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Monday, December 30, 2013

Autism Is More Than Just a Diagnosis

Autism more complex than most realise




Autism Is More Than Just a Diagnosis

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

It's Schooltime! Don't 4get Ur Rx?


 
Editor’s note: We acknowledge with great compassion that this is a particularly challenging topic for the many families who make the difficult decision to put their children on psychiatric medication. We believe all parents must be given the most accurate information about these medications, including side effects, the necessity of properly tapering off medication, the lack of safety testing on children and young adults, the institutional incentives for medical doctors, educators, and others to advocate their use, and the availability of effective non-pharmaceutical avenues of treatment that can address root causes of mental illness and behavioral problems. Kelly is a holistic, board-certified psychiatrist. This blog is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional of your choosing.
psychmeds3School should not be a place of danger. We can all agree on that premise, and we can debate how and why things have gone awry.

by Kelly Brogan, MD, with Louise Kuo Habakus
School Violence, Psych Meds, and Our Children | Fearless Parent (November 25, 2013)


Recommended Reading
The Giant, Gaping Hole in Sandy Hook Reporting

Evidence-based Care, Health & Wellness, Healthy Children, Healthy Families
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  • "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Sunday, December 29, 2013

    Technology helps families dealing with Autism work straight from their homes

    A Kansas City doctor has found a way to bring specialized treatments to children with Autism without making parents drive more than 5 miles from their home.
    Audrey Lintner knew early on her son was different than most kids.
    “Oh gosh, since he was a baby,” she said.
    Tommy was diagnosed with Autism last year.
    “It’s very difficult to convince him to stop for whatever reason, I’m in this pattern I need to finish this pattern,” said Lintner.
    One in 50 kids around the U.S. are diagnosed Autistic and the number is rising.
    “There’s also research that shows that those individuals that are higher functioning, that as they age out of school and they age into young adulthood, that they’re unemployed and they’re underemployed,” said Dr. Linda Heitzman-Powell, who is specialized in Autism research.
    Heitzman-Powell has helped hundreds of families dealing with autism.
    She's educated parents, like Audrey, without forcing them to travel thousands of miles to get to her.
    Instead, she helps treat kids through a webcam.
    She’s taught Audrey new techniques to help give Tommy structure and grow in basic social skills.
    “You change the learning outcome, you change the trajectory,” said Powell.
    Sixteen weeks of training has given her a whole new perspective on helping her son and even herself.
    “I think it helped me possibly more than it’s helping Tommy,” she said.
    Heitzman-Powell says they plan to provide the program to Spanish speaking families in the near future.

    Read more and watch the video:

    Technology helps families dealing with Autism work straight from their homes

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Video: Autism is a world (part 1) | Autism Support Network

    Video: Autism is a world (part 1) | Autism Support Network

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Saturday, December 28, 2013

    ‘My Thiero Boys’ Documentary Raises Autism Awareness



    (credit: Vana Thiero)A Southern California mother set to expose the challenges in raising two sons diagnosed with autism in a new documentary series.
    In “My Thiero Boys: Believing in Miracles in Spite of Autism,” Vana Thiero captures the struggles of her family and of other families affected by the condition. She calls on society to cater to the unique abilities that people with autism possess through customized education and employment options.

    (Seasoned Filmmaker) Thiero is currently trying to secure funding for the project and raise $60,000 in six days.
    To see how you can help or for more information visit www.mythieroboys.com.

    Here's the KCAL 9 interview:
    ‘My Thiero Boys’ Documentary Raises Autism Awareness « CBS Los Angeles


    Autism, Autism Awareness, Autism Documentary, Health, My Thiero Boys, Seen On TV, Vana Thiero


    Watch videos highlighting the Thiero family.  Each video shares different perspectives of Autism.  "I'm a single parent..." is the introductory statement.



    



     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    'The Imagifriends of Imagiville' and 'My Imagiville' Anti-Bullying Book and Coloring Book!

    "Even those with Autism and disabilities can make a great and wonderful difference in this world and even they can fulfill their dreams and goals. "
    - D.J. Svoboda



    BOOK Coloring book
    D.J.'s book and coloring book!
     
     
     
     
    Friends of DJ Svoboda and the Imagifriends
     
    Friends of DJ Svoboda and the Imagifriends  - DJ celebrates abilities, spiritual gifts, love and art ~ all in a jubilant and colorful way. His message is of hope, embracing life~ and so much more. Please join us in building a fan base. Please visit www.myimagiville.com for paypal link.
     
    D.J.
    DJ Svoboda
     





    Friends of DJ Svoboda and the Imagifriends shared Brian Cimins's photo.
    Photo: PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Support DJ Daniel Svoboda, the amazingly inspirational and talented artist with Autism who created My Imagiville and just launched "the 2014 IMAGIFRIENDS Calender" for the Holiday Season - Purchase yours today at: http://www.myimagiville.com/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=100
    PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Support DJ Daniel Svoboda, the amazingly inspirational and talented artist with Autism who created My Imagiville and just launched "the 2014 IMAGIFRIENDS Calender" for the Holiday Season - Purchase yours today at: http://www.myimagiville.com/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=100
    Like
     
     
    Hello Everyone! This here is A Brand New Imagifriend that was just created to help spread Awareness to put a STOP to BULLYING. It was made KING SIZE because Spreading Awareness and Acceptance for Autism and Spreading Awareness to put a Stop to Bullying are very,very Important.
     The Imagifriends are also very determined to help spread Great Awareness to put a BIG STOP to BULLYING,because Bullying is Wrong and is NEVER OKAY!!


