tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111604322024-03-13T12:50:46.072-04:00Autism ConceptsForget what you haven't heard… Family site shares news, resources, announcements and free or low-cost ways to help us manage day-to-day living with autism.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-44391078982267867302009-03-26T10:51:00.002-04:002009-03-26T10:56:22.486-04:00Sign Petition for Ridge School in NYSAdvocates of the Ridge school in Dutchess County, NY are trying to get Regional approval with the state, which means education programs for our children with autism in their own community.<br /><br />Please sign and forward <a href="http://www.PetitionOnline.com/goridge/" target="_blank">The Respect and Justice for Ridge School Petition</a>. Our children and loved ones will benefit from this program. You must live in New York State to sign the petition. Thanks!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-20613343726169018212009-03-12T10:07:00.003-04:002009-03-12T10:16:39.473-04:00Survey of Feeding and Digestive Problems in Autistic ChildrenWe were asked to share this information with parents to complete <a href="https://fs19.https://fhttps://fs19.https://fs19.https://fs19.http_ <br />(https://fs19.formsite.com/vbadalyan/form977322282/secure_index.html" target="_blank">A Survey of Feeding and Digestive Problems in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Comparison with non-ASD siblings</a> by Richard Schwartz, MD, pediatrician and professor of pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Falls Church, VA.<br /><br />Below is an introductory letter to parents. Please read it before completing the survey. This is done to fulfill a requirement to explain possible risks, benefits, and confidentiality to all survey participants. <br /><br />Dear Parent:<br /> <br />The purpose of this survey is to study feeding and digestive problems among children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and their siblings. By filling out this survey, you can help pediatricians and other health professionals learn more about this issue. The results of this study will beused to provide better care and counseling to the parents of autistic children. <br /><br />Completion of the survey should take approximately 23 minutes. <br />For your reference, we provide answers to some of the common<br />questions parents ask about this survey. <br /><br />What will happen if I take part in this research study?<br />If you agree to participate in this study, please complete the<br />attached survey. Your participation in this survey is entirely<br />voluntary. Once you begin this survey, you may end it or cancel<br />it at any time. <br /> <br />What risks or benefits can I expect from being in the study?<br />The only foreseeable risk to you is possible loss of confidentiality.<br />To minimize this risk, we made this survey anonymous and confidential.<br />This means that your name will not linked to the completed questionnaire,<br />and your individual responses will not be published or shared with any<br />party. For more information, please refer to the next question.<br />The potential benefit to you is that we can send you a copy of the<br />research results, if you are interested. <br /> <br />Will my medical information be kept private?<br />Efforts have been made to protect your identity. No identifying code<br />has been placed on the survey form nd no one outside of the research<br />team will have access to the individual completed surveys. Only group<br />data will be reported and responses will not be person-identifiable.<br />Efforts have been made to protect your identity. No identifying code<br />has been placed on the survey form and no one outside of the research<br />team will have acce Efforts have been made to protect your identity.<br />No identifying code has been placed on the survey form and no one outside<br />of the research team will have access to the individual completed surveys. <br /> <br />What other choices do I have if I do not take part in this study?<br />Taking part in this research study is voluntary. If you choose not to <br />participate, there will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you<br />are otherwise entitled. <br /> <br />Who can answer my questions about the study?<br />If you have any questions regarding this research study, please<br />contact Vahe Badalyan, MD, at vbadalyan@aol.com. <br /> <br />Thank you for participating in this survey. <br /> <br />If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to<br />contact me at vbadalyan@aol.com. <br /><br />Thank you for your time.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-32276900399450879452009-03-05T08:24:00.001-05:002009-03-05T08:29:17.036-05:00Some Behavior Problems May Be Reduced By Supportive Co-ParentingArticle Date: 04 Mar 2009<br /><br />Researchers looked at changes in children's level of aggressive behavior and other forms of "acting out" as they went from 4 years old to 5 years old. The study found that supportive co-parenting helped children who have difficulty regulating their behavior and attention levels - what researchers call effortful control. Results showed children who had low levels of effortful control generally showed increases in negative behaviors over the year - unless their parents had a supportive co-parenting relationship.