Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL) is expected to sign legislation passed this week requiring insurers to provide up to $36,000 in coverage annually for the diagnosis and treatment of autism until the patient turns 21. The coverage mandate applies only to fully insured individual and group policies and will not apply to self-insured benefit plans. At least 4,500 Illinois families are expected to qualify for the expanded coverage. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Read full article
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Childhood Language Disorder Linked to Autism Gene
Simon Fisher, University of Oxford geneticist and researcher led the study explaining why some children develop language difficulties. The condition known as specific language impairment affects 2-7 percent of pre-school children and is as common as dyslexia. Tests on children from 184 families showed children who carried certain changes in the gene CNTNAP2 had reduced language abilities characteristic of the common disorder. An earlier study had shown that the same gene hinders language ability in autistic children. Researchers do not know exactly how changes to the gene interfere with language development. One possibility may be that changes in CNTNAP2 somehow interferes with production of a type of protein called a neurexin important to the fetal development of the nervous system and eventual language ability. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here to read full article
Click here to read full article
Monday, October 13, 2008
NY - Transition Fair 2008
Transition Fair for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Saturday, November 15, 2008
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, New York
(Just off the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains, NY)
For more information call (914) 995-5244
Saturday, November 15, 2008
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, New York
(Just off the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains, NY)
For more information call (914) 995-5244
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Older Fathers Linked to Autism in Children
The British Journal of Psychiatry reports that researchers in Japan have found older fathers are twice as likely to have autistic children as younger men while the mother's age has no influence on the likelihood of her offspring developing the disorder.
An analysis of 84 kids with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and 208 children without the disorder found that fathers over 33 years were 1.8 times more likely to have children with autism than fathers under 29 years. Men who fathered children between the age of 29 and 32 years were 30 per cent more likely to have an autistic child, the study found.
Read full article
An analysis of 84 kids with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and 208 children without the disorder found that fathers over 33 years were 1.8 times more likely to have children with autism than fathers under 29 years. Men who fathered children between the age of 29 and 32 years were 30 per cent more likely to have an autistic child, the study found.
Read full article
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
First Autism Summit - Cleveland, OH Oct. 10th – 12th
Autismtoday.com and Rainbow Babies & Children`s Hospital are co-hosts of the first annual international autism summit of 2008. Parent advocates, doctors, educators address the latest issues on Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Extraordinary speakers and workshop leaders get your questions answered. Network and share experiences with others. New national and local Autism and Asperger’s resources.
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Studies Find Increase In Suicides Among Black Youths
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - Not long ago, the words "suicide" and "African Americans" were almost never mentioned in the same breath. Despite confronting challenges from slavery to Jim Crow to structural racism, blacks rarely took their own lives. It was a positive health disparity. Until now.
There is alarming evidence that the suicide rate for young African-American men is escalating, and just as much evidence that America's health-care system is ill-equipped to curb it.
Dr. Claire Xanthos, a health services research specialist, recently wrote a policy paper citing studies showing that from 1980 to 1995, the suicide rate for black adolescents rose from 5.6 to per 100,000 of the population. Put in starker terms: this doubling of the suicide rate for young black males has made it the third-leading cause of death among that demographic group.
Clearly, it is a complex problem that is directly related to life experiences of young African-American males in America. While the suicide rate for young black men has risen, the suicide rate for black women remains among the lowest of any demographic group.
So why are our young black men killing themselves?
Dr. Xanthos concludes there are many factors, and among them are the race-related challenges that these youths face. The data show that they go to jail, drop out of school and become victims of crime at rates far higher than their white counterparts. Moreover, young black males are more likely than not to live in a family environment that is less than ideal; roughly 70 percent of African Americans live in single-parent homes.
The combination of family stress, violence in their communities, and the stigma and discrimination they face is taking a toll on young black males. Some mental health specialists, such as Dr. Alvin Poussaint, argue that "death by cop" incidents should be counted as suicide. These are occasions when black youths are despondent and won't commit suicide, but purposely break the law so someone else will kill them.
