Complications during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a child with autism, according to American researchers. The team reviewed 64 studies of prenatal risk factors for autism. It is the first time a meta-analysis of the relationship between pregnancy-related factors and risk of autism has been carried out. The analysis is published in the July issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. Over 50 prenatal factors were examined.
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Medical News Today: Autism
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Pregnancy Complications May Increase Autism Risk
2 Jul 2009 | 3:00 am -
HOPE Welcomes Autism Bill's Progress Following First Reading In The Lords, UK
30 Jun 2009 | 2:00 amHOPE, the charity for adults with autism and learning disabilities, welcomes the progress of the Autism Bill through Parliament. Its third and final reading in the House of Commons took place on 19th June and its first reading in the House of Lords was on 22nd June. Once law, the Autism Bill stands to be a landmark piece of legislation, as it will be the first time there will be statutory provision to meet the needs of adults with autism. -
UC Davis Researchers Develop New Test For Fragile X Syndrome
29 Jun 2009 | 1:00 amResearchers at UC Davis have developed a new test that will measure the protein deficit responsible for fragile X syndrome - the single-most common cause of intellectual impairment and the most-commonly inherited cause of autism. The test, described in a study appearing online in the July 2009 issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, is the first to measure an individual's level of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) protein. -
Engineering Autism: Mice With Extra Chromosome Region Show Many Autistic Signs
28 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amMice who inherit a particular chromosomal duplication from their fathers show many behaviors associated with human autism, researchers report in the June 26th issue of the journal Cell, a Cell Press Publication. The duplicated chromosomal region in mice is the equivalent of human chromosome 15q11-13, the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality observed in autism, accounting for some five percent of all cases. -
Further Gene Mutations Linked To Autism Risk
27 Jun 2009 | 1:00 amPieces in the complex autism inheritance puzzle are emerging in the latest study from a research team including geneticists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The study identified 27 different genetic regions where rare copy number variations - missing or extra copies of DNA segments - were found in the genes of children with autism spectrum disorders, but not in the healthy controls.
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AspieWeb.net
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July 4th Sucks
3 Jul 2009 | 10:51 amI think July 4th sucks. All the fireworks, loud bangs, on top of the sub woofers of the typical night is just to much for me.In Michigan you have to have a licence for anything that leaves to ground, including bottle rockets so it significantly lowers the amount of noise. On occasion you have people [...] -
Friendship Difficulties
2 Jul 2009 | 8:49 amAs I am looking at my friendships and how my friends are responding to me - I am realizing how much Aspergers Syndrome has effected my friendships and relationships. I Have A Hard Time I have a hard time with friendships, and I think a lot of it can be attributed to Aspergers Syndrome. Everyone else naturally [...] -
I Just Cut
30 Jun 2009 | 7:28 amI’ve had some horrible crap happen to me in the last week, there were a lot of lies told about me, I’ve lost my fiance, my soon to be kid, and my dignity. Its was just too painful so I cut up both arms.As you may have read earlier, my ex was a cutter and [...] -
Aspergers, and Good Friends
29 Jun 2009 | 10:45 amThe past week has been hell for me, and not just for me though. During times you go through hell you find out who your really good friends are, and who really don’t care.During the last week, life as I know had been destroyed. I’ve lost my fiance because of her lies, I’m likely going [...] -
Habitual Liars
26 Jun 2009 | 4:04 pmIf there is one thing I hate more then anything is a liar, and more then anything I hate a habitual liar. I’m having to deal with one right now.If you would like to read more about what I’m having to deal about personally you may read it on my personal blog. I don’t get what [...]
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Autism Twins
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Catching Up
16 Jun 2009 | 8:07 pmYes, I know! It's been over a month. I really don't know where the time goes, but it wasn't hanging around here much until now. Today was the last day of school and as I sit here catching my breath, I can cross off two graduation ceremonies, 13 handmade teacher/therapist gifts, and 8 sets of baked goods for 8 different bus drivers and aides. I'm looking around my neglected home right now — the dust bunnies are all lined up along the baseboards of the floors and the mounds of paper artwork where my kitchen counters used to be is making me a little queasy — like I'm seeing it for the first… -
Leaving Preschool
12 May 2009 | 5:45 pm"And lastly, When can we all get on the same page about autism? Is there a person alive who doesn’t believe all human beings ought to have as many opportunities for learning as possible in order to provide choice? Because as far as I can see, having autism is an ability and a disability, both."I just read the above in one of Kyra's posts at This Mom. It really resonates with me, especially today after John's IEP meeting. When we submitted our parent report, the only request we made was that he be assessed for augmentative communication. That's it. John has come so far this last year with… -
Of IEPs and Other Life-Changing Meetings
7 May 2009 | 10:30 am(or "So then? The pendulum swung this way and knocked me down...")Two days ago we had Sam's IEP meeting. At the beginning of the year, if anyone had asked me whether Sam would be going to kindergarten, I would have said Of course he is. But with a birthday so close to the cut-off date (making them a very young five), I've been second-guessing myself for months and carrying around the weight of what feels like an impossible decision. What is the best thing for Sam? He's so quirky — would it be better to be the youngest quirky kid in a class or the oldest quirky kid? Is he ready to be… -
Up and Away
1 May 2009 | 12:35 pmLast night John was unusually talkative. "I want!" he said jumping up and down, "I want! I want! I want! UP!" This is code for Throw me up in the air and make fart-y sounds on my face and tummy. I love it, I hate it, I love it! I love it! Ack! Do it again!Over and over and over, Twins Dad held him high and showered loud slimy kisses all over his grinning face while Sam waited his turn, impatiently, jealously. "MY TURN!" he shouted. "GUYS, it's MY turn!"I love these moments, so natural, so normal, so not draped in the cloak of autism. I love how my boys love their dad and anticipate his… -
Sam's Trip to the Dentist
28 Apr 2009 | 2:29 pmThe morning started out promising.We practiced saying "Open wide!" We pretended to check our teeth with the reflection of a small silver spoon. I massaged his cheeks and rumpled his hair to try to desensitize his head. We read a story about a brother and a sister's trip to the dentist and then Sam pulled out his markers and paper and made his own going-to-the-dentist book. After stapling it, he held it proudly and told me he was ready to go for his first visit.A few weeks ago, I took him with his brother to meet Dr. P. School was out and John had an appointment — I thought that he could get…
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AGE OF AUTISM
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Autism Vaccine Complaint Movie: "Selective Hearing, Brian Deer and the GMC"
3 Jul 2009 | 2:46 amBy Mark Hawking In light of the PCC ordering the Times Newspaper to remove Brian Deer's latest material from its website (HERE), I thought it would be a good time to write about the film “Selective Hearing, Brian Deer and... -
Barbara Loe Fisher on Swine Flu Vaccines
3 Jul 2009 | 2:45 amBy Barb Loe Fisher, Read more and watch a video at the National Vaccine Injury Center site HERE. The summer will be over before we know it and it will be time for the school year to begin. This fall,... -
Even The Shallows Dry Up: The GMC Hearing June 22nd and 23rd.
2 Jul 2009 | 5:48 pmAnd it was another of those explanations that sounded good, but not if you were there. Not if you had the evidence of your gut to back you up. Andrew Holmes, Criminal Records. Sceptre (2008) London. By Martin J. Walker... -
Autism and Gene Research. Who Benefits?
2 Jul 2009 | 2:44 amManaging Editor's Note: This is a thoughtful post on the heels of Eric London's departure from Autism Speaks. By Teresa Conrick I am no gene expert though I did take Genetics in high school and again learned much in college... -
Blast from the Past Post: MESSAGE BOARD BUZZ. Autism Speaks Selects Eric London?
2 Jul 2009 | 2:30 amManaging Editor's Note: I wrote this post on August 17, 2007 (before we launched AoA) about Eric London and Autism Speaks. And now he's joining his colleagues at ASF. Mazel Tov and mind the Sleestaks. My condolences to the Jackson...
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Autism Vox
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More Speaking
2 Jul 2009 | 7:49 amAdditional responses to “What’s the one thing you’d like to say to your relatives about your autistic child?”: “Just love him and enjoy him. Let me worry about the rest.” “Thank you for loving him and treating him like the beautiful blessing that he is. We’re blessed and lucky to have family that ‘gets it’!” Photo by Me-Liss-A (flickr.com) “Sometimes (my wife and I) need your help watching him so we can spend some time on ‘us’.” “How we live for the ‘us’ moments, and have learned… -
Summer daze
1 Jul 2009 | 12:34 pmThis summer is off to an odd start. Usually there are no more than a few days between the end of school and the start of Alex’s summer school. (Last two years, he went to day camp, and that started almost immediately after school: no lag.) This year there is a solid week off between the two. Photo courtesy of crabchick (flickr.com) Ordinarily I’d be harried and a bit peeved: I’d be running after Alex and Ned while Jeff slaved away at his job. But this year everything’s been turned upside down. Jeff is at home; I’m at work (at least this week). And while… -
All Together Now
1 Jul 2009 | 8:33 amImage world-war-2-airplane-model.com The 1/48th Corsair fighter plane was going to be my comeback piece, the plastic model kit (”hobby kit,” now that I’m almost 50 and can afford the good kids) to prove that my eyes were as sharp and my hands as steady as when I was 16 and building the bargain kits. I put it right up on top of the bookshelf, out of the way, with the now-empty boxes of the snap-together airplanes I did with the boys. “Airplane? Airplane?” Alex kept saying. I had some computer work in the afternoon while Ned built a model on his own, and as… -
Caregivers and Relationships: New Tools
29 Jun 2009 | 6:05 pmCareGiver360 was created by Ken Ziel, a Colorado father whose son has a range of developmental and physical disabilities. Ziel was inspired to create CareGiver360 from his experiences raising a son with an array of special needs and trying to communicate all of those needs to multiple care providers. “When providers left or new providers came in, I could see that the process of being brought up to speed and adapting to new procedures was just as hard on the caregivers as it was on me and (my son) Austin,” Ziel said. Caregivers can also use the tool to streamline updates in care… -
No school tomorrow
28 Jun 2009 | 5:57 pmIt’s a typical Sunday evening, except without the deadline. It doesn’t matter what time everyone goes to bed: no alarm clock’s going to go off at 6 a.m. in the morning. On the one hand, that’s great. To me, summer is freedom, late mornings, no homework, no early bedtime. On the other: what’s Alex going to think when, in a couple of months, he returns to school, but to an entirely new building? He’ll be in summer school this year (we decided he didn’t get that much out of camp) but that always takes place in a different site from his…
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About.com: Autism
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Beware Autism Headlines
3 Jul 2009 | 2:29 amIt's so tempting to read those blaring headlines and leap onto those gleaming bandwagons. Today's headline on the BBC reads Problem pregnancy 'autism risk' -- suggesting to the offhand reader that... -
July 4th on the Autism Spectrum
2 Jul 2009 | 10:15 amJeff Baker/Getty Images July Fourth is one of those lose-lose holidays for folks on the autism spectrum. If the noise doesn't make you nuts, the crowds will. ... -
How Much Do You Spend on Autism Treatments and Programs?
2 Jul 2009 | 6:57 amThe Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is a research project of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Maryland. Through focus groups and surveys of families living with autism, they've built an... -
Second Resignation from Autism Speaks Reflects Concerns Over Vaccine-Related Research
1 Jul 2009 | 3:08 amI received a press release yesterday, signaling the resignation of a second major player at the huge non-profit Autism Speaks. Last time, the resignation letter came from Alison Singer,... -
"Autism Yesterday" Video Supports Biomedical Treatment of Autism
30 Jun 2009 | 2:21 amAutism Yesterday is a half-hour documentary produced by J.B. and Lisa Handley and Generation Rescue. The Handleys, for those who don't know them, are the parents of a child...
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Topix: Autism
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Coverage for Autism
3 Jul 2009 | 2:38 pmThe National Law Journal reports on a settlement in Michigan involving payment for autism treatments by insurance companies. -
Battle Autism with Bentonite Clay
2 Jul 2009 | 2:32 pmMany autism treatment centers are incorporating the use of Bentonite clay in their successful treatment regimens. -
Group Sues California Regulators Over Autism Care
1 Jul 2009 | 2:19 pmRequired fields are marked with an asterisk The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. -
HOPE Welcomes Autism Bill's Progress Following First Reading In The Lords, UK
30 Jun 2009 | 9:57 pmHOPE, the charity for adults with autism and learning disabilities, welcomes the progress of the Autism Bill through Parliament. -
Gov. Manchin to Sign Autism Insurance Bill
30 Jun 2009 | 1:46 pmGovernor Joe Manchin will be signing an autism insurance bill Tuesday afternoon.
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ScienceDaily.com
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Children With Autism Need To Be Taught In Smaller Groups, Experts Argue
1 Jul 2009 | 9:00 pmSince the 1970s, there has been much debate surrounding the fact that individuals with autism have difficulty in understanding speech in situations where there is background speech or noise. Neuroscientists argue in favor of smaller class sizes for children with autism. -
Patterns Of Genetic Changes In Mental Retardation Uncovered
29 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amResearchers have uncovered some of the central characteristics of genes underlying mental retardation. The research shortens the list of genes whose changes lead to this disorder from thousands to several dozen. -
More Gene Mutations Linked To Autism Risk
28 Jun 2009 | 2:00 amMore pieces in the complex autism inheritance puzzle are emerging in the latest gene study of autism spectrum disorders. This study identified 27 different genetic regions where rare copy number variations -- missing or extra copies of DNA segments -- occurred in the genes of children with ASDs, but not in healthy controls. The copy number variations are thought to interfere with gene function, disrupting the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development. -
Engineering Autism: Mice With Extra Chromosome Region Show Many Autistic Signs
26 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amMice who inherit a particular chromosomal duplication from their fathers show many behaviors associated with human autism, researchers report. The duplicated chromosomal region in mice is the equivalent of human chromosome 15q11-13, the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality observed in autism, accounting for some five percent of all cases. -
In 'Reading' A Gaze, What We Believe Changes What We See
26 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amIn primates including ourselves, the ability to register where others are looking is key in social circles. And, according to a new report, the way our brains process gaze-direction is much more sophisticated than a simple eyes-right vs. eyes-left.
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Google News: Autism
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Student Develops Robot For Autism Research - Boston Channel.com
Student Develops Robot For Autism ResearchBoston Channel.comKids with autism respond to it. "A child that comes up to Keepon and starts making faces to it acts kind of goofy. The teacher says, 'I never see that sort and more » -
State agency sued over new policy on autism - San Francisco Chronicle
State agency sued over new policy on autismSan Francisco ChronicleConsumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica nonprofit group, along with a Los Angeles physician who is the mother of two autistic children claimed the Department of Autism patients' treatment is denied illegally, group saysLos Angeles TimesState Regulators Sued For Allowing Insurers to Deny Autism CareKPBSSuit Challenges Calif. Regulators on Oversight of Autism CoverageCalifornia HealthlineSmartBrief -PR Newswire (press release) -Kaiser Health Newsall 52 news articles » -
Suit alleges California lets insurers deny treatment for autistic kids - Bizjournals.com
Suit alleges California lets insurers deny treatment for autistic kidsBizjournals.comThis is a violation of the California Mental Health Parity Act, which requires health insurers to cover all medically necessary treatments for autism, Suit alleges autism care routinely deniedabc7.comall 5 news articles » -
Autism school decision is put on hold - Boston Globe
Autism school decision is put on holdBoston GlobeThe Beverly School Committee has delayed a decision on whether to approve a proposed school for children with autism, as district officials Letter: Beverly superintendent, health director dropped the ballThe Salem Newsall 2 news articles » -
kids with autism get joyful launch - CNN
kids with autism get joyful launchCNNTo see more of her autism project, visit her Web site. PS 176X principal Rima Ritholtz and senior Vicki Martinez celebrate graduation. and more »
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Skinnykids
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You say tomato, I say tomahto
19 Jun 2009 | 2:28 pm"Laurel, guess what's in two days?"(Not really, but since Laurel defines birthdays not as the day you were born, but the day you get cake, candles, M&Ms, jelly beans, and presents, her "birthday" will be on Saturday.)Smiles. Lots of jumping. "Warwuh ERPDAY!""Yes, Laurel, your birthday is in TWO days!"Jumping stops. "No two days! No two days! EIGHT days!""Laurel, look at this calendar. Here is today, and here is tomorrow, and then THIS day is your birthday. That's TWO days from now."Stomping begins, coupled with flailing arms and wails of protest. "Eight days! Eight days! EIGHT… -
Course, "I hate you" is that much closer now
18 Jun 2009 | 7:49 amYesterday I was working in the kitchen when Michael came in to ask if he could watch TV. He'd already watched about 500 hours that day as I was trying to get a lot of stuff done, and I was genuinely concerned that if he watched even one more minute his brain would explode all over my freshly dusted furniture. So I told him no."I don't like it when you tell me no," he said to me.Now, he didn't say it quite like that. He got his pronouns all backwards, and there were a few missing words. But he was close enough that I thought I heard something, so I repeated it back to him for… -
CPS should be calling in 3...2...1...
17 Jun 2009 | 4:03 pmYesterday one of my good friends saw the post of Michael sleeping in his straw hat and joshingly emailed me her thoughts:I don't think it was the hat OR the jammies that caused Michael to turn red. It was ACTUALLY that tequila of yours that he was sipping when you weren't looking. He's not asleep. He's out cold!Now I have to admit she cracked me up. She does that - she has a wicked sense of humor. But even within the midst of laughing the pang of Lost Opportunity hit me. Prop humor! I could have placed a bottle of tequila in his hand while he was sleeping and taken a picture! Why didn't I… -
What? How do YOU sleep??
15 Jun 2009 | 10:22 pmHow I found Michael tonight when I went to check on him...Now, what I can't figure out is whether his face is red because the hat's strap has been slowly strangling him for a couple hours, or because he insisted on wearing his heavy fleece "blue jammies with cars" tonight. Even though it is 74 degrees in the house. -
Comparisons
15 Jun 2009 | 9:36 amWe had our final "good-bye" of the week on Friday with Michael's private preschool. His teacher this past year was simply wonderful: silly, loving, patient...all the things I would want of a preschool teacher. And even better, she LOVED Michael. One day several months ago when I was picking him up we got to talking and she confessed to me Michael was one of her favorites. She actually started to tear up when she mentioned how hard it would be for her to say goodbye to him on the last day of school.And Friday was that day.We parents were invited to arrive fifteen minutes early to take pictures…
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Maternal Instincts
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Red, White and Blue; a scenic detour
2 Jul 2009 | 3:41 pmEUREKA! At last we have stumbled upon the answer to Nik’s current nocturnal pain. Oddly enough, it’s the same thing that caused him pain a mere eight days ago: an ear infection. As it turns out, the anitbiotic didn’t knock out the infection and it came back. With a vengeance. Today, Nik spiked a fever of 102 F [...] -
Scenes from a day
1 Jul 2009 | 7:56 pmIn the midst of cleaning up a particularly stinky situation… ME: That’s it, I want a new agent! This movie sucks. NIKSDAD: Um, Honey, this isn’t a movie. ME: What do you mean “This isn’t a movie?” NIKSDAD: Honey, they couldn’t begin to write a move as crazy as our life. True dat, honey! *********** After a long day full of learning, [...] -
Trying to get a word in edgewise
14 Jun 2009 | 2:21 pmI’ve got a head full of thoughts to share —many about communication, the challenges and intricacies of using AAC devices, and some thoughts and questions about the interplay of vision and attention span. They’ll have to stay there a while longer, I’m afraid. My days have been filled with playing “guard the (feeding) tube” and “mop [...] -
A day like no other
9 Jun 2009 | 6:15 pmToday was a perfect storm sort of day. We would either have a day full of frights and horrors from beginning to end or we would have a day of unparalleled delights and successes. We recently had one of the former—a day in which Nik pushed the limits to breaking. He figured out how to open [...] -
Tu-be or Not Tu-be?
4 Jun 2009 | 5:08 pmA taste of life at our house during a three hour period leading up to and including dinner and bed time as told through actual postings from my Twitter account. (Thanks, TC, for helping me see the humor!) Dear son: pulling your tube *out* is supposed to hurt. Putting it back *in* isn’t. You’re doing it [...]
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Theoria cum Praxi » Autism
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Technology makes it easy to ‘remember,’ the trick is learning how to forget
26 Jun 2009 | 4:16 amAs a follow up to my last post, The importance of forgetting, it seemed appropriate to republish the following, which I originally posted in March 2007. A blog post I wrote a year ago. Playing around with David Allen’s Getting Things Done. A recent article in Fast Company. Reading Steven Johnson’s book Mind Wide Open over Thanksgiving. Autism. All of these things came together in my mind over the past few days. (If the internet is a global cocktail party, and blogs are its conversations, I’m the guy who takes it all in and thinks of something to say as he’s driving home from the… -
The starting gun
7 Jun 2009 | 9:00 pmWith high school and college graduation season in full swing, and as my son’s 18th birthday quickly approaches, it seems a fitting time to repost this blog entry I wrote for Left Brain/Right Brain back in October 2007. There was quite a bit of discussion when I first posted this, so visit the original post to read the comments too. One of my high school philosophy teachers (at a Jesuit high school here in St. Louis) used popular music of the time (70’s and early 80’s) as a tool in classes. I mostly remember using Supertramp (Crime of the Century) and some Pink Floyd (”Welcome to… -
Just because that’s the way it is, doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be
22 Apr 2009 | 8:55 pmIn a tweet earlier today, @Think_Better makes the following suggestion: Next time someone says, “That’s just the way it is,” try asking, “What would be an alternative?” It is all too easy to get stuck in the rut of doing things the way they’ve always been done just because that is the way it has always been done. This one little question can make all the difference, if you just take the time to ask - and answer - it. Just think of the possibilities. This brought to mind something I wrote back in Aug 08 (on my now shut down 29 Marbles blog) that I thought… -
The Great Debate
12 Mar 2009 | 9:32 pmI was catching up on some news this evening, reading about stem cells here in Missouri, with iTunes on shuffle, as usual. About half way through the article, Dream Theater’s song The Great Debate (from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence) came on. I had to stop and listen. If you know the song, you know that it is a discussion about then-President Bush’s decision concerning stem cells back in 2001. Here’s what wikipedia has to say about the song: “The Great Debate” is an innovative song by the progressive metal band Dream Theater dealing with the topic of stem cell… -
It takes two to communicate
16 Jan 2009 | 7:24 pmRead just about any book on how to improve your communications skills and you will find that one of the most important aspects of interpersonal communications is the ability to listen. Unless, of course, you are reading a book about helping autistic people “learn to communicate”, in which case it is all about trying to get them to listen, and pay attention, to you; very rarely will those types of books try to help you, a non-autistic person, figure out how to listen to an autistic person. In fact, the very definition of autism in the DSM-IV is based on, among other things,…
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Alien in a Foreign Field
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Ivory Wedding Anniversay
30 Jun 2009 | 1:36 pm"Let me make this quite clear. I don't care how tired you all are I want everybody there, bright and early at breakfast for our gift exchange.""Sure. Are you expecting a surprise?""I am expecting something duty free from the airport shop.""Oh.""However, he will be receiving a minor heart attack in a box.""Really? What did you have in mind?""Something age appropriate for an old codger.""Such as?""Meet Fred. I look positively youthful by comparison.""Are you sure about that?""!" -
Ware were you when I needed you?