<br /><br />"If you support your spouse in front of your child, show that you are a united front, it can help prevent some behavior problems in children who may be at risk," said Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, lead author of the study.<br /><br />"If you have a child who has trouble controlling his or her behavior, that's not a problem that often goes away," she said. "That's one reason why it is so significant that positive co-parenting can help manage the problem."<br /><br />Read full article at: <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141093.php">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141093.php</a><br /><br />For practical ways to help, plan and manage autism visit: <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.Com</a>.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-44253662810156212202009-02-06T17:40:00.005-05:002009-02-06T17:50:57.420-05:00NYS Proposal to Cut SSI Benefits(E-mail excerpt from Autism Speaks)<br />Although there has been no increase in the state supplement<br />for 20 years, this year the New York Executive Budget is proposing<br />to cut the state supplement to Social Security Insurance (SSI) payments<br />for New Yorkers who are aged, blind or have a disability, such as autism.<br />The proposed legislation would cut benefits by over 25% for individuals<br />and couples living alone in the community and 45-70% for those living<br />with other and are scheduled to occur in June 2009. Now more than<br />ever we need to preserve the safety net for those with autism who<br />are SSI beneficiaries.<br /><br />How You Can Help:<br /><br />1. Contact Governor David Paterson and your state representatives today!<br /><br />Tell them that individuals with autism depend on this income to provide for<br />their most basic needs, including housing and food. These proposed cuts will<br />result in more people with autism being forced into costly institutional<br />settings because they can't get the support they need to remain in their own<br />homes.<br /><br />Governor David Paterson - (518) 474-8390<br /><br />2. Forward this e-mail to everyone you know and ask them to take action too.<br /><br />To learn more about Autism Votes, an initiative of Autism Speaks focused on<br />federal and state legislative advocacy, please visit <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/" target="_blank">http://www.autismvotes.org/</a>.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-41877532635444650662009-02-06T17:11:00.002-05:002009-02-06T17:25:34.994-05:00Novel Cartoon Aid Helps Children Recognize EmotionsA new study to be published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental<br />Disorders from Cambridge University has found that after watching The Transporters DVD for just 15 minutes a day for four weeks, most children with autism caught up with other children in their ability to recognize emotions. Parents who have used the DVD have reported noticeable improvements and stronger emotional bonds with their children. Professionals have noted children commenting on other people’s feelings, often for the first time.<br /><br />For more information go to <a href="http://www.thetransporters.com" target="_blank">www.thetransporters.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-89774493308462584732009-02-06T16:32:00.001-05:002009-02-06T16:34:27.079-05:00Parents United Learning the Special Education SystemPULSES<br />Parents United Learning the Special Education System <br /><br />The Ridge School, a private school for high functioning Asperger's students in<br />Hyde Park, has been denied state approval to serve students with disabilities. <br /><br />According to the NYS Department of Education, a private school serving<br />Asperger's students in Dutchess County is not needed at this time. <br /><br />Come To The: Ridge School Rally <br /><br />Saturday, February 14th, 1 Pm <br /><br />Goshen Inn, 40 Park Place, Goshen <br /><br />Support this school in their quest to become an approved special education<br />school. <br /><br />For more information contact: <br /><br />Kathy Silgailis (845) 987-8054 or silgailisk@wpunj.edu <br /><br /><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-21784921022713569502009-01-07T18:54:00.002-05:002009-01-07T18:58:47.810-05:00Autism Toll-Free Resource LineThe Autism Research Institute is offering information and contacts through its new toll-free resource line at (866) 366-3361, under the leadership of Unlocking Autism. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com" target="_blank">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-28446147976135185092008-11-22T12:31:00.000-05:002008-11-22T12:33:29.045-05:00Illinois passes autism billGov. 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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.businessinsurance.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?post_date=2008-11-21&id=14576" target="_blank">Read full article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-87121779858940323702008-11-07T08:29:00.000-05:002008-11-07T08:32:58.966-05:00Childhood Language Disorder Linked to Autism GeneSimon 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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/" target="_blank">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081105/hl_nm/us_speech_gene" target="_blank"> Click here to read full article </a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-51699875430753679032008-10-13T18:33:00.000-04:002008-10-13T18:35:46.260-04:00NY - Transition Fair 2008Transition Fair for Students with Developmental Disabilities<br /><br />Saturday, November 15, 2008<br />10 a.m. - 3 p.m.