On Hiatus

I apologize, I am working on a case that is about to go to trial in addition to school and taking care of the kiddo. So I haven't been updating and may not for a little while.

I am evaluating whether I will be able to keep this up. It is something I care about and want to do, but I don't have much time for it. If anyone is interested in contributing or even taking over, let me know.

Seminar: How to Keep Your Child Safe and Talk to Law Enforcement Officers

The Autism Society of Collin County presents: "How to Keep Your Child Safe and Talk to Law Enforcement Officers" this Tuesday, September 1st, at St Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano at 7:00pm.

Officer Matt Miller of the Wylie Police Department and the Police Academy at Collin College will show a short video produced by Dennis Debbaudt: http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/

He will also give safety tips and address how police officers are trained to handle individuals with special needs.

"A Dose of Controversy": NBC to Air Story on Thoughtful House and Andrew Wakefield

This weekend NBC will air a story on The Thoughtful House (of Austin, TX) and the autism-vaccine controversy titled "A Dose of Controversy." Matt Lauer will interview Dr. Andrew Wakefield and other doctors and therapists at the Thoughtful House, as well as journalist Brian Deer and Dr. Paul Offit (author of Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure).

You can read The Thoughtful House's statement regarding the segment on its website, which lists the broadcast schedule as follows:

Friday – The Today Show
Sat/Sun - NBC Nightly News
Sun 7PM EST – Dateline NBC

I know there are many DFW families that support Dr. Wakefield and the Thoughtful House, and even visit the Thoughtful House for services. There are also those in our community who doubt the autism-vaccine link and distrust the biomedical movement. No matter which side of the controversy you are on--or if you are unsure--this should be a very interesting program.

Free Workshop: “The ARD Process: Admission, Review, and Dismissal Meeting”

free Parent

Education Workshops

presents

“The ARD Process: Admission, Review, and Dismissal Meeting”

with

Daphne Cunningham,

PATH Project Regional Coordinator

Thursday,August 27th, 2009

6:15pm to 8:15pm

at

Our Children’s House at Irving

3337 Stovall St. Irving 75061

(One mile south of the Irving Mall & 183/Airport Freeway, off Belt Line Road )

RSVP by calling

972-790-8505 x262

This Workshop focuses on the public school’s ARD process, from its most basic concept to more specific areas of importance.

Daphne will guide you every step of the way throughout this process, so that you’ll be best informed on what you need to know in order to enter the ARD meeting prepared, knowledgeable and confident, to insure that your child receives all appropriate andvavailable services through the public school system.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Allstate Foundation, Baylor/OCH Parent Education Workshops are open to the public, to parents & professionals, and are always at NO CHARGE!

A light dinner, along with snacks & beverages are served, at

NO CHARGE

Also, childcare during the Workshops is provided at

NO CHARGE. However, space is limited, so please RSVP early!

For more information, please contact OCH Social Worker, Mitch Hill at 972-790-8505 x262

ABC's 20/20 this Friday: "Teen Locked in Autistic Body Finds Inner Voice"

This Friday, ABC's 20/20 will feature a story on a nonverbal autistic girl who, at the age of 11, was finally able to express herself through typing:

One day, three years ago, when Carly was 11, she was working with two of her therapists when she started to feel sick. Unable to communicate what she needed, she ran to a computer and began to type for the first time.

First she typed the word "H-U-R-T" and then "H-E-L-P" and then she threw up. Her therapists were shocked: They had never specifically taught her those words, and they wondered where she had learned them.

Carly's typing showed them that there was a lot more going on inside her head than they had thought. For the first time she was able to communicate independently. After nine years of intensive therapy, and not much to show for it, Carly was finally emerging out of her silent, secret world.

You can read her story on ABC News website here, and watch the segment on 2/20 Friday 9pm CST.

IACC Soliciting Input for the Next Update of the Strategic Plan

Request for Information (RFI): Updating the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research:

On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), the Nation Institute of Mental Health is seeking comments to inform the annual update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research, as required by the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-416).

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input from ASD stakeholders to inform the next update of the Strategic Plan. In the RFI form, there will be an opportunity to provide input on each section of the IACC Strategic Plan. Please include suggestions regarding missing or underrepresented knowledge areas, new opportunities needed for advancing research and knowledge about ASD, and suggestions for prioritizing research objectives.

The RFI will close on August 21, 2009.

Responses must be submitted electronically via the web-based form.

Background:

The IACC was established as a result of The Combating Autism Act. The act requires that the IACC develop a strategic plan for autism research and update the strategic plan annually. The IACC is composed of both Federal and public members. The first IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research was developed through an extensive process engaging a wide range of Federal agencies and public stakeholders. The Strategic Plan is organized around six questions that are important for people with ASD and their families:

I. When should I be concerned?

II. How can I understand what is happening?

III. What caused this to happen and can this be prevented?

IV. Which treatments and interventions will help?

V. Where can I turn for services?

VI. What does the future hold?

Please Note: The responses that you provide will become part of the public record. You have the option of posting your responses anonymously or you may choose to have your name associated with your response. In your responses, please do not include personally identifiable information that you do not wish to make public.