29 Jun 2009 | 5:53 amI talk to my pal on the phone as I am in need of a therapeutic moan.“It’s just impossible. Rarer than hens teeth. I knew I should have bought them in England. Even after all these years, this country is completely infuriating. The most basic items are totally unavailable. How do people cope?”“So……..what exactly is it that you’re lookin for now?”“Sheets. Proper flat floral twin sheets. See! I even know to use the word ‘flat’ and the word ‘twin’ even though it’s really a single because I’m so completely acclimated now.”“I recognize that catch in your voice, so… -
Enterprise allowance – child exploitation
21 May 2009 | 10:42 amMy daughter moans about lack of funding just as her big sister returns from pulling poison oak in Santa Cruz, dressed like a yetty for protection. I observe the girls in silence as I pot up seedlings which are technically weeds.“Geez you look disgustin.”“Disgusting but rich, which suits me just fine.”“Rich?”“Yes indeedy.”“Howmucha got?”“That’s for me to know.”“Can I come with you next time?”“You’ll be at school I’m afraid.”“How can I get some money too?”“Work.”“Can I do some chores for money Mom?”“You already do your chores to earn your… -
Fantasy Fiesta after the siesta
14 May 2009 | 6:00 pmOr The Rule of ThreeIt’s very simple and is as applicable to pottery as it is to cake decorations:- always make three and one might turn out o.k. It’s stands to reason when you work with sugar, have three children and two diabetics in the house:- obviously one or more will be eaten prior to completion.The second one will be damaged or broken beyond repair.This leaves you with one and only one after many, many attempts. Unless you’re extra lucky of course. Yes I know! I also need help in the "how to use a camera properly" but that's for another "campaign."I’d offer to send you the… -
Environmental Whore
14 May 2009 | 1:35 pm“Mum!”“Yes dear?”“Can you explain something to me?”“I’ll try.”“Why did I spend all day yesterday rigging up a washing line for you if you still insist on using the bloody tumble drier!”“Well if you look outside you’ll see that it’s already full.”“Full?”“Yes……this is just a little overflow.”"Ah.....you're so trying!""I shall endeavour to try harder."
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Along the Spectrum
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Overheard at the PPT
26 Jun 2009 | 10:25 amSchool’s out and the rush of annual PPT meetings that many schools cram into May and June is over. As always, there were a few outlandish things said by school district personnel both during the meetings and in other discussions. I’m repeating some of these below. I’ve heard most of these second or third hand, so consider this my disclosure regarding the accuracy of the quotes. Nonetheless, I’m confident that the general messages below are very similar to what administrators delivered. A principal to a parent requesting transportation for an autistic student to the… -
Recovery
20 May 2009 | 8:35 pmThis is not a post about recovery from autism. If that’s what you’re looking for, move along; there’s nothing to see here. Recovery is a powerful concept for me. The word itself evokes ideas of struggling against powerful forces such as addiction or cancer. It makes me think of extremes from the relatively simple recovery from a broken bone, to the more life-changing recovery from losing a loved one to death. The past year has been full of relapses and recovery for me and for my family. We found ourselves in the midst of crises without a clear path out. We faced decisions… -
Same as It Ever Was
2 Jul 2008 | 7:59 pmBack when MJ was a toddler, he showed an intense interest in lights and switches particularly those on cars. Lights on cars were great, and switches to turn them on and off were even better. The pervasive interest was an early sign of Asperger’s that we didn’t fully recognize at the time. We just accepted it as part of his personality. When he hit five, we began noticing issues with proprioception. OK, we couldn’t really not notice because MJ had several falls and broke his arm three time in a period of about 18 months. We grew accustomed to the sight of MJ wearing a… -
Mob Advocacy
28 May 2008 | 8:08 pmI paid more attention to the story about Alex Barton than I have to any news story related to autism in a long time. I even blogged about it myself three times. Oops, this makes four. Even my quiet little blog received links and visitors from all over the internet as a large number of people propagated this story and an even larger group followed it. As I observed the phenomena that grew for days, I recognized that the term to best describe it is Mob Advocacy. There have been many facets of this phenomena. I’ll call the three most prominent aspects The… -
District Sends Teacher to the Office
27 May 2008 | 4:00 pmThe Palm Beach Post is reporting that kindergarten teacher Wendy Portillo has been reassigned to the school district offices while the district investigates a complaint against her. Ms. Portillo recently led her kindergarten class in a vote to remove one of her students, who is likely on the autism spectrum, from the classroom. It’s a start . . .
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Andrea's Buzzing About:
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Hanging around the Web
3 Jul 2009 | 5:22 pmMy son and I recently hauled a long dresser+mirror up two flights of stairs, and I cleaned up the master bedroom in preparation for the return of the new baby & parents from the hospital. The downside of course is that after a day of labor, I must spend a couple-three days recuperating. (In other [...] -
What she said was, “Aquacise”
3 Jul 2009 | 8:33 amRandom thought: When my rheumatologist said to get more exercise, I’m not sure she really meant that I should be hauling meself up & down stairs over and over because of my ADHD forgetfulness. -
Congratulations
30 Jun 2009 | 8:40 pmto my daughter and her honey, on the arrival of their little geekling. The boy is healthy and beautiful. We’re all so proud and excited! -
Periods
25 Jun 2009 | 4:58 amEvery now and then someone asks a question that helps you define an issue in life. Recently a nurse asked me, “Do you have days when you’re not in pain?” I considered this for a few seconds and replied, “I have periods during the day when I’m not in pain. Usually because of my meds. But [...] -
The long and short of it
11 Jun 2009 | 8:40 amIt’s going to be a long day; I can tell already. Last night I finally got eight hours of sleep, aside from several prolonged coughing fits. The previous three nights I’d only gotten four hours of sleep. You’d think the extra rest would make me feel better, but I’m still running short on good sleep because [...]
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Asperger Square 8
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What happens in San Diego
29 Jun 2009 | 1:52 pmThe first thing you notice is the fruit. Huge bowls overflowing with grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, lit by the morning sun. The contrast with the usual conference fare of bagels, pastries and small anemic fruit plates sets the tone for the entire event. There will be little “junk food” here, little talk of an epidemic and what could be causing it. Participants have come to learn more about how to understand and support autistic people. How to listen to different voices, how to think about differences in ways that nourish and enrich human… -
Beyond Awareness
15 Jun 2009 | 8:58 amFor the third time, Autism Hub bloggers Steve D. (One Dad's Opinion), Do'C (Autism Street) and I have been invited to present at The University of San Diego's Autism Institute. The summer Institute will be held June 24-26 this year on USD's campus, and the title of our program is "Beyond Awareness." I very much appreciate USD's commitment to include the perspectives of autistic people and others who advocate for acceptance, inclusion and individualized supports. If you are in or near San Diego next week, please join us at the Institute! -
Häagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond Found "Not Helpful" in Treatment of Autism
10 Jun 2009 | 7:14 amFollowing on the heels of the shocking news that the prescription antidepressant Celexa® does not cure autism, scientists have discovered that the highly touted Häagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond ice cream also does little or nothing to quash the intense focus on narrow, restricted interests associated with the disability. Dr. Martin Geiger announced Tuesday that a group of autistic teens treated with HDVSA failed to become indistinguishable from their peers in what he described as a “totally random controlled experiment.”The scientific community first showed interest when Flossie McVey,… -
A Conversation with Martha Leary
9 Jun 2009 | 7:31 amMartha R Leary does training and consulting on creative ways to support people on the autism spectrum and those with other neurological differences, throughout Canada, the US, England, Ireland, and Australia. Martha is a Speech Language Pathologist and has worked in this field for over 30 years. She has authored and co-authored a number of publications on sensory and movement differences emphasizing how those differences might affect other people's assumptions and the ways in which they provide support. Martha and David Hill currently have a paper in press about the support relationship. When… -
Flocks
7 Jun 2009 | 9:03 amII have never appreciated the dynamics of group friendships. I have been able to have satisfying one-on-one interactions sometimes, with some people, in some situations. But until very recently, I had not been able to participate in groups. Sure, I could be there physically, but that is very different from participating. For years, I never said much, and most people assumed that this meant I was shy or had nothing to say. My comments, when I did make them, often came across as odd or “inappropriate.” Of course I understand the reason for this now. To communicate well with one person…
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Aspie Home-Education
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Parents of unruly children face £1,000 fines
29 Jun 2009 | 4:03 pmParents could be hit with £1,000 fines if children regularly misbehave under plans to improve discipline in schools. Read more... -
Home education news
26 Jun 2009 | 2:13 amThis clampdown on home education doesn't help childrenFundamental changes to the law affecting the rights and the freedom of about 80,000 children may be sneaked into a bill going through parliament, after the review into home education by Graham Badman (Report to crack down on home schooling, 6 June).The parenting policeParents are hitting back at plans for what they believe are Big Brother-style powers to inspect home schooling."What [Graham] Badman recommends policing is not simply home education but parenting. Under this government parents are considered unfit unless checked and approved… -
Home education on the news
24 Jun 2009 | 2:57 amParents condemn plans for councils to 'police' home educationThere are about 750 children in Kent who are currently educated at home. Alexander Roarke, a Kent-based trustee of the charity Education Otherwise, said: "We reject the disproportionate and unreasonable recommendations set out in this report for compulsory registration and invasive monitoring. Someone from the local authority is now allowed to enter my home, take my children and interview them without me being present...that is a power that only the police have."Parents' anger at home education recommendations growsParents who… -
Petition to reject the Badman Report
23 Jun 2009 | 4:05 amWe the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Reject the Report to the Secretary of State on the Review of Elective Home Education in England by Graham Badman.This report is a totally disproportionate response to a 'perceived' problem full of unsubstantiated allegations that home educated children are more at risk than those at school. This is simply not true and enacting the recommendations in this report would establish the state as parent of first resort. To allow LA staff access to private homes to interview children without their parents when there is no reason to suspect abuse is… -
Bringing the Olympics back home
20 Jun 2009 | 3:08 pmNearly 50 children aged from four to 15 took part in the sports day organised by the Home Education Centre, which provides group activities for home-educated children.Read more...
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Autism Podcast
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Episode 86 | iPrompts Visual Communication App For The iPhone/iPod Touch
26 Jun 2009 | 10:37 pmI talk with Dan Tedesco of HandHold Adaptive about iPrompts, their new iPod Touch/iPhone application for people with special needs. In their own words "iPrompts: [is] the portable, customizable, visual prompting tool for those with special needs. Basically the app lets me put together a visual schedule (think Teacch )for my son on my iPod Touch. I can import pictures and customize it as needed. Great product. We also discuss HandHold Adaptive's other products they have in the pipeline. Listen Now -
Episode 85 | Parent and activist, Polly Tommey
12 Jun 2009 | 4:13 pmShannon Johnson (Foggyrock.com ) and I talk with Polly Tommey about her successful billboard campaign to meet with British Prime Minister, Gordan Brown. Polly is scheduled to meet with him soon. Polly also runs the Autism Trust which is a foundation committed to putting together regional centers for people with autism. Lastly, Polly is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine, Autism FileListen Now -
26 May 2009 | 7:22 am
26 May 2009 | 7:22 amShannon Johnson (foggyrock.com) and I talk with Erik Linthorst, father to a child on the spectrum and creator of the film Autistic Like. We have a very interesting conversation about his son, Graham, who was initially diagnosed with autism at an early age. After much research and discussion with various therapists, Erik has come to the conclusion that his son’s behaviors and learning patterns are driven primarliy by a sensory processing disorder. He describes his son as autistic-like rather than autistic. For more information check out his website.Listen Now! -
Episode 83 | Dr. Robert Melillo Author of Disconnected Kids
20 May 2009 | 6:01 amShannon Johnson and I talk with Chiropractic Neurologists Drs. Robert Melillo and Peter Scire. Dr. Melillo is the author of the book Disconnected Kids and founder of the Brain Balance Centers. We discuss his book and therapies that relate to his form of treatment. The discussion gets a bit heated at times.Listen Now -
Episode 82 | Author and Parent, Chantal Sicile-Kira
10 May 2009 | 3:41 pmShannon Johnson (FoggyRock.com ) and I interview author and parent Chantal Sicile-Kira about her latest book, Autism Life Skills. Chantal has written a number of books, been the on the cover of NEWSWEEK magazine , appeared on MTV , and hosts a radio show on AutismOne RadioListen Now
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Autism Street
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See? Different IS Dangerous!
28 Jun 2009 | 9:30 amWow, these two brave journalists barely escaped with their lives! As usual, The Onion adeptly spotlights the absurd with absurdity. -
Beyond Awareness at USD
27 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pmAt the end of this past week, I was fortunate to be invited back to the USD Summer Austism Institue to participate in a presentation with other Autism-Hub bloggers. The most memorable couple of hours for me, without a doubt, were the ones spent at dinner on San Diego Harbor with fellow bloggers Steve D (One Dad’s Opinion) and Bev (Asperger Square 8). At USD, and with some updated content, we were given the opportunity to talk about the Autism-Hub. Steve D provided some background about the hub and blogging in general, as well as opening with some excellent selected pieces (my humble… -
Coming Up
15 Jun 2009 | 6:00 amMore information on USD’s 2009 Summer Autism Institute available here. -
Sunday Wail
14 Jun 2009 | 4:19 pmThis morning, I was caught off guard when I heard a wail from the living room. It was a loud and prolonged, “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” I bolted to living room to see what was up, half expecting to find my son injured in some, as of yet, unimaginable way. But upon arriving at the source of the commotion, all I found was my son sitting on the floor with a huge, unashamed grin. He glared at me, smiled even larger, and belted it out again. “Aaaaaaaaaaaah..Ah!” “Aaaaaaaaaaaah..Ah!” It was unmistakable. With its characteristic sustain, and dip and return to pitch, he was… -
HBOT “Quackery” Proves Fatal For Two
14 Jun 2009 | 11:10 amFrom Left Brain/Right Brain Admittedly, the future for Francesco Martinizi (the boy who was very badly burned in a fire/explosion in a Florida HBOT clinic while apparently being “treated” for Cerebral Palsy), looked quite uncertain. As I wrote previously: Yes, this accident (fire/explosion) is tragic, very tragic. If Francesco indeed survives the injuries he’s apparently sustained, the next couple of months are likely to be very very rough. The situation certainly isn’t helped by the fact that there probably isn’t much in the way of good scientific evidence to support the…
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Social Skills for Kids
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Siblings of Specials Needs Kids
29 Jun 2009 | 5:33 pmFor many of the families who are working so hard to do what's best for their special needs child, there's also a typically-developing sibling who is heavily impacted by the situation as well. Having a special needs brother or sister has both positive and negative facets, and most parents are extremely aware of both.Because I spent many years working in school settings, I frequently had the opportunity to work with several siblings from one family, including the special needs child and the typically-developing sibling. From this experience, I've developed suggestions that could… -
Summertime Boredom
15 Jun 2009 | 3:38 pmI’m a big fan of unstructured time for kids. And it’s never as easy to schedule as it will be during the summer months. I think it can be tempting for parents to fill kids’ summer days up with activities, camps, playdates and daytrips. And, I’m not against any of these. Certainly, if child care is needed, or your child needs to catch up in summer school, these structured activities may not even be optional. But, too often, I think parents feel like they have to keep their kids busy, or they’re not being good parents. And that’s just not true. I hope parents will take some time… -
What Will Your Kids Be Like As Adults?
5 Jun 2009 | 7:40 amI’ve worked with a lot of autistic kids who are really struggling. And that’s hard on their parents too, because they worry about the future. Will their children grow up to be safe, happy, productive?No one can predict the future, but I always want to look toward the positive side. So many successful adults with Asperger’s or autism tell of difficult childhoods. An example I recently read was in the 5/16/2009 Newsweek article on Ari Ne’eman. Ne’eman is a college student, autistic, and the founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I think by anyone’s standards he’d be… -
As the School Year Ends
29 May 2009 | 10:07 amIn my last post, I gave some tips on setting things up so that kids have a fun and social summer. On the flip side of that planning, I think it’s important to think a bit about academics, such as what worked and didn’t work this school year. Has it been a great year? I hope so. Now is a good time to analyze that success. Was the teacher a great fit? It might make sense to schedule an end of year meeting and get that teacher’s tips for what might work next year. Lot’s of structure, frequent breaks, short term rewards, a buddy system? You child’s teacher has probably put a great deal… -
End of the School Year Tips: Plan Now for the Best Summer
22 May 2009 | 9:54 amJust a few more weeks and you’ve made it through another school year! For kids with special needs like autism, Asperger’s or ADHD, the upcoming break can be a huge relief. But, before you walk out the school door for the summer, there are a few things you should take care of now so you have the best summer ever.Make Some Social Contacts:The summer is a great time to relax with family, but your child needs to spend some time with peers as well. It’s a lot easier to connect with some friendly kids and their parents now, while you’re all at school together. See who’s going to be around…
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LBnuke
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Happy and Gay
29 Jun 2009 | 7:05 pmHappy Gay Pride Day everyone! Actually gay pride day was yesterday, but it was a busy weekend and I was too tired to do anything besides being gay. Karen and Lori - SF Gay Pride Parade 2009 Karen and I had a great weekend of celebrating being queers, knowing queers, the queers that came before us, and queerness in general Saturday night was the dyke march. Highlights were dykes on bikes, Sistah Boom, and Marga Gomez. On Sunday, we walked in the parade with AHP (that’s where Karen works, for those following along at home). We were one of the last contingents in line, so didn’t get… -
Professional Frontend Engineering Video
27 Jun 2009 | 12:33 amThis video, Nate Koechley: "Professional Frontend Engineering" from Yahoo! Video, is a great presentation about the current state of frontend web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). I was completely captivated for the full hour and a half that the presentation lasted. Nate started out with a history of website development starting with a 1994 version of the Yahoo! website and continuing until the present. He also spoke about the evolution of technologies and trends over the years. It was interesting to hear about how table based design became popular and why it was necessary at the… -
A Million Things
18 Jun 2009 | 5:33 pmOk, not really a million things, but it sure feels like it lately. Luckily, my new combination of meds seems to be working and it a lot easier to do things than it was not long ago. There are a few bad effects too, but so far, I think more good than bad. It is always a tradeoff. Things that are going on right now: Me and K are doing everything we can to be able to move to Baltimore. Things here keep getting worse because the economy is extra sucky in California. Cleaning our house and getting rid of stuff so it can be ready for appraisal. We have dates set up twice a week until the end of… -
If Clients Treated Others Like They Do Freelancers
28 May 2009 | 9:42 amWelcome to my world… No related posts. -
Leaving Oakland?
