Monthly Archives: July 2012

PSU Holds Autism Conference

I was in Penn State yesterday attending the National Autism Conference sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  I’m going to share with you today a few thoughts from the discussions. Janet Twyman, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the University … Continue reading

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ADA Anniversary

Tomorrow marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Dr. Gertrude Barber was invited to the signing by then-President George H. W. Bush.  You can tune in at 8 a.m. EST Thursday, July 26th to listen to a … Continue reading

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Funding and Importance of Early Childhood Education

I’d like to share a few thoughts about quality early childhood education today.  We know that investments in early childhood are vital to the success of our children.  There is a large body of data from economics, biology and psychology … Continue reading

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Autism & Immune Irregularities

I’d like to update readers on some of the latest research that I have been reading.  A new California Institute of Technology study suggests that specific changes in an overactive immune system can indeed contribute to autism-like behaviors in mice … Continue reading

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iPad or TAP-it? Making the Right Choice for your Child

This past Sunday, 60 Minutes repeated an October 2011 program “Apps for Autism.”  I have since received a number of calls asking my thoughts on the show.  Lesley Stahl interviewed a 27-year-old young man who, prior to the iPad, had … Continue reading

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Medications and Autism Update

Joseph Barber, M.D., provided an outstanding presentation on medication last night.  If you were unable to attend, a synopsis is provided on his blog. His next presentation, “Roles of Regulation, Reactivity and Flexibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder,” will take place … Continue reading

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Medications & Autism

Medications.  Should I or shouldn’t I?  Many families struggle with this question.  From my perspective, there is no right or wrong answer.  When the suggestion to consider medication was first made to me, I immediately said, “Let’s give it a … Continue reading

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Technology for Autism Update

I look forward to reading about the latest innovations in technology in reports from the “Technologies for Autism:  Tools, Trends and Testimonials,” held July 6-8, 2012 in Valencia, Spain.  Read about it here.

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Physical Fitness Helps with Autism Challenges

Summer. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. Snow and ice may have kept us indoors during January and February, but we have no excuse not to be outside now. You don’t have to belong to a gym to engage in physical … Continue reading

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