<br /><br />Location: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, New York<br />(Just off the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains, NY)<br /><br />For more information call (914) 995-5244Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-57295294028418243762008-10-02T09:40:00.001-04:002008-10-02T10:05:55.898-04:00Older Fathers Linked to Autism in ChildrenThe 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/E57C2D76602AB04B652574D5003D8770?OpenDocument" target="_blank">Read full article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-50332479419317008122008-09-23T08:33:00.000-04:002008-09-23T08:35:41.986-04:00First Autism Summit - Cleveland, OH Oct. 10th – 12thAutismtoday.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. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-67354279974325686172008-09-09T18:11:00.000-04:002008-09-09T18:13:12.135-04:00Studies Find Increase In Suicides Among Black YouthsAtlanta, 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.<br /> <br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />So why are our young black men killing themselves? <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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." <br /><br />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. <br /><br />What's clear is that black communities, healthcare professionals and public health officials must mobilize to meet the challenges presented by this problem. <br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br />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. <br /><br />(<em>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.) </em><br /><br />-END-Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-38211933679460727542008-08-25T07:38:00.000-04:002008-08-25T07:40:08.990-04:00Autism statistics alarm Somalis in MinnesotaAn 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." <br /><br />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. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/27334979.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ" target="_blank">Click here to read article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-68986351468346326822008-08-03T07:38:00.001-04:002008-08-03T08:25:30.370-04:00NYS Governor Paterson Signed Bill to Update Standards and Guidelines Used to Identify Kids with ASDsGovernor 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. <br /><br />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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_0723082.html" target="blank">Read full Press Release here</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-67697355438148897552008-07-21T09:22:00.002-04:002008-07-21T14:34:49.256-04:00News Segment on Radio Talk Host Negative Autism CommentsFrom NAA:<br />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. <a href="http://child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cw11.trb.com/video/?clipId=2710082&topVideoCatNo=68361&c=68361&autoSt<br />art=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=/" target="_blank">Watch the video clipping of the news segment and the interview here</a><br /><br />From: New York State Advocacy Central for Autism<br />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.<br /><br />We can hit him, his advertisers and investors in the pocketbook, the only place he seems to understand or care about.<br /><br /><a href="http://capwiz.com/nsasa/utr/1/NDSBIZGTJZ/LCHKIZGTMT/2212321901/" target="_blank"><b>Click here to take action now!</b></a><br /><br />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.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-1537871606612447822008-07-09T13:27:00.002-04:002008-07-21T14:37:48.948-04:00Who pays for autism treatment?An explosion in the number of children diagnosed has parents, <br />insurers and state and private institutions battling over coverage. <br />The case of Andrew Arce is a window into the conflict.<br /><br />By Lisa Girion<br />Los Angeles Times Staff Writer<br />July 6 2008<br /><br />By the time Andrew Arce was 15 months old, <br />his parents suspected he was autistic. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autism6-2008jul06,0,1685457.story" target="_blank">View complete article</a><br /><br />To learn practical ways to help, plan and manage daily living with autism visit: <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/" target="_blank">www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Law Offices of Scott C. Glovsky<br />225 S. Lake Ave., Suite 1000<br />Pasadena, CA 91101<br />Toll Free: (877) 316-2093Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-74752218187710771862008-07-03T07:44:00.000-04:002008-07-03T07:45:14.484-04:00NY: All New Vaccine Mandates SquashedParents are Powerful <br /><br />From A-CHAMP:<br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="http://capwiz.com/a-champ/issues/alert/?alertid=11544721&queueid=2126100321" target="_blank">Read full article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-76426334089124390012008-06-18T16:05:00.000-04:002008-06-18T16:08:08.593-04:00New York Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association<em>From NAA... </em>If you have been coming to the NYC meetings, but have not joined, please take a moment to go here: <a href="http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php/" target="_blank">http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php</a> and join through the national website.