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.