"How many young men who put themselves in situations where it's very likely that they're going to get shot to death are actually committing suicide?" asked Dr. Poussaint in a recent interview on National Public Radio. "There is such a thing as what we call victim-precipitated homicide, which is suicide. The most classic example would be suicide by cop, which you read about in the newspaper from time to time, where people wanted to be shot to be killed because they were suicidal, but they didn't want to do it themselves...because there's still a stigma attached to committing suicide, so they'd rather have someone else kill them or have it seem like an accident."
This rising suicide tide can impact middle-class black teenagers in white suburbs, as well as those in inner-city neighborhoods. In fact, Dr. Xanthos argues that black youths living in white communities often face the trauma of not relating to their white neighbors and also feeling estranged from blacks from poorer, urban settings. Certainly, the death of James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, underscored that suicide can strike the rich and poor.
What's clear is that black communities, healthcare professionals and public health officials must mobilize to meet the challenges presented by this problem.
The stigma towards mental illness in the black communities is so taboo that obvious signs that someone has a problem are frequently ignored, even by close family members and friends. The first step must come from parents and friends recognizing the behavior patterns that indicate someone has a problem, and then working to get help for that person.
There is also a crucial role to be played by public health programs, such as Medicaid, which must make it easier for young black men to receive counseling and treatments.
But once these teens get to treatment facilities another problem develops: the lack of black therapists, counselors and psychiatrists. According to data, blacks are about four percent of the nation's psychiatrists, three percent of the psychologists and seven percent of social workers. It's imperative that more African Americans be trained for those positions. The problems weighing on many black youths are created by racism and the family, educational and urban tensions that they face in everyday life. In these instances, an African-American counselor or physician who may be more likely to grasp the situation is needed to provide assistance.
Dr. Xanthos also raises the need for more "bicultural'' training for young black males. Or put another way, it is learning to survive in a white society. Such training would better prepare black youths for integration into schools and workplaces that are predominantly white, while also preparing black youths to confront and overcome the discrimination they are likely to face in American society.
This problem can no longer be ignored. It must be faced in our homes, our communities and by public officials in schools and health facilities.
The reality is that young black males face some of the biggest hurdles in our society, and if they are going succeed we all must do a better job of identifying people with problems and facilitating the treatment that can put them on a successful path.
(Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell, associate director of Development at the National Center for Primary Care of Morehouse School of Medicine, is also director of Community Voices, a non-profit working to improve health services, and health-care access, for all Americans. For print or broadcast interviews with Dr. Treadwell, please contact Alicia Ingram, 404-493-1724, ingramalicia@bellsouth.net.)
-END-
There is alarming evidence that the suicide rate for young African-American men is escalating, and just as much evidence that America's health-care system is ill-equipped to curb it.
Dr. Claire Xanthos, a health services research specialist, recently wrote a policy paper citing studies showing that from 1980 to 1995, the suicide rate for black adolescents rose from 5.6 to per 100,000 of the population. Put in starker terms: this doubling of the suicide rate for young black males has made it the third-leading cause of death among that demographic group.
Clearly, it is a complex problem that is directly related to life experiences of young African-American males in America. While the suicide rate for young black men has risen, the suicide rate for black women remains among the lowest of any demographic group.
So why are our young black men killing themselves?
Dr. Xanthos concludes there are many factors, and among them are the race-related challenges that these youths face. The data show that they go to jail, drop out of school and become victims of crime at rates far higher than their white counterparts. Moreover, young black males are more likely than not to live in a family environment that is less than ideal; roughly 70 percent of African Americans live in single-parent homes.
The combination of family stress, violence in their communities, and the stigma and discrimination they face is taking a toll on young black males. Some mental health specialists, such as Dr. Alvin Poussaint, argue that "death by cop" incidents should be counted as suicide. These are occasions when black youths are despondent and won't commit suicide, but purposely break the law so someone else will kill them.
