Its amazing how an Autistic child continues to grow and develop considering how their diets are so limited at times. Is this a cause of Autism or a clue to what lies ahead? The more clues the better, the earlier the better as well. this article points to being able to identify children at one month who MAY have an ASD, this would be welcome news as the best remedy for Autism right now is getting the right therapy in Early Childhood.

New research on the finicky eating habits of children with autism finds that while autistic children do tend to eat a less varied diet than other kids, their feeding preferences have little negative effect on their height, weight and growth.

Researchers at the University of Bristol began with a database of all children who were born between 1991 and 1992 and enrolled in a long-term study in Avon, England. The children’s caregivers completed detailed food questionnaires describing the kids’ eating habits at five intervals, beginning at 6 months and continuing to age four and a half. Since autism is generally not diagnosed until after age 2, when children begin speaking, the study captured feeding habits in children well before parents were even aware their children may be affected with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That means their answers to the questionnaires were less likely to be biased by knowledge of their child’s eventual autism status.

By the end of the study, when the children were 7 years old, 79 had been diagnosed with an ASD, compared with 12,901 who had not.

Researchers found that by the time they were 1 month old, autistic children were already 35% more likely than unaffected children to be slow feeders. By 1 year, their diets were considerably less varied – they ate fewer vegetables and fruits, but they also consumed less sweets and carbonated beverages. By that age, parents also reported that children with ASD were nearly twice as likely to be choosier about their food than unaffected children.

However, the scientists found no significant differences in the total energy intake or overall carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption between the autistic children and the controls at 18 months. All the children were similar in height, weight and body mass index (or BMI, a ratio of height and weight used to measure obesity). “For parents of an autistic child, these data suggest they needn’t be too concerned about their child’s eating habits,” says Pauline Emmett, a nutritionist and one of the authors of the paper published in Pediatrics. “In general, these children are not going to end up malnourished. I think it’s a hopeful message for parents.”

Read more at Time.com

Share It

Hide Sites

For the past year or so, I have tried to watch every movie with an Autism link in it in hopes of learning or as a source of inspiration. And for the most part, this has worked in providing insight and further understanding. Recently, I watched the Temple Grandin movie starring Claire Danes on HBO last night. All I can say is very well done and impressive. I highly suggest making time to view this movie which to me was dead on.

Here is a speech given by Temple Grandin that is sure to educate and inspire. Here are some insights from Temple on what to do as soon as you know or see an indication of Autism. “When I was a little kid, I had all the symptoms – no speech and really severe autism,” she says. “You’ve gotta work with the kids really young … My mother made sure I had my first job when I was 13, working for a seamstress. When I was in college, I had internships at a research lab and at a school for autistic kids.” Early intervention is key.

There are a wealth of great tips and insights in this video for anyone who is in contact with an autistic person- Focus on strengths, Don’t punish sensory issues, The Autistic brain is highly detailed and constantly at work, limit surprises. Thinking in pictures- a mind that works like Google search engine for images and more…

Related articles by Zemanta

• Temple Grandin’s theories on autism (marginalrevolution.com)
• Temple Grandin premieres on HBO (timeoutny.com)
• Claire Danes as the Autistic Temple Grandin (cinematical.com)
• Claire Danes plays autistic icon Temple Grandin (trueslant.com)
• Autism through a time machine (thestar.com)

Share It

Hide Sites

Related articles by Zemanta

• What’s the Story About Gastrointestinal Problems in Kids With Autism? (usnews.com)
• Discrimination Against Persons with Low Functioning Autism (autisminnb.blogspot.com)
• Autism-Supplements.com and Generation Rescue Work Together to Raise Money for Biomedical Autism Treatments (prweb.com)
• The Lancet retracts paper linking MMR vaccines and autism (arstechnica.com)

Share It

Hide Sites

Finally a positive article about Autism and why not, the attention, focus and commitment to detail found in most Autistics would make anybody a more productive worker, and they probably wont gossip too much either.

Radical Ideas from

Thorkil Sonne: Recruit Autistics

By Drake Bennett

Most occupations require people skills. But for some, a preternatural capacity for concentration and near-total recall matter more. Those jobs, entrepreneur Thorkil Sonne says, could use a little autism.

Sonne reached this conclusion six years ago, after his youngest son was diagnosed with the mysterious developmental disorder. “At first I was in agony and despair,” he recalls. “Then came the thought of what happens when he grows up.”

In Sonne’s native Denmark, as elsewhere, autistics are typically considered unemployable. But Sonne worked in IT, a field more suited to people with autism and related conditions like Asperger’s syndrome. “As a general view, they have excellent memory and strong attention to detail. They are persistent and good at following structures and routines,” he says. In other words, they’re born software engineers.

In 2004, Sonne quit his job at a telecom firm and founded Specialisterne (Danish for “Specialists”), an IT consultancy that hires mostly people with autism-spectrum disorders. Its nearly 60 consultants ferret out software errors for companies like Microsoft and Cisco Systems. Recently, the firm has expanded into other detail-centered work-like keeping track of Denmark’s fiber-optic network, so crews laying new lines don’t accidentally cut old ones.  Read more at WIRED.com

Share It

Hide Sites

With autism, parents have extreme concerns about future independence, finances and isolation, compared to more common worries of parents with typically developing children

(Washington, December 16, 2008) — Parents of children with autism are struggling with a host of worries that impact every aspect of their lives, and are particularly fearful that their family will lack the life-long supports needed to address the significant challenges of autism, according to a new study released today by Easter Seals and made possible by MassMutual Financial Group.

Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study results reveal parents raising children with autism are very concerned about the future independence of their children. In fact, they’re far more concerned than parents of typically developing children — nearly 80 percent say they’re extremely or very concerned about their children’s independence as an adult, compared to only 32 percent of other parents. This is especially true when it comes to their financial independence, quality of life, social and inter-personal connections, and employment and housing opportunities — and with good reason.

Autism is a growing public health crisis, with millions of families desperate for solutions and resources. Easter Seals and others in the autism community are doing their best, but current systems, structures and resources to help people with autism and their families do not adequately meet the growing need, especially for adults with autism.

“The study quantifies what we’ve heard anecdotally over the years,” says Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, Easter Seals national director, autism services. “The one consistent message Easter Seals hears from the families we serve — after the initial apprehension and anxiety of learning their child has autism — is an overwhelming concern about the life-long supports their child with autism may need to be independent.”

Study Shows Parents’ Hope for Independence . . . Financial and Otherwise
The nationwide study provides new insight into the ongoing challenges facing individuals and families living with autism, particularly their concerns about the future. It’s unique in that it closely considers and quantifies the very real concerns of parents of children with autism in relation to parents of typically developing children.

A sampling of the findings:

• Parents of children living with autism are very concerned about their children fitting into society, with very few feeling their children will be able to:
  • Make his or her own life decisions (14% compared to 65% of parents with typically developing children)
  • Have friends in the community (17% compared to 57% of typical parents)
  • Have a spouse or life partner (9% compared to 51% of typical parents)
  • Be valued by their community (18% compared to 50% of typical parents)
  • Participate in recreational activities (20% compared to 50% of typical parents)
• Children with autism also are less likely than their typically developing peers to have bank accounts (37% vs. 55%) and use electronic products like cell phones (9% vs. 41%) or MP3 players (23% vs. 49%) — all tools of mainstream society.
• Many parents of children with autism report they’re “financially drowning,” with concerns for their children’s financial independence seeming to far surpass the worries of typical parents. Seventy-four percent of parents of children with autism fear their children will not have enough financial support after they die, while only 18% of typical parents share this fear.