12 May 2009 | 8:57 pmK and LB @ Slainte Pub in Baltimore Me and K spent the past week in Baltimore and Florida and had a great time. We want to move to Baltimore, but we can’t. It sucks. We decided we wanted to move a few weeks before the economy crashed. Things looked pretty good for us then. Now we are stuck here for what could be a long time. We both love Oakland and the Bay Area, but it is time to go. About 5 years ago, we visited Baltimore and came home thinking about moving there to help out K’s folks with stuff that they have a hard time doing, but that would be easy for us to do. They told us…
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A Photon In The Darkness
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Autism and MMR (More Measles Rubbish)
8 Jun 2009 | 3:08 pmA reader sent me a comment from a parent of an autistic child. This parent had been told that their child’s “measles titre” was “five times normal”, which was offered as an explanation of why this child had autism. I assume that this information was provided by some form of “health care practitioner”, most likely of the “alternative” genre. The parent’s comments made it clear that they had also been told that this “elevated titre” was due to the MMR vaccine. Let’s deconstruct that argument. Measles Titres - what are… -
The Chicago Tribune turns over some rocks
22 May 2009 | 10:33 amAlmost everybody knows what happens when you turn over rocks in the garden - you find slugs, beetles and other slimy and creepy-crawly things underneath. Well, the Chicago Tribune recently (21 and 22 May, 2009) came out with a two-day series of articles on what they found when they turned over some rocks in the “alternative” autism therapy world. What they found was beyond what I would have expected, and I’ve been critically analyzing “alternative” autism therapy for a fairly long time. Here are the articles - I suggest you go read them yourselves. Be prepared… -
TVM for Autism
15 May 2009 | 4:41 pmA few weeks ago, a friend sent me a piece she had read on an autism “biomed” forum. In it, a parent was asking about using hydrochloric acid for “digestive problems” in her autistic child. Apparently, her “alternative” medicine provider had suggested it and this mom wanted to know where to find hydrochloric acid that wasn’t “contaminated”. Now, my friend sent this to me in the spirit of “Have you ever heard of such nonsense?” However, as I read it, I was pretty sure I had heard of this before, but in a very different context. -
More Hot Air about HBOT
5 Apr 2009 | 4:23 pmI’m being a “guest ‘blogger” over at Left Brain / Right Brain, where the article below is posted. Feel free to head on over there to post your comments. A few weeks ago, BMC Pediatrics published an article that purports to show that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can produce “…significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness..” in autistic children. This study (Rossignol et al, 2009) is billed as a “…multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled… -
This can’t be for real…
11 Mar 2009 | 9:27 amBut it is. Sometimes, I read about new “treatments” for autism that seem too wacky to be real. Unfortunately, most of the time they are all too real. What I am talking about today is the use of nicotine patches to “treat” autism. No, I’m not kidding. The history of this latest therapeutic misadventure in autism begins with a presentation on 17 November 2008 at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C. by Dr. Rene Anand, an associate professor of Pharmacology at Ohio State University’s College of Medicine. Dr. Anand’s presentation was…
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The Autism Crisis
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Notes on autism severity and the DSM-V
15 Jun 2009 | 9:56 amI was asked briefly to comment on the notion of "severity" of autism as currently proposed for the DSM-V. Here are some far from complete notes (some from earlier writing or work of mine) I organized in response:Currently, “severity” of autism most often refers to the attempt to quantify the obviousness of autistic traits and abilities. The more obvious these traits and abilities are judged to be, and therefore the more atypical a person is judged to be, the more “severe” autism is considered to be. Being “more severe” (having more obvious autistic traits and abilities, or being… -
The autistic way of laughing
27 May 2009 | 12:40 pmThere are real and fake smiles that can be distinguished visually, if you know how, and it turns out that there are real and fake laughs. William Hudenko, a clinician and researcher, patiently explained this to me at IMFAR 2009. Real laughs are "voiced" versus fake laughs that are "unvoiced" and these two kinds of laughs can be distinguished acoustically. Hudenko et al. (in press) describe voiced laughs as having a "tonal, song-like quality" and as "strongly associated with positive affect," while unvoiced laughs are "largely atonal and noisier." Instead of reflecting a person's genuine… -
Saving autistics and the world: Skin shock at the 2009 ABA convention
17 May 2009 | 10:00 amThe press release for the 2009 Association for Behavior Analysis International convention claims that behaviour analysis "Reveals Methods for Solving Global Issues." There is a list of "major topics at the convention" which include:How behavior analysis will help save the planet... How behavior analysis will help save the economy... How behavior analysis will help save lives... How behavior analysis will help us understand each other... Autism is modestly mentioned in the third topic only (lives will be saved), even though claims that behaviour analysis can save the economy by saving children… -
The autism recovery story
14 May 2009 | 1:23 pmYou have seen the autism recovery story in the media. Bloggers have jumped in too. I was at IMFAR 2009 in Chicago and saw the educational symposium presentation by Deborah Fein that was the stated cause of all the excitement. But in her presentation, as in her abstract, Dr Fein did not associate the findings she reported with any kind or quantity of autism intervention or treatment. When speaking at IMFAR, she expressed doubt that this in fact could be done.Dr Fein clearly added more information when speaking with the media. She expressed her view that recovery from autism, what Dr Fein calls… -
A letter to the International Society for Autism Research
13 May 2009 | 10:38 amThe following letter was forwarded to an INSAR (International Society for Autism Research) official...To the INSAR Board of Directors: I am a full INSAR member who has attended the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) every year since 2004. Starting in 2007, IMFAR sponsors have been given prominent free time in plenary sessions to say whatever they wish. This practice is problematic in itself, but what is worse is that no questions are allowed when sponsors speak. Unlike every other speaker who presents at IMFAR, sponsors are considered to be above any kind of questioning or…
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AutismParents.NET!
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Least Autism Friendly Restaurant on Planet Earth?
18 Jun 2009 | 7:46 amOn a trip to New York City this week, we visited The Jekyll and Hyde Club. Touted as family fun, the place was over-stimulation city. We didn’t have a lot of problems, other than when the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
GAO Report : Widespread Special Needs Abuse in US Schools!
18 May 2009 | 9:56 pmGAO report: Special-needs kids abused in schools (CNN) — Congressional auditors have uncovered widespread abuse of techniques use to restrain or discipline special-education students in U.S.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Welcome to Holland - Special Needs
2 May 2009 | 10:10 amWELCOME TO HOLLAND by Emily Perl Kingsley. I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
82 Kids with Autism have the Swine Flu in NYC?
29 Apr 2009 | 12:28 pmMy parents sent me to this nice autism school and all I got was the lousy swine flu! Autism Parents in NYC get a taste of the Swine Flu to go with that Autism … The new virus also showed up... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Rolf and Angela Hazlehurst on Vaccine Ruling
27 Apr 2009 | 7:39 am[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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THE NEW REPUBLIC
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ASAN Speaks - Will Attwood Listen?
3 Jul 2009 | 3:57 pmA letter on behalf of the worldwide autism community, to Dr Tony AttwoodHello,I'm writing to ask you to sign our petition, calling on Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Isabelle Hénault, two respected experts in the world of Autism, to disassociate themselves from hate groups promoting stereotypes and libels that seek to encourage discrimination against Autistic people in family law and -
Attwood - Ecce Homo (Part 2 of 6)
30 Jun 2009 | 9:54 amThe opening number of Tony Attwood's all-time favorite album, Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys. The New Republic suggests you hit the play button and listen to this classic tune, while reading all about Attwood - The Man.Anthony John Attwood was born in Birmingham in 1952, into a family life he describes as "unhappy", which eventually led to his parents' divorce. During this early, stormy period of -
Attwood World Tour 2009 (Part 1 of 6)
28 Jun 2009 | 12:15 pmThe countdown has begun to the first part of the USA leg of Professor Tony Attwood's World Tour 2009. It is hosted in the main by Future Horizons Inc., a company founded and run by Wayne Gilpin, a past president of the Autism Society of America. The company employs around 21 full-time staff, including his daughters, Jennifer and Kelly.a world leader in publications and conferences on autism and -
End This Libel. Destroy These Hate Groups.
19 Apr 2009 | 4:49 amI'm writing to ask you to sign our petition, calling on Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Isabelle Hénault, to disassociate themselves from hate groups promoting stereotypes and libels that seek to encourage discrimination against Autistic people in family law and relationships.We in the disability community have long suffered from many forms of discrimination, stereotyping and discrimination. -
Baron-Cohen Statement
15 Jan 2009 | 3:00 pmI've shamelessly copied this wholesale from here.Professor Simon Baron-CohenAutism is not cancer14 January 2009Research into the biomedical causes of autism spectrum conditions is moving forward at a tremendous pace, with new genes being associated with autism almost every month, and with a strong drive by scientists to find biological markers, perhaps to improve diagnosis, and to understand
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The Art of Being Asperger Woman
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Summer Moves On
20 Jun 2009 | 12:47 amSummer Time brings the joy of strawberries from my own garden, long evenings, and ofcourse Summer Holiday. One does not have to travel far to be able to enjoy Summer at it's best. Surrounded by nature and not too far away from culture, library, friends summer life is good. And what about just staying home and do some gardening? This year many Dutch people choose to spend their vacation in our own country because of the economic situation. This week it was announced that 1:10 people is expected to become jobless in 2010 in The Netherlands!! I feel lucky to have a regular income because of my… -
Blogging Slow Life
11 Jun 2009 | 9:26 amOops, this morning I realised that I had forgotten something yesterday...uh...well blogging... That means the line of daily blogs from January 1st till December 31st, 2009 has been interrupted...Ah.., kind of pity, but not a major disaster.I might take a blogging time out these days, or my blogging will continue but on a low profile. A writers block, garden special interest and summertime are the reasons I write less about autism.Will back soon, in a few days or so. After all, blogging is a kind of daily routine now... -
They make my day!
9 Jun 2009 | 1:58 pmThe peonies from my parent's garden make my day! Each day is a new adventure to see how they grow and shine all over the room. They smell delicious too!Here are some pictures of my garden. Gardening is for me a perfect way to exercise, make my head empty and to enjoy nature.Click on the title of this blogpost to be forwarded to a peonies specialist.Enjoy! -
Undetected autism in women manifests as anorexia nervosa
8 Jun 2009 | 1:50 pmUndetected autism in women manifests as anorexia nervosaShared via AddThis -
Autism & Food: Anorexia & Autism
8 Jun 2009 | 1:45 pmThere seems to be a link between Autism and Anorexia. Does not surprise me. The problems with eating, the low self esteem etc.A GROWING appreciation of the links between anorexia and autism spectrum disorders has uncovered new opportunities for treating the eating disorder.Mental health professionals are now attempting to train the brains of people with anorexia to be more flexible and to see the big picture as well as fine details. In doing so, they hope patients will be less inclined to obsess about body weight and calories and be better equipped to overcome their eating disorder in the…
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Sheila Schoonmaker
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Hanging anger during spring cleaning.
22 Jun 2009 | 8:07 amI actually wrote this post on the first day of spring. Yesterday, on the first day of summer, I began to realize maybe it was mistake to keep it private. I’m hoping that my desire to publish it today, now that a whole season has passed, is an answer to prayer. Blogging draws my attention towards the spirits of anger and resentment that I’m harboring, so when I write about my negative experiences, I’m feeding them. That is what can make blogging (to me) a destructively vicious cycle. Normally journals are therapeutic, but any kind of journal that can end up being… -
Culture Shock
18 Jun 2009 | 11:44 amThe only basic difference between the type of culture shock an Aspie endures when among a group of neurotypicals and/or a NT among a group of Aspies verses NTs adjusting to foreign countries is that the latter has a Honeymoon Phase. Aspies experience a much lower level of culture shock (if any) after being in a foreign country. My Aspieness tells me that spending an entire life trying to assimilate into a NT culture prepared me to feel more at ease in foreign countries. I can imagine the amount of anxiety NTs (for a change) are shocked by when they’re the ones who are clueless as to… -
What is Prayer
16 Jun 2009 | 8:22 am“I’m so proud of you. You did it all by yourself without any help [from God]!” That’s what’s now popularly instilled by parents (teachers, psychologists, etc.) into children. We live in a self-serve world. In my earliest years, when you pulled into a gas station, you waited for the attendant to fill up your tank with fuel. And then came self-service stations. Now we have self-serve ice cream, self-serve check-out counters, self-serve bank accounts, etc. Undetectable to the human eye, we now have self-serve ministers (ordained by seminaries instead of God) who… -
The Aftershock
12 Jun 2009 | 6:29 amWill it be as Omori said in 1894, that the aftershock frequency decreases by roughly the reciprocal of time after the main shock? I attended an unconventional convention last night and survived! Actually it consisted of about a dozen people, myself included. Maybe to NTs that might not be anything earth quaking, but to me, after how my core has been shook in the past, it’s stressful to say the least. It was the first time in my life when I knew that there would be some who really wanted to hear what I might have to say. I can’t even describe how weird that is to me. I see now that… -
What It’s Like Out There
11 Jun 2009 | 10:55 pmI recently realized something very interesting about what once caused me so much sadness. Before knowing about Aspergers, I endlessly tried to find a way to fit in with the world somehow. I thought I couldn’t exist until someone would let me in to validate me. The way I craved to be let in was for someone to share the mysteries that everyone else but me seemed to know. I’d describe it as being like the solitary child who the others won’t let join their club house. For a very brief time after learning that the ‘gap’ was due to a neurological difference between me…
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NTs Are Weird
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Remembering Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns
22 Jun 2009 | 2:15 pmThis has been late in coming, but that’s in large part because I wanted it to be a considered post, not an impulsive one. Officer Johns and the millions of people affected by the holocaust deserve that. On June 10th, Officer Johns was at his post at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It’s a sad testament to the state of the world that, at a museum dedicated to proclaiming the horrors of hate, that a guard would even be needed. But, sadly, guards are needed there. Spotting a visitor whom he thought needed assistance opening the door, Officer Johns unknowingly opened the… -
Disability’s Common Problem
4 Jun 2009 | 2:45 pmMy fiancee noticed something as we were preparing for our wedding. Everyone participating as part of our wedding party is disabled in some way (we didn’t seek to exclude non-disabled people, really! We just seem to hang around disabled people more often). Yet, everyone has different disabilities. We have people who are blind, who are autistic, and who use wheelchairs. One member of the wedding party can walk fairly well, but can’t *sit* well (he can’t get up from a sitting position easily). In particular, three of the people participating were having significant… -
Biased Towards People Like Us
19 Apr 2009 | 9:03 pmI visited the US Social Security office this week. Without any appointment, I was in and out of the office, with what I needed, in 20 minutes. That’s a lot better experience than many have with the US Social Security system. That got me thinking…what was different? At first I said, “Oh, I had a simple request: I just wanted a replacement Social Security card. That’s probably a pretty common request.” In other words, I thought, “This is easier for them.” But is it? Or is something else going on? Why would a replacement social security card be… -
An End to the Divide
2 Apr 2009 | 6:36 amOnline, there is often a very strong divide between some autistic adults and some parents (I recognize that there are people who are both autistic and parents, and this obviously doesn’t apply to them). I think I can sum up the divide simply. Autistic adults generally want their rights respected, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Parents want the best possible services and supports for their children. Neither of these is bad. And these goals aren’t at war with each other. Yet some parents have adopted a pragmatic view to services that is politically harmful to adult… -
Autism and Medical Coverage
31 Mar 2009 | 7:06 pmRecently, due to some school systems not funding the program of choice, several bills, in various states (in the US), have been created. The idea is that autism treatment should be funded as part of people’s private medical insurance. Sounds good, right? Who could possibly oppose this? Well, I do. I oppose these laws for several reasons: 1. They often name specific therapies, such as ABA, despite lack of evidence of effectiveness. The problem with this is that if we find better therapies, or we find that a therapy that has little evidence (but is named specifically in the law) is…
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Reports from a Resident Alien
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People are like numbers...
3 Jul 2009 | 7:34 pmPeople are a lot like numbers... no, really, hear me out.Look at these numbers:6101530They're different numbers, right? Unique, with all sorts of different properties to them?OK. Prime factor time.6=2x310=2x515=3x530=2x3x5See those factors? They're parts of the numbers. Take the prime factor, set it at right angles to all the other prime factors, and you've got the number.Those numbers are all made up of the same group of prime factors, and yet they've got different properties and different shapes.People are a lot like that. You might have the same prime factor as somebody else, but that… -
Needed: Writing Classes for Scientists
2 Jul 2009 | 8:39 amHave you ever read a journal article and realized, "Well, you know, this guy must be really smart, but I can't make head nor tail out of what he's saying"? And thought that the problem was that you weren't smart enough to understand it? And then come to realize that you actually would be smart enough to understand it--if you could only make your way through the tangled and sometimes overcooked spaghetti of the writer's style?Yeah. My experience exactly.I don't care if you have a Nobel Prize (this guy does, actually). It's no substitute for little niceties like... you know,… -
Cassandra's Opposite
25 Jun 2009 | 7:16 pmOkay, so, Cassandra Affective Deprivation Disorder: Made-up malady by women in failed relationships with Asperger's men, apparently disappointed that the man they married is... uh, the man they married. Apparently, if an Asperger's man doesn't tell you every night that he loves you, withdraws when he's overwhelmed, or freaks out over having to listen to that high-pitched sound from the old TV for the fiftieth time, the solution is not to try to figure out how to fix the relationship, or learn how to communicate properly, but to divorce the guy.(I find it amusing that in the original… -
Effort
15 Jun 2009 | 6:57 pmThe last few days, I have been turning a rather frightening concept around and around in my mind. It is:I am trying as hard as I can.Over the years I have been told, and told myself very often, that I am lazy and should try harder, that my intelligence means I can do anything, anything I want, if only I want it badly enough. Only lately have I been realizing that trying itself is a limited resource, that a person can only try so hard before mental and physical reserves run dry and willpower fades.The idea that I am actually trying as hard as I can seems like… -
Word Obsessions
9 Jun 2009 | 9:45 amWhen I was in the sixth grade, my teacher played a piece of classical music for us. I don't remember exactly which one it was; but it was big, crashing, a whole orchestra going at forte. I liked it. At that age, I liked dramatic music the best, though I do remember being introduced to the concept of a fugue that year, and enjoying the repetition of the familiar theme.When the music was done playing, our teacher asked us, "What did the music make you think of?", nobody could give a good answer. Three kids said, "It made me think of an orchestra," or "I was…
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drive mom crazy
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July 4th Weekend coming up so here is something I just wrote
30 Jun 2009 | 5:06 amLiving is a dream come true. A dream which no body can possibly fathom. It gives our right to speak out about our feelings and what we know to be right. Think about it, if you didn’t live on Earth what would you be doing. You would be somewhere in space trying [...] -
Space is so infinite, it is sure to have held our Time
29 Jun 2009 | 5:12 amDo you think space holds our history on earth? Be careful, you don’t want to make a bad impression! OUT, J -
Think about it, what more can we do these days!
29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 amI know it is very hard to deal with at the time, but we should all think about what more we can do these days to help ourselves live better. We have 2 choices in life. Better make a decision quickly because time is running fast. We could all lie to ourselves and make a [...] -
Actions speak louder than words
27 Jun 2009 | 5:43 amThis post symbolizes my feelings on how so many people are hypocritical. Actually, I don’t know a single person who is not. People need to put their words to actions. Many people wonder how much it takes to do good. Well if you look at the hypocrisy meter, you see most people are very hypocritical. [...] -
R.I.P. Michael Jackson and the Space/Time Continuum
26 Jun 2009 | 6:00 amMichael Jackson was a man of integrity, strength, courage, and entertainment. He had a very big heart. His life left many questions to be answered. The death of Michael Jackson yesterday left every one in the world stunned. They had not known what more to say except play tribute to him [...]
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Wrong Planet - Asperger / Autism News
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Michael John Carley and Autism Speaks: The Collaboration Thickens
Although (as far as I know) Michael John Carley of GRASP and Alison Tepper Singer of Autism Speaks are not literally in bed together, they have had such a cozy relationship over the past two years that the expression seems quite apropos.Most of us know Singer from her appearance in the Autism Every Day film, in which she attained worldwide infamy (and, if I recall correctly, a visit from child protective services) for saying, in front of her autistic daughter, that she had fantasized about driving off the George Washington Bridge with her daughter in the car. Carley's sordid history of… -
Review and Video: Autism's False Prophets by Dr. Paul Offit
Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Medicine, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure is a well-referenced, historical work that explains the dangerous and unnecessary controversies that have put the lives of autistic children at risk. Offit sets up his book by explaining how he has become a major player in the field of immunology. He then explores the process by which the autism/vaccine controversy has been given so much attention. He describes how parents and physicians worked together to create treatments that when put under scientific scrutiny, have no real efficacy. Offit sets the tone of… -
Tell PETA to Stop Exploiting the Autistic Community (Got Autism Billboard)
Recently, the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a new ad campaign entitled, "Got Autism?", misleadingly implying that the consumption of milk is associated with the cause of the autism spectrum. PETA is misinforming the public about autism and thus joining a long line of unscrupulous groups that have sought to try and spread fear about autism as a means of pushing their particular agendas. -
Review: If You Could Say it in Words [Asperger Love Story] - October Premiere
If You Could Say it in Words is a great new film about an autistic protagonist Nelson and his experience with love. The film is premiering at the Derby City Film Festival on October 8, 2008 at 9:00 PM. I wrote about my initial impressions of the movie and conducted an interview in February. You will also find clips from the movie in my previous article. The film explores Nelson's Asperger's Syndrome without mentioning the diagnosis. The choice is intentional because many individuals with Asperger's remain undiagnosed. A recent documentary, Billy the Kid, similarly did not mention the… -
Claire Danes to Play Temple Grandin in New HBO Biopic
Autistic Dr. Temple Grandin, a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, is an icon in the Autistic Community. Her life has been a beacon and an inspirational story and after a long negotiation is getting her biography brought to HBO. Claire Danes is in negotiations to star as Grandin in the film which is currently moving forward after nine years. "I made a commitment to Temple that I was going to make it and make it right," said Emily Gerson Saines, one of the executive producers, who has a son with autism. "I never pushed…
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Club 166
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Skate x Skate
1 Jul 2009 | 9:23 pmphoto credit-multiplication.comMultiplication tables (as well as most other math facts) have been a hard go for Buddy Boy. His third grade class started on the "8's" and "9's" back in March, and he still hadn't gotten them down by the end of the school year. Liz worked with him, his teachers tried various strategies, but nothing seemed to work. Every time Buddy Boy had a problem, he had to stop and sequentially add things, or if he was able to remember a rule, he would take minutes to painstakingly work through it step by step.So near the end of school Liz went searching for a new approach,… -
Call Me Ishmael
27 Jun 2009 | 9:07 pmSummer is a great time in our house. Mostly because school is out. There's no waiting for dreaded phone calls, no worrying about academics being shunted aside in favor of watered down "make work" or "compliance", and little worry about increased stress levels (for all of us).Summer is a time of tending the garden, kids going to camp, taking a vacation (holiday), and neighborhood festivals. Academics aren't totally left behind, but they're done on our schedule and in light of our kids' needs, not on the school system's. Liz does a yeoman's job of making sure the kids read (and get read to)… -
Dignity
30 May 2009 | 5:35 pmSo I was watching TV this week when this ad came on. After it became apparent that it was for a charitable organization, I expected to see some variation of the usual "pity party" that is all too common amongst many charitable groups. You know, "Aren't we great that we are helping these poor, helpless people thing. Instead I saw this. This is not my congregation, but I invite you to watch an alternative way to depict serving others in society. Wouldn't it be great if groups like Autism Speaks took such an… -
I Can See Clearly Now
14 May 2009 | 5:42 pmphoto credit-kevindooleycreative commons licenseQ: What makes a third grade boy want to sit at the front of the class?A: He needs glasses.After getting some hints that Buddy Boy needed some assistance (mis-reading the board, asking to sit closer), we took him to the eye doctor. He actually was both quite fascinated by, as well as cooperative with, the whole process.photo credit-chris runoffcreative commons licenseAfter being shown several pages in a book similar to the above and correctly identifying the numbers he announced "At least we know I'm not color blind." His vision isn't that all… -
Just Claim They Were Autistic
7 May 2009 | 11:02 amphoto credit-hrtmnstrfrcreative commons licenseIn a story on the wire yesterday, a man in Salem, Oregon was arrested and jailed after shocking his four children with a shock collar meant to train dogs. According to the story"Todd Marcum, 41, said he did it "because he thought it was funny," Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada said. ...Marcum was taken into custody on four charges of first-degree criminal mistreatment. He is in the Marion County jail."Now if Marcum had had a lick of sense, he would have just told the police that he thought his children were autistic, and needed some training. Because…
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Whose Planet Is It Anyway?