"How many young men who put themselves in situations where it's very likely that they're going to get shot to death are actually committing suicide?" asked Dr. Poussaint in a recent interview on National Public Radio. "There is such a thing as what we call victim-precipitated homicide, which is suicide. The most classic example would be suicide by cop, which you read about in the newspaper from time to time, where people wanted to be shot to be killed because they were suicidal, but they didn't want to do it themselves...because there's still a stigma attached to committing suicide, so they'd rather have someone else kill them or have it seem like an accident."
This rising suicide tide can impact middle-class black teenagers in white suburbs, as well as those in inner-city neighborhoods. In fact, Dr. Xanthos argues that black youths living in white communities often face the trauma of not relating to their white neighbors and also feeling estranged from blacks from poorer, urban settings. Certainly, the death of James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, underscored that suicide can strike the rich and poor.
What's clear is that black communities, healthcare professionals and public health officials must mobilize to meet the challenges presented by this problem.
The stigma towards mental illness in the black communities is so taboo that obvious signs that someone has a problem are frequently ignored, even by close family members and friends. The first step must come from parents and friends recognizing the behavior patterns that indicate someone has a problem, and then working to get help for that person.
There is also a crucial role to be played by public health programs, such as Medicaid, which must make it easier for young black men to receive counseling and treatments.
But once these teens get to treatment facilities another problem develops: the lack of black therapists, counselors and psychiatrists. According to data, blacks are about four percent of the nation's psychiatrists, three percent of the psychologists and seven percent of social workers. It's imperative that more African Americans be trained for those positions. The problems weighing on many black youths are created by racism and the family, educational and urban tensions that they face in everyday life. In these instances, an African-American counselor or physician who may be more likely to grasp the situation is needed to provide assistance.
Dr. Xanthos also raises the need for more "bicultural'' training for young black males. Or put another way, it is learning to survive in a white society. Such training would better prepare black youths for integration into schools and workplaces that are predominantly white, while also preparing black youths to confront and overcome the discrimination they are likely to face in American society.
This problem can no longer be ignored. It must be faced in our homes, our communities and by public officials in schools and health facilities.
The reality is that young black males face some of the biggest hurdles in our society, and if they are going succeed we all must do a better job of identifying people with problems and facilitating the treatment that can put them on a successful path.
(Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell, associate director of Development at the National Center for Primary Care of Morehouse School of Medicine, is also director of Community Voices, a non-profit working to improve health services, and health-care access, for all Americans. For print or broadcast interviews with Dr. Treadwell, please contact Alicia Ingram, 404-493-1724, ingramalicia@bellsouth.net.)
-END-
Monday, August 25, 2008
Autism statistics alarm Somalis in Minnesota
An unusual number of Somali children turning up in autism programs in Minneapolis has captured the attention of state and federal health officials, as fears about a possible surge in autism have swept Minnesota's Somali community. Last year, Somali children made up under 6 percent of the school population, but 17 percent of those in early childhood autism programs (14 of 81 children). The numbers have been creeping up for several years, especially among young children. Somali children appear to have a more severe form of the condition. A developmental pediatrician and autism specialist at Children's Hospital estimates that 10 percent of his patients are Somali. "I do think there's something up with this," McLellan said. "I don't know what it is."
Swedish researchers reported this summer that Somali children in Stockholm appeared to have three to four times the rate of autism as other children -- though the study was based on only 17 children. Another Swedish study found high autism rates among African immigrants from Uganda.
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here to read article
Swedish researchers reported this summer that Somali children in Stockholm appeared to have three to four times the rate of autism as other children -- though the study was based on only 17 children. Another Swedish study found high autism rates among African immigrants from Uganda.
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here to read article
Sunday, August 03, 2008
NYS Governor Paterson Signed Bill to Update Standards and Guidelines Used to Identify Kids with ASDs
Governor David A. Paterson signed a bill (A.9512-A/S6527-B) this week that will require the Department of Health (DOH) to update the guidelines used by pediatricians to identify children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and refer them for appropriate services.