For more information about the IACC, please visit www.iacc.hhs.gov.

Now follow the IACC on Twitter (www.twitter.com/IACC_Autism).

Contact Information:

Attention: RFI on Updating the Strategic Plan for ASD Research
Office of Autism Research Coordination
Office of the Director
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8235, MSC 9669
Bethesda, MD 20892-9669
Email: iacc@mail.nih.gov

Sensory-Friendly Films: "G-Force" this Saturday, August 1st

This Saturday, August 1st at 10am, 3 local AMC theatres will be showing Disney's "G-Force" as part of their "Sensory Friendly Films" program:

• AMC Stonebriar 24, Frisco, TX
• Parks at Arlington 18, Arlington, TX, and
• AMC Firewheel 18, Garland, TX

From autism-society.org:
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Obama to Sign International Disabilities Rights Treaty

From the AP article:

Obama said he had instructed U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to sign the document next week, joining 140 other nations.

"It's the first new human rights convention of the 21st century," Obama said at the White House during an East Room celebration of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

The law protects people with mental or physical disabilities from discrimination in employment, education, housing, public transportation and other areas of life.

"This extraordinary treaty calls on all nations to guarantee rights likes those afforded under the ADA," Obama said. "It urges equal protection and equal benefit before the law for all citizens. It reaffirms the inherent dignity and worth and independence of all persons with disabilities worldwide."

You can read the UN treaty ("The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities") here.

Register Now for Michelle Garcia Winner Workshop: "Thinking About You, Thinking About Me"

Note that early registration ends on 8/3/09, so there is one week left to register at lower rates!

From the Autism Society of Collin County:

More often than not, how we “work and play with others” can have a huge impact on our lives, and this is particularly true for people with autism and related disabilities. From meeting and keeping friends, to interviewing and holding a job, effective one-on-one communication is critical for success.

The Autism Society of Collin County, in cooperation with Whole Foods, the Rubin Family Foundation, North Garland Vision and The Arc of Dallas, is excited to sponsor a social skills seminar featuring Michelle Garcia Winner!

Michelle is an internationally recognized expert on effective social interaction, and has trained school administrators, psychologists, parents, and government policy makers on the importance of social thinking. In 2008 she won a Congressional award as an innovator for using social learning as an effective treatment program for students.

Michelle’s day-long seminar “Thinking About You, Thinking About Me” will teach participants how our social minds work, and behaviors which affect other people’s emotions and responses. By understanding the three levels of social interaction and four steps to effective communication, participants will learn how to create IEP goals and benchmarks for improvement.

For information about Michelle Garcia Winner please see: http://www.socialthinking.com/

For online and mail registration please go to: http://www.arcdallas.org/workshop_reg.asp Click on the Michelle Garcia Winner Workshop link.

Workshop details:
Date: September 23rd, 2009
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Place: Garland Special Events Center
Address:4999 Naaman Forest Blvd, Garland, TX, 75040

Early Registration (before August 3rd): Single $55, Couple $85

Registration (after August 3rd): Single: $70, Couple: $100

Playing with a Purpose: 'Final Fantasy' Marathon to Benefit Autism Organization

Gamers over at thespeedgamers.com are playing Final Fantasy I-XII to benefit autism treatment, with a goal of raising $20,000 for Act Today, a nonprofit organization that provides funding and support for families who can't afford treatment for autistic children.

You can check out a live feed on their website and even join in on a live chat. Most importantly, you can donate money there to support their efforts.

Who says gaming is a waste of time?

Research News Roundup

ScienceDaily.com: Asperger Syndrome, Autism, And Empathy: Study Links 27 Genes

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Study finds Ability to Consider Other People's Thoughts Grows After Age 6; May Have Implications for Children with Autism

San Fransisco Chronicle: Autism: It's the Environment, Not Just Doctors Diagnosing More Disease, Researchers Say

Autism as Academic Paradigm

I stumbled upon this very interesting and enlightening essay by Professor Tyler Cowen of George Mason University, titled "Autism as Academic Paradigm":

The relevance of the autism spectrum for higher education isn't just about particular individuals on the autistic spectrum. The very nature of higher education shows how much we, often without knowing it, hold up autistic cognitive profiles as a partial educational ideal. In "special needs" education, there is plenty of effort to teach the skills of the nonautistic to the autistic, but in the regular classroom we are often doing the opposite. I view higher (and lower) education as teaching people to be more autistic in many of their basic cognitive skills. Again, some key cognitive features of autism are the ability, and desire, to process lots of information across widely different scales, from tiny details to overarching structures; focus and the mental ordering of that information; a relatively high degree of scientific objectivity; and the presence of some highly specialized cognitive strengths, even if they are accompanied by some areas of poor performance. To an educator a lot of that list ought to sound pretty good.

Read the whole article and come back and comment here--I would love to hear your thoughts.

State News: Austin Autism Clinic Raided by Federal Authorities

CARE Clinics in Austin was raided by the FBI and IRS agents today. According to the Austin American-Statesman, agents are removing dozens of boxes of documents but won't say what they are looking for. The clinic has been closed, "perhaps permanently."