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Another Resignation at Autism Speaks
30 Jun 2009 | 3:30 pmFrom Dr. Eric London.Dr. Eric London has announced his resignation from the Autism Speaks Scientific Affairs Committee. London is the Director of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at the New York State Insitute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. He is also Director of the New York State Autism Consortium and a member of the Autism Science Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board. He is the co-founder of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR).Dr. London's letter of resignation is below:After three years of great hopes for Autism Speaks being the optimal vehicle to advance… -
Tony Attwood FAAAS Poetry Slam
23 Jun 2009 | 2:04 pmThere has been a lot of discussion on Wrong Planet and other sites about ASAN's petition calling on Tony Attwood to stop associating with FAAAS and Maxine Aston, to which Attwood replied by attempting to defend those associations via a form letter on the FAAAS website and other places. ASAN reposted and critiqued the letter, and by now this online war of words has been going on for two months. Attwood still hasn't seen fit to simply pick up the phone and call Ari Ne'eman, which gives the rather unfortunate impression that he can't bring himself to speak with a self-advocate as an equal.As… -
Rethinking Autism in Vanity Fair
21 Jun 2009 | 7:38 amVanity Fair has a short article about a new website, Rethinking Autism, which can briefly be described as a satirical pro-neurodiversity site featuring sexy videos that mock celebrity endorsements related to autism. These clever videos are a perfectly targeted and totally hilarious send-up of a certain former Playboy bunny's autism profiteering, and they had me rolling on the floor laughing. I've reposted one of them below. Jenny, you've met your match this time. -
Autistic Parents: Not Such Rare Birds
11 Jun 2009 | 4:39 pmMelody, the administrator of the AS Parenting website and forum, has announced that she is seeking new members and contributors. The site had been inactive for the past few months because of her family's move to Dallas. She says that she envisions the site as "all encompassing. Not only for parenting tips, but general life tips and for policy/politics."I hope that those of my autistic readers who are parents will consider participating in this very worthwhile effort to provide an online community and positive resources for parents on the spectrum. At present there is a great dearth of such… -
FAAAS Social Work Seminars: Lessons in Hate
3 Jun 2009 | 4:45 pmBefore I slog once again into the fetid swamp that is FAAAS, I'm first going to mention a recent advocacy success in Maryland, where newlegislation has been passed to safeguard the rights of citizens with disabilities regarding child custody and adoption proceedings. The fact that a person has a disability, whether mental or physical, now cannot be a reason for finding that the person is unable to care for a child, in the absence of specific evidence relevant to the family's circumstances and the child's best interests.Meanwhile, in the less enlightened state of Massachusetts, which is ground…
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Haddayr's Blog
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Old article, but I just stumbled across it in a comment in someone else's LJ
1 Jul 2009 | 6:57 pmVitamin D deficiencies and autism:http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=vitamin-d-and-autismIt's also being connected to MS. And yes, I have been tested and I did have a Vitamin D deficiency, at least two years ago when they first tested. I've been supplementing and now I don't know if I still have one. -
Doctor resigns from Autism Speaks over vaccination issue
30 Jun 2009 | 2:18 pm(I would have resigned over the fact that they use creepy, misleading, and Jerry's Kidsesque PR, but whatever):An open letter I receieved from Ari Newman's Autistic Self Advocacy Network:From Dr. Eric London. Dr. Eric London has announced his resignation from the Autism Speaks Scientific Affairs Committee. London is the Director of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. He is also Director of the New York State Autism Consortium and a member of the Autism Science Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board. He is the… -
Ladies and gents, Senator Al Franken.
30 Jun 2009 | 12:13 pmFrom the NYT:Court Rules Franken Has Won Senate SeatThe Minnesota Supreme Court has just issued its long-awaited judgment in the Senate race, declaring that Democrat Al Franken is the winner.Norm Coleman's goal was, besides to puff up his ego, to damage the Democratic agenda in Congress for as long as humanly possible. He succeeded in that goal, but there is still a lot of legislation and work to be done.May Norm Coleman reap what he sowed.ETA: Norm Coleman conceded:http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/30/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5126051.shtml -
Pride weekend
27 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pmWhenever our anniversary falls on a weekend, it's always Pride weekend. This always makes my anniversary bittersweet.I so look forward to the day that I can celebrate with no mixed feelings, and so can my gay friends and relations. And I am so sad that the Obama administration filed a brief supporting the Defense of Marriage Act (now there's an Orwellian moniker; it's actually the Attack on Marriage Act).Stay proud, my gorgeous GLBT people. It's only a matter of time. And, of course, a long fight. -
17 years tomorrow
26 Jun 2009 | 7:56 pmI was mentioning to _stranger_here that tomorrow is my and janradder's 17th wedding anniversary, and she wrote: "17 is a very good number. 16 is still a little unformed and hasn't really lost its baby fat, but 17 is for serious. Like, you guys are REALLY married now."I feel the same way but I am, as ever, deeply superstitious. It's not just because it seems like whenever I read an interview or a blog post about someone's "wonderful husband" a few months later I'm reading of their divorce. It's also because of this: even after all these years, I kinda still see Jan as my little secret. He's…
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Liv's Journey...
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The Human Petrie Dish
2 Jul 2009 | 7:51 pmAh, back onto medical issues...We are feeling horrible today because Livie has most likely been living with strep throat for the past week. It started last Thursday when Livie had a fever, rash, mucous on the back of her throat and a coating on her tongue. All these are classic symptoms for strep and Linda wanted to set up an appointment with the doctor. "Bill, can you take off or even a half day today?" She said with almost desperation in her voice. I had a two day training class that, practically could have been missed, but politically would have been career suicide to miss. Linda, talked… -
Outfitting an Army (W update)
27 Jun 2009 | 7:00 pmOur family is scheduled to go to a very special event next week, specifically one of my nephews is go to be bar mitzvah-ed, or more properly said, going to become a bar mitzvah. In either the vernacular or the proper however, it is a BIG deal. So, being a family member of the guest of honor, we have to make sure we are dressed to the nines (where'd they get that phrase anyway?) . Problem is, our family is usually dressed to the two's, we might hit the fours or fives on occasion; but nines require us to get out there and spend some real numbers in time and money.First let me get through the… -
Middletown in Monmouth/ IMPACT OASIS Pull it Together
25 Jun 2009 | 7:37 pmI know it's probably small news in the whole scheme of the autism world, but I'd just like to give a big fat kudos to the state of NJ, the township of Middletown and most of all, to those innovative and hardworking group of people in the town who go by the name of IMPACT OASIS for pulling off the purchase of a 26 acre tract of land that will benefit the community in so many positive ways. For the town, they provide much needed open space. As an added bonus, they secure a place for autistics transitioning into adulthood to gain a sense of independence by providing a place to work, live and… -
A Highpathetical
9 Jun 2009 | 6:11 pmThis is a hypothetical conversation in a hypothetical speech therapy office between a hypothetical mom of an autistic 7 year old girl and a hypothetical grandma of an autistic 5 year old girl:Grandma: I'm just not sure why she's waking up in the middle of the night. We checked to see if she's had a fever, she doesn't have any tooth problems, upset stomach, she certainly can be having any bad dreams.Mom: Why can't she be having bad dreams?Grandma: She doesn't dream, our doctor says she doesn't dream.Mom: Of course she can dream, she just can tell you what the dream was about.Grandma: Well,… -
A Connecticut Library's in Queen Livie's Court
29 May 2009 | 9:46 pmThe original title of this post was supposed to be Grand Central Station because life just seems so busy. The culmination of that week's madness was our journey on the Friday before last. It's been several weeks since then and the roller coaster effect has somewhat worn off, but the memory lingers.To start back even further, several months ago we received word that something Livie did for her art class was chosen for some kind of international kids' art exhibit. "Great, we said, what does it look like?" we asked. "Sorry, but it went on tour to Washington D.C.. Humina humina wha? MY little…
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Whitterer on Autism
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The Nature of things
2 Jul 2009 | 11:51 pmAs with most things around here, I have no idea where it came from, but now it’s here, it provides a whole heap of motivation as well as no end of hic-cups for inattentive parents. For some children, the ability to communicate verbally ebbs and flows, with backlogs and blockages, but sometimes we drown in an unexpected flood. “Agh!” “What? Are you o.k.? What’s the matter dear?” My son fizzes and hops around the kitchen on stiff stick legs and springy toes as the words percolate up from the depths. “No!” “No what?” “Don’t!” “Don’t what?” “Agh!” “!”… -
The Fleshpots of England
1 Jul 2009 | 11:58 pmMaybe people have super-sized themselves during the last year or more probably, there has been a gradual expansion in girth over the past decade whilst I have been distracted by other things. I am uncertain if people are really larger or whether fashion changes have meant that our bodies are more exposed as clothing becomes ever more skippy and close fitting. Whatever the reason, my son observes over a number of days. We are at the coast where holiday makers are prone to wear holiday clothes and swimsuits, very small ones. I notice him looking without comment. Eventually, after much thought… -
Happy Holidays [19]
30 Jun 2009 | 11:59 pmWe are still in England. Meanwhile I have a few scribbles from yesteryear, very tame, to tide you over. Double click for larger view:- Alternatively, these are a few posts from a while back re-posted. 1. Who’s afraid of the “Big Bad Wolf” 2. It’s a “dog’s Life.” 3. “Street Talk.” 4. “International Translations.” 5. “The Sleeping Life.” 6. “The difference between sarcasm and Irony.” 7. “Eat your Words.” 8. “Spoonfeeding.” 9. “Old Fogies.” 10. “Her Royal… -
Happy Holidays [18]
29 Jun 2009 | 11:56 pmWe are still in England. Meanwhile I have a few scribbles from yesteryear, very tame, to tide you over. Double click for larger view:- Alternatively, these are a few posts from a while back re-posted. 1. Who’s afraid of the “Big Bad Wolf” 2. It’s a “dog’s Life.” 3. “Street Talk.” 4. “International Translations.” 5. “The Sleeping Life.” 6. “The difference between sarcasm and Irony.” 7. “Eat your Words.” 8. “Spoonfeeding.” 9. “Old Fogies.” 10. “Her Royal… -
Happy Holidays [17]
28 Jun 2009 | 11:53 pmHosted by “Tracy” at “Mother May I,” but the photo-picture below will whizz you right there with one click. Just call me snap happy. We are still in England. Meanwhile I have a few scribbles from yesteryear, very tame, to tide you over. Double click for larger view:- Alternatively, these are a few posts from a while back re-posted. 1. Who’s afraid of the “Big Bad Wolf” 2. It’s a “dog’s Life.” 3. “Street Talk.” 4. “International Translations.” 5. “The Sleeping Life.” 6. “The difference…
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Left Brain/Right Brain
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Wakefield, distortion and the Sunday Times
2 Jul 2009 | 4:11 pmThe journalist Brian Deer has done as much as anyone to investigate the background to what Ben Goldacre describes as the MMR Hoax. In the course of his investigations he discovered undisclosed conflicts of interest by Andrew Wakefield that led to most of the authors of the original paper in the Lancet withdrawing their names and the editor publishing a retraction. Then in February this year Deer published his latest investigation. The Lancet paper had already been dismissed as bad science. Now, if Deer’s findings were correct, it would seem that some of the data had been deliberately… -
Time for a cordon sanitaire?
27 Jun 2009 | 4:22 pmThe politics of autism are enmeshed in the debate about vaccine safety over the past ten years, and will take years to be disentangled. In the UK things might be changing, but in the US high profile celebrities have given a late push to fears that by now should be consigned to history. The BMJ have run a feature piece on the “Vaccine Disputes” currently running, focusing on both the UK and US experience. Here are some points made about the UK’s anti-vaccine movements, that both highlight the problems these groups pose for vaccination policies and autism, and their… -
Autism and aspergers are essentially the same
26 Jun 2009 | 11:32 amInteresting new study in the upcoming issue of Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders which examines the historical emergence of the classification of autism alongside the emergence of the classification of Aspergers. Abstract is: The histories of autism and Asperger’s Disorder (AD), based on original contributions by Kanner and Asperger, are reviewed in relation to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Their original articles appear to have influenced the distinction between AD and autism made in the DSM-IV. Based on up-to-date empirical research, however, it appears that AD and autism… -
Rethinking Autism
25 Jun 2009 | 10:45 amThere have been many push-backs to Jenny McCarthy and her views on autism. There has been a lot of blogging, including right here on LeftBrainRightBrain. There is a website StopJenny. There is a Jenny McCarthy body count. Now there is a new site, Rethinking Autism. While it doesn’t directly mention Jenny McCarthy, it is pretty clear that she was a prime motivator for that project. The person who created Rethinking Autism describes herself this way: I am the mother of an autistic boy. I have had enough of the pseudo-science quackery that certain celebrities are pitching to parents of… -
US Supreme Court Ruling on Special Education
24 Jun 2009 | 10:48 amThe US Supreme Court has ruled in the case of Forest Grove School District v T.A. The question was fairly simple: can a child be granted a private placement (outside of the state educational system) if that child doesn’t receive any services from the district? The district in question argued that the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) states that a placement could not be paid for (or in this case reimbursed as the parents were footing the bill at first) if: “previously received special education or related services under the [school’s] authority.”…
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Susan's Blog
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All Together Now
3 Jul 2009 | 6:59 pmNat always spots me long before anyone else does. At airports, when they come to pick me up, he catches my eye, smiles, and looks away, just like when he was Baby Delight, way back when. He sees me, and that's all he needs. Once when we were still living in Arlington, I drove to an appointment in Brookline, and Ned and Baby Nat came into Brookline to meet me there. I remember walking down the street and spotting them at the corner of Beacon and Centre; Nat was riding on Ned's shoulders. Nat's face split into a big grin when he saw me walking towards him; his delight was openly apparent. It is… -
Given You Children, Milked the Cow
1 Jul 2009 | 6:58 pmAfter 25 years, It's nice to know.-- Fiddler on the RoofWe had a great day, things like hanging out on the porch with sweatshirts and the rain coming down all around us. We saw a rabbit taking shelter under the lawn chair. Later on, the sun came out and we went out to dinner at a lovely new French place in the South End called Gaslight, and we stuffed ourselves. The waiter brought us two glasses of champagne, on the house. After dinner we drove to Back Bay and had ice cream.Max took pictures just before we went out. Benji was taken to the movies and out to dinner with a friend. Max held down… -
It Takes a Family
1 Jul 2009 | 5:06 amWe were married on a rainy dayThe sky was yellow and the grass was gray.--Paul SimonThere is a legend out there that says that the divorce rate in marriages dealing with autism is higher than the national number of 1 in 2. I believe it is still unproven.Is there any data out there on the Herculean strength and enduring love in autism marriages and in the typical autism family?When I was a girl, my dad said that he was willing to foot the bill for "college and a wedding," and after that, we were on our own. In fact, I had to contribute a healthy chunk of my college tuition by working as a… -
All My Children
28 Jun 2009 | 11:07 amI don't mean to be flip, but sometimes I think I understand one aspect of Divorced Dad syndrome, because of how it is when Natty's home: I spoil him. I feel the need to make up for the time he is not here, so I want to squeeze in all of the things he loves for the weekends. I try to get all of his favorite meals and treats, I bake with him, I encourage him to listen to his favorite CD and watch his favorite vids. I listen carefully to his self-talk to determine what he's thinking about and wants. I leave him alone and then I can't help myself and I intrude by touching his hair or kissing his… -
Live for Three
25 Jun 2009 | 3:08 amI eat for twowalk for twobreathe for two now--Natalie MerchantThe 10,000 Maniacs song "Eat for Two" was a hit when I was 5 months pregnant with Nat, the spring of 1989. I remember first hearing it as I was pulling up to our condo in Brookline, a side-by-side brick bowfront Victorian; we had a small apartment on the top floor. This was the first place we ever owned.Those lyrics went through me in a rush of adrenaline; her pregnancy mirrored mine. "Five months how it grows, five months now I begin to show," are the last lines. It gave me chills; I was just beginning to show, also. And feel his…
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Mother of Shrek
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Messy play
23 Jun 2009 | 2:00 amAt last I have a moving date for C - in 6 weeks. Which is a huge relief. And this time I feel more prepared as I have some idea how C will react. But I also have different concerns this time as C has regressed in so many areas since his first move and after 11 months is not yet back to where he was. But I know the new home will be more suitable in the long run so hopefully C will settle quicker this time and begin to regain what he has lost.Over the years I tried many messy tactile substances in messy play to deter C from smearing. But never found a good enough substitute! He still smears but… -
Animals have more rights...
1 Jun 2009 | 7:10 amUnlike child abuse and animal abuse The Children's Act and The Protection of Animals Act there is no single piece of legislation that deals with the abuse of vulnerable adults.We all know a vulnerable adult, a disabled or elderly member of the family or a neighbour. So this concerns everyone.Through out out history people have abused their power like Hitler. Or their trust like Dr Shipman. Or parents like Josef Fritzl. Or so called specialist centers like the Judge Rotenburg Center. (Facebook group)It is still happening today. Every day. Abuse takes many forms. A young man Jesse Moores… -
Do-Nut
15 May 2009 | 11:36 pmWhilst waiting to move C from his present group home I have been having C home more. In the last couple of years he has been more receptive to going to new places which is fantastic. So in a bid to try and wear him out (he doesn’t sleep much) we have been trying new things. But i only seem to wear myself out! The latest was Do-nutting (as we are not bound by risk assessments!).Here’s a short video clip to illustrate what it is...Trying to get C to sit in a Do-nut was a feat in its self – and took some practice! After I had manoeuvred C into positive and then got myself seated my do-nut… -
No holes
24 Apr 2009 | 12:40 amI’ve always tried to be positive and creative from dealing with smearing, sleep deprivation to not eating and head banging. These are all forms of communication – I just have to try and work out what C is trying to say. Sometimes it is quite obvious and other times it has taken years to work out. After 20 years I think I can read C quite well! The majority of stress for both of us still comes from the so called ‘professionals’ who think they know better. I wonder if that will ever change? The move from an up to date forward thinking school to a group home who is still in the last… -
Out and about...
29 Mar 2009 | 1:27 amC has been assessed by another home. Calculations have been done. His current home have now been told that he is leaving- oh you should have seen their faces!! So we are now working out a transition plan. In the mean time C and I have had some great days to distract usC enjoys the London eye so much whilst waiting in the queue he was so excited (big loud stimming!!) they gave us a pod to ourselves!! As C seems to love views I had wanted to take him up the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth. So when I heard DJ Kirkby was doing a book signing there it was a great excuse to go!The above photo is C…
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Runman
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Highs, lows of track and field - Connaughton and McCormack ponder results at the national championships
3 Jul 2009 | 5:36 amhttp://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=266167&sc=99Highs, lows of track and fieldConnaughton and McCormack ponder results at the national championshipsCHARLES REIDThe GuardianOne’s up, one’s down, both are dissatisfied.Such is the nature of Jared Connaughton and Kurt McCormack after the 2009 Canadian track and field championships and world trials recently in Toronto.McCormack, a Souris-born triple jumper is feeling up.He finished with a bronze medal in the event jumping 15.02 metres, a 10th of a centimetre off his personal outdoor best, and rose seven places and 62 centimetres… -
Results from the Bennie Bernard Memorial Run
30 Jun 2009 | 4:26 amResults from the Bennie Bernard Memorial Run6Km Run/Walk3Km Kids RunCongrats All! -
Islanders capture track medals - Connaughton claims silver, bronze; McCormack triple jumps to a bronze at nationals
29 Jun 2009 | 3:48 amhttp://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=264949&sc=99Islanders capture track medalsConnaughton claims silver, bronze; McCormack triple jumps to a bronze at nationalsThe GuardianTORONTO — Sprinter Jared Connaughton of New Haven missed gold by a whisker Sunday at the Canadian track and field championships on the weekend.Connaughton, the defending champion, was beaten by .07 seconds in the 200-metre final.The silver medal was added to the bronze he won Saturday in the 200 metre.Another Islander is also bringing home a medal.Souris native Kurt McCormack claimed a bronze in the triple jump… -
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay Unveiled
27 Jun 2009 | 2:36 pmhttp://www.vancouver2010.com/en/news/news-releases/The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay: a 10-day celebration of extraordinary achievements Starting point, steel blue torch design,official uniform, and relay’s emblem unveiled Jun 25, 2009Vancouver, BC — Three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished on the West Coast, a new flame will light in Ottawa — in the heart of Canada’s national capital — sparking the official start of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay on March 3, 2010. The 10-day inspirational journey will illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and… -
Fulton Campbell - A hot, humid run - Happy Birthday Doug
27 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amIt was 25 degrees humid and no wind and mostly cloudy.The Fulton Campbell Memorial Run at Montague school.The first 10km of the half marathon I started walk and break because the climate too hot and humid and back on track at 12km mark of race to soak the cap and drink.I passed 8 runners from before Poole's Corner and end of the race.Jamie Nickerson won the race and Rebecca Pike for the top female.Jamie biked from Charlottetown. Scott Clark biked from Summerside, got to race after start and finish 12th. More people biked to the race.Adam Lamb won the 5km race and Laura Smith for the top…
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Odd One Out
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I’d Like To Think
3 Jul 2009 | 1:33 amI’d like to think that I’m the type of student that the teachers don’t forget, just because I stand out in a particularly unique way–as opposed to being just particularly annoying. It’s 3:25 in the morning, and I’ve been awake with insomnia for 2 and a half hours. I discovered something particularly droll about my smoke detector though, in the course of the that time, in regards to its blinking. You see, every 32nd pulse of light is longer than the other preceding 31 pulses. All this year I just thought that my eyes were playing tricks on me, but this… -
ABC’s of Favorite Books
27 Jun 2009 | 9:02 amI want to see if I can do this. The idea came to me just now at 3:13 am, waking me up from a much deserved rest. I’ll go ahead and say that titles that start with “The” will not count as T’s. Feel free to borrow this, but at least mention that you are stealing it from ME. lol BTW, I suggest starting with the ones you best know and then getting the other ones later. Luckily and ironically, since I’m a geek, the odd letters (i.e. – Q, X) were often easier to fill than the regular ones (i.e. D, R). A Wizard Alone (Diane Duane) Batman Murders, The… -
Purely Alphabetical, My Dear Watson . . .
