, medically invasive "almost-cure" that might be available 10+ years from now.  By prevent autism I mean find the causes and reverse the statistics to a probability of 1 in 10,000 children instead of 1 in 150.  Which one do you think I chose?  I should make this a poll question.

 It was a difficult topic and I was a knucklehead for not choosing something easier.  After it's graded, maybe I'll post some of it here so you guys can go back and read it if you're having trouble falling asleep some night!   :)

I have had such fun with my blog lately. It's great to do something you enjoy but at the same time raise awareness for autism. I have been interview people with Aspergers and autism for my monthly blog feature The Big Interview. My first Interview was with a 20 year old Aspie named Cale Irwin. It was fab to hear his story from his heart. Having a son with Aspergers this really touchs me and I gain so much by listening to others explain how there condition affects them. I think It kinda give me an insight to how my little Man could be felling. This month it's a joint interview :) Kyra Anderson is a mother, Wife and writer of the blog This mom. Kyra and her amazing son fulffy whom is 8 years old and has Aspergers will be taking part in the Big Interview on the 20th March. A mother and her son sharing their wonderful story. I can't wait. Lastly for the month of April ( Autism awareness month ) I will be interviewing the great John Kirton. John and his wife are parents to not one but a massive six children on the autism spectrum. This is one not to miss and im very greatful to John for sharing his amazing family with us. John his wife and children have been featured in the People Magazine, appeared on Good Morning America, Inside edition Larry King and there new documentary called Autism X6 can be seen on the Discovery Health channel. Date for this Interview will be posted at a later time :) To see the Kirton's family site click this link. Autism Bites. Want  to see any of the interviews or find out more on taking part in The Big Interview?  read more »

I guess it's no longer a sunny day on Sesame Street. I read this article and was very upset because I grew up on Sesame Street and now my kids love the show too.  Laying off 20% of the work force is crazy and I know this will change the format of the show. I remember seeing Big Bird live when I was around 7 and everytime I think about it I feel soooo happy. My grandmother took me to Radio City Music Hall to see the show as a birthday gift. I sat front row center. The show started the characters sung and danced and then big Bird came roller skating down the stage and plopped down on the stage and his feet were dangling on the ground and I got to touch them. It was great!! I took my kids to see Sesame Street live, well the first four when they were young and till this day they tell the 3 younger ones about the time they went. I can't wait to take the other three.

I have 3 possible solutions for the producers of the show:

1. Turn the company into a for profit because they make good money already. People should pay for quality tv.

2. Don't pay the heavy hitters so much money. (ELMO) I love him too but we got to keep our show going until we get out of these financially straining  times.

3. Everyone should donate $5.00 to them. If I could get others to do this I would definitely contribute. 

I want to know who out there agrees with what I am saying.

Today's blog was brought to you by:

The letter of the day L for Layoff

and by the number of the day 67 because that's how many people will be gone.

Not much has been going on around the classroom. Things have calmed down ALOT!! We had our PINK out day this past Friday in support for all of the teachers, assistants, principals and administrators that received their pink slips. I am glad to say that no one in our school got their walking papers, although if our "teacher" would have gotten a pink slip, it would have been a blessing for all involved.

 I do have great news to report on one of our non-verbal severe autistic students. This child was scared to use our bathroom. He did use the bathroom all of last year but stopped right towards the end of the school year and all through summer school. We really don't know the actual cause to him stopping from using our bathroom but some speculation could be that he must have had an unpleasant incident in the bathroom.  I pray that nothing abusive was the cause but with the fact that he is non-verbal, we will never actually know why. Well, I have wondered why our "teacher" never really tackled the issue with him not using the bathroom all day long and suggested that we should try to get him to go in there again. He needs to realize that he is in a safe environment and that he can trust us. Amazingly enough it took not more than 2 weeks to get him from fighting us to holding for his dear life on the door frame to holding our hands to walk into the bathroom to actually walk in without any one and doing his business without any fussing!! This was a tremendous accomplishment. I could not wait to call him mother up on the phone and give her the good news. She was very surprised and totally impressed that we were able to do this because she was concerned that he just stopped.

Prosecutors want Carolyn Riley back in jail

WEYMOUTH -  

Prosecutors want Carolyn Riley returned to jail while she waits to be tried on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter Rebecca Riley who allegedly died from a deliberate overdose of prescription drugs in December, 2006.

Plymouth County Superior Court Judge Charles Hely said he would consider the request by Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Frank Middleton during a hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 25. 

Carolyn has been free on personal recognizance since Oct. 30, 2008.

She and her husband Michael Riley have been charged with causing Rebecca to die from an overdose of prescription drugs and over-the -counter medicines in December 2006.

The couple was living in Hull when Rebecca died. 