Tomorrow's ARD Planning Workshop: 60% Discount at the Door!

Tomorrow's "Successful ARD Planning Workshop": Now just $20.00 at the door (a 60% discount)!

*** BCBA, BCABA & Certificates of Attendance will be Offered ***

July 15, 2009

10:00- 2:00

Presented by:

Kecia Adams-Wright, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Director, DFWCFA
&
Jessie Whitesides, Program Director- Outreach, DFWCFA

Location:

FEAT-NT Community Resource Center & Library
7286 Glenview Dr. Richland Hills, TX 7180

Are Your IEP Goals Measurable???

This is a critical training for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and professionals working in or with local school districts. This workshop will aid participants in understanding and navigating the planning process for school age children with autism. The training will also build the capacity of parents and professionals to write measurable IEP goals, appropriate FBAs and BIPs. ARD Meetings will also be discussed with emphasis on how to achieve progress in a diplomatic fashion.
www.dfwcenterforautism.org

NYT Interview with Autism Researcher: "The Stress of Autism"

In a NYTimes.com "Well Blog" post today, health blogger Tara Parker-Pope interviews the associate director of the University of Washington Autism Center, who recently conducted a study of mothers of children with developmental disabilities.

National News: Disability Groups Unite Behind Sotomayor Confirmation

DisabilityScoop.com:

In a letter to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the organizations’ cited Sotomayor’s personal experience as an individual with diabetes and said her judicial record indicates “a good understanding of – and healthy respect for – the rights of persons with disabilities.”

Organizations that are part of the coalition supporting Sotomayor include the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Autism Society of America, the National Council on Independent Living, the National Disability Rights Network and the National Down Syndrome Society.

Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearings begin today.

Autism Speaks Launches TV Ad Campaign Calling On Congress to End Insurance Discrimination Against Children With Autism

Click Here to Take Action Now!

Research News Roundup

UPI: Autism, Poor Visual Motor Skills Linked

ScienceDaily: Difference In The Way Children With Autism Learn New Behaviors Described
(re: same study as UPI article, but more detailed)

ScienceDaily: Mothers Of Children With Autism Have Higher Parental Stress, Psychological Distress (An obvious finding! But surprisingly, the research found "no link between a child's decreased daily living skills and increased parental stress and psychological distress.")

Celiac.com: Autism Linked to Mom's Autoimmune Disease—Including Celiac Disease

In research related news:
DisabilityScoop.com: Vaccine Issue Yields Second Defection At Autism Speaks

Sensory-Friendly Films: "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" this Saturday

This Saturday, July 11 at 10am, 3 local AMC theatres will be showing "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" as part of their "Sensory Friendly Films" program:

• AMC Stonebriar 24, Frisco, TX
• Parks at Arlington 18, Arlington, TX, and
• AMC Firewheel 18, Garland, TX

From autism-society.org:
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Final Seminar of the Easter Seals Special Care Series next Tuesday

Easter Seals of North Texas's "Special Care Series" will hold its final seminar, on the topic of guardianship, next Tuesday July 7th. The Special Care Series is a program to provide families with up-to-date information on supports available and the financial aspects for individuals living with Autism.
The seminar will take place from 6:30 to 7:30PM at the Community Room of Easter Seals North Texas, Trinity Center, 4443 North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX 75010. They request that you register by calling 817-334-2306. The seminars are free and open to the public. Child care is not provided.

Also, now is a great time to make a donation to Easter Seals. Right now, through midnight July 6th, their corporate partner Friendly's will DOUBLE each donation!

Research News Roundup

UPI: Gene mutations, autism risk linked

Forbes: Chromosome Abnormality Tied to Autistic Behavior in Mice

Times of India: Autistic Kids Laugh Differently

Tehran Times: A Genetic Link Between Anorexia and Autism?

AAFP: AMA Rejects Call for More Research on Vaccine Link to Autism, Reaffirms Immunization Policies

Local Group Forming New Day Program For Adults with Special Needs

Organizers are looking for more parents to get involved with this project:

"The next meeting to discuss a new day program for adults with special needs, 18 years old and older, in the East Dallas County area will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 3:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, in the Children's Building, 3018 Belt Line Road, in Sunnyvale. Sorry child care will not be available. For more information call 214-641-4420 or 214-517-7011.

We hope to see you there."

US Supreme Court Ruling on Special Education (Forest Grove School District v. T.A.)

The Supreme Court has sided with the parents of "T.A." in the case of Forest Grove School District v T.A. (read the previous post for the details of the case).

The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that "IDEA authorizes reimbursement for private special-education services when a public school fails to provide a FAPE and the private school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special-education services through the public school."