The bill requires DOH to establish best practice protocols for early screening of children for ASDs by pediatric primary care providers. These protocols would incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and must include: (1) the routine employment of objective ASD screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood developmental stages; (2) facilitation of a dialogue between service provider and parents for purposes of educating the parents about ASDs, using a modified checklist for ASDs in toddlers; and (3) an appropriate referral mechanism for children who, based upon results of the screening process, require further evaluation. The bill also requires DOH to make the modified checklist for ASD available to the public on its website. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Read full Press Release here
The bill requires DOH to establish best practice protocols for early screening of children for ASDs by pediatric primary care providers. These protocols would incorporate standards and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and must include: (1) the routine employment of objective ASD screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood developmental stages; (2) facilitation of a dialogue between service provider and parents for purposes of educating the parents about ASDs, using a modified checklist for ASDs in toddlers; and (3) an appropriate referral mechanism for children who, based upon results of the screening process, require further evaluation. The bill also requires DOH to make the modified checklist for ASD available to the public on its website. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Read full Press Release here
Monday, July 21, 2008
News Segment on Radio Talk Host Negative Autism Comments
From NAA:
Radio talk show host Michael Savage, made disparaging comments on autism, and drew outrage from the media and advocates for families affected by autism. Sabeeha Rehman, Pres. of NAA New York Metro, was interviewed by WPIX CW11 and asked to explain autism, and her reaction to the comments. Segments of the interview were aired on the news Friday, July 18. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Watch the video clipping of the news segment and the interview here
From: New York State Advocacy Central for Autism
Mike Savage probably thinks the shock value of what he said will enhance his place in the lore of conservative talk radio. He probably figures he will make more money as a result of his comments. We should not let him become even more wealthy by stepping on the hearts of our disabled children.
We can hit him, his advertisers and investors in the pocketbook, the only place he seems to understand or care about.
Click here to take action now!
Send the link to family and friends. You will have a great impact at disciplining or removing this guy from the airwaves. The email we set up will go to his superiors, the investors who run the stations he is on, and our many important politicians. Just go to the site, send the memo, and please tell your friends.
Radio talk show host Michael Savage, made disparaging comments on autism, and drew outrage from the media and advocates for families affected by autism. Sabeeha Rehman, Pres. of NAA New York Metro, was interviewed by WPIX CW11 and asked to explain autism, and her reaction to the comments. Segments of the interview were aired on the news Friday, July 18. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Watch the video clipping of the news segment and the interview here
From: New York State Advocacy Central for Autism
Mike Savage probably thinks the shock value of what he said will enhance his place in the lore of conservative talk radio. He probably figures he will make more money as a result of his comments. We should not let him become even more wealthy by stepping on the hearts of our disabled children.
We can hit him, his advertisers and investors in the pocketbook, the only place he seems to understand or care about.
Click here to take action now!
Send the link to family and friends. You will have a great impact at disciplining or removing this guy from the airwaves. The email we set up will go to his superiors, the investors who run the stations he is on, and our many important politicians. Just go to the site, send the memo, and please tell your friends.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Who pays for autism treatment?
An explosion in the number of children diagnosed has parents,
insurers and state and private institutions battling over coverage.
The case of Andrew Arce is a window into the conflict.
By Lisa Girion
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 6 2008
By the time Andrew Arce was 15 months old,
his parents suspected he was autistic.
View complete article
To learn practical ways to help, plan and manage daily living with autism visit: www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com.
The law firm below represents families that have been denied care from insurance companies or assistance in obtaining treatment for autism from insurance companies for their kids with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Law Offices of Scott C. Glovsky
225 S. Lake Ave., Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91101
Toll Free: (877) 316-2093
insurers and state and private institutions battling over coverage.
The case of Andrew Arce is a window into the conflict.
By Lisa Girion
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 6 2008
By the time Andrew Arce was 15 months old,
his parents suspected he was autistic.
View complete article
To learn practical ways to help, plan and manage daily living with autism visit: www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com.
The law firm below represents families that have been denied care from insurance companies or assistance in obtaining treatment for autism from insurance companies for their kids with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Law Offices of Scott C. Glovsky
225 S. Lake Ave., Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91101
Toll Free: (877) 316-2093
Thursday, July 03, 2008
NY: All New Vaccine Mandates Squashed
Parents are Powerful
From A-CHAMP:
New York Assembly Bill A 10942, the "worst vaccine bill ever" and the mandatory meningococcal vaccine bill are dead. And they were killed by parents who aren't going to let pharma kick them around anymore.