  They also express extreme financial strains and costs associated with caring for a child with autism, with more than half stating that the cost of caring for my child:

  • Drains my family’s current financial resources (52% compared to 13% of typical parents)
  • Will drain my family’s future finances (50% compared to 10% of typical parents)
  • Will cause me to fall short of cash during retirement (54% compared to 13% of typical parents)
• Key to adult independence is employment, yet only 24% of teenagers with autism have looked for a job, compared to 77% of their typically developing peers. And 76% of parents of children with autism are concerned about their child’s future employment, when only 35% of typical parents share this fear.

“Families living with autism face so many challenges on a daily basis,” says John Chandler, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of MassMutual’s U.S. Insurance Group. “But this study has really brought home for us how much stress they face when it comes to their current financial situation, the future of their child with autism, their other children and their own retirement. Our hundreds of Special Care Planners across the country are in a great position to help make at least this part of their struggle easier.”

As an Easter Seals corporate partner and the study sponsor, MassMutual is committed to serving people living with autism and other disabilities through its exclusive SpecialCareSM program, an innovative solution that gives families with individuals with special needs access to information, specialists, and financial strategies that can help improve their quality of life.

Easter Seals worked with Harris Interactive, and in cooperation with the Autism Society of America, to conduct the Living with Autism Study and survey 1,652 parents of children who have autism and 917 parents of typically developing children about daily life, relationships, independence, education, housing, employment, finances and healthcare.*

Study Findings to Drive Solutions
“Easter Seals strives to make data-based-decisions,” Wright says. “With this study, the disparities that parents of typically developing children and parents of children with autism experience can now be shared via solid numbers.”

Easter Seals will use the study results to raise awareness of and advocate for the life-long services millions of families living with autism desperately need — including school to work transitions, employment support, residential and community support, and financial planning.

“For parents of kids with autism, there are no simple answers,” adds Wright. “There is an urgent need for increased funding and services — especially for adults with autism. Easter Seals wants to help change all of this and make a difference for families living with autism today.”

*Methodology
This Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Easter Seals between June 16 and July 17, 2008 among 1,652 parents of children age 30 and under who have autism and 917 parents of typically developing children age 30 and under. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Easter Seals
Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way a person’s brain functions, involving challenges in communication, social skills, and behaviors. While there is no known cause or cure, autism is treatable and people with autism can — and do — lead meaningful lives. Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Visit www.easterseals.com or http://www.actforautism.org/ to learn more about autism, find services at an Easter Seals near you, or help change the lives of people living with autism by becoming a donor or volunteer.

About Harris Interactive®
Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.

About MassMutual Financial Group
MassMutual is a leader in helping people with disabilities and other special needs and their families through its exclusive SpecialCareSM Program, an innovative outreach initiative that provides access to information, specialists, and financial solutions that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other special needs and their families and caregivers. For more information and resources on autism, go to www.massmutual.com/autism.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual and its subsidiaries had more than $500 billion in assets under management at year-end 2007. Assets under management include assets and certain external investment funds managed by MassMutual’s subsidiaries. Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutually owned financial protection, accumulation and income management company headquartered in Springfield, Mass. MassMutual’s major affiliates include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC (http://www.finra.org/ and http://www.sipc.org/); MassMutual International LLC and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. MassMutual is on the Internet at http://www.massmutual.com/.

About the Autism Society of America (ASA)
ASA, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit http://www.autism-society.org/.

Share It

Hide Sites

I found this on the Easter Seals site and suggest  visiting their site for more in depth information on Autism and Services needed for children on the spectrum.

Easter Seals — helping people with disabilities gain greater independence

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
Understanding Speech and Hearing Therapy

Speech and hearing therapy (also known as speech-language pathology and audiology) are important health-related specialties concerned with normal development of human communication and treatment of its disorders. Speech therapy focuses on voice and speech-language skills, while hearing therapy deals with hearing and hearing impairment.

Speech or language disorders may be present at birth or acquired later in life by disease, illness, head injury, substance abuse or allergy.

Hearing loss may be acquired before or during birth if a pregnant woman takes certain drugs or contracts a viral disease such as rubella (German Measles). Children sometimes acquire hearing loss from infection and inflammation of the middle ear or from communicable diseases. Adult hearing may be affected by prolonged exposure to loud noise and the process of aging.

Who Needs Speech-Language Pathology and Audiological Services?

Speech-Language Pathology is used to help:

* Individuals with voice disorders to develop proper control of their vocal and respiratory systems
* Individuals who stutter to learn to cope with the disorder and increase fluency
* Individuals with aphasia (a condition in which an individual has difficulty expressing thoughts and understanding others) as a result    of a stroke or head injury. Speech-language pathology helps individuals relearn language and speech skills.
* Children and young adults with language disorders

Audiological services are used to:

* Determine existence and type of hearing impairments
* Provide rehabilitative services
* Assess amplification devices, such as hearing aids
* Teach individuals ways in which they can make the best use of their remaining hearing

Speech and hearing therapists, recognized as speech-language pathologists and audiologists, who provide treatment are professionally trained specialists holding master’s degrees or the equivalent from programs accredited by an Educational Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Some speech-language pathologists and audiologists hold doctoral degrees and work as teachers, advisors, researchers and consultants. Some specialize in certain areas, such as aphasia or hearing disorders in children, or participate in prevention and early identification programs.

Speech-language pathologists who use the initials “CCC-SLP” after their name have passed a national examination administered by the Clinical Certification Board of ASHA. Audiologists who pass a different national test, administered by the board, receive a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology and qualify to use the initials “CCC-A” after their name. A person who meets requirements in both professional areas may be awarded both certificates.

Individualized Treatment Plans

A speech-language pathologist evaluates a person’s speech-language skills, determines the probable cause and extent of any existing disorder and develops appropriate treatment to correct or lessen the communication problem. Clinical methods used depend on the nature and severity of the problem, the age of the client and the client’s awareness of the problem.

An audiologist, after evaluating a person’s hearing and determining the type of hearing loss, establishes a treatment plan. This may involve therapy, prescription of special equipment such as hearing aids and electronic communication devices and referral for possible surgery or medication.

Visit the Easter Seals site for more information

Share It

Hide Sites

Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, or AQ, as a measure of the extent of autistic traits in adults. In the first major trial using the test, the average score in the control group was 16.4. Eighty percent of those diagnosed with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher. The test is not a means for making a diagnosis, however, and many who score above 32 and even meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s report no difficulty functioning in their everyday lives. You can take the test here.

Share It

Hide Sites

Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and Unlock Autism today applauded Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for their introduction of a House companion bill to the Senate’s Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA), which was introduced last month by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Like the Senate version, the House version of the ATAA (H.R. 2413) is comprehensive federal legislation that addresses several critical challenges facing the autism community, including increased funding for scientific research, treatment and services. The ATAA incorporates provisions from the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), originally proposed by Representatives Doyle, Smith, Engel, and former-Representative Chip Pickering.

A welcome sign of relief  to many who routinely spend $30-$50k on therapy’s – not even considered for reimbursement by insurance companies.

As in the Senate’s ATAA bill, a key section of the House bill requires all insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs), including coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy – a medically-necessary, evidence-based autism treatment. While the number of states that have enacted comprehensive autism insurance reform legislation has grown to ten, most state insurers are still allowed to specifically exclude coverage for these critical services, which can cost upward of $50,000 a year – well beyond the means of most families.

The House version of the bill also addresses the unique needs of adults with ASDs, creating a demonstration project with one-year planning grants and multi-year implementation grants for the provision of service for adults with autism. In addition, it creates the Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Services aimed at accelerating the dissemination and utilization of critical, new information, moving it from “bench to bedside” as quickly as possible.

Share It

Hide Sites

What are thre best schools for Autism services? The consensus seems to be larger, mostly Northeast cities but there is no
one resource for researching or selecting the best school options for your child.