National Coverage:

• Education Week: "Supreme Court Backs Reimbursement for Private Tuition"
• Boston Globe (Op-ed): "The Tragedy and Triumph of T.A."
• US News and World Report: "Court Ruling Helps Special Needs Students"

Local Coverage:

• Dallas Morning News: "School Districts Digest Ruling on Special Ed Refund"
• Dallas Morning News "The Education Front" Blog: "Special Ed Students: The Supreme Court's Game-Changer"
• Dallas Special Needs Kids Examiner: Dallas-area Schools Examine Court Ruling on Special Ed Refunds
  

NOVA Science Now: Autism Genes

PBS's NOVA Science Now program will feature a segment on autism genes on July 7 at 8pm on KERA (and it will available on the website on July 8).

The NOVA Science Now blog is inviting viewers to read stories of autism and submit their own personal reflections, ask Harvard Medical School professor Charles Nelson questions about diagnosis, treatment, research, and other aspects of autism, and more.


And speaking of KERA, our wonderful public radio and television affiliate: Shop at the Lakewood or Highland Park Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, June 30 and Whole Foods will donate 5% of net sales to KERA! There will also be a drawing to win a KERA Gift Basket and a $50 Whole Foods Market Gift Card.

7/15 Workshop on ARDs, IEPs, FBAs, & BIPs: early registration open

Successful ARD Planning: Are Your IEP Goals Measurable? (presented by the DFW Center for Autism)

This is a critical training for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and professionals working in or with local school districts. This workshop will aid participants in understanding and navigating the planning process for school age children with autism. The training will also build the capacity of parents and professionals to write measurable IEP goals, appropriate FBAs and BIPs. ARD Meetings will also be discussed with emphasis on how to achieve progress in a diplomatic fashion.

For Registration Forms, visit:
www.dfwcenterforautism.org

July 15, 2009
10:00 - 2:00
Location: FEAT-NT Community Resource Center & Library
7286 Glenview Dr. Richland Hills, TX 7180


Presented by:

Kecia Adams-Wright, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Director, DFWCFA
&
Jessie Whitesides, Program Director- Outreach, DFWCFA


Individual & Group Early Registration
Dates: May 26- July 8
$25.00 (Individual)

$20.00 (Groups of 3 or more)

Late Registration
Dates: July 9- July 15
$50.00 (per person)

Don't forget to buy tickets for Autism Awareness Night at Rangers Ballpark!

What: Autism Awareness night (Rangers vs Padres game)
When: Friday, June 26th at 7:05pm
Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Last day to purchase a special discount ticket in the Lower Reserved seating area. For only $17.50 a ticket, you can watch the Rangers take on the Padres and raise awareness for autism. A fundraising donation of $5 has been added to each ticket purchased.

For more information and purchasing info, visit the Easter Seals events page.

Contact Senators Hutchison and Cornyn About the ATAA Today!

Neither Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison nor Senator John Cornyn have signed onto the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (the "ATAA"-Senate Bill 819). Learn more about the ATAA at:

http://www.autismvotes.org/ataa

Sen. Kay Hutchison: (202) 224-5922

Sen. John Cornyn III: (202) 224-2934

Autism Safety Project

Last week, Autism Speaks announced the launch of their new Autism Safety Project, a resource for families and First Responders that provides "information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in emergency situations." Check it out.

Don't Miss Stephanie's Day this Saturday!

Stephanie's Day, "A free Resource Fair for children with special needs and their families/caregivers" takes place this Saturday at NorthPark Center from 10am-2:00pm. Read more at StephaniesDay.com.

And don't forget, you can catch the Autism Society sensory-friendly showing of "Up!" Saturday morning at 10am at participating AMC Locations.

Research News Roundup

Wall Street Journal: US Researchers To Focus On Pregnant Women For Autism Study

Boston Globe: Magnetic Fields Test 'Reflexes' of Autism

HealthNews: Antidepressant Drug Celexa Not Effective in Treating Autism

New York Daily News: Music Therapy Treats Diseases and Conditions From Parkinson's to Autism

LA Times: Testosterone-related Treatment for Autism Stirs Controversy

Future Horizons Autism and Asperger's Syndrome SUPER Conference - DALLAS 2009

Its not too late to register for the Future Horizons Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Super Conference, which is happening July 16 & 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Richardson.

Topics & speakers include:

• "The Complete Guide to Autism/Asperger's Syndrome" with Dr. Tony Attwood

• "The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger's" with Dr. Temple Grandin
• 
  "No More Meltdowns: Managing Behavior in the Home and Classroom" with Dr. Jed Baker
• 
  "The Out-of-Sync Child" with Carol Kranowitz

For more information, or to register, visit the Future Horizons Super Conference webpage.

From AutismSpot:

If you haven't registered visit AutismSpot.com and follow the Future Horizons link from the homepage. Register with code Spot1 to save $10. Unable to attend? No problem...the entire event will be available ONLY at SpotUniversity.com!

June's Sensory-Friendly Film Series Selection: Up!

I am so excited that the next movie in the Sensory-Friendly Film Series will be the new Disney/Pixar film Up!

The film will be shown at 10am on June 13th at the following participating theatres:

AMC Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Rd., Ste. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034

Parks at Arlington 18
3861 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

AMC Firewheel 18Full-screenFull-screenFull-screen
100 Coneflower Dr., Garland, Texas 75040

Tickets can be purchased at the theatre on the day of the event.