21 Jun 2009 | 6:16 pmAfter spending many hours in the files at my job, my tendencies towards alphabetizing things have started to get out of hand a bit, I think. *laughs* Actually, it reminds me of the days I worked in a gas station; the more OCD you were, the more they liked you. Anyways, I recently thought of a different way of telling right from left. If you put the two of them side by side on a horizontal plane, and list them in alphabetical order (left to right), then there you have it. Am special – *nods* Speaking of words and letters and whatnot, I thought I should mention that my undergrad is a… -
I Just Thought Up A Really Great Name For A Blog
10 Jun 2009 | 7:40 amMy Poptart Has Stigmata! ‘Cause it did this morning . . . anywho. Here’s a great clip showing an impromptu piano duet at the Mayo Clinic between a 90 year old couple. -
Financial Aid, How Do I Despise Thee, Let Me Count The Ways
9 Jun 2009 | 9:24 amI just wrote an email to 9 of the 14 employees over at the financial aid office on my campus. As you might recall, I had to do something similar last summer. My oh my, perhaps that’s why the bursar’s office has been sending me personal email updates ever sense. *raises an eyebrow* This time, I’m arguing that I’m being punished for something that I wasn’t told about; namely, the concept that there might have been a different due date for the submission of the FAFSA for our campus as compared with the FAFSA site itself. According to FAFSA, the due date is…
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Autism's Edges
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The Stakes
3 Jul 2009 | 7:25 amWe "won" Battle: Least Restrictive Setting. We had our IEP meeting and Sweet M gets to continue at her current school and go on to middle school, entering the sixth grade in the fall.She could not be happier about this. She worked so hard in the past year — closing gaps in reading and in math specifically because she loves her school and wants to continue there. Two weeks ago her class toured -
Iron Mom: Battle "Least Restrictive Setting"
13 Jun 2009 | 8:40 amNow and again we watch The Food Network's Iron Chef America, a game show that features a celebrity master chef like Mario Batali or Bobby Flay battling a challenger in "Kitchen Stadium." Their task: to make the best five-course meal in just under an hour using a featured "secret ingredient" such as trout, or flank steak, or parmigiano reggiano. The secret ingredient must be featured in each -
"Whoa - oh, what I want to know, is are you kind?"
19 May 2009 | 11:24 amOn Saturday we went to a potluck barbecue at the Woodstock home of a friend who is an advocate, educator and activist and the mother of a teenager on the spectrum. All sorts of families with kids on the spectrum were there and I was filled with a feeling — such a very rare and delicious feeling — peace and acceptance.The last time I had such a feeling was at the autism and advocacy conference -
On Cultivation
11 May 2009 | 12:41 pmAbout three months ago Sweet M was watching television with a headset on and she turned to me and said, "Hey M___, have you ever heard of a p-alarm?"I said, "A p-alarm . . . not sure . . . what do you mean?""You know," she said, "An alarm that helps kids who have my embarrassing problem?""Oh, a pee-alarm," I said. "Yes, I've heard of a pee-alarm. How did you hear about a pee-alarm?""I saw it on -
Making It Up as We Go Along
25 Apr 2009 | 7:00 amSome of you who've been reading this blog for a while know that I can be given to grumbling, griping, kvetching -- as we say in the fair city we've made home.So you would not have been surprised to have heard me muttering about the forty term papers that I was marking for one of the classes I teach at a nearby private university. On the whole they were a disappointing stack of documents. The
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The Voyage: life with autism in Northern Ireland
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Run Away to Germany
3 Jul 2009 | 10:35 amDuncan was, as he was kind enough to let me know, sad and angry. He was in his bed and hiding his tear streaked face in my arms as I held him and stroked him. I was both the source of his pain and hopefully, his comfort. I had told him off sharply for running about upstairs when it was way past bedtime and the others were trying to sleep. I'd been up and down the stairs many times trying to settle him and then I just snapped, said loudly he was being a bad boy and I had hurt his feelings.He told me that he didn't love me and that "Mummy is a bad woman." Well, if I thought it was OK to say to… -
Sunday
1 Jul 2009 | 6:07 amSunday was another fine day. We had to take the train into Belfast to pick up the car, abandoned the previous night. We decided to go to Delamont Park for the first time since Duncan's 6th birthday. It was beautiful. Even the drive was pleasant. The children were in great form, Duncan was leading the others in a clapping/chanting game about hot chocolate. The park itself borders the gorgeous Strangford Lough. After riding the miniature train (we could hardly be expected not to!) we followed one of the many guided trails opting to go by the lake. Duncan started off in the buggy but lept out… -
Saturday
1 Jul 2009 | 5:36 amGordon and I were watching one of the many Michael Jackson tribute TV shows with Duncan snuggled up next to me on the sofa. He particularly enjoyed Say, Say Say and had a little "wave your arms around" dance to himself. Then we played a few of our favourite tracks from the Off the Wall CD and danced about the living room. Lady and her friend came in and requested Thriller then demonstrated their entertaining interpretation of the zombie dance. Thomas was a tad embarrassed by it all.I went into Belfast hoping to meet a blog buddie who was up attending an ABA conference. I had the wrong time in… -
So Gordon met Polly
24 Jun 2009 | 11:36 amThe media provides endless stupid when it comes to autism. The latest Daily Mail article has the fantastically asinine headline, "I helped my son beat autism by making him give up Weetabix." But the ignorance of Daily Mail headline writers is to be expected. What though, can explain the decision of the Prime Minister of the UK, with all the difficulties he currently faces, the country in financial chaos, his party suffering near annihilation in the elections and his own precarious position as our beloved leader,to find the time to have a chat with Polly Tommey, a self appointed representative… -
Guest post by Lady: Jamaica Day 1
19 Jun 2009 | 9:32 amLady wrote a post on her blog and allows me to post it here too. Please leave any comments with her. Here goes:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On May the 28th my Dad, brother, Grandma and I went to Jamaica for my great auntie's funeral. We had to get two planes, one from Belfast to London Gatwick and one from Gatwick to Montego Bay (in Jamaica).But it was not easy! We had to wait in Gatwick airport for a very long time because the flight we were taking was delayed by about one full day! When we at last got on the plane it took…
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Com(mentary)Aut(ism)World
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New e-zine.
24 Jun 2009 | 5:15 pmIn 2005, I had an idea for a magazine.Well, it took a while, but there is finally a web site up and I am hoping to have an issue out in October. Autisticonnections is going to include writing and artwork by individuals with autism, autism-related disorders, and other neurological disorders like ADHD. We will have poetry, fiction, and personal essays, and hopefully a few proper articles, as well. None of the contributors will be neurotypical, if at all possible.Please check out the web site at http://autisticonnections.org. I would love some volunteers to help me out with this project, and of… -
Ableism is bigotry and discrimination at its worst.
17 Jun 2009 | 6:46 pmOne of my dear friends, J, has cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia. As a result, she has mobility issues that she handles quite nicely with her service dog and wheelchair. She is sometimes able to navigate without either, but as a general rule she prefers to bring her dog to help her get around. This dog was trained by her and is incredibly well-behaved. He wears a vest when he's working, so you know when you can't pet him. The two of them do presentations about disabilities and service dogs for schools and organizations.J and I met via NaNoWriMo, that writing contest I do every November (you… -
Detriment of the child?
2 May 2009 | 10:24 amI now have confirmation that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 748, in BC, is planning to remove the "detriment of the child" clause from its collective agreement with the school district(s) it serves. This clause ensures that no changes are made to the staffing for a child with a disability if that disability is one that requires consistency in said staffing (i.e., children with severe disabilities that require specialized supports in order to be included in their school settings; such support positions typically pay more than others).To make things more clear, what this means is… -
I can't escape it.
23 Apr 2009 | 3:46 pmI'm not totally sure I want to, anyway.I walked over to Tim Horton's this afternoon. This is a daily occurrence; it takes about 15 minutes to get there, I have a mocha and read my current novel, and then I walk home (or, today, to the library). It's a good walk, I go quickly, and I get in my cardio for the day.I went too late in the afternoon today, though; I'm still experimenting with when is good - this location is pretty busy, and I sometimes have trouble finding a place to sit. So I ordered my drink and looked around for somewhere to sit.The 4yo girl was blonde and very cute. She was… -
A bit about me and ADHD.
20 Apr 2009 | 5:19 pmThis was originally posted at The Buzz on Meds.I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 28. I'm now 32. It was February 11, 2005. I had gone in looking for the diagnosis, but I definitely wasn't prepared for it to be confirmed! I came home with mixed feelings. Did the diagnosis change who I was? Did it matter? What should I do next?Well, I went to my GP with my papers and all; since I'd been diagnosed by a psychologist, I needed the GP to prescribe my medication. He stonewalled me (wanted to refer me to a psychiatrist, said, "You've waited this long, you can wait a little longer"), even though…
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What are they thinking?
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Eric London Resigns from Autism Speaks.....
1 Jul 2009 | 5:03 pmI had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Eric London, and his wife Karen, in 1998.My husband, my mother, Caitlin, Deirdre, Erin, baby Meaghan and myself traveledto New Orleans, LA to attend a NAAR gala. I had called Karen, on the phone, prior to the engagement to tell her how excited Iwas that NAAR was started and to tell her a bit about my family. You see, we were in the process of having Erin diagnosed at the age of 18 months.We had 2 kids with Autism, which was unheard of at the time. The NAAR benefit was held in New Orleans...one of my favorite cities. The gala washeld at Ann Rice's… -
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.....
29 Jun 2009 | 7:48 am....no parent truly knows. Whether your child is born with Autism or born neurotypically.We all have a vision of our child's future. While our children are growing inside our wombs, we only hope that their futures are going to be bright.This dream should not die just because your child received a diagnosis of Autism. What should happen is that we, as parents, begin to map their journey starting at a very young age.Caitlin will be a Senior in high school this year. She will graduate with her class, and possibly continue her education with job training. Caitlin wants to work in an art gallery… -
SAME OL'...SAME OL'...
27 Jun 2009 | 9:49 amI have been reading Autism forums since we bought our firstcomputer in 1997. Caitlin was 6 years old.So, for 12 years, I have sought out information, from other parentsof children with Autism. I was seeking people who had the same experienceswe had, more experience than we had and different experiences we hadin raising our children with Autism.After a few years of being involved in the "witty" banter (and let's face it...ifyou do not agree with the biomedical community, there is nothing witty about it)..I decided a year ago, to take a break.The last 2 weeks, I have decided to revisit the two… -
LAYING IT OUT....
24 Jun 2009 | 8:30 pmAfter I posted my blog today..I received a phone call from a person who thought they were anonymous.This "anonymous" caller told me..1. I had no idea what autism was.2. I did not have autistic children to begin with.3. I am doing a disservice to people with autistic children who are trying tohelp their children...Let me lay out my feelings...Let me get this out on the table...I do not believe in this autism hype of recovery or curedom...I do not believe the GF/CF diet will cure your child with Autism...yes,the diet will alleviete symptoms of distress in your child with bowel… -
ON HIS WAY...
24 Jun 2009 | 10:17 amKiernan has always been a man of little...well...no words.Lately, Kiernan has decided it is time for him to communicate withhis voice, not just his Vanguard system or spelling out the words..I knew this day would come. We have been raising a child with autismfor over 18 years. Believe it or not....Autistic children do get better withoutthe need of expensive biomedical interventions.How do I know ????Because, we have 5 children with Autism.3 of them are non-distinguishable from their peers....but, they are autistic.They went from severe autism, and all that entails (poop-smearing,…
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MOM - Not Otherwise Specified
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Career planning
27 Jun 2009 | 6:38 pmApparently, Bud's been giving some thought to his future.Last night, as we were sitting together before bedtime, Bud got quiet and seemed lost in thought, then finally spoke."When I grow up," he mused, "I want to be just like Rolf Saxon."I thought I'd misheard. "Who, Bud?""Rolf Saxon."Rolf Saxon?I quickly thumbed through my mental Rolodex of PBS characters and country music stars. Nothing."Who is -
Glowing report
23 Jun 2009 | 7:54 pmYesterday was Bud's last day of school, which means that it was also report card day. I didn't have high expectations for Bud's report card, and his "grades" were exactly what I expected: "B" for basic skills, followed by an asterisk, indicating that the criteria for "Basic" was modified in accordance with Bud's IEP. In other words... no real indication of how Bud had done this quarter.Luckily, -
Super connectivity
17 Jun 2009 | 7:58 pmSometimes, I think things and Bud says them out loud. I've gotten used to it. But I'm still scratching my head over what happened a couple of mornings ago.Bud crept into my room in the pre-dawn hours, as he often does, for his last few hours of sleep. I woke, saw him sleeping soundly, then fell back into a deep sleep and started dreaming.I was sitting in the passenger's seat of a friend's minivan -
Love you like dishevel
6 Jun 2009 | 5:36 pmOh, how I love Bud's mondegreens - those misheard lyrics that are even more fun than the originals.Bud and I climbed a nearby mountain today, and we had the trail to ourselves for most of the 3.6 mile round trip - so, for much of the hike, the woods were alive with the sound of singing. Bud chose the music - all Dierks Bentley, all the time.I should tell you that sing-alongs with Bud smack a -
Playing for change
19 May 2009 | 6:34 pmPress play for a dose of instant feel-good. Then click here for more information.Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Stand By Me" from Playing For Change on Vimeo.
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Life With Joey
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Go Team Stimey!!!!
3 Jul 2009 | 6:15 pmSo we met up with Team Stimey today at Wakefield, the birthplace of George Washington and site of the Great Turkey Adventure. My guys were very very excited, because I had told them they would be meeting three new friends: Sam, Jack, and Quinn. Joey has been very happy about meeting his "three new brothers!" Andy was just ecstatic we were going somewhere and were going to be with other boys. We had planned a post-lunch extravaganza, but failed to take into account two important things: one was our appointment this morning with the psychiatrist to discuss Andy; the other was that it was Fourth… -
Wordless Wednesday: Out of This World
1 Jul 2009 | 6:08 pm -
Thought on speech therapy
29 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pmWe're having an interesting issue with Joey's speech therapy. He's been saying he doesn't want to see Ms. Nikki (his private therapist). Is this just part of him being tired from school and his tummy troubles, or are we seeing some therapy fatigue? We're toying with the idea of going with a shorter session with a new therapist. Nothing against Ms. Nikki (who brought this to my attention and said she is not offended, it happens), she has really been working OK with Joey. Perhaps a new face, with some new things to do and approaches to try, will bring some novelty and fun back into speech… -
Celebration Day in Mom's Hometown
28 Jun 2009 | 6:39 pmThey had a great time, but got tired and finally melted. I think Joey could have stayed on that jumping thing all afternoon. -
Random Thought
27 Jun 2009 | 6:55 pmAs we progress through summer and prepare for Andy to go into kindergarden (already???) and Joey into second grade, I being to wonder about schools and systems and how kids are expected to learn. I've been carefully "reminded" how much more "serious" second grade will be, as we near that all-important SOL year of Third Grade. Joey's kindergarden was just wonderful. He had wonderfully talented teachers, and really bounded forward in development and learning. This past year we made strides, but nothing like kindergarden. Its a amazing what a little support and a loving, caring environment can…
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Hard Won Wisdom
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We've gone underground...
18 Jun 2009 | 11:08 amI realize now I know a lot of "passers". It happens all the time...We tend to belong to a kind of "club"...and we remember each other.I WOULD NOT HAVE DREAMED IN MY WILDEST DREAMS when Ben was first given a label that he would be who he is today. So much worry for NOTHING. -
cool trick for multiplications tables 6-9
11 Dec 2008 | 6:47 am -
Communication is SO important./ dangers of ritalin
7 Dec 2008 | 8:37 amAbout a year ago, Ben told his Daddy and me that he was seeing/hearing a "friend" who told him to do things. Because I freaked when I heard "autism", I was adamant that I would not freak at the idea of "schizophrenia". I would just accept it, and keep an eye out for "delusions". After all, schizophrenia is the one thing psychiatry can't touch...an enigma that cognitive therapy or medication can't cure.Now, the reason I am writing today is because of a conversation we had last night. At the time Ben went through this, I noticed that delusions were a part of the side-effects of Ritalin. I… -
Happy Thanksgiving!
27 Nov 2008 | 5:08 amI am so thankful for the Hub. I get to meet very successful people who have traveled a similar road as my son. (My idea of success is changing the world, not making money). I get to brag about my son with mothers whose children are growing up with THE SAME developmental delights and challenges, kinda like a soccer mom group, but more fun.(I love this picture of turkeys from 'JoeyMom'. I thought it was absolutely beautiful, and thought of it for the image first thing!)I am thankful for my kind husband, and my "is this mike on?" son...I am thankful for a huge, loving family, and that I still… -
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
26 Nov 2008 | 4:54 pmIt's not me, it's Ben. He has always loved decorating for Christmas. He usually doesn't start until after Thanksgiving dinner, but this year he has been checking out the lights for missing bulbs, etc, for about a month. He and Dad put up this little pretty today. One gal brought her kids to see it, ages 1 and 3. They really enjoyed it. He was so proud of his design!The hedge in front of the apartment hides some of the lights. I'm not sure he's finished, but he's tired for today. He's my joy boy, and he's giving it out to the rest of the apartment complex!
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Autism Spectrum Disorders @ BellaOnline
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Look Me In The Eye Book Review
14 Jun 2009 | 6:09 pmReviewing a book on the life of an adult with Asperger's Syndrome from another adult male on the spectrum who is a guest author. -
IEP Prep Time
17 May 2009 | 3:30 pmThe annual Individual Education Plan meeting is coming up. Planning for the meeting by gathering documents. -
Grads With Autism
3 Jun 2006 | 8:25 pmSpotlight on students who have achieved success at school. Preparing for the transition from school to college or work.
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Send Chocolate
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Survey Says... (can you take a second to answer a question for me?)
25 Jun 2009 | 10:41 amWe're close, right? I mean, you read, you laugh, you cry, you... aw, hell...here's the deal. I am taking a survey, PLEASE, weigh in. If you read and don't comment, could you just once, comment? I am trying to figure out the comments system I want to use on the blog. I recently uninstalled CommentLuv, in order to update it and ran into a problem. It's not a serious problem, but my comments are in limbo land right now..all of my old comments aren't showing, though I am assured by tech support they are still there. I just have to make the time to reinstall some things. That brings me to my… -
Stake him, quick, before they can make the damn sequel!
23 Jun 2009 | 10:10 pmI have made no secret of the fact I am not a big Twilight fan. I find it overrated, poorly written and the movie? Hah, don't even talk to me about the movie. Awful direction, wooden acting.. this is what I thought of it. Finally, someone has done a decent treatment of it. I always wondered what would happen if Buffy met up with Edward Cullen. Here's your answer. Enjoy. I did. T, who prefers her vampires with more gothic sexiness Related articles by Zemanta Fans cause Pattinson cab accident (news.bbc.co.uk) All About The World Of Movies - Cinematical.com (killerstartups.com) The cultural… -
After All, Tomorrow is...Another Day! (dammit)
20 Jun 2009 | 2:07 amSome days it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps. You've heard that one before, but reallly. I am ready to check myself into the Hat Factory, just for some rest. We had a bang-on couple of days here. I had food poisoning that knocked me out of the running for Mom o Da Year for two days straight. I mean it kicked my ass JNerd's car pooped out and it was an adventure having it towed to the garage, where it still sits. In a show of stellar parenting, I started the day by berating my oldest daughter for freezing up in a situation I thought she should be able to handle. In my… -
We Interrupt This Blog Post...
16 Jun 2009 | 12:24 amSo tonight I was actually going to write a blog post. And then? Twitter happened. You guys are all so funny, personable and entertaining to hang with that I just wasted my night, at least if you figure my night was supposed to be about writing. Which it was. But people like @whithonea, @undomesticdiva @smuttysteff, MagnetoBoldToo and many others keep me busy replying and laughing, not necessarily in that order. And then, when I was ready to sit down and write after midnight? After my Starbucks mocha and kahlua and was feeling sufficiently mellow? JNerd waggled his eyebrows at me and said,… -
Get ME a pitchfork, I am freakin' mad!
12 Jun 2009 | 3:48 pmSorry, I am crossposting this on all of my sites. I simply feel the issue is too important to ignore. Thanks! You might remember earlier this year about the teacher from Port St. Lucie, FL who had her class vote on whether Alex Barton, a child with autism, could remain in her Kindergarten class. He was voted out, traumatized and refused to return to school. There was a great uproar and teacher Wendy Portillo was suspended without pay for a year with her tenure revoked. The school board quietly reversed its decision this week ..read the rest here...and you do need to read it. T, who wonders…
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autism sucks
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Now we are condoning discrimination? oh, HELL no!
12 Jun 2009 | 4:15 pmSorry, I am crossposting this on all of my sites. I simply feel the issue is too important to ignore. Thanks! You might remember earlier this year about the teacher from Port St. Lucie, FL who had her class vote on whether Alex Barton, a child with autism, could remain in her Kindergarten class. He was voted out, traumatized and refused to return to school. There was a great uproar and teacher Wendy Portillo was suspended without pay for a year with her tenure revoked. The school board quietly reversed its decision this week..please read the rest here, and trust me, you need to read it. Tina… -
Lookie, we have an award
8 Jun 2009 | 11:28 pmAutism Insights awarded us with this: And we all share in this award, all of those who write here at Autism Sucks. You all are wonderful, and I am so glad you are here and a part of this. About the award: This award recognizes and gives value to: 1.- Commitment to Quality Education. 2.-Betting on the inclusion of Tics [children with tics] in the classroom. 3.-The effort of parents, professionals and educational centers in incorporating the Tics into the educational process. 4.-The struggle to defend, through the Teaching Values like: Solidarity, Love, Affection, Respect, Effort, Aid, Support,… -
Why Can't I Teach My Child Self-Control?