I have been searching for the past 4 years now, finally I present a few posts I have found that offer a glimmer of information.

In my experience it comes down to knowing your rights and always have an advocate in the room with you. We live in NY, we found the services
are varied form district to district and have come a long way. In the end though, there is no plan for my child past 6th grade, his options are Boces
or some place far, far away from home.  If you do find a good site, please post it so we can help spread the word.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061109092801AAiVpeX

http://www.city-data.com/forum/special-needs-children/300371-best-school-districts-us-autistic-children-4.html

http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-schools.html

Share It

Hide Sites

Can leaching plastics be involved with the rise in Autism? In m y view ABSOLUTELY! These days everything which was once housed in glass is now in plastic. Plastic water bottles embossed with company logo’s straight from the  capital of lead poisining – China, fill almost every corporate portfolio of chatzke giveaways. Its time to rid ourselves of plastics and go back to glass. Rep Charles Schumer of NY has just recently proposed a ban of BPA’s in any baby product, at least someone is aware and doing something about it!
BPA or Bisphenol A is Everywhere – Are We Safe?
BPA otherwise known as Bisphenol A is a compound widely used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. This
industrial chemical has created quite a stir since 2007 and is still a subject of intense controversy. BPA can be found
in plastics around us and is in the products that we use every day, from DVDs to eyeglasses to mobile phones.
Normally, BPA is harmless, that is, until it gets in contact with food and drinks and leaches out. According to
a report of the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), “the primary
source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet…BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority
of daily human exposure.”

However, not all plastics contain BPA. Plastics are categorized into 7 types according to the recycling process
and the classification codes are located at the bottom of plastic containers. According to NTP, only plastic no. 7,
designated as “other” contains BPA. Incidentally there are other organizations which report that BPA is also found in
plastic no. 3.

Some of the adverse effects that BPA may cause include the following:

BPA is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that mimics the neurotoxic properties of the hormone estrogen.
According to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) of the Association of Occupational and
Environmental Clinics (AOEC). “BPA has been associated with increases in developmental disorders of the brain and
nervous system in animals. These developmental disorders in animals are like problems such as ADHD (attention deficit
hyper-reactivity disorder) in humans.”

PEHSU reports that “BPA may cause changes in cells in breasts, the uterus, and the prostate which can increase
risk of cancers.” The September 2008 report of NTP suggests that BPA exposure may be linked to prostate and brain
cancer.

The NTP report also says that BPA can cause behavioral problems in fetuses, infants and children. It can induce
early onset of puberty in girls and can cause reproductive disorders.

High BPA levels have been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

It comes as no surprise that these findings have generated a strong anti-BPA movement worldwide. To understand the
controversy behind BPA, let’s look at some of the events that have occurred in the last two years.

March 2007. A class action lawsuit was filed against baby bottle manufacturers on behalf of Californian babies who
may have been adversely affected by BPA.

November 2007. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati published an article in Toxicology Letters
(online edition) reporting that BPA is leaching out of the polycarbonate bottles popularly used as drinking bottles.
This report led to Nalgene plastic bottles taken off the shelves in Canada.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested infant formulas for BPA and detected BPA in some of the most
popular brands. When questioned, 4 out of the top 5 companies admitted using BPA in their packaging.

January 2008. The National Center for Environmental Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
published a paper which reported that BPA was detected in the urine of 92.6% of 2,517 participants during the
2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHNES).

April 2008. Canada announced its plans to ban
BPA-containing bottles. The US FDA established an
agency-wide BPA task force to facilitate cross-agency
review of current research and new information on BPA for
all FDA regulated products.

May 2008. In a health call, “leaders of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce threatened to subpoena the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for records the agency used in
determining that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) was safe
for use in making infant formula liners and other products
intended for infants and children”, according to a report
in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

July 2008. The European Food Safety Authority’s AFC Panel
declared that human exposure to BPA is too low to cause any
real harm. According to the panel’s report, the human body
rapidly metabolises and eliminates BPA out of the body.
September 3, 2008

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) issued a report on
BPA, expressing the following concerns: – “some concern”
for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in
fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures
to BPA. – “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary
gland and an earlier age for puberty for females, in
fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures
to BPA. – “negligible concern” that exposure of pregnant
women to BPA will result in fetal or neonatal mortality,
birth defects, or reduced birth weight and growth in their
offspring. – “negligible concern” that exposure to BPA will
cause reproductive effects in non-occupationally exposed
adults and “minimal concern” for workers exposed to higher
levels – in occupational settings. “Some concern”
represents a midpoint in a 5-point scale of concern, with
“serious concern” as the highest and “negligible concern”
as the lowest.

September 2008. Researchers at the University of Exeter
(UK) re-examined the previously mentioned NHNES BPA urine
data. They found that high levels of BPA in the urine were
associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular
disorders, diabetes, and kidney problems. The BPA
Subcommittee of the Science Board to the US FDA met on
September 16, 2008 to discuss BPA assessment.

October 2008. Two studies reported research results in mice
exposed to BPA. One study reported that pregnant mice
exposed to BPA suffered from altered the cellular structure
of the breasts. A second study showed that female mice’s
exposure to low-dose BPA during fetal life or adulthood
caused alterations in maternal behaviour.

Researchers at University of Cincinnati report that BPA is
linked to chemotherapy resistance. The study demonstrated
that “BPA does not increase cancer cell proliferation like
DES [cancer-promoting compound called diethylstilbestrol]
does. It’s actually acting by protecting existing cancer
cells from dying in response to anti-cancer drugs, making
chemotherapy significantly less effective.”

The Canadian government announced the drafting of
regulations that will prohibit the import, sale and
advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain BPA.

Based on a review by a subcommittee, the US Food and Drug
Administration (US FDA) stated that “consumers should know
that, based on all available evidence, the present
consensus among regulatory agencies in the United States,
Canada, Europe, and Japan is that current levels of
exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an
immediate health risk to the general population, including
infants and babies.” In addition, the US FDA thinks the
Canadian restrictions on BPA are “out of an abundance of
caution.”

January 2009. The US FDA and Health Canada’s Health
Products and Food Branch hosted a meeting of
representatives of U.S and Canadian manufacturers and users
of food packaging materials containing BPA. They discussed
what is to be done to help minimize the levels of BPA in
food. The meeting was also part of FDA’s efforts to assist
the manufacturing industry in its voluntary BPA reduction
efforts.

So what can we do to protect ourselves from BPA?

Recommendations from PEHSU – Avoid plastics with symbol # 3
(PVC or polyvinyl), symbol # 6 (PS or polystyrene foam) and
symbol #. Do not microwave food/beverages in plastic. Do
not microwave or heat plastic cling wraps. Do not place
plastics in the dishwasher. If using hard polycarbonate
plastics (water bottles/baby bottles/sippy cups), do not
use for warm/hot liquids. Use safe alternatives such as
glass or polyethylene plastic (symbol #1). Avoid canned
foods when possible (BPA may be used in can linings). Look
for labels on products that say “phthalate-free” or
“BPA-free”.

Recommendations from the Center for Science in the Public
Interest (CSPI): Avoid plastic containers made of
polycarbonate. Any bottle or container made of
polycarbonate has the recycling No. 7 on the bottom. When
possible, prepare or store food—especially hot foods
and liquids—in glass, porcelain, or stainless steel
dishes or containers. If you have polycarbonate plastic
food containers, don’t microwave them. The plastic is more
likely to break down and release BPA when it’s repeatedly
heated to high temperatures. Don’t wash polycarbonate
plastic containers in the dishwasher. The detergent may
break down the plastic, which could release BPA. Use infant
formula bottles that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
BornFree (newbornfree.com) is one of many companies that
make them. When you can, replace canned foods with foods
that are fresh, frozen, or packaged in aseptic
(shelf-stable) boxes. At least one manufacturer—Eden
Foods—lines its cans with a BPA alternative made from
plant extracts. A good alternative to polycarbonate is
polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), which has the recycling
No. 1 on the bottom. Avoid older versions of Delton dental
sealant…Most dental sealants are free of BPA. However,
older Delton sealants contain a compound that breaks down
into BPA, mostly during the first day after it comes into
contact with saliva.

