Early Intervention and our National Autism Agenda

Posted on April 19, 2012 by all about autism

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recently updated its estimate of autism prevalence in children in the United States to 1 in 88 (1 in 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls).  This is a 78% increase from 2002.  These estimates are based upon a review of evaluations of children 8 years of age from multiple sources in 14 states in 2008.

Why such a dramatic increase? We certainly have better diagnoses, and we are diagnosing at even a younger age every year. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends that all children be screened at their 18- and 24-month check up.

We now have a broader scale to use to diagnose autism.  Since autism is a spectrum disorder, we have children diagnosed with milder forms, such as Asperger syndrome. Continue reading →

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Should Schools Make Exceptions for Student Athletes with Disabilities?

Posted on April 17, 2012 by all about autism

Photo courtesy of detroitnews.com

Many of us read about the high school athlete with Down syndrome, Eric Dompierre, who was on the basketball team at his high school.  Unfortunately, he will be unable to play his senior season because the Michigan High School Athletic Association bars anyone who is 19 as of September 1 from participating in sports for that school year.  The young man has requested a waiver based on language used by eight other states that includes age role exceptions for students with disabilities. Continue reading →

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Finding the Right App for your Child

Posted on April 12, 2012 by all about autism

We have talked about the value and uses of touch screen mobile devices and what to think about in making your selection.

Now that you’ve made your purchase, your next step is to search for fun and educational apps! This may seem like an overwhelming task, as there are 600,000+ apps available.  I do have a few suggestions that might assist you.

  • Select a touch screen device that meets the needs of your child
  • Discuss appropriate apps with professionals, such as the child’s therapist or teacher Continue reading →
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Defining Autism

Posted on April 10, 2012 by all about autism

Many of us were very concerned in January when we learned that the planned revision of the medical definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would restrict its diagnosis in ways that could prevent many children and adults from receiving vital medical and social services.  One study found that the proposed revision to the American Psychiatrist Association (APA) would exclude 75% of those now diagnosed with milder forms of Autism, such as Asperger Syndrome or “Pervasive Developmental Disorder,” not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS.)

Autism Speaks has announced that they have funded a new analysis of the impact of the revision.  This study led by Yale child psychiatrist and epidemiologist Young-Shin Kim, M.D., Ph. D, will reassess children diagnosed with the DSM- IV criteria with the proposed DSM-V criteria.  Continue reading →

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Tips for a Happier Easter

Posted on April 5, 2012 by all about autism

While holidays are filled with joyful memories, they can also bring added stress for parents. Changes in schedules, visits to unfamiliar sites and meeting new people can lead to challenging behaviors in some of our children.  In thinking about the upcoming Easter weekend, I wanted to share a few tips that I have learned over the years:

– Avoid Easter Egg Hunts that involve hundreds of children. The noise, distractions, and unfamiliar faces can lead to anxiety in some children. What you hope to be a fun, positive experience, quickly can turn in the other direction. Continue reading →

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Make Autism Services a Priority Now

Posted on April 3, 2012 by all about autism

The rate of autism has increased 78% in the past decade, yet the future of autism services has not been part of our national dialogue.  More children and families need our help in coping with this disorder in schools and communities at a time when we hear only of cutbacks in services.  Please read my op-ed piece, “Treating autism needs to be an American priority,”  featured in yesterday’s Erie Times News.

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Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness

Posted on March 29, 2012 by all about autism

The Erie Bicentennial Tower participated in Light It Up Blue in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month in 2011

Countries from every continent will come together on Monday, April 2 to mark World Autism Awareness Day.  In spite of their many differences in size, culture and economics, these countries share a concern about what has become the world’s fastest growing disability. 

With a unanimous vote, the United Nations established this day in 2008 to promote greater understanding about autism, which continues to rise in the United States.  Just today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data showing that 1 in 88 children has some form of autism spectrum disorder.  According to the CDC report, that is a 78% increase compared to a decade ago.  Autism now affects one in every 55 boys, an 82% increase from 2002 estimates.  Light It Up Blue, in its fifth year, is a unique global initiative to help shine a light on autism and raise awareness about this serious public health concern.  Continue reading →

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iPad: Knowing when it is right for your child

Posted on March 27, 2012 by all about autism

The ability to purchase a more consumer-friendly and less expensive mobile device continues to create excitement in the autism community.

With the hype surrounding the recent release of the iPad 3, you may find yourself wondering if you should purchase one for your child.

Before making the investment, I strongly suggest that you borrow an iPad or an iTouch from a friend or visit your local electronics store to experiment with their floor models.

Wanting to give our students every opportunity to develop their communication skills, we initially purchased an iTouch.  It is lightweight and slim enough to fit into your back pocket.  This is an attractive alternative to the common assistive technology devices offered to those on the autism spectrum as they are portable, more consumer friendly and less expensive. Continue reading →

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Overcoming Communication Barriers with Technology

Posted on March 22, 2012 by all about autism

Communication continues to serve as a devastating barrier for many children on the autism spectrum.  Not being able to express their needs and wants to others, as well as struggling to make sense of communication cues from peers, often results in discouragement and frustration which can take the form of behavioral outbursts.

“Autism is a disorder that may make it impossible at times for the child to communicate. Even the smile is just too confusing.” – Dr. Mehmet Oz Continue reading →

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My Journey

Posted on March 20, 2012 by all about autism

My son, Ryan, and me

As I look back over the last 18 years, I begin to see life parenting a child with autism as a journey.  At times, you move along smoothly, barely noticing how far you have gone.  At other times, you seem to encounter one obstacle after another on the road, and there are points where you fear you have lost your way. Continue reading →

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