19 May 2009 | 12:34 amthe following is post from my personal blog, dated two years ago. Trying to teach any child self-control is tough. When you are dealing with a child with autism, there are added challenges. It isn't that they can't learn, they do. It's just that with autism, often learning takes the form of rote scripts that are hard to apply to situations that deviate from the taught scenario. The ability to adapt just isn't there. I tell you this so that I can tell you this story. Last night, J and I wanted to go out. We don't get a lot of opportunities to do that, because even though I have given birth to… -
Let's Talk about Autism and Homeschooling and ..Craziness
6 May 2009 | 3:01 amHey everyone! Today I am appearing on Special Needs Kids Talk Radio, so come check it out! 10 a.m. PST and 1 p.m. EST (noon, CST). We are going to talk about autism, homeschooling and what it's like being the "odd one out" in my family. You can listen by clicking on the link, and then the little special needs square takes you to the show. If you register, you can also chat and ask questions for me to answer on air. Come and listen! From the website: We are talking to Tina Cruz today about homeschooling her 3 kids and being the only "normal" person in her household, which makes her the strange… -
Some Thoughts on Autism Awareness Month
3 May 2009 | 8:45 pmThe month of April has come to a close, and with it ends Autism Awareness Month. However, so many of us don't have an end to Autism. It is an ongoing, daily struggle filled with accomplishments, setbacks, discoveries, joy and pain. It is a journey, and the topography changes moment by moment. However, it is filled with the most wonderful people you could ever come across. But we as a community are fractured. Broken. Divided. Split along lines that should not be there; dividing a group that needs to band together to help our children and our friends and family members gather hope and strength…
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I Speak of Dreams
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Another Visit to the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation
26 Jun 2009 | 10:17 pmIt's from News10.net -
Report on Today
24 Jun 2009 | 2:40 pmsee more Lolcats and funny pictures -
Spelling and Writing Strategies
24 Jun 2009 | 8:49 amSpelling and Writing Strategies. "With these systems we have students leaving our school system going on to college and doing well in college " he said. "Years ago when we had a student like this the strategy was in effect to get him into a trade or business and avoid print. The new approach is to hit it head-on and say students need to be able to fully use print." -
Mr. Deity
24 Jun 2009 | 8:16 amPharyngula introduces me to Mr. Deity.More here: http://mrdeity.com/ -
American Midwives Ill-Trained
24 Jun 2009 | 8:11 amThe Arrogance of Ignorance. Amy Tuteur on a recent high-profile birth tragedy:The Skeptical OB: Homebirth midwives are quacks. People need to understand American homebirth midwives are a second class of midwives with less education and training than other American and European midwives. The standards for direct entry midwives, in terms of educational requirements and clinical training, are far below those of any other midwives in the industrialized world. American homebirth midwives are, by and large, quacks, and babies are dying as a result. Addendum: One of the things I find most…
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Look Me In The Eye
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The sequel to Look Me in the Eye
28 Jun 2009 | 6:42 amFor the past couple of years, I have pondered what sort of book should follow Look Me in the Eye. I actually went so far as to write most of a book I called Beyond Normal, which illustrated Aspergian thinking through stories. However, I could never convince myself that book was a true successor to LMITE and this spring I decided to put it aside and start anew.I thought carefully about who my readers are, and what they would want. The answer just sort of came to me in the midst of speaking engagements at special needs schools and colleges. I realized that there is no inspirational guide to… -
John Goes To Washington
23 Jun 2009 | 4:47 pmLast week, I went to Washington, DC to serve as a public reviewer for the National Institutes of Mental Health, on a panel that provided peer review of grant applications relating to autism research. It was a real honor to be invited, and a great responsibility. The weeks leading up to the meeting were busy for me, reading the large batch of applications. The photo above shows me with three of my fellow reviewers. From left to right they are Anshu Barta, a pediatrician from California; Pat Schissel, an Asperger advocate from NY; me; and Aspergian author and professor Stephen Shore. We're in… -
The autism review is done
19 Jun 2009 | 8:34 pmWe started at 7:50 this morning, and finished by 5:00. It was a long day, and a long two weeks getting ready. But now it's done. I'm proud to have made a contribution, and honored to have been invited.I'm headed back home in the morning. Then, Sunday, I am off to Portsmouth Abbey for the Newport Car show. I hope we have nice weather.(c) 2007 John Elder Robison -
The NIH and autism research; John goes to Washington
16 Jun 2009 | 10:53 amAs some of you know, I was named to the public review board for the National Institutes of Mental Health, to review and vote on grants for autism research. It’s a real honor to be invited, and I take the responsibility seriously. Therefore, I’ve been busy this last little while, reading the current batch of 100+ proposals. I head to Washington this Thursday, to discuss and vote. You’ll be able to read the results of our meeting on the recovery.gov and nih sites as soon as they are ready.(c) 2007 John Elder Robison -
Photography as a window to our mental state
14 Jun 2009 | 3:36 pmSeveral people who commented on my pictures asked, How do you do it?The implication of their question is that I do something to achieve a particular photographic result. As I have said before, most of the secret is composition. You have to see the photo in your mind and imagine it as the camera will see it.The trick is taking photos that make people say, That's just what I remember! It has been my experience that photos that elicit such a response are taken from vantage points the audience never saw. They are often much simpler and indeed totally different from the scene most people observed…
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Whose Planet Is It Anyway?
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Another Resignation at Autism Speaks
30 Jun 2009 | 3:30 pmFrom Dr. Eric London.Dr. Eric London has announced his resignation from the Autism Speaks Scientific Affairs Committee. London is the Director of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at the New York State Insitute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. He is also Director of the New York State Autism Consortium and a member of the Autism Science Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board. He is the co-founder of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR).Dr. London's letter of resignation is below:After three years of great hopes for Autism Speaks being the optimal vehicle to advance… -
Tony Attwood FAAAS Poetry Slam
23 Jun 2009 | 2:04 pmThere has been a lot of discussion on Wrong Planet and other sites about ASAN's petition calling on Tony Attwood to stop associating with FAAAS and Maxine Aston, to which Attwood replied by attempting to defend those associations via a form letter on the FAAAS website and other places. ASAN reposted and critiqued the letter, and by now this online war of words has been going on for two months. Attwood still hasn't seen fit to simply pick up the phone and call Ari Ne'eman, which gives the rather unfortunate impression that he can't bring himself to speak with a self-advocate as an equal.As… -
Rethinking Autism in Vanity Fair
21 Jun 2009 | 7:38 amVanity Fair has a short article about a new website, Rethinking Autism, which can briefly be described as a satirical pro-neurodiversity site featuring sexy videos that mock celebrity endorsements related to autism. These clever videos are a perfectly targeted and totally hilarious send-up of a certain former Playboy bunny's autism profiteering, and they had me rolling on the floor laughing. I've reposted one of them below. Jenny, you've met your match this time. -
Autistic Parents: Not Such Rare Birds
11 Jun 2009 | 4:39 pmMelody, the administrator of the AS Parenting website and forum, has announced that she is seeking new members and contributors. The site had been inactive for the past few months because of her family's move to Dallas. She says that she envisions the site as "all encompassing. Not only for parenting tips, but general life tips and for policy/politics."I hope that those of my autistic readers who are parents will consider participating in this very worthwhile effort to provide an online community and positive resources for parents on the spectrum. At present there is a great dearth of such… -
FAAAS Social Work Seminars: Lessons in Hate
3 Jun 2009 | 4:45 pmBefore I slog once again into the fetid swamp that is FAAAS, I'm first going to mention a recent advocacy success in Maryland, where newlegislation has been passed to safeguard the rights of citizens with disabilities regarding child custody and adoption proceedings. The fact that a person has a disability, whether mental or physical, now cannot be a reason for finding that the person is unable to care for a child, in the absence of specific evidence relevant to the family's circumstances and the child's best interests.Meanwhile, in the less enlightened state of Massachusetts, which is ground…
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A life less ordinary?
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A mind extraordinary
1 Jul 2009 | 12:21 pmSpeaking of Dubya...here's one of his latest artistic outputs. He'll be seven in September. We are not exactly sure where this particular talent of his comes from. We just know that neither of us did this kind of thing when we were six.Door in the Hand? -
Challenging
30 Jun 2009 | 12:36 pmVacation bible camp (VBC) is hit or miss for us. The kids do seem to remember the stories, but they feel as we do about the goofy songs, the made-up sign language, the practiced, prefab cheerfulness of it all. It's a good way to spend a few summer mornings and for our children to gain a passing understanding of some of the major biblical stories (and by passing, I mean that they sort of know who Moses is but get confused about reeds and baskets and pharaohs and golden calfs and the order in which these elements appear). In the midst of our discovery during VBC this year that TH's social… -
Our Circle of Friends thank-you letter
24 Jun 2009 | 4:50 pmWe sent out our Circle of Friends thank-you letters to the dozens of families who returned the signed form giving their child permission to participate in TH's circle. We also enclosed a gift certificate for a scoop of ice cream as part of our expression of gratitude, but of course anyone implementing Circle of Friends can forgo that and just send the thank you. I printed all the letters, Mr. DMFP and I both signed them, I read it to TH*, and we addressed and stamped and stuffed the envelopes and mailed them.I thought that I'd post the letter in case anyone would like an example of what we've… -
Outside the circle
19 Jun 2009 | 8:46 amWe've forgotten. We've forgotten the days in San Francisco, for example, when TH was 3 and 4 and 5 years old and every visit to every playground had us on the edge, watching his every move for...That Moment when he freaked out some other child through a strange, prima facie antagonistic behavior, like waving a hand an inch from the child's face, responding with a bizarre non-sequitur to a child's perfectly reasonable overtures, running away and vocalizing like a chicken if a child approached.How we managed to forget that, I'm not sure. But we have. Had.TH has been in his current school now… -
Mercurial?
17 Jun 2009 | 7:50 amOnce upon a time, I worked for a state agency. There was a manager there whom I liked a great deal. During one of my final performance reviews with him before I departed to other things, he gave me a good review and then commented, "But you're so mercurial."I'd maintained pretty well during the review, which was a good review, so maintaining was easy. But when he said that, I just about lost it. Mercurial?! I wanted to scream, putting proof to his words. You'd be mercurial, too, if your family were falling apart, if you were serving as a confidant to two people in the middle of a divorce who…
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Adventures in Autism
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Maine CDC Autism Conference: How Do We Know What Autism IS NOT if We Do Not Know What Autism IS? by Jon Poling, MD, PhD
3 Jul 2009 | 5:42 pmMaine CDC Autism Conference 2009Looking Forward Beyond Vaccines: How Do We Know What Autism IS NOT if We Do Not Know What Autism IS? Followed by Q&A with other conference speakers.Jon Poling, MD, PhDNeurologist, Clinical Assistant ProfessorMedical College of GeorgiaFather of child with autismVIDEO CURRENTLY UPLOADING, CHECK BACK IN A FEW HOURS - The Management -
Maine CDC Autism Conference: Genes and Environment, Developmental and Chronic: An Inclusive Approach to Autism Science by Martha Herbert, MD, PhD
3 Jul 2009 | 5:14 pmMaine CDC Autism Conference 2009Genes and Environment, Developmental and Chronic: An Inclusive Approach to Autism Science, followed by Q&AMartha Herbert, MD, PhDPediatric NeurologistMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolNext Session:Looking Forward Beyond Vaccines: How Do We Know What Autism IS NOT if We Do Not Know What Autism IS? by Jon Poling, MD, PhD -
Maine CDC Autism Conference: Kim Block of WGME Presents News Piece on Autism
3 Jul 2009 | 7:21 amMaine CDC Autism Conference 2009Kim Block, reporter for WGME, presents a news piece on autism treatmentNext Session:Genes and Environment, Developmental and Chronic: An Inclusive Approach to Autism Science by Martha Herbert, MD, PhD -
Maine CDC Autism Conference: Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Co-Morbidities in Autism by Tim Buie, MD
3 Jul 2009 | 6:34 amMaine CDC Autism Conference 2009Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Co-Morbidities in Autism, followed by Q&ATim Buie, MDPediatric GastroenterologistLADDERS Program, MassGeneral Hospital for ChildrenHarvard Medical SchoolQuestions from the AudienceNext Session:Kim Block from WGME presents news piece on Autism treatment. -
Maine CDC Autism Conference: Autism 101
3 Jul 2009 | 4:58 amMaine CDC Autism Conference 2009Autism 101, First signs and symptoms, Maine’s new screening tool, how and when to refer for specialized diagnostics, how a diagnosis is made, AAP Autism Toolkit, diagnostic and therapeutic services in Maine.Introduction of Speakers by Dora Mills, MD, MPHAutism 101Early Identification and Autism PrevalenceNancy Cronin, Coordinator of the PDD Systems Change InitiativeAutism 101Common understanding of what children with autism look likeMary Ellen Gellerstedt, MDDevelopmental-Behavioral PediatricianEastern Maine Medical CenterAutism 101Screening for Autism…
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The Family Room
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Vocational services for adults with autism
14 Jun 2009 | 6:02 pmI spent the earlier part of this week in Phoenix, where I attended the dedication of a room at a brand-new vocational center for adults with autism. It's part of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), and it gave me a peek into what's possible when people think broadly and imaginatively about what it takes to serve our community. The center, called the Opus West Vocational and Life Skills Academy, provides training in daily living skills, vocational skills, as well as job readiness and placement services for adults with autism. Everything was conceived to support… -
Stretch your normal
16 May 2009 | 8:04 am[Scene: ISAAC is at home with ANA, his nanny. She is trying to get him to eat his carrots.]ANA: Isaac, papi, have a carrot!ISAAC: No.ANA: Isaac, come on these carrots are so good! [Eats one]. Mmmmmm!ISAAC: Ana likes the carrots, Ana can eat the carrots.And here we are. He walks into assembly at school now, completely untroubled. Months ago, he refused to go near the place with its linoleum floors, bright lights and deafening clamor. The anxiety is still there, as is the elevator obsession, joined by a new companion: buses.These days, I awake as often as not to a recitation of our municipal… -
Free Association
20 Apr 2009 | 3:49 pmThere's something about this kind of writing that seems sto express the way the brain works. I started this weblog back in February 2007, at a point when Isaac's speech had really begun to kick in and we were in about eighteen flavors of crisis about what it all meant. He liked to spin a lot then, and would often twirl or demand that his father or I pick him up and spin him around. "He never gets dizzy," people would marvel, as if he had accomplished something special. "Yeah, that's actually not so great," I'd say if I was in the mood for a little… -
Postcards from France
5 Apr 2009 | 6:17 pmWe had friends over last night, and talked, you know, about things. One of the odd paradoxes we discussed is the fact that children on the spectrum (most children, actually) crave a sense of structure and like to know what's coming next. At the same time, our kids have a particular tendency to become anxious about transitions, even if they are transitions to something they dearly want. So it is sometimes a delicate balancing act, the act of telling. Or you can call it by its real name: a crapshoot.So I, uh, didn't really tell Isaac that we were going to have dinner guests. When… -
Here We Are
1 Apr 2009 | 11:14 pmA year ago, I sat on a plane on the first day of Autism Awareness Month and watched five straight hours of CNN coverage. I remember being deeply impressed by the commitment of the CNN staffers, some of whom had children on the spectrum themselves. One segment was about a center in Qatar for children with special needs. A few weeks later, I received an email from a woman who'd read one of my posts. She lived in the United Arab Emirates and was concerned about her son; so much so that she contacted a stranger in the United States for advice. I didn't know where she was exactly, but…
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Kim Stagliano
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3 Jul 2009 | 10:34 am
3 Jul 2009 | 10:34 amSwabbing (bleaching) the DecksGood Lord. So we rented this house and have been here for a couple of weeks. I mopped the hardwood floors, polished them and vacuumed all the carpets before we moved in. The house was surface clean. But now that I'm living in it, it has dawned on me that the previous tenant was a P-I-G pig. I've heard she was a nurse. For the love of God I hope she works in a veterinary clinic and not a hospital.The curtain over the kitchen sink was black on the back with cooking residue. And the light over the sink? Hey! It's actually white and not brown! Some people just never… -
2 Jul 2009 | 5:52 pm
2 Jul 2009 | 5:52 pmSeeking an Agent this Fall?Found this on the Backspace message board. Backspace is an amazing writers' org. If you're serious about writing and getting published, you should check them out. I met my agent at their agent/author conference. If you bid, good luck!Ms. Irene Goodman, president of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency (HERE), will auction a single spaced, half-page critique for 25 partial manuscripts (approximately 50 pages and a synopsis).This will be done on Ebay from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15th. The 25 highest bidders will win. The critiques will all be done personally by Ms. Goodman. They… -
30 Jun 2009 | 5:24 am
30 Jun 2009 | 5:24 amMind Scrambler from Chris Grabenstein.Hi, everyone. We got back from Cleveland on Sunday. Four days to visit a dear friend (who has ALS/heavy metal poisoning) and to take the girls to The Cleveland Clinic to see Dr. Marvin Natowicz, neurometabolic geneticist brilliant kind doctor.Last week Chris Grabenstein debuted his latest in the fabulous John Ceepak mystery series. These mysteries take place at the Jersey Shore and are great reads. Ceepak is a "Sea Isle" cop, an Iraq war vet, honest to a fault and has a partner named Danny Boyle who's learning the ropes. Chris and I share an agent. Chris… -
24 Jun 2009 | 5:27 am
24 Jun 2009 | 5:27 amMB12 revitaPops Are Here!You've got to check out the revitaPop, methylcobalamin (MB12) in a tasty lollipop.I tried my first revitaPop at Autism One last month (HERE.) Holy cow! Within seconds I felt a distinct "ping" in my brain and I became more alert, bubbly and energetic. Trust me, if I hadn't felt anything I'd have smiled and walked away from the booth to go find coffee. Click HERE to view a quick video of testimonials from Autism One. You'll see familiar faces, including Kimberly Linderman, yours truly and our Contributing Editor Abdulkadir Khalif.The revitaPop tastes great (I tried… -
18 Jun 2009 | 8:55 am
18 Jun 2009 | 8:55 amSwedish, English, who cares?We're being deluged with rain.
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like a shark
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authentic
24 Jun 2009 | 8:27 amHello, you.You're looking good. Lose some weight? Change your hair?I know what you're thinking. Slacker, Drama Mama. Nice of you to show up. Thanks for scooting over on the sofa.I could bore you with the details of this last semester; how I am working on setting boundaries with my family, friends, students, and work - how I am learning to say NO, how I can't save the world, how I am seriously overworked, and because of that, see prior statements regarding boundaries.So. Yeah. Whatever. It's been miserable.What I DO want to tell you about are my kids. You've met them, haven't you? Miss M, who… -
decompression
1 Jun 2009 | 9:02 pmIn case you've been wondering where I've been, I've been doing two things, well, three, really.Working.Parenting.Getting therapy.And not necessarily in that order.Here, on the precipice of the final true workweek of the year (well, that's sort of false, because teachers never really stop), I emerge, sort of like The Swamp Thing, out of the earth, dripping with uncorrected exams and lame excuses, needy parents, and sleazy school officials who want to squeeze that one last thing out of you that's not really in your job description, but they need you to do it anyway, and, with, well, sweat.I've… -
rip van winkle
27 Apr 2009 | 9:27 pmWhen Miss M was little, and we were going through identification, diagnosis, and receiving our Scarlet A stamp, Mama was going a little Cuckoo-for-Cocoa-Puffs. I've written about this before. It's not news.I was losing my bloody mind.I was sobbing in the broom closet during the passing times at school, and then, remarkably, lecturing for 50 minutes, then as soon as the next bell rang, sobbing again in what seemed an endless cycle of tears.I was pacing the house alone at night, talking to myself.Calling my sister at four in the morning.I couldn't touch books about Autism, or even google the… -
changed for good
15 Apr 2009 | 5:36 pmWho can say if I've beenChanged for the better?I do believe I have beenChanged for the better(Glinda)And because I knew you...(Elphaba)Because I knew you...(Both)Because I knew you...I have been changed for good...From Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen SchwartzI'm on Spring Break this week with The Fabulous Roxie, whilst poor Miss M toils away in her expensive and oh-so-perfect private school. She had break last week. Jesus had to hang on the cross before we parochial school slobs caught a break.Anyway.Rox and I have been hanging out - planning extravagant, educational days (the Academy of… -
my fair little lady
22 Mar 2009 | 8:41 pmWe were snuggled on the sofa the other night, watching My Fair Lady with the transcendent Audrey Hepburn. Miss M was riveted by the film, listening intently for most of the three hours - a little too much Shaw for me, but if you're Miss M, it's pure heaven.Henry Higgins berated Eliza Doolittle for something - her diction, a spoilt diphthong - something. Miss M slammed down her pillow in protest. "Excuse me, but he is just a sexist pig," she proclaimed, pointing at the television. Usually, I ask questions about how characters are feeling, what their faces are saying - but this time, she told…
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speak softly....