—————————————————-
The article BPA or Bisphenol A is Everywhere – Are We Safe?
may be found in it’s entirety with references and links on
http://HealthWorldNet.com .

Share It

Hide Sites

I believe it is safe to say this could work with any kid who loves Spidey, not just a person with Autism.

BANGKOK (AFP) – A Thai fireman turned superhero when he dressed up as comic-book character Spider-Man to coax a frightened eight-year-old from a balcony, police said Tuesday.

Teachers at a special needs school in Bangkok alerted authorities on Monday when an autistic pupil, scared of attending his first day at school, sat out on the third-floor ledge and refused to come inside, a police sergeant told AFP.

Despite teachers’ efforts to beckon the boy inside, he refused to budge until his mother mentioned her son’s love of superheroes, prompting fireman Sonchai Yoosabai to take a novel approach to the problem.

The rescuer dashed back to his fire station and made a quick change into a Spider-Man costume before returning to the boy, he said.

“I told him Spider-Man is here to rescue you, no monsters are going to attack you and I told him to walk slowly towards me as running could be dangerous,” Somchai told local television.

The young boy immediately stood up and walked into his rescuer’s arms, police said.

Somchai said he keeps the Spider-Man costume and an outfit of Japanese television character Ultraman at the station in order to liven up school fire drills.

Share It

Hide Sites

Casein Free Gluten Free Recipes

These recipes are a great resource to help adhering to a strict diet and some variation to taste can be made to the ingredients depending on what the diet requires.
TOP- Before doing anything. Please consult with your child’s healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.

Banana Bread

1/4 cup rice milk
6 tablespoon safflower oil
6 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 1/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 5 medium bananas)
1 1/2 cups rice flour (I used 3/4 cup brown rice flour and 3/4 cup white rice flour– Blending the 2 flours give a nice consistency)
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 tablespoon roasted grain beverage powder ( You may use rice protein instead)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup walnuts ( Raisins can be used for those with a nut allergy)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a loaf pan or cake pan and dust with flour.
Put the rice milk, oil, maple syrup, and bananas in a blender and blend until smooth.
In a large bowl , whisk the flour, beverage powder (or rice protein) baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Add banana mixture and combine, using few strokes as possible. Do not over mix.
Fold in walnuts or raisins).
Scrape into pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Macaroni & Cheese
2 tablespoons butter ( You can use ghee–clarified casein free butter)
2 tablespoons flour (You can use gluten free pantry’s all-purpose baking flour mix)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup rice milk
Dash of onion powder to taste
Butternut squash

You’ll also need gluten-free elbow macaroni noodles

Cut up butternut squash and cook by boiling in water.
While butternut squash is cooking begin basic white sauce.
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat.
Blend in flour and salt, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Remove from heat.  Stir in the milk and onion powder; return to heat and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until thickened.
Once butternut squash is cooked. Drain it and mash it.  Then add the squash to the thick white sauce.  The more squash you add the more yellow it gets. Just keep adding until you get the color you want.
Pour the yellow sauce over cooked brown rice elbow macaroni and there you’ll have
macaroni and cheese (WITHOUT THE CHEESE!)
Pumpkin Waffles

2 eggs (Or use egg replacer or guar gum)
1 3/4 cups rice milk
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups gluten free pantry all purpose baking mix
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Heat waffle iron.  In blender jar combine rice milk, pumpkin, oil and eggs.  Blend at mix about 10 seconds.  Add  remaining ingredients.  Blend at mix about 60 seconds, scrape sides of blender jar every 20 seconds.   Be sure to spray the waffle iron well and bake in hot waffle iron until waffles are golden brown about 3 to 5 minutes.  May be served with maple syrup.

Portuguese Soup

Olive oil
Garlic
Onions
Stew beef (or short ribs)
Black pepper
Potatoes
1 big can Kidney beans
1 big can Cannelli beans
Carrots (optional)
Kale (can buy kale in pre cut bags)
Water (or for a really nice flavor use chicken stock)

There is no science to this soup.  Just layer each ingredient into
the pot beginning with the beef. Put desired amounts of ingredients into the pot and let everything cook down till the flavors gel together.  Soup tastes better the next day.
You can add a can of split pea soup to this same recipe for a really nice flavor (green or yellow split pea is fine).

Gluten Free White Bread
(You will need a Bread Machine to make this.  We use the Breadman and this comes out delicious–almost better than the real thing!)

2 1/2 cups white rice flour
1/2 cup potato starch flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch flour
1 Tbsp xanthan gum
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1 package of dry active yeast
3 large eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup sunflower oil
1 tsp cider vinegar
1/2 cup milk substitute (rice or potato milk)
3/4 cup warm water

Follow instructions of your bread machine for baking details.

Tapioca Pudding
DELICIOUS!!

3 cups Organic Coconut Milk
1/4 cup Organic Granulated Tapioca
1/8 tsp. cardamom or cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar

In a saucepan, simmer the ingredients (except for the vanilla and sugar).  Cook for 10 minutes, stir often until tapioca is completely transparent.  Remove from heat, add sugar and vanilla until completely blended.  Set aside to cool. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature in individual bowl.  You can top with fresh fruit such as berries or bananas.

Casein Free Ice Cream

Approx. 1 cup of Frozen Bananas
Approx. 1/2 cup coconut milk
Add any frozen or thawed fruit of choice to add more flavor
Dash of sugar (optional)
** This is a flexible recipe that is not set in stone.  You can get as creative as you like–but the key is to use frozen bananas as your ice base.

In a food processor, add bananas and blend at a low speed.  Slowly pour in coconut milk until desired texture and consistency is reached.  You can also add more frozen fruit such as strawberries.  Final result should be a thick, creamy, delicious ice cream treat!

Disclaimer: The information and postings on this site are presented for support and educational purposes only.  The information supplied on this page is believed to be reliable but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.  UnlockAutism.com and AutismKey.com, its owner(s) and/ or webmaster(s) will not be held liable for any adverse actions or events related (directly or indirectly) to the information and/or recipes provided herein.  IN OTHER WORDS, USE THESE RECIPES AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR CHILD’S HEALTHCARE PROVIDER!

Source – A great resource site – AutismKey.com

Share It

Hide Sites

Wanted to repost this article we shared afew months back. I was shocked that the baby formula I was ent home with from the hospital and provided by Similiac used PVC and was stamped with code #3. Why are we still using this stuff?

It’s worth avoiding all plastics if you can. You can identify a plastic by looking at the recycling code number that appears inside a triangle at the bottom of many containers.

Resin code #3 – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can leach phthalates, known male reproductive toxicants. It can be identified by code 3. One way to avoid it in the kitchen is by choosing plastic wrap made from polyethylene rather than PVC. If a box is not labeled, find a brand that is or call the manufacturer.

Resin code #6 – Polystyrene is used in Styrofoam products. It may leach styrene (a neurotoxin) when it comes into contact with hot, acidic, or fatty foods. It’s marked with recycling code 6.

Resin code #7 – Polycarbonate can leach bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor associated with a long list of health concerns. Baby bottles, “sippy” cups, 5-gallon water jugs, and reusable beverage bottles are typically made out of this plastic. Products may be marked with recycling code 7 (also includes any plastic that doesn’t fit into the 1 to 6 recycling code categories) and/or the letters “PC.”