From the ASA Sensory-Films Series web page:

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

iPhone Applications as Communication Devices

USA Today featured an interesting article today: "Iphone Applications Can Help The Autistic." Check it out!

Easter Seals "Special Care Series" Program

Easter Seals of North Texas's "Special Care Series" is a program to provide families with up-to-date information on supports available and the financial aspects for individuals living with Autism. The first seminar (on life care plans) was May 19th, but you can still register for the remaining seminars:

June 2
Government Programs

June 16
Special Needs Trusts

July 7
Guardianship

Each seminar takes place from 6:30 to 7:30PM at the Community Room of Easter Seals North Texas, Trinity Center, 4443 North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX 75010. They request that you register by calling 817-334-2306. The seminars are free and open to the public. Child care is not provided.

For more information on the Easter Seals Autism Treatment Program, visit their website.

Thomas the Tank Engine Helps Autistic Kids Identify Emotions

I previously posted about the upcoming Thomas and Friends Live show at Nokia Theatre. Well, there is more exciting news for Thomas fans today:

A recent study in the United Kingdom showed that autistic kids tend to be more fascinated with Thomas the Tank Engine than other fictional characters. Researchers think that the kids find the show so appealing because of "the clear facial expressions of the characters, the pacing of the program and the easy-to-follow story lines."

The steam locomotive and his friends are the stars of a new game in Australia, designed to help autistic children recognize emotions.

The study inspired the organization Autism Spectrum Australia to create a game using Thomas and his friends to help autistic children recognize emotions in facial expressions. I am looking forward to playing it with my son!

Summer is Here!

Here are some fun ideas for your family this summer:

SEE A MOVIE:
The Autism Society of America and AMC theatres have teamed up to bring a sensory-friendly showing of a family movie every month. DFW Participating AMC Locations include:

AMC Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Rd., Ste. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034

Parks at Arlington 18
3861 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

AMC Firewheel 18Full-screenFull-screenFull-screen
100 Coneflower Dr., Garland, Texas 75040

The featured film for June has not been announced yet. I will post the info when it is scheduled.
Also, a recent Dallas Entertainment Examiner post featured details on special showings of kids' movies this summer in DFW (not sensory-friendly/special needs, but great values for children that can enjoy and tolerate a trip to the movies).

WATCH A BALLGAME:
Join FEAT, Easter Seals, and other local autism organizations at the Ballpark in Arlington for the Texas Rangers Second Annual Autism Awareness Night on June 26th! Enjoy a night at Rangers Ballpark with a discount in the Lower Reserved seating area for only $17.50 a ticket. you can watch the Rangers take on the Padres and raise awareness for autism. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, see the FEAT-NT Events Calendar, Easter Seals Calendar, or Community Now! Blog. Deadline to order tickets is June 19th.

SEE A SHOW:
Next week on June 2 at 6:30pm, Thomas and Friends Live will be at the Nokia Theatre as part of a special Autism Speaks event (previously discussed in this post). AEG/ThemeSTAR will donate one dollar to Autism Speaks from each ticket sold for these special performances and will also offer a discount on tickets to our families. Select performances will have a quiet room. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com using the discount code: AUTISM

LEARN TO SWIM:
Different Strokes Swim School offers its H2OPE program: "an aquatic fitness program for children with special needs," providing "an alternative recreational activity to help meet physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs." Classes are held at the Harris Aquatic Center-HEB in Euless on Saturdays and Presbyterian Hospital CVC Center in Dallas on Sundays, and are offered at NO COST because they are grant funded.

Water Angels is an aquatic program for children with special needs that offers private and semi-private (2 children per class) sessions in Plano.

Additionally, several YMCA's in the DFW area feature an "Adaptive Aquatics" program for special needs swimmers.

SEE ALSO: a great Dallas Special Needs Examiner post: Summer Camps and Activities to Keep Special Needs Kids Happy


Check back for more summer activities and information!

In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism

Adonya Wong will discuss and sign her book In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism at 1 p.m. Saturday at Borders, 4601 West Freeway, Fort Worth. It i a unique children's book inspired by Wong's son who has autism.

Local News: Agreement Reached to Improve State Schools for Mentally Disabled

Dallas Morning News: Agreement reached to improve state schools for mentally disabled

See also: Dallas Morning News (5/16): Legislation to downsize state schools for disabled is revived

Research News: A Genetic Clue to Why Autism Affects Boys More

TIME.com: Researchers say they have found a genetic clue that may help explain why autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls (click to read)

GAO Report: Special-needs Students Abused in Schools

A report documenting the abuse of special needs children in schools is scheduled to be released by the Government Accountability Office today. The GAO prepared the report for the House Education and Labor Committee, as it is considering new laws governing "what actions teachers can take to rein in disruptive special-needs students." Read the article at CNN.com.

The use of restraints and time-out in Texas schools is governed by the Commissioner's Rules Concerning Special Education Services §89.1053: Procedures for Use of Restraint and Time-Out.