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It must be summer
2 Jul 2009 | 8:47 amJune has come and gone–really?–and now it’s the official start of summer. This I know because I saw Wilco perform last week, a summer ritual for me. The show was exhilarating, without a doubt the tightest Wilco show I’ve seen yet, the most energetic and the most exuberant. I came home to tell The Husband that the first set was a lot of new material, played in such a way that I had to order the album, but the encores were my favorite since that’s when they turn into the Best Band in America. Lots of great favorites, including The Late Greats which I… -
Recently Seen at Fleets
24 Jun 2009 | 8:57 amWhen I was a young, my parents subscribed to the Jewish Examiner, a national newspaper with regional outlets that covered local Jewish news in the area. In our Jewish Examiner, we kept track of obituaries of friends, the news from the synagogues and preschools, and, predominantly, local Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. A section of the Examiner was entitled, “Recently Seen at Fleets,” Fleet’s being the haberdashery of choice for soon to be Mitzvahed boys. Every Wednesday when the Examiner arrived one of us would turn to the page to see if there was a boy from our old neighborhood… -
In stock
15 Jun 2009 | 7:55 amThe day has arrived–a bit earlier than we thought, but here it is, those bright green words, “In Stock.” I’m humbled, honored and ready. Learn more about the book, including how to order, read a terrific Q&A with me, join the Facebook group, or follow me on Twitter for more frequent updates. And if you haven’t already, think about ordering yourself a copy! More later, time to go work on my mad Promotion Skillz. (PS. Since I belive in sharing good news and the limelight, please check out my fellow Bakeless Prize winner and friend, Leslie’s… -
Pneuma
25 May 2009 | 8:51 amOf all my teachers (many), and all my education (very high end, of this I can assure you), my most enduring lessons have come from my son. From him I learned: grace, compassion, empathy, patience, love. I learned these in all dimensions, too, not just their superficial forms. The patience of waiting in a long supermarket line is nothing compared to the patience required while watching my son emerge from anesthesia, for example, and not just once but many times. A moment of grace can come to us on a beautiful spring day, when the winds and sun and life forces that surround us encourage a… -
This just in
18 May 2009 | 5:49 pmPublishers Weekly, starred review for The Book: This Lovely Life: A Memoir of Premature Motherhood Vicki Forman. HMH/Mariner, $13.95 paper (272p) ISBN 978-0-547-23275-1 Forman’s enormously affecting memoir—winner of the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference Bakeless Prize—about the drastic disabilities of her extremely premature child poses challenging questions about parenthood and human compassion. Having given birth to twins at just six months’ gestation (23 weeks), due to an undetected infection she learned of only much later, the author, living with her husband and three-year-old…
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Squidalicious
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Leelo in Wonderland
3 Jul 2009 | 9:34 amLeo is going on a plane today.That is huge news, and speaks to how wonderfully he is doing in general. Air travel is something we'd written off after a departure lounge meltdown fourteen months ago, and while his aggressive behavior escalated from the summer through the winter of 2008. On January 1, 2009, we put him on a very low dose of Risperdol, and it was a switch-flip. Almost as though all his senses all been previously misaligned, and he could now focus on things other than trying to process each moment.Since the beginning of 2009, Leo has been increasingly been so content, so… -
Journalist Brian Deer vs. MMR Researcher Andrew Wakefield
3 Jul 2009 | 8:38 amThose who keep up with reporter Brian Deer's ongoing research into Dr. Andrew Wakefield's questionable research practices re: autism and the MMR vaccine, or who read the Schaefer Report, may have read that:"Press Complaints Commission Orders Sunday Times to Remove MMR journalist's Stories on Dr. Wakefield from Paper's Web Site"The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) of London, an independent body that oversees journalism fairness in the UK, has issued an interim order calling for the Sunday Times to remove stories written by Brian Deer about Dr. Andrew Wakefield from its web site. Dr. Wakefield… -
New BlogHer Post: Identifying and Avoiding Autism Cults
1 Jul 2009 | 11:36 amNew autism parents need to invest in critical thinking, and avoid hype-based organizations that foster autism fear & loathing. If you fall for an autism cult, you might never trust your own judgment again.http://www.blogher.com/identifying-and-avoiding-autism-cultsAn excerpt:The best investment you can make in your autistic child's future is a commitment to intense scrutinization of treatment options. Does an approach make sense, or do you just really, really want to believe it will help? Are there real risks and only possible benefits? Do data and studies support it? If so, are they from… -
Got Your Goats
26 Jun 2009 | 11:28 pmLike swallows returning to Capistrano, scores of goats descend upon our neighborhood each June to eat the long, fire-prone, un-mowable hillside grasses. Where do they come from and how do they get there? I have been telling my kids that they come in scourges, like locusts. But I should probably stop the recreational fibbing and start teaching my offspring some practical goatherding, since holding that job is still one of my goals in life and I plan to make them my apprentices.This year, instead of shrieking "THE GOATS! THE GOATS ARE HERE!" and almost swerving into oncoming traffic, I pulled… -
Mother Warriors: The Extended Review
25 Jun 2009 | 11:30 pmThis is a long post, but one I hope you'll pass on to help debunk the image of Jenny McCarthy as a reliable source of general autism information and support, while spreading the word about hope and resources for ALL autism families."But vaccinations cause autism. Sure, science says otherwise, but Jenny McCarthy has some real convincing anecdotes.” -The OnionJenny McCarthy's son was not only diagnosed with autism, but had severe, life-threatening seizures. Through medical intervention, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and other therapies, he is now doing much so much better that his mother…
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The Karianna Spectrum
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The Perfect Hat
1 Jul 2009 | 2:55 pm... for a little boy who loves pink, sparkly things. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
My HMO Wants to Send me to the Looney Bin
30 Jun 2009 | 5:58 pmSo, you know how our HMO had some problems during Splig's surgery, and how I am pretty sure they originated with the less-than-honest and rather argumentative surgery scheduler. Well, I just received a call that made me irrationally paranoid. (Not really. Just makes for a good story. Don't crate me off to the crazy house.) During a previous conversation, the surgery scheduler had said I hadn't returned "all her messages" (I remember one garbled one from someone that cut off before the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Spanish Second Thoughts
29 Jun 2009 | 3:37 pmAll last year the Cat attended a before-school Spanish class. When I signed him up, I thought it would be just a half-hour of fun-type activities using the immersion approach. Given my own language-learning insecurities, I wanted to get him started early. (When I was young, I really wanted to learn languages; it wasn't until I was older and self-conscious - and given a Spanish name that I hated - that I became overly nervous.) When I got the first verbal report and then subsequent report... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Cheetos Haiku
27 Jun 2009 | 1:27 amInspired by the Cheetos Assault (via White Trash Mom) Cheetos are the best! Tasty between my fingers. I lick up the mess. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Birthday Party Invitation List Decisions
26 Jun 2009 | 10:55 amBirthday invite time. Guest list questioning ensues. Invite the whole class? No, several were mean. Closest friends in other class. "Mix and Match" it is. Best friends split apart. One is great, the other not. More fun with the one. Not all boys, some girls. Wonder if question will come: Why not my daughter? Your girl was too cruel. Your daughter made my son cry. He wants to have fun. I wonder of past: my eldest was the "cruel" one. No invite for him. But I understand. Parties are social... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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motherofconfusion
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A Mother of a Birth Story: Going from bad to worse (part 2)
29 Jun 2009 | 1:40 pmAt 30-weeks pregnant, even I had to admit my health was disintegrating. “How do you feel?” The nurse asked as she prepared to take my blood pressure. “Terrible.” It was difficult to explain. I felt a massive pressure on my chest and it was so bad I slept propped on pillows to breath easier. Conversations were exhausting. [...] -
A Mother of a Birth Story (part 1)
26 Jun 2009 | 4:04 pmMy daughter is a miracle. From conception to birth she battled to be born. Even now, as we gaze into each other’s eyes when she nuzzles and nurses, I’m amazed she is really, truly here. Still, I can’t get enough of her and nibble her tender toes, cheeks and belly. Her skin is warm and sweet. [...] -
Lost Fresno: Going forward, looking back
19 Jun 2009 | 8:16 pmNostalgia. Growing up I didn’t understand the hurtful twinge, wistfulness and soft yearning for time gone by — or the need to connect with someone who could relate. More so, I was irritated with my mom’s frequent attempts to share her memories of Fresno. Because, gawh, how many times did I need to hear that Fulton [...] -
Born at 34 weeks (and autism awareness bloggers update)
11 Apr 2009 | 12:17 pmOur daughter was born March 9th at 34 weeks gestation. She weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces and was 17 inches in length. She spent 2 weeks in the NICU before coming home. We are so thrilled to be her parents and very relieved she is doing so well. The boys are in love with her [...] -
32 weeks pregnant and in antepartum
21 Feb 2009 | 5:59 pmThis blog is in hiatus. After life stabilizes here posts will resume. In the mean time we’re getting excellent healt care and taking it day by day. Many many thanks to everyone for their well wishes. We are greatful for the suport
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Stimeyland
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Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!
2 Jul 2009 | 5:30 pmYesterday I called my county's ESY office to see if I could make any headway in finding out some more information about Jack's summer school. I got a return call on my cell phone from the site coordinator about five minutes before 5 p.m.(Hooray!)We talked briefly, then I asked if the teachers would be setting up their classrooms next Monday and if Jack and I could stop by to meet his teacher."But school starts on Monday," she said."Uh...oh...um...okay," I stuttered. "I thought it started on the 7th.""No, it starts Monday," she said.I recovered, even though I was sure the letter had said July… -
Team Stimey Goes to Washington
1 Jul 2009 | 4:02 pmAlternatively Titled: "Stimey and Her Stupid Fucking Hubris"Oh, he looks like he can be quiet:Yeah, they look calm and ready to follow directions:Uh, huh, the woman behind the camera seems competent to take a photo three kids on a tour of the Capitol:Although I don't know why Quinn looks so damn sad.Today was the day the little dudes and I were scheduled to take a tour of the capitol building. Why were you all so encouraging when I told you I had signed up to do this with them? Why weren't you all, "Hey, you moron, things are going to go really, really badly for you! Snap out of it!"Why… -
Preparation, Schmeparation
29 Jun 2009 | 12:07 pmJack is going to special education summer school (ESY), and it starts July 7. As in Tuesday. I kept waiting and waiting for information to come in the mail detailing what would happen at ESY and when our meet-the-teacher day would be.HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!Last week the letter came, as well a letter from the transportation department. The sum total of information I got? Pick-up and drop-off times for the bus and an emergency information sheet that gets sent in on the first day of school. Oh, and this:"If your child does not communicate well, please include a visible name tag and 3 x 5… -
CSCA*: Week 2—Governent & History Week
28 Jun 2009 | 5:05 am* Camp Stimey Coming Attractions!Please keep in mind that all Camp Stimey Coming Attractions are subject to the whims of Stimey. You just never know when I'm going to decide to trash Constitution Day and decide to make it Nail Cutting Day instead.It's been known to happen.Alex just informed me that my small children won't enjoy the National Archives, so I guess I don't get to see the Constitution this week. Stupid young kids.Jack has a playdate (yay!) on Monday, so we're going to drop him off (fingers crossed!) and head out to the library to find some books on the Bill of Rights, the… -
CSSS*: Week 1—Transportation Week
27 Jun 2009 | 7:04 am* Camp Stimey Saturday Summary!!We had an unbelievably successful first week of Camp Stimey. It was amazing to me to see how adding some structured activities to the day resulted in so much less whining and so much more happy, quiet, cooperative playing when there was free time.Wow. Active parenting. Who would have guessed it works?See how happy they were on Day One?Of course, this being Transportation Week, it was pretty easy to come up with fun activities (followed by much ice cream). Next week is Government/History Week. Submit your ideas now—I'm going to need them!Here's the quick…
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My Life As It Is
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Delurking?
3 Jul 2009 | 1:29 pmHi all!Just delurking to say hi.Can the writer of her own blog technically delurk? -
What I love about bedtime
16 Jun 2009 | 6:05 pmis that my just-about-done-with-5th-grade son still comes downstairs after he's brushed his teeth and insists that I come up and tuck him into bed. -
Wounded by School?
16 Jun 2009 | 11:51 amI'm over here talking about school wounds. -
And This Time I Mean It
12 Jun 2009 | 6:01 pmReally. I really mean it this time.This time I am going to exercise and eat better and stick with it.I mean, seriously. Twenty - thirty minutes a day. Slightly smaller amounts of food at meals. Fruits for snacking.How hard can it be? It's not.And it works. I've seen the results.And I like the results. I like how I look. How I feel. The increase energy. The happier moods.But life. It gets in the way. Food is yummy. Sitting around is easy.But then I gain back the weight I lose. I start not liking how I look. I start not liking how I feel.But this time I am serious. This time I mean it. This… -
When Divorce Hits Home
10 Jun 2009 | 5:52 pmI'm over at DC Metro Mom's talking about divorce.Whether a celebrity, a friend, or a family member, divorce is sad.
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Brings Me Joy
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Mainstream Kindergarten
10 Jun 2009 | 6:11 pmWell, Brandon will be going into mainstream kindergarten in the Fall. He will be in Mrs. Betz’s class. I am excited, yet scared for him. However, I know it will be good for him in the long run for his socialization skills. He may be awkward at first, but weren’t we all!!! I am actually quite pleased and surprised by the help that was offered to Brandon at East Penn Elementary and am curious to see how it will all work out in the Fall. My take on the Public School system and children with special needs is if you don’t fight for what your rights are, nothing will ever change. -
Seizure
10 Jun 2009 | 6:05 pmBrandon had a breakthrough seizure on Saturday. Jeff saw it on the way to Mimi’s house that afternoon. We are increasing his medication and hope it will help for awhile. The goal is to get him to not have any seizures for a few years and then we can start to ween him off. I hope for his sake (and his livers) we can do this soon. It is scary sometimes to think he may not be able to drive when he is older or will be ridiculed or maybe not even hold a job. I know what ever the outcome, God will be an ever present help and hope Brandon comes to know him as his savior. God is good, even in… -
Graduation from Kindergarten
6 Jun 2009 | 4:07 pmEmma has graduated from Kindergarten and will be going into 1st grade in the fall. So proud of her. She is doing so good in school. Im anxious to see the dynamics when Brandon goes to Kindergarten and they are both at the same school. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you Emma you are growing into such a beautiful, smart girl. We love you very much. -
Family Update
12 May 2009 | 6:44 amWell, I have not checked in in awhile, but there hasn’t been too much to report. Brandon has been doing well, having his ups and downs as usual, but for the most part ok. Our Puppy is doing well, had a little incident last night with the kids playing to rough with her, but she is fine now. We have all decided to go on Family Vacation to Myrtle Beach SC. Quick decision and Emma is soooooooooo excited about going to the beach and staying in another “house”. She talks about it every day. She is planning on what she bringing, from clothes to food! I am dreading the long car… -
Google Helps Autistic Kids Express Themselves.
29 Apr 2009 | 5:59 pmAll I can say is thank you Google. I can not wait until Brandon gets a little older so he can use the computer more.
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from here to there and back
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And on the fifth day…
2 Jul 2009 | 8:16 amYesterday was a good day. Much better for the boys, who played happily from 11 a.m. until long after dinner. In the morning, the boys played at my sister’s house while I spent some time on my own looking through old photos and doing laundry. Later, we all went to Target where the little people were rewarded with a new Hot Wheel each and an ice cream from the McDonald’s drive thru. It was a typical sort of day that ended in the pool for all of us, and a lovely dinner out with a friend for me. This morning I woke to my son asking, “So, what do you think we should do today,… -
A rocky road sort of day
1 Jul 2009 | 7:46 amI yelled at a neighbor’s kid yesterday. And though I freely admit it was not my finest moment, I did have visions of him breaking my son’s arm as he practiced his martial arts on the driveway. I have no intention of spending any time in an emergency room on this trip. When it was over (and I’m not lying when I say that kid took off at a run for home as I shouted my apologies after him) I knew I had overreacted. For reasons I can’t quite put my finger on, it was a little tense with the cousins yesterday afternoon, and then the neighbor boy showed up, and one thing sort… -
Three days in
30 Jun 2009 | 8:00 amYesterday I watched my son and my nephew swim while I chatted quietly with my friend’s daughter near the side of the pool. Upstairs, my friend and my mom tried (unsuccessfully) to wrestle the wireless router into submission—a glitch that only allows one computer access to the wireless network at a time. (Sort of defies the word “network” don’t you think?) It was a weather-perfect day. Not nearly as hot as the so-called experts were predicting. It felt so very much like summer as I know it. Summer as I envision it. As I watched the kids splash and dive for the pool… -
Same as it ever was
29 Jun 2009 | 6:27 amLA. Why is it that I feel like I never left? My mind plays tricks on me here. The mountains. The palm trees. The traffic. The little boys—though, not so little anymore. Homecoming—bittersweet, always. There is so much here I willfully leave behind, so much I keep with me. A world of contrasts. As the wheels of our plane touched down at LAX, my son turned to me and said, “Slap me high five!” This, after nearly 6 hours in the air and not a single complaint. I tell you, the kid’s a pro. Later in the pool, he took some time to remember, to feel his way in and under, to let… -
By this time next week…
24 Jun 2009 | 5:30 amWow. Four more days. Then California. This month has been a blur. But now, finally, I think I can take a deep breath and think about packing. In years past, my son has insisted on bringing the oddest collection of toys with him to Nana’s house. One year, in fact, he piled up a handful of wooden blocks, a few dozen Hot Wheels and trains, and a broken airplane. “This is what I’m bringing,” he insisted. But he’s grown up a lot in the last couple of years. This summer he’s planning to take his baseball mitt and a ball in the hopes of having a catch with my…
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The Quirk Factor: Resistance is futile...
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Calling in a favor...
29 Jun 2009 | 10:04 amI am so humbled.Many of you have inquired about various ways to help me and my family.I appreciate everyone who has helped, who wants to help, and who will help in the future.I appreciate everything, even the kind words and thoughts.I am uncomfortable asking for donations, but I should put it out there that Kev has mentioned our story and has set up a PayPal account for us. (follow link, or see widget at bottom of page) Thank you, Kev.That being said, I have absolutely no qualms about soliciting other things from you all. :)You may or may not have picked up on the fact that I am a huge music… -
This too, shall pass.
14 Jun 2009 | 9:53 amSaturday, June 13, 2009 2:30am.He smells smoke.Companion bolts out of bed only to come running back screaming "Fire! Get the kids!"I jump out of bed. We collide in the doorway.Jaysen's room is right across the hall.I am at his bed in a half a heartbeat."Jaysen! Get up! Jaysen!" as I shake him vigourously.He sleeps.In Rylan's room in another half a heartbeat.Rylan's still small enough- I whisk him up and throw him over my left arm.Bolt into Jaysen's room again. Still asleep."Jaysen! Jaysen!" my attempt at arousal is vigorous, approaching the verge of almost violent."Jaysen! Get up!"I loop my… -
Devistation
13 Jun 2009 | 2:56 pmIs where I am. To say I'm overwhelmed is an absolute understatement.My house burned down today.Yes, I'm serious.We're fine- everyone made it out safe. But our cat did not make it.I don't really even know what to write at the moment, other than my heart is breaking.You think you're prepared for such things, "if ever there's a fire, I'm grabbing this, this, and this,"Not so. We have our pajamas.I grabbed kids and ran like hell.On top of that, Companion's car was engulfed in flames. My car literally exploded.Homeless and carless all in one night.We are currently at my parent's. I will update… -
Unreasonable fears.
10 Jun 2009 | 7:35 amLast night at bedtime, Jaysen insisted that he wanted to sleep in his jeans.After much goading, he finally told me why."Don't take my pants off because ladybugs will crawl in my butt!" Ladybugs. Seriously? Ladybugs???Erp? -
Lessons to learn with Mario.
4 Jun 2009 | 9:39 amAmazing.Jaysen was playing Super Paper Mario (because I let my kids rot their brains on things like video games and television...), and he announces, "This is a platform game".I wasn't going to correct anything, but then I thought I'd better mention something just in case his statement later led to a google search of platform games..."Actually, Jaysen, Paper Mario is a role-playing game. It's called an RPG (nerd).""But Mario is a platform game?""Yes, regular Mario is a platform game (and its 5000 varieties). Paper Mario is an RPG.""What?""An RPG. Role-Playing Game. It's when you have to walk…
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My Autistic Boy And Other Adventures In Fatherhood
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Hi, I'm your new neighbor, dog fight?
Buddy and I were doing what Buddy and I do in the morning, walk around the block. Now, we've been in the house about two weeks. I've met a few neighbors, but not all my neighbors. So, as Buddy and I are almost home, our neighbor to our right is out...I introduce myself....and her big ass dog attacks Buddy. Clamping down as hard as possible on his neck. Now, poor Buddy doesn't have a bit of 'fight' in him, he's scooting backwards into me as fast as possible. This dog is trying to twist his neck (Buddy is too big, whew!), but the woman (my next door neighbor) is not… -
Ewwwww....
Most of the staff is out today, with tomorrow being the holiday for the 4th. A few of us are working, and there is plenty to do…so hoping to not have to bring a ton of work home for the weekend. To make sure I can achieve this goal, I got into work early (even for me, a 7:30am guy). In front of my office, on the partition in front of a desk, sits a plate of four muffins (there are four of us planning to be in the office today). They look very good, and I was hungry. So I ate one (I hear Kim {one of the women I work with} rustling in office a few doors down). Banana… -
Couldn't Be Me
Nanny Joan, Poppy and the amazing, great, hung-the-moon Cousin Hannah, were to arrive yesterday from Kansas. If you don't live by your folks (your kiddos grandparents), seeing the grandparents is a big, big deal. So my kids have been stoked at high energy levels for a couple of days in anticipation of the visit. At some point yesterday, Kim mentioned to D and Maya that they'd arrive around the same time I would get home from work. When I came in the door, Demetrius came running up to me: "Daddy, did you bring Nanny and Poppy with you?" "No Demetrius, they aren't here yet. They'll be… -
Transformers and Bitings.....
I took Demetrius to see Transformers 2 last night, and while it is action-packed, it is more than a bit too long. Movies without strong plots should not be making the turn toward three hours. However, I think Demetrius was more excited about the preview he saw for The Last Airbender. I have to admit, that’s two of us. Here it is: I wonder what part the producers/directors spent more time on, transformer battle scenes, or photo-shopping out all the tats that Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox have? We know they included his real life injury from his latest DUI. One of the things… -
Fun at Casa Grasso - 6:15am - 6:45am
So last night it stormed… loud clanging thunder, the kind that shakes the attic and makes you wait to see if the lights are gonna go out for a few seconds, or a few hours. The kids have never really been through an extended thunderstorm like that. While Georgia can get intensely hot and rainy, it is not Texas, Kansas…or many other thunderclap prone state-like weather. And before Georgia, sunny-SoCal…so my kids are thunderstorm novices. As Zeus roared, my kids…and Buddy…got nervous. First, Mommy is out in this (well, she was at the gym…and to little ones, we need to know where…
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Elvis Sightings
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Quick JoyDad foot surgery update
3 Jul 2009 | 4:00 amYesterday was one month since I had surgery on my foot. I've made way more progress than I thought possible. It's healing up real good...In fact, yesterday was also the first time since the surgery that I ran. I took it easy, I didn't try to push it. I spent more time walking than running (alternated three minutes walking and one minute running). And I'm not experiencing the post-run pain like I did before the surgery. So I guess that means it worked.Thanks to everyone who sent prayers, thoughts and well wishes. It helped to know there was a whole mess of people pulling for me.And now I shall… -
Forward! (Autism Insurance in Wisconsin)
1 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pmWe did it, y'all!On Monday, Wisconsin's Governor Jim Doyle signed the state budget into law, including a requirement for insurance companies in Wisconsin to cover autism-related treatments. Until now, insurers in this state have been free not to cover autism, and to deny any service that might be autism-related.Intensive-level therapy for children with autism in Wisconsin has been provided through a Medicaid waiver program, whereby the state & the feds together fund up to three years of intensive therapy (20+ hours per week) with the possibility of a number of years of post-intensive therapy. -
Boiled Frog
27 Jun 2009 | 8:24 amI said two posts ago that I'd elaborate on the concept of how it's been a challenge to jump back in to life at home, after last weekend's delightful getaway.There's a widely-repeated anecdote out there that goes something like this:Did you know that if you toss a frog into boiling water, it will jump out immediately? But the frog starts out in cool water and you heat the water gradually, it won't notice the temperature change and will eventually boil to death.Yeah.So perhaps life at home, where more and more spinning plates have gradually been added to the Amazing JoyParents Show, is rather… -
More Food Network
25 Jun 2009 | 4:21 amI've mentioned before that there's a lot of Food Network at our home. Wholesome stuff, unobjectionable commercials, we often learn useful tips. However, we've been less than impressed lately with the proliferation of contests and reality shows, when we'd rather actually learn something!So last night JoyDad flipped on the TV as we often do after Joy's last therapy session of the day, only to find that a funny and educational show was replaced by a contest. His disgusted comment: "Well, that stinks! Instead of Good Eats, we get Chopped!Two beats later, we hear an explosive echo from Joy:… -
Of Yawns and Smiles
24 Jun 2009 | 2:00 pmI did a lot of yawning over our getaway weekend.Lots of smiling, too!Goodness knows, there was nothing boring about my first weekend getaway with JoyDad since the kids were born. (Yes, that would be seven years, for those keeping score.)Even the drive to my college reunion was lovely, with a big long chunk of roadway between wooded bluffs on one side and the Mississippi River on the other. And time alone to talk with my sweetie! Luxury! And then a whirlwind of activity, catching up with friends and roommates of 20 years gone by, attending lectures and receptions, dining, running...Not boring.
