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.