The following plastics are considered safest for food storage. Glass and stainless steel are the best options as they do not have pores and bacteria catching scratches.

Resin code #1 – Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE), code 1.

Resin code #2 – High-density polyethylene (HDPE), code 2.

Resin code #4 – Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), code 4.

Resin code #5 – Polypropylene (PP), code 5.

Useful tips for when you do use plastic..

* Don’t microwave food plastic containers. HEat creates a good environment for chemicals to be re-activated and to leach out when plastic is heated. “Microwaveable plastic” doesn’t guarantee anything. Cover foods in the microwave with wax paper or a plate. If you do use plastic wrap, then make sure it doesn’t touch the food.

* Avoid putting hot foods in plastic containers. Let leftovers cool off before storing them in plastic.

* Take good care of plastics by not washing them with harsh chemicals, and dispose of scratched and worn containers. Just as your vet suggests no plastic bowls for your pets, we should follow the same advice.

Not sure about you, but i dont recall seeing plastic bottles around when I was a kid, it was glass and that was it. Now with nearly every child drinking form plastic and then followed up with nearly every adult drinking form a Poland Spring plastic water botle, its no wonder we are all poisopning ourselves! Use glass or stainless steel, avoid plastic!

For more green tips, visit Green and Ready

We use a product called BornFree made of “Glasstic” out of canada, one of the first PBA free plastic products on the market, but I would still prefer a glass baba for my kid. Here is a link to Consumer Reports story on this subject

Share It

Hide Sites

You may recall seeing the Eye Chart last time you visited the doctor. Today it is also common to see the entire human body chart, inner ear chart, neck, back and knee joint models and other props for the doctor to use with patients when explaining our all too common ailments.

With the explosive growth of Autism rates, can we expect to see more of this chart appearing in a pediatricians office near you?

Share It

Hide Sites

You know, I had heard it was a disgruntled ex employee of a Pharmaceutical company that started this whole MMR connection, if that is true this person should be tarred an feathered and tied to a whipping post in the village square for wasting so many valuable years of research down a wrong street, years that could have been used to find a cause and cure. Instead, we have wasted big time dollars and time accusing and defending.. What a shame, Now this article appeared int he NY Times claiming that the researchers had a conflict of interest who published the findings.. all this for what, a Gov’t grant or a mention in some Journal?

“Meanwhile, the original paper’s publisher — The Lancet — complained in 2004 that the lead author had concealed a conflict of interest. Ten of his co-authors retracted the paper’s implication that the vaccine might be linked to autism. Three of the authors are now defending themselves before a fitness-to-practice panel in London on charges related to their autism research.

Sadly, even after all of this, many parents of autistic children still blame the vaccine. The big losers in this debate are the children who are not being vaccinated because of parental fears and are at risk of contracting serious — sometimes fatal — diseases.”

How about we shift towards researching things introduced into the environment that mirror the rise of Autism, Such as; Cell Phones, PC’s, Plastic Everything, Teflon, Hormone use in the food supply, even down to Hydro-Ponic Marijuana. Doesnt anyone else wonder about these things and their possible place in the cause of the Autism Epidemic? Anyone there?

Ten years ago, a clinical research paper triggered widespread and persistent fears that a combined vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella — the so-called MMR vaccine — causes autism in young children. That theory has been soundly refuted by a variety of other research over the years, and now a new study that tried to replicate the original study has provided further evidence that it was a false alarm. Read More from this New York Times article

Share It

Hide Sites

Its comical and sad really how a well known doctor with a “Clinic” named after him could charge $2,500 for an evaluation, before admitting an Autistic child into their program. Evaluate what, the files?

I mean come on here, are you here to help or just profit? I understand the need to evaluate prior to providing services but these kids come with volumes of medical folders which one needs a milk crate to carry them around. It’s not as though an Autistic kid is coming in cold, by the time one is ready for the “Clinic” they may have seen upwards of 20-30 doctors and had dozens of tests from neurological to nutritional to IQ and most likely has been engaged in thousands of hours of therapy.

Its a shame or perhaps a sham that doctors would put profits in front of services. Or maybe they just want the right kids , on the cusp of a breakthrough, in the program so it looks more effective. Who knows these days, everyone seems to be “Selling” hope these days, instead of providing it.

Ranting and Raving because I am disgusted with the notion of Medicine being big business. When was the last time a disease was cured? Polio I believe it was – why? Because drug companies make more money from treating a disease than curing a disease. Medicine should not be free enterprise, it should not be free, but it should be there when people need it.

Share It

Hide Sites

Came across this video series, http://www.modelmekids.com/autism-videos.html

Anyone ever use it? What were your results? Seems like a great idea and one I have often thought about given my sons love of the video tape, or dvd.

Thanks for sharing… is there anybody out there??

The Time for School video presents social skills in the context of school. It features elementary school-aged children demonstrating appropriate social skills in the classroom, library, on the playground, and in the hallway. Each scene lasts between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on the chapter. At the end of each chapter is a storyboard summarizing the rules taught.

The video is hosted by a young boy, who narrates each scene.

With narration: In the first half of the video, the visual is combined with narration and graphics that help explain the particular rule.

Without narration: In the second half of the video, the same video is repeated without narration and graphics. This allows a parent, Autism teacher, or therapist to customize the lesson the individual child and/or to test what was learned in the first viewing of the video.

Each social skill is demonstrated in more than one situation and across environments. This is useful to children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome because it helps with generalization of the skill taught.

Graphics and music are used to make the video appealing to children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. A high production value helps keep the child’s interest so that he or she will want to watch many times.

Check it out here

Share It

Hide Sites

by: Helen Williams

About The Author

Helen Williams
Editor Consistent Parenting Advice.com

Share It

Hide Sites

Where as I appreciate any and most attention Autism receives, I feel a bit sickened by the fact that celebrity’;s seem to be leanding their names solely for the purpose of publicity.

Jenny is cool, but her book talks about she is able to afford the therapy’s that most of us only dream of or mortgage our homes for.  the therapy’s she mentions in the book are not hers, they are those of Berdard and Tomatis. Deidre Imus was a big factor in passing the Combating Autism Act, which is a lame act of empty promises. Where is she now? Robert Kennedy, now I was shocked to see how much attention he gets for helping Autism get reserach dollars, I thought he was an enviormentalist? And what is President Bill; Clintoln doing rasing money for children in far off lands, most of which wil never even see the dollasr raised when 1 in 150 children in the US are diagnosed with Autism, shame on you Bill! I don’t know, maybe I am wrong here and maybe, just maybe getting celebrity endorsement is better than none, but what have we gained since Autism is such a celebrity cause? A few best sellers or rehashed gobblee goop?

This is not a part time thing here, this is a life long condition and for most finanacial burden. What do we have to do, go on TV and get sponsors for individual families here in the states? We need insurance reforms like we see taking place in a few states like New Jersey, we need the medical community to rally here. Autism is horrible and the numbers climb ever day, why is it not being treated as an epidemic, but rather as a celebrity attention grabber!!?? What are your thoughts. Please share them and lets take the bull by the horns ourselves and Unlock Autism.

Share It

Hide Sites

It’s kind of like being on a plane, the flight attendant tells everyone in the event of an emergency … if due to a sudden drop in cabin pressure and the air mask drops, to put your mask on first so that you can assist your child and others. It carries through to taking care of someone like an Autistic Child.

Lets face it, a parent of a special needs child needs to be so much more than Special, we need to be Super, at all times and at all things. Friends are a gasp to hear of what a special needs family has to endure in order to get their kid in their home school district. Even the most basic of things in life that are taken for granted can be huge challenges. We just want our children to have the opportunity to cash in on a long and productive life.