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Coach for Asperger's
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Autism and Strengths in Problem Solving
23 Jun 2009 | 1:32 pmIt’s exciting to find researchers focusing on all the strengths that go along with autism and Asperger’s, the enhanced abilities and skills, and not just studying deficits and difficulties. On that topic just this month, there was an interesting study published in the journal Human Brain Mapping.The study compares autistic and non-autistic individuals’ performance on a standard assessment tool called Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM). What’s perhaps most interesting about the study is that the autistic subjects performed better than would have been predicted by the… -
GLBT and on the Autism Spectrum?
12 Jun 2009 | 1:50 pmA lot of people ask me for info on support groups, social groups or discussion groups. Sometimes I can help them, especially if it’s something fairly common, like locating a parent support group for local parents with kids on the spectrum. But it seems like it gets tougher and tougher to find a group as the potential members get older. There are a lot fewer groups for teens or adults, and if the group is for multiple special issues it can really get difficult. That’s why I was pleased to find that GRASP is starting a new online discussion group for teens and adults within the GLBT… -
Asperger’s, Autism and Psychotherapy
4 Jun 2009 | 5:34 pmI’m a therapist, also called a counselor, a psychotherapist, or even a "shrink", and I work with people who have Asperger’s, autism, or other ASDs. But that doesn’t mean I’m trying to cure someone of their autism. That’s a confusing distinction, but it’s important. Many individuals on the autism spectrum are struggling with the symptoms from a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or getting caught up in repetitive thoughts. Those are all things that can be treated with psychotherapy, (and sometimes other means), and often “cured” or at least managed so… -
Coping With Shyness - Guest Blogger Sylvia Meier, MFT
29 May 2009 | 10:10 amToday's post about dealing with shyness was written by my colleague Sylvia Meier, MFT. Sylvia has a private psychotherapy practice in Dublin, CA, and runs groups for single women who want to develop more social skills, and to start dating. You can learn more at her website.Although shyness and Asperger's or autism are different, they have many issues and emotions in common. In both cases, it can be stressful or even nerve-racking to step out of your comfort zone and become more social. But, for many individuals, especially those who are feeling lonely, meeting friends, or even a… -
Reading Faces
22 May 2009 | 9:52 amAll of us, whether on the autism spectrum or not, could do a better job of reading each other’s emotions. One obvious way is to look at facial expressions. And the expert on facial expression is Dr. Paul Ekman, a psychologist and author who has devoted his career to understanding how humans in many cultures express emotions . Ekman spent 8 years developing a facial expression coding system and studying how we express common emotions like anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise and disgust. He’s worked with everyone from police departments to the Dalai Lama, and is one of Time…
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Disability Scoop
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Record Unemployment Reported For People With Disabilities In June
2 Jul 2009 | 12:22 pmUnemployment among people with disabilities reached its highest rate in June since the government began tracking such data, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. -
Vaccine Issue Yields Second Defection At Autism Speaks
2 Jul 2009 | 12:22 pmA top science adviser is severing ties with Autism Speaks over disagreements with the organization on the issue of vaccine research months after an executive defected for the same reason. -
Electric Pulse To Brain Could Aid Those With Cerebral Palsy
2 Jul 2009 | 11:21 amA pacemaker-like device for the brain appears to help people with a severe form of cerebral palsy, researchers report. -
Illinois Suit To Decide Fate Of Institution Residents
2 Jul 2009 | 10:50 amA settlement appears near for plaintiffs in an Illinois lawsuit seeking to give thousands of the state's residents the option to move out of institutions and into group homes. -
Age, Problematic Pregnancy Could Increase Autism Chance
30 Jun 2009 | 10:05 pmOlder mothers and those who experience problems during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to a child with autism.
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Morgan Autism Center
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study to follow families
14 Jun 2009 | 1:55 pmA network of autism researchers, the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation, (EARLI) will be following 1200 pregnant women who already have a child diagnosed with autism. The good news about this study is that not only will they be looking closely at genetics and biomarkers for risk factors, but also possible environmental causes. A number of studies have been or are being done on genetics, but not enough focus on environmental triggers. That makes this new study most encouraging, though results are far off yet. Two California centers, the UC Davis MIND Institute and Kaiser Permanente… -
The best laid plans...
24 May 2009 | 4:09 pmWe all know that none of us can predict the future. But when you are responsible for another person's welfare, that unpredictability must figure into your plans. And everyone needs a back up plan for the unforeseen events that can wreak havoc in anyone's life. For no matter how fabulous your intentions may be, if you are not able to implement them - for whatever reason - your good intentions are lost.This has been brought home to us once again at Morgan Autism Center. Here's the story. A forty year old autistic adult client has lived all his life with first both his parents, and when his… -
Autism Epidemic/Flu Pandemic?
7 May 2009 | 9:53 amIn a study released this week by the Department of Developmental Services, the number of children with autism served by the California Regional Centers from 1987 to 2007 increased from 2,701 to 34,656, a 1200% increase. The state's general population increased by only 27 % during that same time span. Not all children with autism are being served by the Regional Centers, so these numbers are understated.Compare the recent response of the CDC and local public health agencies to the swine flu and the possibility of a worldwide pandemic to the complacency of the autism epidemic news. Because… -
autism and genius - how 'neurotypicals' can benefit
24 Apr 2009 | 11:26 amIts not often you find an article espousing the virtues of having aspects of autism- and furthermore suggesting an understanding of autism might be utilized to release 'flashes of genius' in those of us who are 'neurotypical'. Yet that is exactly what I discovered while reading the latest edition of The Economist (April, 18 -24th) in the article "Genius Locus". In a study published last week by Dr. Patricia Howlin in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Dr. Howlin addresses this idea. Because one of the characteristics of people with autism is their restricted, repetitive… -
What to do when the school bus stops coming at 22 years
12 Apr 2009 | 7:16 pmWhat options do families have for their adult children with autism after they turn twenty-two? Support services for adults with autism are few and far between, if they exist in some places at all - so scarce, that school districts are usually very little help in offering guidance to parents of what to expect for their child. Will the student be able to work independently, through supported living, or need an adult day program? And what are the housing options, - besides very limited?Consider that autism is a lifelong disorder requiring careful treatment specific to people with ASD. And that…
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Spectrum Siblings
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So Proud
30 Jun 2009 | 7:21 amTwenty Years ago, my mom got called into a large office where three “experts” sat to discuss her son, my brother. Carl was in kindergarten, was barely speaking, didn’t know his kindergarten basics like the alphabet and counting, and couldn’t draw a stick figure or cut a straight line. These “experts” told my mom that Carl, who has a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and developmental dely, would never be a productive member of society. They said that despite the years of OT, PT, and Speech that they would offer, he would never graduate high school,… -
Chores as Therapy
29 Jun 2009 | 4:30 pmTheories on the role of chores can be divided into two categories: chores to teach responsibility (involve charts and names and usually some sort of reinforcement for completing the task) and chores to teach obedience (”Cale do this,” with a punisher for failing to complete the task). We were a chores for obedience family. But they can serve a greater purpose then simply being a way to teach life lessons. Chores can also serve as a form of sensory integration therapy. For example, for years and years I could not stand the sound of the vacuum. I would run up the stairs and hide my… -
Special Siblings and the “Savior Syndrome”
24 Jun 2009 | 9:50 amIt’s late afternoon and I’m in middle school. I’m camped out outside the school, a few yards over from the smokers, with a girl who will serve as my confidant for the next few weeks. She is the first person to whom I let the bottle cap burst, the first person who ever gets to hear the stories of my father’s alcoholism and drug abuse, of my brother’s disabilities, of my mom’s inability to hold it all together. She’s the first friend I cry in front of, the first to ever know that my life isn’t as wonderful as I try to make it appear. She listens… -
Exposing my own Biases
22 Jun 2009 | 12:23 pmWe pulled up next to a van with two bumperstickers on the back, both advertising for autism awareness. My first thought: I have to find that mom, and give her my card (business card with my name, adress, and qualifications as a special needs babysitter). We were at the food court, so the plan was simple. I started at the back and kept my eyes peeled for any kids exhibiting spectrum traits. I stored away four boys for the recheck, boys who were waving their hands in front of their eyes, staring at the ceiling fan, or playing with Thomas the Tank Engine trains. I heard the man before I saw him. -
Socialization Stories: College
19 Jun 2009 | 11:22 amThis is the final part of a series on socialization from elementary school through college. The July following my senior year rolled around and Kelsey left early for school to try-out for cheerleading and band. Thus I had a full summer stretching free in front of me. The limitations of my chronic illness made working impossible (I was only awake and functional 4-5 hours of each day), so I was pretty much able to do as I chose. The summer was thus spent in the company of Justin, a boy I had met in the gifted program in elementary school, and my lab partner for 3 years running. We learned Magic…
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Social Skills for Kids
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Siblings of Specials Needs Kids
29 Jun 2009 | 5:33 pmFor many of the families who are working so hard to do what's best for their special needs child, there's also a typically-developing sibling who is heavily impacted by the situation as well. Having a special needs brother or sister has both positive and negative facets, and most parents are extremely aware of both.Because I spent many years working in school settings, I frequently had the opportunity to work with several siblings from one family, including the special needs child and the typically-developing sibling. From this experience, I've developed suggestions that could… -
Summertime Boredom
15 Jun 2009 | 3:38 pmI’m a big fan of unstructured time for kids. And it’s never as easy to schedule as it will be during the summer months. I think it can be tempting for parents to fill kids’ summer days up with activities, camps, playdates and daytrips. And, I’m not against any of these. Certainly, if child care is needed, or your child needs to catch up in summer school, these structured activities may not even be optional. But, too often, I think parents feel like they have to keep their kids busy, or they’re not being good parents. And that’s just not true. I hope parents will take some time… -
What Will Your Kids Be Like As Adults?
5 Jun 2009 | 7:40 amI’ve worked with a lot of autistic kids who are really struggling. And that’s hard on their parents too, because they worry about the future. Will their children grow up to be safe, happy, productive?No one can predict the future, but I always want to look toward the positive side. So many successful adults with Asperger’s or autism tell of difficult childhoods. An example I recently read was in the 5/16/2009 Newsweek article on Ari Ne’eman. Ne’eman is a college student, autistic, and the founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I think by anyone’s standards he’d be… -
As the School Year Ends
29 May 2009 | 10:07 amIn my last post, I gave some tips on setting things up so that kids have a fun and social summer. On the flip side of that planning, I think it’s important to think a bit about academics, such as what worked and didn’t work this school year. Has it been a great year? I hope so. Now is a good time to analyze that success. Was the teacher a great fit? It might make sense to schedule an end of year meeting and get that teacher’s tips for what might work next year. Lot’s of structure, frequent breaks, short term rewards, a buddy system? You child’s teacher has probably put a great deal… -
End of the School Year Tips: Plan Now for the Best Summer
22 May 2009 | 9:54 amJust a few more weeks and you’ve made it through another school year! For kids with special needs like autism, Asperger’s or ADHD, the upcoming break can be a huge relief. But, before you walk out the school door for the summer, there are a few things you should take care of now so you have the best summer ever.Make Some Social Contacts:The summer is a great time to relax with family, but your child needs to spend some time with peers as well. It’s a lot easier to connect with some friendly kids and their parents now, while you’re all at school together. See who’s going to be around…
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Asperger Square 8
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What happens in San Diego
29 Jun 2009 | 1:52 pmThe first thing you notice is the fruit. Huge bowls overflowing with grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, lit by the morning sun. The contrast with the usual conference fare of bagels, pastries and small anemic fruit plates sets the tone for the entire event. There will be little “junk food” here, little talk of an epidemic and what could be causing it. Participants have come to learn more about how to understand and support autistic people. How to listen to different voices, how to think about differences in ways that nourish and enrich human… -
Beyond Awareness
15 Jun 2009 | 8:58 amFor the third time, Autism Hub bloggers Steve D. (One Dad's Opinion), Do'C (Autism Street) and I have been invited to present at The University of San Diego's Autism Institute. The summer Institute will be held June 24-26 this year on USD's campus, and the title of our program is "Beyond Awareness." I very much appreciate USD's commitment to include the perspectives of autistic people and others who advocate for acceptance, inclusion and individualized supports. If you are in or near San Diego next week, please join us at the Institute! -
Häagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond Found "Not Helpful" in Treatment of Autism
10 Jun 2009 | 7:14 amFollowing on the heels of the shocking news that the prescription antidepressant Celexa® does not cure autism, scientists have discovered that the highly touted Häagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond ice cream also does little or nothing to quash the intense focus on narrow, restricted interests associated with the disability. Dr. Martin Geiger announced Tuesday that a group of autistic teens treated with HDVSA failed to become indistinguishable from their peers in what he described as a “totally random controlled experiment.”The scientific community first showed interest when Flossie McVey,… -
A Conversation with Martha Leary
9 Jun 2009 | 7:31 amMartha R Leary does training and consulting on creative ways to support people on the autism spectrum and those with other neurological differences, throughout Canada, the US, England, Ireland, and Australia. Martha is a Speech Language Pathologist and has worked in this field for over 30 years. She has authored and co-authored a number of publications on sensory and movement differences emphasizing how those differences might affect other people's assumptions and the ways in which they provide support. Martha and David Hill currently have a paper in press about the support relationship. When… -
Flocks
7 Jun 2009 | 9:03 amII have never appreciated the dynamics of group friendships. I have been able to have satisfying one-on-one interactions sometimes, with some people, in some situations. But until very recently, I had not been able to participate in groups. Sure, I could be there physically, but that is very different from participating. For years, I never said much, and most people assumed that this meant I was shy or had nothing to say. My comments, when I did make them, often came across as odd or “inappropriate.” Of course I understand the reason for this now. To communicate well with one person…
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AspieWeb
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July 4th Sucks
3 Jul 2009 | 10:51 amI think July 4th sucks. All the fireworks, loud bangs, on top of the sub woofers of the typical night is just to much for me.In Michigan you have to have a licence for anything that leaves to ground, including bottle rockets so it significantly lowers the amount of noise. On occasion you have people [...] -
Friendship Difficulties
2 Jul 2009 | 8:49 amAs I am looking at my friendships and how my friends are responding to me - I am realizing how much Aspergers Syndrome has effected my friendships and relationships. I Have A Hard Time I have a hard time with friendships, and I think a lot of it can be attributed to Aspergers Syndrome. Everyone else naturally [...] -
I Just Cut
30 Jun 2009 | 7:28 amI’ve had some horrible crap happen to me in the last week, there were a lot of lies told about me, I’ve lost my fiance, my soon to be kid, and my dignity. Its was just too painful so I cut up both arms.As you may have read earlier, my ex was a cutter and [...] -
Aspergers, and Good Friends
29 Jun 2009 | 10:45 amThe past week has been hell for me, and not just for me though. During times you go through hell you find out who your really good friends are, and who really don’t care.During the last week, life as I know had been destroyed. I’ve lost my fiance because of her lies, I’m likely going [...] -
Habitual Liars
26 Jun 2009 | 4:04 pmIf there is one thing I hate more then anything is a liar, and more then anything I hate a habitual liar. I’m having to deal with one right now.If you would like to read more about what I’m having to deal about personally you may read it on my personal blog. I don’t get what [...]
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Autism & Public School: My Experience
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Last Full Day of First Grade
25 Jun 2009 | 6:34 amDuckyBoy is doing great handling the transition from first to second grade. Last year at this time he was a basket case, aggressive and sad and scared.This year, he's been a little "off" but overall no big slip like we saw last spring.And, he has a new friend to ease the transition: We're the summer home for Supergirl, the mommy Chinese dwarf hamster from his classroom. We got her yesterday afternoon. He wanted to have her sleep in his room last night, but since the critters are nocturla, she kept running in her wheel so he reluctantly asked me to move her back to the playroom.When he got up… -
First Grade: Little Things That Have Helped
22 Jun 2009 | 11:41 amThese are some non-IEP things that I'd like to keep track of for next school year. It's the kind of thing that's easily forgotten.* Having a 1:1 with one of the adults on his team early Monday morning. For a while he met with the social worker, now he has an OT session. While the social work sessions aren't his favorite, since he has to talk about his feelings before he gets to play with the toys, it helped him get emotionally organized for the week. And he loves his OT this year, so having their session to look forward to -- and spending that time with someone really focusing on him and his… -
Vacation vs. Practice: Vacation Wins!
11 Jun 2009 | 7:29 amMonday was a last-minute concert by the first grade. (Whose bright idea was that? Is there no end to the torture?) The idea was to celebrate the end of the year, so there was the short concert and then families and first graders could adjourn to the cafeteria (was supposed to be outside but rain threatened) for snacks.It was not optional like the evening concert was for DB.But. We were gone last week. So DB missed the practice. The previous week, when his school team found out we'd be gone, they tried valiantly to convince us he really, really should come to school on Wednesday for the… -
Playing With Other Kids
10 Jun 2009 | 6:24 pmDuckyBoy spent last week at Grandma's on Long Island, visiting lots of playgrounds. While we were on vacation in Cozumel, he was playing with a new kid, or two or three, almost every day.When we picked him up on Sunday, Grandma proudly told us story after story about how nicely he asked to play with, then played with, the other kids he met. He asked politely, he shared (after day 1, when Grandma had to send him to his room because he wouldn't share... after that, he got it!), he took turns, it was a string of great social successes. With similar-age peers.That made us feel good!By… -
Math Homework
10 Jun 2009 | 1:45 pmDuckyBoy was doing his math homework last night with his dad when I heard what sounded like guesses of random numbers: "15? 45? 9?"Husband said something to the effect of "No, try to figure it out," to which DB replied, "But I'm brainstorming!"To his credit, Husband simply said, "You can't do that, you have to calculate."To my credit, I didn't bust out laughing.
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OTPlan.com
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Sensory Salad
In this activity the child gets to use his imagination as he works on promoting his fine motor skills and his ability to process tactile input. This is a fun activity to do in a small group for social interaction and promotion of language. -
Textured Paper Painting
This activity allows the child to create a unique paper texture. The goal is to promote the child's fine motor skills and control by utilizing both hands, cutting, and painting. The use of finger paint allows the child to work on processing tactile input. -
Tactile Paint
This activity promotes the child visual motor skills and improves finger isolation. In addition, the child also works on processing of tactile input as he moves his fingers along the paint. -
Recycled Jug Catcher
In this activity, the child will practice his eye-hand coordination skills in addition to developing his fine motor skills. -
Tactile Cotton Sheep
In this creative activity the child has the opportunity to practice his cutting skills and pincer grasp. The soft cotton balls provide tactile input.
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Facing Autism in New Brunswick
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Autism and Vaccine Safety - Has the Scientific Method Been Abandoned?
3 Jul 2009 | 2:41 amThere is currently a persistent and strenuous effort being made to end discussion of possible vaccine connections to autism spectrum disorders. Led by vaccine patent holder Dr. Paul Offit the mainstream media and Internet based forums alike have been regurgitating ad nauseum Offit's position that the science is done, the evidence is in, that it has been proven conclusively, forever and ever and ever and ever, that vaccines and vaccine ingredients do not and can not ever cause autism disorders in children. But is that how science actually works? Does the scientific method actually involve… -
Autistic Children Still Languish on Ontario Wait Lists
2 Jul 2009 | 4:06 amIn Auton and Wynberg Canadian courts ruled, in essence, that autistic children do not have a substantive Constitutional right to effective treatment or education. It is up to government to decide whether autistic children in Canada will have access to evidence based effective treatment for their autism disorders or to a real education. In Ontario the McGuinty government has demonstrated what happens when treatment and education are left to the whims of government. Five years after the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Auton many autistic children in Ontario still languish on waiting lists… -
Lead Babies and Autism: Does Lead Plus Mercury Equal Autism?
29 Jun 2009 | 4:10 amGrandview Corners in Surrey BC is the location of a launch for the book Lead Babies by Joanna Cerazy, who has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership a and Sandra Cottingham M.Sc. and Ph.D. and twenty plus years of classroom experience with regular students and students with special needs.I have not yet read Lead Babies. The book is reviewed in an article by Alex Browne in the PeaceArchnews.com. Both educators noticed a rise in developmental problems including attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, autism, delinquency and violence. They conducted research across a variety of… -
Tell the People and Rulers of Iran that the World is Watching
29 Jun 2009 | 2:51 amOn twitter and on blog sites Bloggers Unite for a Free Iran today.Tweet or blog your support today for the freedom seeking people of Iran.It may not seem like much but each tweet and each blog tells the people AND the rulers of Iran that the world is watching. Hopefully someday the people will rule Iran.Today I humbly express my support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom.autism -
Autism, Vaccines and Public Trust: AMA Votes to Continue Sit Down and Shut Up Approach
27 Jun 2009 | 1:18 amThe AMA has rejected a proposal by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law that asked the AMA Council on Science and Public Health to review the most recent research on vaccines and autism.In rejecting any further review the AMA is essentially telling people like Dr. Bernadine Healy, Dr. Julie Gerberding and Dr. Jon Poling that their critiques of the epidemiological study limitations or the desirability of conducting comparative studies of vaccinated and un-vaccinated groups are invalid…