Another vaccine bill that would have allowed minors to get vaccines for sexually-transmitted diseases without parents permission or knowledge went down to defeat when the Assembly Health committee refused to even consider it.
This represents the fourth defeat in a row, with no wins, for the vaccine industry in New York, last year an mandatory HPV bill was killed.
Read full article
From A-CHAMP:
New York Assembly Bill A 10942, the "worst vaccine bill ever" and the mandatory meningococcal vaccine bill are dead. And they were killed by parents who aren't going to let pharma kick them around anymore.
Another vaccine bill that would have allowed minors to get vaccines for sexually-transmitted diseases without parents permission or knowledge went down to defeat when the Assembly Health committee refused to even consider it.
This represents the fourth defeat in a row, with no wins, for the vaccine industry in New York, last year an mandatory HPV bill was killed.
Read full article
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
New York Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association
From NAA... If you have been coming to the NYC meetings, but have not joined, please take a moment to go here: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php and join through the national website.
Reasons to join the NAA!
- Supports treatments that help our children, including biomedical treatments
- Provides outreach and support for families who have just been diagnosed
- Offers member discounts from certain companies that provide supplements for autistic children http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php.
- Supports relevant autism research, including a current study exploring the link between mercury and autism: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/researchmercury.php.
- Distributes email updates on relevant legislative activity
- Connects you to a large network of families and practitioners in the autism community
When you join NAA, you automatically become a member of the New York Metro Chapter. You will benefit from the local monthly educational sessions geared towards families, educators and caregivers affected by Autism and receive help from our NAAvigators who will help families navigate the system.
For autism information and practical strategies visit: child-autism-parent-cafe.com.
Reasons to join the NAA!
- Supports treatments that help our children, including biomedical treatments
- Provides outreach and support for families who have just been diagnosed
- Offers member discounts from certain companies that provide supplements for autistic children http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php.
- Supports relevant autism research, including a current study exploring the link between mercury and autism: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/researchmercury.php.
- Distributes email updates on relevant legislative activity
- Connects you to a large network of families and practitioners in the autism community
When you join NAA, you automatically become a member of the New York Metro Chapter. You will benefit from the local monthly educational sessions geared towards families, educators and caregivers affected by Autism and receive help from our NAAvigators who will help families navigate the system.
For autism information and practical strategies visit: child-autism-parent-cafe.com.
Friday, June 13, 2008
GAO Report on Federal Disability Programs
From Margaret Dunkle, Director, Early Identification and Intervention Collaborative for Los Angeles County and Senior Fellow, Center for Health Services Research & Policy, George Washington University
The Government Accountability Office May 20th report on Federal Disability Programs: More Strategic Coordination Could Help Overcome Challenges to Needed Transformation has a lot going for it. But it’s not the first place one would normally look to find a jazzy report with tough recommendations. GAO recommends that Congress create a new coordinating entity to make more than 200 federal programs in 20 agencies dealing with disabilities fit together for real people. Noting these programs typically have different missions, goals, funding streams and eligibility criteria. And it is generally left to the people with disabilities and their families to figure out how to navigate the confusing maze of services, supports and benefits.
Interestingly, by focusing primarily on adults with disabilities and pretty much ignoring children with disabilities, this report actually underestimates the extent of fragmentation and confusion. You can find the full GAO report at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08635.pdf. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
The Government Accountability Office May 20th report on Federal Disability Programs: More Strategic Coordination Could Help Overcome Challenges to Needed Transformation has a lot going for it. But it’s not the first place one would normally look to find a jazzy report with tough recommendations. GAO recommends that Congress create a new coordinating entity to make more than 200 federal programs in 20 agencies dealing with disabilities fit together for real people. Noting these programs typically have different missions, goals, funding streams and eligibility criteria. And it is generally left to the people with disabilities and their families to figure out how to navigate the confusing maze of services, supports and benefits.