UPDATE: The full report is now available at gao.gov. According to the report, Texas school officials have documented the restraint of 4,202 students 18,741 times in the September 2007 to June 2008 school year.

NPR's Morning Edition reports that the issue "has gotten the attention of the White House" and that on Monday "Kareem Dale, the White House assistant for disability policy, invited leaders of disability groups to the White House next Monday to discuss the issue."

Maximizing Your Child's Success DVD available on autismspot.com

Dallas-based BCBA Billy Edwards and autismspot.com have teamed up to create a new educational dvd: "Maximizing Your Child's Success: ABA Techniques and Approaches for the Home." You can learn more about the dvd on autismspot.com, where it is available for purchase.

Federal Legislation Update: the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act

Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA) has been introduced in the House; read more about it and e-mail your legislators to co-sponsor: http://www.autismvotes.org/ataa

Talking About Feelings to Help Your Child Develop Empathy and Better Social Skills

Over at the Dallas Special Needs Kids Examiner: In response to a recent study showing that a mother's explanations about other people's feelings is key to a child's social skills, Sharisa Lewis offers some ideas on how to incorporate talking about feelings with your child into your day to day routine. Check it out.

Picky Eaters & Special Diets: Tips to Get Your Kid to Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Recent studies show that children with autism are at a particularly high risk for poor nutrition because their diets tend to lack variety. For example, they had a tendency to be deficient in essential fatty acids and researchers suggest that increasing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the diets of autistic children may be beneficial.

It can be tough to try to increase the variety in an autistic child's diet because many children tend to be picky eaters and/or have sensory issues, and some children are on specialized diets that limit food choices. Here are a few solutions if you are worried about your child's nutrition. (For serious concerns you should consult with your pediatrician.)

For picky eaters, there are special cookbooks with recipes "sneak" nutrition and variety into your child's favorite dishes:

• Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Getting Your Kids Eating Good Food
  
  
• The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals
  
  
• Better Homes and Gardens' Kids Favorites Made Healthy

For kids with sensory issues, there are are feeding therapy programs at Our Children's House at Baylor (locations throughout DFW), Integrative Pediatric Therapy (Dallas & Plano), and Pediatric Therapy and Activity Center (Corinth).

The Callier Center offers two Feeding Disorders classes for children ages 2-5: "Food and Fun" at their Richardson location on Thursdays, and "S.T.E.P.S. (Supportive Treatment of Eating in Preschoolers).

Additionally, Our Children's House locations in Allen and in Waxahachie have weekly group meetings for children with food issues:

• Our Children's House at Allen holds a "Food Frenzy" class for children ages 3 and up every Wednesday to help them with tactile issues with food. Participants must obtain an occupational therapy evaluation prior to attending class.
• Our Children's House at Waxahachie holds its "Behavioral and Sensory Feeding Group" class on Wednesdays for children who have behavioral and sensory aversion to food.

If your child is on a Gluten-Free Casein Free diet, there are special cookbooks such as The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet or Special Diets for Special Kids. There are also email groups such as the GFCFKids yahoo group and many message boards on the internet.*


Finally, there are nutritional supplements. My son likes his gummy bear multi-vitamins and Nordic Naturals brand DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids) supplements. Check out this short but informative article, "Does Your Child Need Nutritional Supplements?" from the American Academy of Pediatrics.



*Note regarding the GFCF diet: I am not recommending the GFCF diet, just offering resources for those whose children are on special diets or are considering them. I personally have not tried any special diets with my son because he is already so picky. Many in the medical community are skeptical about the treatment of autism with special diets and are concerned that limiting the diets of children who are already notoriously picky eaters will lead to inadequate nutrition. Still, there are many parents who claim to have seen improvement in their children because of the GFCF diet (Jenny McCarthy is a strong proponent). So if you are considering a special diet: talk to your doctor, talk to other parents, and good luck!

Financial Help For Families Facing Autism

We all know the importance of early intervention and treatment, but the cost can be a real burden on families. Today Mainstreet.com featured an article on organizations with programs that provide individual, need-based assistance for families who need help paying for autism treatments.

Also, several of the local service providers listed on the right column are non-profit organizations that provide services on a low cost or sliding scale basis.

Elizabeth Scott to Speak at Dallas Area Writers Group Meeting Tuesday

Elizabeth Scott, author of Raindrops on Roman: Overcoming Autism, will speak at the Dallas Area Writers Group meeting Tuesday at 7pm at Zula B. Wylie Library, 225 Cedar St., Cedar Hill, TX 75104.

It is a free event. For more information call 972-291-6433 or visit www.dallaswriters.org.

Research News: One in 10 children with autism overcome condition by age nine, study finds

One in 10 children with autism overcome condition by age nine, study finds (click to read):

The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and presented at an autism conference in Chicago, involved children aged nine to 18.

Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, called the research a breakthrough. "Even though a number of us out in the clinical field have seen kids who appear to recover, it has never been documented as thoroughly as Fein's work," Miss Dawson said.