So lets keep in mind, if we as Parents don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to adequately take care of the people who are most important in our lives, for very long.

So make it a point to enjoy your life- including your physical and mental health. Create and make time to rejuvenate and replenish your mind, body and spirit. Make and go to that long overdue doctors appointment for yourself , take an hour per day to read, a day per month to Spa, a night out with friends, a weekend escape- whatever it is, do it and be strong for your kids.

Being on top of your game here means more than love, caring and understanding. Its staying healthy and wise and up with things in the move.

So make that commitment to yourself and the quality of your goodness and care will shine.

Here is a site you can look for travel ideas. ExplorerPod.com.

Health, Spiritual and Wellness try MorningCoach.com

A link to Pass Time Google Maps. Check out your house for a new perspective.

Some great tunes and channels. DeadShowPodcast.com

Seriously, do something for yourself today, so you can continue to take care of your kids tomorrow.

Share It

Hide Sites

We could use a hand in finding material to share with others like you. If you have an experiences or know of other great resources for information, Please leave some comments or write to us at info@unlockautism.com This site is for us all. We are trying to direct you to pertinent information about Autism. Success stories and information about therapy’s and diets which helped or those which didn’t. Keep in mind, not all therapy’s will work for all. Autistic people are individuals in the truest sense of the word, with loving and caring families trying to unlock autism and let that person out.

If we can gather enough stats and information, perhaps we can help others. For us personally, Its been a whole lot of Love, Therapy’s and at times Snake Oil. Whats worked for us has been, ABA, Signing Time, Auditory Integration and Omega’s plus the usual OT, PT and Speech. But also encouraging more social engagement.

All I know is that we as parents know what works and what doesn’t, lets help those who are just discovering Autism. Let us help each other from being fooled by the latest and greatest therapy’s promising miracle and instant cures.
If you are interested in getting involved with UnlockAutism.com, let us know and share your wisdom.

Share It

Hide Sites

Coping skills

Raising a child with autism can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. These ideas may help:

* Find a team of trusted professionals. You’ll need to make important decisions about your child’s education and treatment. Find a team of teachers and therapists who can help evaluate the options in your area and explain the federal regulations regarding children with disabilities. Make sure this team includes a case manager or service coordinator, who can help access financial services and government programs.
* Take time for yourself and other family members. Caring for a child with autism can be a round-the-clock job that puts stress on your marriage and your whole family. To avoid burnout, take time out to relax, exercise or enjoy your favorite activities. Try to schedule one-on-one time with your other children and plan date nights with your spouse — even if it’s just watching a movie together after the children go to bed.
* Seek out other families of autistic children. Other families struggling with the challenges of autism can be a source of useful advice. Many communities have support groups for parents and siblings of children with autism.
* Learn about the disorder. There are many myths and misconceptions about autism. Learning the truth can help you better understand your child and his or her attempts to communicate. With time, you’ll likely be rewarded by seeing your child grow and learn and even show affection — in his or her own way.

Source: www.mayoclinic.com

Share It

Hide Sites

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently generated a mice model for autistic savants – a phenomenon in which an autistic person has an outstanding skill alongside his poor ability in social interactions. By using genetically engineered mice in which a specific protein in the brain was inactive, the researchers discovered an enhanced learning ability of the mice, but also an impaired long term memory, which resembles autism characteristics. The scientists hope that in the future, this work will lead to the development of treatment for autism and for other brain development disorders.
Read More

Share It

Hide Sites

Tomorrow, April 2, 2008 is a day committed to Autism on CNN TV. All day they will feature insight into Autism Spectrum Diseases. The CNN web site is already gearing up with tons of fresh content.

It remains one of the greatest mysteries of medicine. Although autism will be diagnosed in more than 25,000 U.S. children this year, more than new cases of childhood AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, scientists and doctors still know very little about the neurological disorder. full story

Check it out and pass the word.

Share It

Hide Sites

Written and owned by www.mayinstitute.org

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Many individuals with autism have also been diagnosed with another disorder. This secondary condition is referred to as a “co-morbid” disorder. Many of these secondary conditions are psychiatric in nature and require attention from parents, teachers and professionals. The most common co-morbid disorders are attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, and anxiety problems.

Diagnosing co-morbid disorders in children and adults with autism can be challenging because these individuals have difficulties with language, self-expression and social interactions. They may be unable to describe personal, internal feelings. Many do not speak at all, and some need specialized communication systems such as pictures, typing screens and basic sign language to communicate.

A proper diagnosis of a co-morbid disorder should be done by a qualified professional, such as a pediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. This specialist will be able to differentiate between the various disorders and provide a diagnosis based on direct observation of the individual’s behavior and actions, as well as reports from family members and teachers.

Below are some observable behaviors that might be associated with various co-morbid conditions. Note that many of these behaviors are characteristic of autism and do not necessarily indicate the presence of a psychiatric condition.

ADHD: Making careless mistakes; appearing not to listen; not following instructions; not finishing tasks; frequently losing items; fidgeting; squirming; difficulty in playing quietly; interrupting others; and not waiting for his or her turn.

OCD: Putting all chairs in place at the table; walking the same path at home or school; arranging items; counting items; repeating phrases; and needing to be first in line.

Depression: Sadness and excessive crying; little interest in previous favorite items; loss of appetite; and a lack of responsiveness to other people.

Anxiety: Increased breathing and heart rate, and strong avoidance of specific situations or items.

An accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the most effective treatment, especially if medications are to be considered. Treatment for co-morbid disorders must be administered in the context of an individual’s comprehensive program plan. There are three components to this type of approach that are briefly described below.

First, any serious problem behavior – such as tantrums, hitting others, hurting oneself, or destroying property – must be addressed with a plan that includes:

Defining the behavior in observable terms;

Using rewards for good behavior;

Employing a specific consistent response to the behavior, such as ignoring, removing privileges, or directing to a task; and

Counting the number of occurrences each day.

Second, the child or adult should be taught ways to cope with situations that might result in problem behaviors. We do this by providing positive reinforcement and rewards, teaching in small steps, and offering assistance when it is needed.

Third, medications can be considered. Many children and adults with autism receive at least one medication for a psychiatric condition. The use of medication should not be seen as a failure, but as an important component of treatment along with a good plan for addressing behavior problems and a thorough program of instruction in skills. Further, the right medication – a stimulant, antidepressant, mood stabilizer, or antipsychotic – can help reduce behaviors such as impulsive or compulsive behaviors that interfere with establishing social skills and friendships.

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of a co-morbid condition and determining an effective treatment plan based on careful observation and individual consideration will improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism. For more information, call (800) 778-7601, or visit www.mayinstitute.org

Share It

Hide Sites

Reference Buddy TV

Insensitive Person of the Year – Adam Jasinski the CBS Big Brother contestant who labeled Autistic children as retarded and claimed to spend “All Day” with Autistic children.

Adam Jasinski’s “PR work” for a Florida-based autism foundation was apparently a three-month stint that ended before he even entered the Big Brother: ‘Til Death Do You Part house.

While CBS has been billing Jasinski as a “public relations manager for a charity group,” United Autism Foundation founder Olaf Hampel claims the Big Brother ninth-season houseguest was only employed for three months and hasn’t worked for the nonprofit organization since January, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday.

Hampel told the Sun-Sentinel he shut down the 9-month-old charity’s Fort Lauderdale office in January and is “debating” whether to reopen it after the “negative publicity” that has resulted from CBS’ February 13 broadcast of a Big Brother episode in which Jasinski called people with autism “retards.”