<br /><br /><strong>Reasons to join the NAA</strong>!<br /><br />- Supports treatments that help our children, including biomedical treatments<br />- Provides outreach and support for families who have just been diagnosed<br />- Offers member discounts from certain companies that provide supplements for autistic children http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/join.php.<br />- Supports relevant autism research, including a current study exploring the link between mercury and autism: <a href="http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/researchmercury.php/" target="_blank">http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/researchmercury.php</a>.<br />- Distributes email updates on relevant legislative activity<br />- Connects you to a large network of families and practitioners in the autism community<br /><br />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.<br /><br />For autism information and practical strategies visit: <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-48429751804485763962008-06-13T08:24:00.000-04:002008-06-13T08:28:22.834-04:00GAO Report on Federal Disability ProgramsFrom Margaret Dunkle, Director, Early Identification and Intervention Collaborative for Los Angeles County and Senior Fellow, Center for Health Services Research & Policy, George Washington University<br /><br />The Government Accountability Office May 20th report on <i>Federal Disability Programs: More Strategic Coordination Could Help Overcome Challenges to Needed Transformation</i> 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.<br /><br />Interestingly, by focusing primarily on <b>adults</b> with disabilities and pretty much ignoring <b>children</b> with disabilities, this report actually <b>underestimates</b> the extent of fragmentation and confusion. You can find the full GAO report at: <a href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08635.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08635.pdf</a>. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-89808611115782373702008-06-04T16:48:00.000-04:002008-06-04T16:51:51.230-04:00Autism & MeThe 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.<br /> <br />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.<br /><br />In the interest of portraying autism's effect on all races and ethnic groups, author needs to include African-American families.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Some of the interview questions are:<br /><br />*What does it mean to have autism?<br />*What do you think it would feel like to have autism?<br />*How different do you think you and your sibling are from other sisters and brothers?<br />* What would you like to tell readers of this book about your sister/brother?<br />* What are some of your sister/brother=92s favorite activities?<br />*What kinds of things do you and your sister/brother do together?<br />*What things bug you about your sister/brother?<br />*What do you wish your sister/brother could do that s/he can do?<br />*What are some things that your sister/brother can do that you can't do?<br />*What do you think your sister/brother's life will be like when s/he grows up?<br />*What do you think your life would be like if you didn't have a sister or brother with autism?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-48389198773952994222008-04-17T09:09:00.000-04:002008-04-17T09:12:28.062-04:00Autism Creates Financial HardshipHealth Insurance, Second Jobs and Second Mortgages Often Used to Pay<br />By Melissa Hincha-Ownby<br /><br />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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://autism-therapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/autism_creates_financial_hardship" target="_blank">Click here for full article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-32153734909126956542008-04-09T11:25:00.000-04:002008-04-09T11:27:44.275-04:00National Black Church Initiative Foreclosure Prevention GuideThe 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.<br /><br />The National Black Church Initiative Foreclosure Prevention Guide can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.naltblackchurch.com/pdf/prevention_guide.pdf/" target="_blank">www.naltblackchurch.com/pdf/prevention_guide.pdf</a><a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-49910399130255218222008-03-20T13:15:00.000-04:002008-03-20T13:18:21.979-04:00HBO 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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://exploring-autism.richardgwhite.com/2008/03/19/autism-the-musical-4/" target="_blank">Click here for article</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11160432.post-3925990157830473732008-03-06T19:19:00.000-05:002008-03-06T19:20:59.222-05:00Press Conference on Autism-Vaccine Court ConcessionFAIR 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. <a href="http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com">child-autism-parent-cafe.com</a><br /><br />Click here to view: <a href="http://www.autismmedia.org/media11.html" target="_blank">www.autismmedia.org/media11.html</a>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890548272991969863noreply@blogger.com