2009 Walk Now for Autism

Fundraising and preparations for the Dallas-Forth Worth's "Walk Now for Autism" event has begun and organizers wanted me to share this message:

Autism Speaks will hold their annual Walk Now For Autism Event November 14, 2009 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This multifaceted fundraiser not only raises money for research and raises awareness, but also provides a day of fun for all who attend. From space walks to face painting to live entertainment to a resource fair, Walk Day is fun for the whole family! Join us for the inspiring Kick Off Luncheon to learn more about how you can become a part of this exciting event as we search to raise awareness and ultimately “find the missing piece.”

2009 Dallas Ft Worth Walk Now for Autism Kick Off Luncheon
Come for lunch, hear motivational speakers and get ready to Walk!
Friday, September 18, 2009
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
The Westin Park Central
12720 Merit Drive
Dallas, Texas 75251

Check out the website to see current local fundraising efforts and to learn how to get involved!

www.walknowforautism.org/dfw

Fort-Worth Based "Precision Songs" awarded for its "Impact"

Precision Songs, a Fort Worth-based developmental learning company that uses music to help autistic children develop language, received a TECH Fort Worth Impact Award at the TECH awards luncheon today. The IMPACT Awards "recognize new companies that will better our world by bringing to market new technologies and innovations that will have a significant impact on our environment, community or health."
Precision Songs was conceived of by Arlyn Kantz, a Certified Autism Interventionist and a mother of a child with autism. She was inspired by her son's love of music and the success he experienced when she began incorporating music into his therapy.

Research News: Brain Anatomy, Signs of Autism in Infancy, and Maternal Immune Response

ABC News: Brain Anatomy Could Point to Autism

TIME: Researchers Find First Signs of Autism Even in Infancy

Johns Hopkins Gazette: Maternal Immune Response is Key Factor in Some Autism

Texas House OKs Medicaid Buy-in Program For Children With Disabilities

Austin-American Statesman: Children with certain disabilities (including "severe autism") would be able to join the Medicaid program even if their parents earn more than the income limit under a measure approved by the Texas House today. (Click to read)

Supreme Court Weighs Funding For Special Education This Week

This week the Supreme Court heard arguments on an issue being debated between public schools and parents of children with disabilities all across the country: When should public school officials pay for private schooling for children with special needs?

The case involves parents seeking reimbursement for their child's private education after a psychologist had diagnosed the child, "T.A.," with ADHD and other disorders and recommended they remove him from public school and place him in a private residential school. When T.A. was evaluated at school they agreed with the psychologist’s diagnoses but concluded that he was not eligible for special education under the IDEA because those diagnoses "did not have a severe effect on his educational performance."

Read more about the case in this New York Times article.

See also a recent post about pending Texas legislation that would provide private school vouchers for Texas children with autism and other disabilities.

Lex and Terry Auctioning Custom Motorcycles to Benefit Autism Society

Dallas-based syndicated radio personalities Lex and Terry (97.1fm) are auctioning off a pair of Yamaha Road Star cruisers, completely custom built with a custom paint job as dictated by Lex & Terry to the Martin Bros. Proceeds will benefit the Autism Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

You can see Lex’s bike at North Texas Yamaha, 2301 N. Stemmons Frwy in Lewisville and Terry’s bike at Motion Cyclesports, 9938 Plano Road off 635 just west of Garland.

Bidding ends May 15, 2009.

You can see pictures of the bikes and place bids here.

Research News: Researchers Find Common Genetic Variations In Autistic People

Exciting research breakthrough:

LA Times: Researchers Find Common Genetic Variations in Autistic People

US News and World Report: What the Autism Gene Finding Means for Parents

And other news:

Forbes: Autism Tied to Older Moms, Breech Birth--But it's unlikely these factors cause the neurological condition, experts say. . .

Washington Post: Devices Aim to Help Children With Autism Speak

World's largest park for special needs kids coming to Texas!

Dallas Special Needs Examiner: World's largest park for special needs kids coming to San Antonio (click to read)

How exciting!

Local News: Parents Finding Yoga Helps Children With Autism

CBS 11 News: Parents with children who have autism are finding yoga to be a great help with the developmental disorder (click to read)

Educational Toys for Play and Therapy Use

I went into the Lakeshore Learning Store on Dallas Parkway by the Galleria today, and I am glad I didn't have much time to browse or I would have wanted to buy everything in the store. My son had a good time there, too. They have a lot of toys out in the store where kids can play with them, and they were having arts and crafts activities in the middle of the store. It was my first time in the store but I have ordered puzzles and picture cards from their online store before and I have been pleased. I highly recommend visiting the store though for great therapy toys and products, and bring along your kid if you can.

There are also several great websites where you can purchase quality educational and therapeutic toys and games online. And sometimes just browsing the sites gives me ideas for things I can make myself or look for on craigslist or ebay, or in secondhand stores.

Check out:

Lakeshore Learning
Different Roads to Learning
Kidscope Toys
Baby Bumblebee

Research News: A Link Between Autism and Vitamin D Deficiency; Phthalates

A Link Between Autism and Vitamin D Deficiency?