“I do PR work for an autism foundation,” Jasinski told his perfect-match partner Sheila Kennedy and several other houseguests. “I want to do a hair salon for kids with special needs so retards can get it together and get their hair done.”

“Don’t call them that!” scolded Kennedy.

“Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want!” Jasinski fired back. “I work with them all day, okay?”

Looks like Adam has a few dirty little secrets….I’m waiting for the story to hit that Adam runs a brothel in Mexico.

“First, Big Brother 9 contestant Adam Jasinski caused an uproar by callously referring to autistic children as “retards.” Now there’s a second reason he may be the biggest jerk on the CBS series: Star has learned exclusively that he was arrested and convicted after being charged with possession of more than 20 pounds of marijuana!”

A resident of Delray Beach, Fla., Adam, 29, lived in Manhattan while attending Parson’s School of Design. According to New York County court records obtained by Star, Adam was arrested at his E. 33rd Street apartment on Feb. 10, 2004, after taking possession of an Airborne Express package containing more than 10 pounds of pot! The next day, Adam led police to a second apartment where an accomplice was found with another load of marijuana. Court papers add that MDA pills — a form of Ecstasy — and cocaine residue were also found during the bust.

Here is his Bio

Biography

Adam, 29
Single
Public Relations Manager
Delray Beach, FL via Cherry Hill, NJ

Adam has a master’s degree in fashion design/marketing. He studied at Camden County College in New Jersey, Parson’s School of Design in New York and Fashion Art Italy in Italy. He currently works as a PR manager where he arranges events, does publicity and is the Sponsorship and Creative Director for a foundation.

Adam is very close to his mother. He sees himself as an “in the moment” kind of guy when it comes to relationships and likes aggressive women who know themselves well. He talks a big game with women and considers himself to be quite the Casanova. He prefers to settle disagreements sooner rather than later and doesn’t hold back during an argument. He is not easily intimidated.

He describes himself as stylish, trendsetting and a good person and is very proud to have his own clothing label. Clearly a bad trendsetter- whpo would put this guys name on their back?  

Adam’s birth date is April 30, 1978.

30 years old and foolish, oh to be young again.

Share It

Hide Sites

By Amy Lennard Goehner,
Time Magazine, Dec. 24, 2007
A few months ago, I took my sons to buy shoes. Nate is 14 and autistic. Joey is 8 and “typical.” And I’m the parent — most of the time. Before we got to the store, Joey said to me, “If Nate has a tantrum, I can handle him. You just focus on buying shoes. I’m better at handling tantrums than you. Sometimes you just yell and it makes things worse. No offense.”
None taken. He’s absolutely right.
The “typically developing” siblings of autistic children are, in fact, the furthest thing from typical. Often, they are wiser and more mature than their age would suggest. And they have to be, given the myriad challenges they face: parental responsibility; a feeling of isolation from the rest of their family; confusion, fear, anger and embarrassment about their autistic sibling. And on top of all of it, guilt for having these feelings.
As their parents, there’s a lot we can do to help. For starters, we can educate them early on, by explaining their sibling’s disorder — a conversation that should be ongoing. Dr. Raun Melmed, co-founder and medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix, suggests including non-autistic children in visits to the doctor or other autism professionals. Early intervention doesn’t have to be “thought of as being geared only to the involved child,” Melmed says. In his office, Melmed reassures siblings that “other brothers and sisters have negative and confusing thoughts about their [autistic] siblings. That is common.” He also instructs parents to reaffirm that message at home. “Parents need only acknowledge to their healthy children that they know what they are going through and that negative feelings are normal,” he says.
A great way for kids to feel “normal” is to meet other siblings of autistic children, which they can do at sibling workshops. At the Kennedy Krieger Institute for children with developmental disabilities in Baltimore, social worker Mary Snyder-Vogel runs a program called Sibshops. “The workshops give these kids the opportunity to realize they’re not alone,” Snyder-Vogel says. “[We play] a lot of games that help them interact and problem-solve with peers. Kids don’t even realize they’re getting support.”
At a recent Sibfun workshop at the Jewish Community Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, therapists used puppet shows to illustrate issues that are common among siblings of special-needs kids. When asked what they thought the puppets were feeling, the children in the audience needed no prompting, immediately shouting out words like sad, disappointed and jealous.
Siblings will commonly have negative feelings — some might never connect or want to connect with their autistic siblings — but the good news is that typical siblings often turn out to be more compassionate and caring than average. “These siblings have seen what it’s like to have a hard time in life,” says Sandra Harris, executive director of Rutgers University’s Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, a program for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families, and author of Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Woodbine House).
There are many other, more specific challenges that affect siblings of special-needs kids — and many of them apply to sibling relationships of every kind. Here are some of the issues that most frequently confront typical siblings — and their families — with advice from professionals.

Challenge #1: “Why won’t he play with me?”

For younger siblings of autistic children, one of their first doses of reality usually comes when their older brother or sister won’t play. “The child on the [autism] spectrum may seem indifferent or have a meltdown when the sibling tries to interact,” says Rutgers’ Harris.

Seven-year-old Adam, whose autistic brother Jacob is 11, says, “I can’t really play games with Jacob like I can with my cousin Eric [also 11]. Jacob likes to play games on the computer — but by himself, not with me. He gets too angry if he loses and then doesn’t want to play.” Adam’s father, Paul, says soberly, “I’m sure Eric represents the brother Adam might have had.”

Solution: Find common ground

Parents can start by telling the typical sibling that his brother or sister “is doing the best he can, and here are some things you can do with him,” says Judy Levy, director of social work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. “Maybe in the future he’ll be able to learn to play with you in other ways, but right now this is what he can do.”

Harris encourages parents to “find ways in which the siblings can relate [or] share an interest.” That can be something very simple, as Elliot learned at an early age. “It turns out my brothers [Benjamin and Aaron] are really ticklish,” says Elliot. “Tickling was a good way to bond with them, and for them to show affection back by laughing and wanting it again.” (And again and again — and again.)

Challenge #2: “It’s not fair!”

Every parent has heard his or her child say, “It’s not fair!” But for families with autistic and typical siblings, “not fair” is the reality, when it comes to one child being treated differently from the other. Martin Bounds has one autistic child, Charlie, 13, and one typical child, Alex, 15, about whom Bounds says, “He’d get very upset when he would bump his knee or complain of feeling sick. He thought we weren’t sufficiently concerned about him, in the spirit of ‘I could be over here dying, and all you care about is Charlie.’”

That may be overstatement, but such sentiments often stem from legitimate gripes. Bounds recalls when he and his wife attended an important fund-raiser for Charlie three years ago, on the same day Alex rode in an annual bike race. “Alex won the race for his age group and was really upset when we were not there to greet him at the finish line,” says Bounds. “As much as you try to balance schedules, as parents of an autistic child, you have to basically accept that you are going to have moments when you feel you have cheated your other children, and those moments are awful.”

Solution: Create special time

Harris urges parents to set aside alone-time with their typical kids every week. “Private time can even [include] riding in the car to pick up the laundry,” she says, “but since [the child is] with Daddy, [he or she is] the focus of his attention.”

Some kids, like Elliot, develop new hobbies as a way to spend time with a parent. “Gardening was something I could do with just my mom — it was never easy to get my mom to myself,” he says. Elliot began gardening five years ago; he’s now a junior judge at flower shows and grows about 330 varieties at home, including the 170 seedlings he has hybridized.

For single parents, however, eking out one-on-one time can be a daunting task. As a widowed mom, I know firsthand — we do the best we can with the time we have. Single dad Ron Barth says his autistic 9-year-old, Daniel, “dominates everything, so I have to make special moments with Nicole [age 15], like taking her shopping — without Daniel.” But, says Barth, “There aren’t enough of those moments.”

Challenge #3: “I’m scared!”