As some autism researchers pore over brain MRIs in labs and other researchers closely observe children in natural play settings, noting in micro-detail every element of every interaction, and as parents scour the landscape of cyberspace for the latest and greatest in treatment methods, many an eye is turning to the role of siblings. The sibling bond is a key component of the developing personality of children, and there is research showing that this holds true when one of the children has a disability. However, there is considerable debate about how this relationship molds the typically developing siblings and the children with autism alike, and whether this sibling effect is positive or negative.

Adding to the complexity of the search for answers is the sheer variety of labels that comes under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs): autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger's disorder, to name a few. These children exhibit a puzzling array of deficits and strengths which even the experts can't completely agree on, all spread over a wide spectrum.

Click on the newslink to read the full article.

http://literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

This form can help you determine which intelligences are strongest for you. If you're a teacher or tutor, you can also use it to find out which intelligences your learner uses most often. Many thanks to Dr. Terry Armstrong for graciously allowing us to use his questionnaire. 

The Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment are teaming up to host sensory-friendly film screenings at 10 a.m. March 14. Families affected by autism and other disabilities can watch “Race to Witch Mountain” in a safe and accepting environment.

The auditoriums will have lights brought up and the sound turned down to make the experience more comfortable for the audience. Families can bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews will be shown before the movie. Audience members are welcome to get up and “dance, walk, shout or sing,” according to a release, which is typically not allowed under normal theatre etiquette.

Click on the newslink to read the entire article.

One-third more children in Oregon have autism this year than three years ago — far outpacing the increase of students with other disabilities, according to data released Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Education.

There are 7,579 students as old as 21 who meet the educational requirements for autism and are receiving special-education services this school year. Autism among children has grown between 7 percent and 13 percent each year for the past few years.

Most Mid-Valley school districts also are seeing similar increases in autism — in some cases outpacing the state.

Click on the newslink to read the entire article.

Hi. I'm Melissa. I have 2 little boys, Tommy (5) and Nick (19months). Tommy is a fun, sweet kid who talks way too much! He's always hit the textbook milestones early, and been a people pleaser and an over-achiever. Nick is the opposite of Tommy. Nick never, ever liked to cuddle, seemed like he didn't like to be a baby!. I thought Nick was wanting to be a big kid like his older brother. He doesn't like to be held, he's very moody and picky. He is a very sweet child and loves toy cars. Nick doesn't talk though. Not at all. He never said "mama" or any of that. He won't say "no" or "mine"...any of the things that his peers say. He Does shake his head yes and no, and he means it! He does not try to communicate by pointing at what he wants, or anything like that, although he does understand simple commands, like "sit" "eat". Nick also tunes the whole world out when he wants to. If he's into playing with something in a quiet room, and you clap or call his name, he won't even flinch. All his hearing tests have said his hearing is perfect. Recently a new doctor told me that she's thinking he may have mild autism. She recommended that I put Nick in speech therapy right away and try that. I have also been trying to teach him a little sign language. Also we are using fake food and pictures of things and such to try to get him to communicate. So far, he's not interested!!!  read more »

Ever since Jenny McCarthy's involvement with autism and her son's recovery many doubts have transpired. Is there really a cure for autism? Are vaccinations the cause? Parents with autistic children talk about treatment plans for the disorder. I worked closely with a group called TACA to help answer these questions. Please check out what these parents had to say: http://www.losangelesiam.com/videos/f8b94fd72aeb

This kid is not mine!  I know he looks just like me with his round, blue eyes and fair skin, but he talks.  No just two year old babbling, Liam communicates!  Even with gestures like finger waving when his brothers have bop him over the head and long sentences about friends at school and what he wants for dinner.

Other people even understand him; I don’t have to interrupt every single word that comes out of his mouth.  I have been repeating word for word what Tristan (son #1) and Dylan (son #2) have said for the last six years... now I just stand next Liam as he belts out 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, and 10 and everyone understands him.

Tristan (son #1) has autism and Dylan (son #2) has a speech delay, so getting a kid that was meeting all the developmental milestones was highly unlikely with our gene pool.  Oddly enough Liam is text book two year old (over the past seven years I have memorized all the “expert” parenting books), huh… I don’t understand how this happened.  read more »

Hi All -

Just joined this site today!  I am a single mom of an 8 yr old son with ASD and am hoping to get some advise, ideas, etc...on managing stress (mine) from dealing with my son's (daily) emotional rollercoaster.  Most of the time, I have the patience to deal okay - but, sometimes it seems he is more easily upset than others, which brings my nerves to the surface and I end up getting upset and easily frustrated with the situation at hand.  I'm sure it sounds selfish to ask for advise to help ME deal with the stress, but I feel if I am able to handle my stress that I will be better equipped to help him through whatever is aggitating him.  The most frequently question asked of me by my friends is "is he on any medication?" - and my answer has always been a defensive NO!  I've always had an adversion to "medicating" my son and am still on the fence regarding any medications.  So, my question has turned into two: 

1.  How are some of you (parents) dealing with all of the emotions your child can go through in a day?  Are any of you on medication for anxiety or stress? Does it work?