Interestingly, by focusing primarily on adults with disabilities and pretty much ignoring children with disabilities, this report actually underestimates the extent of fragmentation and confusion. You can find the full GAO report at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08635.pdf. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Autism & Me
The author of "Autism & Me," a photo/essay book explains autism through the voices of typical siblings, and features 14 pairs of siblings ranging in age from four to fourteen.
Each entry in the book contains an essay from the typical child along with photos of both siblings. The book will be published in the fall of '09.
In the interest of portraying autism's effect on all races and ethnic groups, author needs to include African-American families.
For parents that are interested, contact Ouisie at: ouisies@gmail.com. A very informal home interview with their typical child to get their thoughts about autism will be scheduled at a convenient time (before the end of June). The interview will take about 20 minutes followed by a fun photo session with both kids for about 30-45 minutes. Photos will be taken at home, the playground, in their backyard or wherever the kids feel most comfortable.
Some of the interview questions are:
*What does it mean to have autism?
*What do you think it would feel like to have autism?
*How different do you think you and your sibling are from other sisters and brothers?
* What would you like to tell readers of this book about your sister/brother?
* What are some of your sister/brother=92s favorite activities?
*What kinds of things do you and your sister/brother do together?
*What things bug you about your sister/brother?
*What do you wish your sister/brother could do that s/he can do?
*What are some things that your sister/brother can do that you can't do?
*What do you think your sister/brother's life will be like when s/he grows up?
*What do you think your life would be like if you didn't have a sister or brother with autism?
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Each entry in the book contains an essay from the typical child along with photos of both siblings. The book will be published in the fall of '09.
In the interest of portraying autism's effect on all races and ethnic groups, author needs to include African-American families.
For parents that are interested, contact Ouisie at: ouisies@gmail.com. A very informal home interview with their typical child to get their thoughts about autism will be scheduled at a convenient time (before the end of June). The interview will take about 20 minutes followed by a fun photo session with both kids for about 30-45 minutes. Photos will be taken at home, the playground, in their backyard or wherever the kids feel most comfortable.
Some of the interview questions are:
*What does it mean to have autism?
*What do you think it would feel like to have autism?
*How different do you think you and your sibling are from other sisters and brothers?
* What would you like to tell readers of this book about your sister/brother?
* What are some of your sister/brother=92s favorite activities?
*What kinds of things do you and your sister/brother do together?
*What things bug you about your sister/brother?
*What do you wish your sister/brother could do that s/he can do?
*What are some things that your sister/brother can do that you can't do?
*What do you think your sister/brother's life will be like when s/he grows up?
*What do you think your life would be like if you didn't have a sister or brother with autism?
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Autism Creates Financial Hardship
Health Insurance, Second Jobs and Second Mortgages Often Used to Pay
By Melissa Hincha-Ownby
An autism spectrum disorder diagnosis usually comes with a significant financial burden for the family; and many families are facing serious financial decisions when determining which treatment route to take with their loved one. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here for full article
By Melissa Hincha-Ownby
An autism spectrum disorder diagnosis usually comes with a significant financial burden for the family; and many families are facing serious financial decisions when determining which treatment route to take with their loved one. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here for full article
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
National Black Church Initiative Foreclosure Prevention Guide
The National Black Church Initiative and 13 historic African American denominations have come together with industry and government to create a helpful guide to assist families going through foreclosure and to help others avoid it altogether. This user-friendly booklet is designed to provide critical and helpful information on how to keep their home. The booklet will consist of a list of government-based agencies and private lenders that can assist at risk borrowers. This step-by-step guide will also help them to identify resources in the housing industry that have been created for the explicit purpose of assisting homeowners who are touched by the current difficulties. The booklet contains websites, phone numbers, lists of individuals and institutions that can help borrowers navigate through this housing turbulence.