Some autistic children are aggressive, which can be scary and dangerous, especially for younger kids. And parents can’t possibly keep an eye on their kids every second — which is about the amount of time it took for one child I interviewed to get squirted in the eyes with Windex by her younger autistic brother. (She survived just fine.) Even my son Nate, who isn’t aggressive but is twice the size of Joey, often hugs Joey — tight. Very tight. Around the neck. When Joey yells “MOM!” I’ve learned to tell the difference between Mom, can you help me find my Gameboy? and MOM, he’s choking me!

Solution: Find a safe haven

“I tell parents to have a ’safe place,’ usually the child’s room, where the typical child can go while an adult handles the behavior problem,” says Harris. “Then, as soon as they can, the parents should comfort the typical child and help him or her understand what happened.”

Harris also suggests that parents develop an “intervention plan” to teach the child with autism alternate behaviors — such as asking to be left alone, or using words, cards or a special gesture — when he or she feels upset. “Kids with autism can learn to go their room, sit in a beanbag chair, or do something else that helps them calm themselves,” says Harris.

Challenge #4: “He’s so embarrassing!”

It’s common for siblings to feel embarrassed by their autistic brother or sister’s behavior in public, or to be reluctant to bring their friends home. Kelly Reynolds, 21, says it can be difficult introducing her autistic brother, Will, to her friends: “It’s hard to have a young child in an older kid’s body. [Will] may go up to one of my girlfriends and sit on her on the couch — which probably would have been cute when he was five years old but he’s 17 now,” Reynolds says. “That can be hard because you can tell when someone feels awkward or scared or thrown off.”

Solution: Encourage honesty — and laugh

“Interestingly, a lot of these [typical sibs] are more outspoken,” says Levy of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. “They’ll go up to people and say, ‘Yes, that’s my brother. He has special needs. Do you have any questions?’”

My son Joey is one of those kids. When he was 6, we were at a bus stop when Nate started jumping up and down and making weird noises — just being Nate. When Joey’s friend started making fun of Nate, Joey got right in her face and said, “Do NOT make fun of my brother again! Everybody learns differently.” They were my words coming from Joey’s mouth.

Several parents I interviewed said a sense of humor is key. “Your typical child can see the humor in the actions of his autistic siblings,” says Bounds, father to Charlie and Alex. “It’s okay to talk about his or her ‘weird brother’ in a way that signals that you both know this isn’t normal.”

When Nate does something bizarre in public, which is just about whenever he’s in public, Joey and I often give each other an Oh, my God! look and roll our eyes, which sort of says, “We’re in this together.”

Challenge #5: “I feel like the parent.”

Angela Bryan-Brown, 15, says she often feels like a parent to her 14-year-old brother Alasdair. “You don’t have a choice,” says Angie. “You’ve got to help out, and your parents can only do so much. They’re so stressed out.” Angie’s mom Florie Seery refers to Angie as “the third parent in the house” and “an old soul,” a phrase I’ve heard often from other parents.

Elliot says of his siblings’ disorder: “Even though I’m four years younger, it places me in the position of being the older brother. ”

Solution: Let sibs be children too

“It’s a challenge for children to feel that sense of responsibility for their sibling,” says Harris. “A wise parent works hard to temper that and to make the responsibilities fitting to the age of the siblings. An older sister can keep her brother entertained for half an hour because an older sister would typically do that to help out — but she’s not a parent.”

For young siblings, Harris suggests counseling them: “‘It’s wonderful to care about your brother, but you’re my little boy too. Because your brother has trouble learning sometimes, he might need help from you, but you’re not his mommy or daddy. We will take care of him when he needs help.’ That kind of message reaffirms one’s love and lifts that burden.”

Challenge #6: The holidays

“Attending loud, busy social gatherings with new sights, sounds, smells, intrusive relatives and strange places overwhelms the best of us, let alone those with sensitive sensory systems,” says Dr. Raun Melmed of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. “Of course, when the child gets overwhelmed and melts down, so do the siblings and parents.”

“In short, holidays suck, especially the ones you spend outside your own home,” says dad, Bounds. “They’re full of the most dreaded thing in an autistic life — unstructured time. People get together with relatives and friends and talk — which is sort of hard to do when your child has your sister-in-law’s cat by the throat and is about to put him in the food processor.”

Solution: Ask family members to help

Harris suggests that parents “create a rotating team of adults. Each person spends a half-hour with the child, so that parents and siblings aren’t trapped, and the child doesn’t have to be exposed to the chaos of the party. Cousins and aunts can take a turn.”

Siblings, however, should be spared. “The typically developing kid wants the holiday to come. She’s off from school, she’s getting her present and she can’t really enjoy that” if she’s expected to take care of her autistic brother or sister, says social worker Snyder-Vogel.

Challenge #7: In adulthood, the sibs will become “parents”

Someday, inevitably, the sibling of an autistic child will most likely take on the role of guardian and advocate. “You’re basically at some point going to be their parent,” says Kelly Reynolds, 21. “Anyone I want to marry has to take that into account. In some ways you kind of feel like you already have a kid. … For me, it’s kind of a deal-breaker when someone can’t really get along with my brother. He’s such a big part of my life.”

Solution: Discuss future plans with adult children

Parents should talk about financial plans and any care arrangements that have been made, once typical siblings are old enough, says Harris in a recent article for the Autism Society of America. But this isn’t a discussion to initiate with younger children — unless they bring the topic up on their own.

Many of the children I interviewed showed deep concern for their autistic brothers and sisters. And nearly all of the professionals and doctors I talked with said that a disproportionate number of their students and residents were siblings of people with autism. “I’m very interested in trying to help find a cure,” says 15-year-old Elliot, who closely follows news about the disorder. “I’d just like to get a neat little pill someday for my siblings that they can pop in with their apple juice and hopefully be normal.”

Here is a direct link to the article..

Share It

Hide Sites

A website which lists the best places to live for those with Autism and in need of services, tolerance, acceptance and more. Its been a challenge to find good information on this topic. If you know of a good resource for this, please let us know. Is there a Best Place at all?If you want to share tips on where you live or in general, please post comments or send an email.

Share It

Hide Sites

FRAXA Research Foundation is a parent run organization that funds research to find effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Fragile X. Fragile X is the leading inherited cause of mental retardation and the most common genetic cause of autism.

Fragile X is caused when a gene fails to produce a single protein necessary for normal brain function. There is a 50% chance of inheriting the Fragile X gene when one parent is a carrier. As parents of children with Fragile X, we understand first-hand the stress Chris Benoit and his wife might have been coping with. At birth many children with Fragile X seem normal and are often not diagnosed until two or three years of age when the child fails to meet typical developmental milestones. The initial shock of learning that your child is mentally impaired, followed by the continued emotional and financial strain of finding appropriate schools, child care and therapies can be an overwhelming emotional and financial burden for many families. Some of the symptoms Fragile X can cause are — severe anxiety, impaired learning, debilitating sensory integration problems, very limited (or possibly no) speech, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and even seizures — making day-to-day life extremely challenging. Most children with Fragile X have a normal life expectancy creating an added burden on parents to plan for their child’s future.

FRAXA funds biomedical research, in the US and internationally, aimed at treating and curing Fragile X. Currently FRAXA has numerous treatments for Fragile X in development in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies worldwide. FRAXA’s basic research, like the recently announced therapeutic potential of PAK inhibition, points the way toward innovative drug therapies for Fragile X and related disorders like autism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, FXS affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6,000 females of all races and ethnic groups. The prevalence of autism ranges from 1 in 500 to 1 in 166 children. Currently there is no effective treatment for FXS and other types of autism.

FRAXA Research Foundation

http://www.fraxa.org

Share It

Hide Sites