Archive for the ‘Autism’ Category
Autism Awareness Month: What can I do?
Autism Awareness Month: What can I do?
AutismSpot is a world leader in the dissemination of information regarding every possible therapy, early intervention, and a catalyst for helping the Autism Community understand the options available to teenagers and adults on the spectrum. Throughout the month, I will use this blog to share with you tips and suggestions covering everything from early signs through specific actions you can take to assist families living with Autism.
So what can you do?
1) DINNER: Caring for someone on the spectrum can cost a tremendous amount of money. Medical, therapy, schooling, and the cost of tutors can be overwhelming on a struggling family. If you know a family living with Autism, drop a gift certificate off in their mailbox so they can have a dinner out. It doesn’t have to be fancy or extravagant. A drive thru can be just the relief they need. Do they care for someone on a special diet? Make that gift certificate for Whole Foods, Market Street, Kroger or wherever they buy the food their child requires. Leave them a note saying that you were thinking of them and to enjoy a night without preparing a meal. Whether you sign your name or do this anonymously, the family will truly appreciate knowing they have friends supporting them. Read the rest of this entry »
Autism Has A Voice In Lapeer County
Recently Corner Pieces was featured in the LaView newspaper. Many thanks to the writer of this story.
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Autism has a voice in Lapeer County
April is Autism Awareness Month, both in Michigan and nationally, and several programs and events were held throughout the month to bring awareness to the issue and raise funds for research and assistance. But for parents and family members of children with autism they know that the issue does not go away at the end of the month.
Autism is a constant, heartbreaking struggle that presents itself in unpredictable ways every second of every day.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that affect social, behavioral and communication skills. ASD is reportedly more prevalent in children today than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. According to the CDC, 1 in 110 children are affected by ASD. Read the rest of this entry »
Lupron therapy for autism at center of embattled doctor’s case
Some parents embrace alternative treatment for autism that scientists don’t support
By Meredith Cohn,
The Baltimore Sun
June 16, 2011
Since Sam Wessels was diagnosed with autism at age 2, doctors have offered his mother a litany of drugs for the boy from Prozac and Ritalin to Metadate CD and Strattera, commonly used to treat ADHD. Other “alternative” medicine pitches have included special diets and even nicotine.
“This is the best you can do?” Sam’s mother Lin Wessels wondered. Read the rest of this entry »
AUTISM SPEAKS LAUNCHES REDESIGNED AUTISMSPEAKS.ORG, WITH DYNAMIC NEW TOOLS AND FEATURES!
NEW YORK, N.Y. (JUNE 16, 2011) – Autism Speaks – North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization – today launched a redesigned, dynamic website, AutismSpeaks.org, that enables those impacted by autism – or just interested in learning more about the disorder – to easily access, share and utilize autism-related news, actionable information, resources and ideas. AutismSpeaks.org is one of the most-visited and respected sources for autism news and information, attracting more than 400,000 visits each month.
The redesigned AutismSpeaks.org features a new homepage that now includes a dynamic feed of the latest from Autism Speaks – including Science, Family Services and Autism Votes advocacy news – as well as other important sources of autism news. New Science and Family Services landing pages highlight key news items, relevant news feeds and press releases and blog content. The site also offers easier navigation to key tools and resources, including the national Autism Speaks Resource Guide, tool kits (First 100 Days Tool Kit, Transition Tool Kit, School Community Tool Kit, Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism Tool kit and others) and grant applications and information. A revamped Science section features similar navigational enhancements and also includes a searchable database of all Autism Speaks funded research projects dating back to 2006. Read the rest of this entry »
Combating Autism Act
Back in March, my friend Kerry Magro and I discussed ways that we can build Autism awareness. And I’m proud to let him know that yesterday, Sen. Mike Enzi and I introduced the Combating Autism Act, legislation that ensures that the critical programs established under the original law continue for an additional three years, including surveillance programs, intervention and training programs, and the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).
The co-founder of Autism Speaks, Bob Wright, said: “Autism Speaks thanks Senators Menendez and Enzi for their leadership in introducing this critical legislation which deeply impacts the futures of the ever-growing number of Americans diagnosed with autism. Action is needed quickly in Congress to assure the federal government remains committed to addressing this national health crisis.”
And Linda Meyer, the Executive Director of Autism New Jersey, said: “The Combating Autism Act is a groundbreaking promise between government and families touched by the diagnosis of autism, and Autism New Jersey commends Sen. Menendez for his leadership in pursuing the swift reauthorization of this law. We also share the Senator’s commitment to addressing the immediate need for funding to provide the full range of unique services needed by those with autism spectrum disorders and the families and professionals who support them.” Read the rest of this entry »
Service Dogs for Children with Autism (SDA)
Service Dogs for Children with Autism
By Ken Kirsch, PAWS Training Manager
Paws With A Cause is proud to announce a new pilot program – Service Dogs for Children with Autism. This program will allow PAWS to expand Assistance Dog services to children with autism and their families.
This pilot program will run for two years, beginning with the first placements in July of 2009. The program’s goal is to place five dogs during the first year of the program and 10 dogs during the second year. During this pilot program, placements will be in areas where we can monitor the progress and measure the outcomes easily.
As autism is a family disability, the program’s goals will be to enhance individual independence and life satisfaction of each client and their families: Read the rest of this entry »