US News and World Report: Researchers are looking into whether Vitamin D deficiency might be a cause of autism (click to read)

A Chemical Found in Plastics Possibly Linked to Both Autism and Childhood Obesity

Also recently linked to autism in a research study: vinyl floors. Specifically, the chemical phthalates contained in the plastic of vinyl flooring would be the "main culprit." Another study has also linked phthalates to childhood obesity. Phthalates are present in many household products such as: personal care products like shampoos and liquid soaps, toys, plastic bottles, and many other items. Read more about the dangers of phthalates at the Environment Working Group's website, and tips on how to avoid products containing phthalates at thedailygreen.com.

In February, a federal law became effective that bans children’s toys and child care articles that contain more than 0.1% of six phthalates. Read more about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in this informative WebMD.com article.

Richardson Coach Makes Fitness Fun For Special-Needs Adults

A recent Dallas Morning News article featured a local gym that hosts a program for special needs adults twice a week. The activities are part of the My Possibilities program, a full-time day program for adults with disabilities based in Plano. My Possibilities is hosting an open house on May 9th; see their website for details.

Local News: Area physicians studying, treating autism and its impact

Ft. Worth Business Press: Area physicians studying, treating autism and its impact (click to read)

Free Developmental Screening this Saturday

What: free developmental screening for children under 3 years old

When: Saturday, April 25, from 11am to 1pm

Where: Denton County's 2nd Annual Health Fair and Roundup, at CCA, 200 South Mill Street, Lewisville, TX

There will also be free immunizations for ages 0-18 (bring your child's shot records), health screenings for adults, vision screenings, and fun activities for children (bounce house, face painting, & a fire truck).
For more information contact Sandra Lindorm at 940-383-1508.

Local News: Dallas man works to create local jobs for people with autism

Dallas Special Needs Kids Examiner: Dallas man works to create local jobs for people with autism (click to read)

Easter Seals Autism Resource Fair this Wednesday

Easter Seals of North Texas are holding an Autism Resource Fair next Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Trinity Center, 4443 N. Josey Lane, Suite 100 Carrollton, TX 75010.

From ntx.easterseals.com:

Friends, family, providers and caregivers, please join us! Light refreshments will be provided. Local agencies that provide support and resources to families and individuals with Autism and special needs will be available to provide information regarding their programs and services.

About the Autism Resource Fair

Open to all who care for loved ones of any age with Autism or
special needs.

On hand will be exhibitors from local organizations providing services and support to caregivers and their loved ones including:
1. Health agencies
2. Local organizations
3. Parent support groups


Schedule:
6:30PM Open exhibitors
7:00PM Presentation- Easter Seals Living with Autism Study
8:00PM Q & A’s and Refreshments

For more information visit the North Texas Easter Seals website or call the Easter Seals North Texas office at 972-394-8900.

Texas Legislation Update: House Considers Bill to Expand Autism Insurance Coverage Up to Age 18

The Texas House of Representatives is currently considering HB 451, a bill that would expand the health insurance mandate to cover children ages 2 to 18. The current law covers only ages 3 to 5.

Currently, the Texas Autism Insurance Law (Insurance Code 1355.015) signed on June 15, 2007 and effective as of January 1, 2008:

• Includes: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
  
  
• Requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for generally recognized services perscribed in relation to autism spectrum disorder by a primary care physician
  
  
• To be eligible for coverage, an individual must be older than two years and younger than six years (ages 3 to 5)
  
  
• Coverage for behavioral therapies are subject to a $50,000 maximum per year
  
  
• Covered services include:
  • Evaluation and assessment services
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Behavior training and behavior management
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication or nutritional supplements used to address symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. (summary from autismvotes.org)

You can learn more about pending state legislation that affects our community by visiting Texas Autism Advocacy's Legislative Action Center and take action by sending an email to your elected representatives.

Research News: Melatonin Is An Effective Treatment For Sleep Problems In Children With Autism, Study Suggests

From ScienceDaily.com: A recent study by UC Davis's M.I.N.D. Institute has found that "over-the-counter melatonin medication can shorted the length of time it takes for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), or both to fall asleep at the beginning of the night."(Click to Read)

Note: I can testify that I personally have been giving my 3 year old 1mg of melatonin nightly and it has made a huge difference. Before it was taking up to 2 hours or so for him to fall asleep, even when he was clearly exhausted. Now he falls asleep within a half hour. Of course, as with any supplement, it is something that should be discussed with a pediatrician FIRST.

Sleep hygiene is important, too. Check out Akron Children's Hospital's "Healthy Sleep Habits" page which discusses sleep problems and provides information on how much sleep a child needs (at each age) and gives lots of helpful advice on how to improve your child's sleep hygiene.

Sensory-Friendly Showing of Hannah Montana movie this Saturday

This Saturday at 10am, local AMC theatries will be showing Hannah Montana: the Movie as part of their "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

DFW Participating AMC Locations:

AMC Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Rd., Ste. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034

Parks at Arlington 18
3861 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

AMC Firewheel 18Full-screenFull-screenFull-screen

100 Coneflower Dr., Garland, Texas 75040

From autism-society.org:

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.