The National Black Church Initiative Foreclosure Prevention Guide can be downloaded at www.naltblackchurch.com/pdf/prevention_guide.pdfchild-autism-parent-cafe.com
The National Black Church Initiative Foreclosure Prevention Guide can be downloaded at www.naltblackchurch.com/pdf/prevention_guide.pdfchild-autism-parent-cafe.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
HBO Documentary: “Autism: The Musical”
“Autism: The Musical” airs March 25, at 8 p.m. on HBO, follows five children with autism and their families as they write, rehearse, and perform their very own musical. Elaine Hall, founder of “The Miracle Project,” came up with the idea when traditional therapies didn’t work for her son. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here for article
Click here for article
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Press Conference on Autism-Vaccine Court Concession
FAIR Autism Media has posted the press conference held earlier today in Atlanta with the family of Hannah Poling on the first Autism-Vaccine Court Concession. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here to view: www.autismmedia.org/media11.html
Click here to view: www.autismmedia.org/media11.html
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
First 100 Day Kit by Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks has created a 100 Day Kit specifically for newly diagnosed families, to make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis of autism. The kit contains information and advice from trusted and respected experts on autism and parents of children with autism. There is a week by week plan for the next 100 days, organizational suggestions and forms that parents/caregivers can use to help with the paperwork and phone calls, as they begin to find services for their child.
Download the free 100 Day Kit at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/family_services_docs/100_day_kit.pdf
For more daily and future planning strategies check out our Autism Action Plan for practical ways to help your loved ones.
Download the free 100 Day Kit at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/family_services_docs/100_day_kit.pdf
For more daily and future planning strategies check out our Autism Action Plan for practical ways to help your loved ones.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Autism Sibling Support Program in Ohio
Nationwide Children's Sibshops™ for Autism program is one of only a handful of such programs in the country and is modeled from Sibshops™ curriculum provided by The Sibling Support Project™, the national effort dedicated to the lifelong concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental or mental health concerns, learn how to handle difficult or stressful situations, learn more about autism and their siblings' special needs. Also, Nationwide Children's Autism Academy provides general autism information, including intervention and medication options, funding sources, advocacy efforts and resources available within the community.
Autism Sibling Support Program
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, OH
United States
Autism Sibling Support Program
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, OH
United States
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richmond House in VA has an opening
There is currently one opening at Richmond House, a residential program for adults with autism. They would love to hear from anyone interested in their residential program. Families are also welcome to contact us or make an appointment with us at any time. For more information, call Jane Smith at 804-288-3122 or email at
richmondhouse@comcast.net. Richmond House
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
richmondhouse@comcast.net. Richmond House
child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Sunday, February 10, 2008
"All in the “Autism” Family"
Introducing the "All in the “Autism” Family"
Conference on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome
April 11th & 12th, 2008
Long Beach Marriott,
4700 Airport Plaza Dr,
Long Beach, CA
Discover new, exciting tools that empower families
living with autism to have healthy, meaningful
relationships with loved ones at home, at school
and in communities. Local and national “autism
relationship experts” come to Long Beach to teach
you how to influence and enhance social capacity
of those with autism. Don’t miss this wonderful
event.
Speakers Include:
- Joey Travolta - Director "Inclusive Films"
- Taylor Cross - An Individual with ASD
- Keri Bowers - Filmmaker & Mother of a Son with Autism
- Dr. Kathi Calouri - M.A. and Ph.D. at UCLA
- Eric Hamblen - Co-Founder and Program Director of PACE Place
- Una Hayes-Shepard MSW - Founder of Progressive Resources
- George Saidah - The Heart of Sailing
Visit www.AutismCalifornia.com for full details.
Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.Com
Conference on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome
April 11th & 12th, 2008
Long Beach Marriott,
4700 Airport Plaza Dr,
Long Beach, CA
Discover new, exciting tools that empower families
living with autism to have healthy, meaningful
relationships with loved ones at home, at school
and in communities. Local and national “autism
relationship experts” come to Long Beach to teach
you how to influence and enhance social capacity
of those with autism. Don’t miss this wonderful
event.
Speakers Include:
- Joey Travolta - Director "Inclusive Films"
- Taylor Cross - An Individual with ASD
- Keri Bowers - Filmmaker & Mother of a Son with Autism
- Dr. Kathi Calouri - M.A. and Ph.D. at UCLA
- Eric Hamblen - Co-Founder and Program Director of PACE Place
- Una Hayes-Shepard MSW - Founder of Progressive Resources
- George Saidah - The Heart of Sailing
Visit www.AutismCalifornia.com for full details.
Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.Com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
“Eli Stone” Vaccine/Autism story line airs TODAY
Action Alert from National Autism Association:
Please take a couple of minutes to call ABC and thank them for not bowing to pressure from drug companies and the American Academy of Pediatrics to cancel “Eli Stone,” scheduled to air tomorrow, January 31 at 10:00 Eastern. This network needs to hear from parents of vaccine-injured children, whose stories have been successfully swept under the rug by Big Pharma for years. This is an important step in getting the truth about vaccine-injured children into the mainstream where it belongs.
We heard from an ABC employee yesterday who commented that so far, the overwhelming majority of comments the network had received were from the medical community—on both sides of the issue. When asked her thoughts after viewing the “Eli Stone” episode this same employee stated, “I had no idea about this issue. My eyes got watery.” We need to let the people at the network know of the profound effect vaccine injuries have had upon families, and now is our chance to do just that.
WHO TO CALL:
Ms. Hope Hartman, ABC Network Vice President of Media Relations 818.460.6360.
We’ve been told that Ms. Hartman has input on which resources are offered to viewers after the episode airs and upon any follow-up programming as well.
WHEN TO CALL:
Today: January 31
POINTS TO MAKE:
-ABC needs to hear a big “thank you” from our community
-Ask that the National Autism Association (nationalautism.org) and other advocacy organizations be included with resources following the show. They are going to provide the CDC’s website -- parents exposed to this topic for the first time need alternate resources that can help their children
-Ask for a follow-up to the show on ABC’s Nightline, including experts on recovering children through autism medical treatments
-Please tell them about your family and why the vaccine-injury story line is important to you
-There’s not much time, so please give ABC a call ASAP and let them know the significance of addressing the vaccine/autism connection through “Eli Stone.”
Together, we can make a difference.
Please take a couple of minutes to call ABC and thank them for not bowing to pressure from drug companies and the American Academy of Pediatrics to cancel “Eli Stone,” scheduled to air tomorrow, January 31 at 10:00 Eastern. This network needs to hear from parents of vaccine-injured children, whose stories have been successfully swept under the rug by Big Pharma for years. This is an important step in getting the truth about vaccine-injured children into the mainstream where it belongs.
We heard from an ABC employee yesterday who commented that so far, the overwhelming majority of comments the network had received were from the medical community—on both sides of the issue. When asked her thoughts after viewing the “Eli Stone” episode this same employee stated, “I had no idea about this issue. My eyes got watery.” We need to let the people at the network know of the profound effect vaccine injuries have had upon families, and now is our chance to do just that.
WHO TO CALL:
Ms. Hope Hartman, ABC Network Vice President of Media Relations 818.460.6360.
We’ve been told that Ms. Hartman has input on which resources are offered to viewers after the episode airs and upon any follow-up programming as well.
WHEN TO CALL:
Today: January 31
POINTS TO MAKE:
-ABC needs to hear a big “thank you” from our community
-Ask that the National Autism Association (nationalautism.org) and other advocacy organizations be included with resources following the show. They are going to provide the CDC’s website -- parents exposed to this topic for the first time need alternate resources that can help their children
-Ask for a follow-up to the show on ABC’s Nightline, including experts on recovering children through autism medical treatments
-Please tell them about your family and why the vaccine-injury story line is important to you
-There’s not much time, so please give ABC a call ASAP and let them know the significance of addressing the vaccine/autism connection through “Eli Stone.”
Together, we can make a difference.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Autism Cluster In New Jersey School
Dr. Lawrence Rosen, medical adviser at the Deirdre ImusEnvironmental Center for Pediatric Oncology, said there appears to be an autism cluster at St. Anthony's school in Northvale, which serves children with autism and suspects it's because of an environmental problem and that the center, which started the inquiry, wants tests of air, water and soil at the school. child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Click here for full article
Click here for full article
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