2.  Do any of you administer medication to your children (specificly - to help them focus at school, etc..)? What are the side effects?  Do you feel you child has lost their personality?  Do the medications work??? 

This horse just felt like sticking his tongue out at my husband. I thought it was funny.

This past weekend me and my family went away to the Poconos. we took the kids tubing for the first time. The older ones had a blast but Izzy and the babies really didn't like it much. It was so great to see the snow. It just so happened to snow during our time there so it was awesome. I loved looking into Izzy's eyes and see the happiness the thanks mom look that he gives whenever he appreciate what you do. I wish I could post some of the photos so you could see how much fun he had. I think every parent should take a break every once in a while even if it's just for a day. What vacations have you gone on? I would like to read about all the places the people of the world have been on. Enlighten me if you don't mind sharing.

This past week I spent alot of time with the family. We went away and it was great. I advise even if just for a day every family needs a little break.

The Department of Education has again reduced the amount of funds that are available for parents to find suitable educational opportunities for their children with autism. This has left many familes with the inability to access appropriate treatment alternatives for their child. The Autism Scholarship Project will allow deserving families the chance to find the help they so desperately need for their child with developmental disabilities. You Can Help! Please make any donation to The Autism Scholarship Project. 

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JohnPaul is 14, and will finish lower school this June.  He will move on next year to High School, although we don't know whch one.  He has come up thru the ranks of our autism program, which starts in a wonderful preschool autism class ( really it's more like boot camp for the autistic kiddy set, not warm and fuzzy at all), then goes to a middle school (5th and 6th grade), then another middle school which is 7th and 8th grade.  Each school has a self-contained autism class, and each class has a 3 grade span.  There is an excellent ratio of teachers and aides, and generally there is a speech therapist in each autism classroom.  Always the ratio is 3 to 1 (kids to adults), and at times it gets as good as 2 to 1, and even 1 to one. 

Primary school has been such a good ride that JohnPaul does not want it to end.

Not only does he NOT want to grow up, but he does not like to transition.  When there were measurements taken for caps and gowns for the big graduation day, he got angry.  Any mention of the "G" word (graduation) is a slap in the face and an invitation to fight, for him.  So I finally wrote a social story, some thing along the lines of -

"Everyone graduates.  In June, all the 8th graders at JP Case School will be ALL DONE with 8th grade.  They will not go back to JP Case School.  Some will go to High School in Flemington, some will go to high school in Somerset, and some will go to high school in Branchburg.  This is OK.  All the 8th graders worked very hard to finish 8th grade.  Their parents are very happy that they are all done with 8th grade.  Their teachers are happy too."  etc etc  read more »

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Last week I had part two of my tests done, and things came back fairly well. So it basically looks like I just may have to be on medication for the rest of my life. A possible surgery but unlikely I will opt for it any time soon. My main problems now is recovering still from the tests. There is also a virus going around that kicks people onto their bums for a month, and I am still suffering. Right now I am just trying to keep off dehydration, and weasle food back into my system.

Michael has suffered a little bit of the cold but is doing well. He seems to be chugging along despite everything. I have come to the conclusion that my son is psychic. In the last few weeks has has made several predictions that seem a shade more than coincidence.  read more »

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It wasn't a major. Didn't come after some epic duel with Tiger Woods. Lacked that dramatic moment on the 18th green where a putt would decide the tournament. In fact, Els learned he won while standing on the driving range, preparing for a playoff that never happened.

But for Els, few wins mattered more.

Prevailing at the Honda gave Els more than a $990,000 winner's check and his first U.S. PGA Tour victory since 2004. It provided the platform he'd long sought to finally reveal his family is one of many touched by autism, a brain disorder found in about one of every 150 children that hinders their ability to communicate and interact socially.

Els' son, Ben, is a healthy 6-year-old -- who just happens to be autistic.

So his dad's bag bore an "Autism Speaks" logo that week, and days after winning here at Palm Beach Gardens, Els started speaking about it as well.

HI, my name is Melissa and I work with a 30 year old autistic gentlemen.  I am in need of some help and or advice.  He likes to jump on his bed often and is breaking them all the time.  We have gone through 3 beds in less then 1 year, and are at a loss for the types of bed to use.   I was curious to find out if anyone had any ideas, or place we might find a bed that would be suitable for him.  I am hoping to find something without springs, or  a box spring.  Wood does not seem to work out very well, as the last three beds have all had wooden box spings and they have all been broken.  If anyone had any ideas or advice that would be great.