    Check out the latest Imagiville charactor leading the fight in raising awareness about bullying. Daniel Svoboda (DJ) is a wonderful friend of ours and has for a long time now been a huge inspiration to me. Daniel attends and speaks at autism conference across America sharing his imagifriends and also talking about his experiences growing up with autism. Please like his page and support his awesome work. Allison x
    This is the first Imagifriend created to spread awareness against Bullying. — with Jt Thompson.

    Photo: This is the first Imagifriend created to spread awareness against Bullying.

    Like
     


    Photo: Now that we have autism awareness, our goal is to achieve AUTISM ACCEPTANCE.
Global Autism Acceptance's goal is for autism ACCEPTANCE to be commonplace. This will be achieved through new and innovative awareness campaigns and services: supporting charities, families and individuals living with autism and special needs. Click 'like', then  'Show in News Feeds' to make sure you receive all of our updated information.
like | comment | share  (c) 2013
    Now that we have autism awareness, our goal is to achieve AUTISM ACCEPTANCE.
    Global Autism Acceptance's goal is for autism ACCEPTANCE to be commonplace. This will be achieved through new and innovative awareness campaigns and services: supp...orting charities, families and individuals living with autism and special needs. Click 'like', then 'Show in News Feeds' to make sure you receive all of our updated information.
    like | comment | share (c) 2013 
    Like ·

    via



    Check out DJ's 5-part interview on ReEnchant Planet Earth!
    Here's a link to the first one.
    Meet DJ - part 1 from Marilyn Shannon on Vimeo.


    Related videos:
    'Imagifriends of  Imagiville'  fundraiser and speech by DJ Svoboda.

     



    

     
    



    





     
    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Friday, December 27, 2013

    One way to connect your child to the world


    "a child who connects to a dog connects to the world"
     
    ASDA trains and places service dogs for individuals and families living with autism.
     
    Autism Service Dogs of America
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Nash worked hard today out shopping!



    December 16
    Meet our newest service dog in training, sweet NILE!
    Photo: Meet our newest service dog in training, sweet NILE!
    29Like ·
     
    Autism Service Dogs of America  album The N Class.
    Nico got some good training in today at OMSI in the ball room!


    December 11
    Nash practicing 'under' and deciding that escalators are no big deal.
    Photo: Nash practicing 'under' and deciding that escalators are no big deal.
     
    Like



    Jake is out working in the snow!
    Like ·
     
    For photos of  kids and families with their ASDA companions, go to Autism Service Dogs of America's (Facebook) page!

    Spread holiday cheer in the New Year with a donation to ASDA: album ASDA Fundraisers and Events!

    For more info., refer to Home | ASDA

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Thursday, December 26, 2013

    BrainChild Nutritionals Starter Kit

    Spectrum Support Starter Kit -
    This kit is designed to help parents get started with the foundation for implementing a biomedical approach with children on the autistic spectrum.
    The Spectrum Starter Kit includes the basic supplements needed, in child-friendly, easy-to-use forms. We will help you determine which formula is the best fit for your child.  The starter kit includes all the basic foundation supplements you need for a successful start to biomedical support of your child's health:  vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, probiotics and digestive enzymes.


    All of BrainChild Nutritionals Supplements are Gluten and Casein free.
    "At BrainChild Nutritionals we believe that biomedical, behavioral and school can all work together, and help to support each other.  Conversely, if things are way off balance in one area, other areas rapidly become unstable."

    Learn about 'Autism Supplementation 101'.
    Watch the Autism Starter Kit Video by Brainchild Nutritionals.
    Starter Kit







    
     
     
     
    





    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Sunday, December 15, 2013

    Unraveling How Autism Disrupts the Early Brain (UCLA - IDDRC)

    A UCLA study that is the first to map autism-risk genes by function and uncover how mutations in the genes disrupt fetal brain development was widely reported in recent news, including this Nov. 21 article by HealthDay News.


    Read an excerpt from the HealthDay News article below, and the entire HealthDay News article here.
    Research Probes Autism's Origins in the Brain
    Two studies identify gene mutations that act together to disrupt the brain's wiring before birth
    By Brenda Goodman
    HealthDay Reporter
    THURSDAY, Nov. 21, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- Two research teams say they have pinpointed how changes in genes linked to autism act together to disrupt normal brain development.


    AUCD - Unraveling How Autism Disrupts the Early Brain (UCLA - IDDRC)

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    1-to-1-Aides---Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For

    Paraprofesdional or Aide?
    A Parent is not a substitute for an Aide.
    Just like Teachers ate qualified, Paraprofessionals and Aides should be trained.
    Learn more from Wrightslaw at
    http://myemail.constantcontact.com/1-to-1-Aides---Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For.html?soid=1101518003158&aid=rePzKz3IS3U

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Saturday, December 14, 2013

    NACDD: DD Act Celebration Panel and Jeapordy!



    Liz Weintraub
             
    Liz spoke on the Long Term Services and Supports Panel during the White House 50th Anniversary of the DD Act Celebration (November 15, 2013).
    Published on Dec 4, 2013
    For more videos by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, subscribe to the NACDDmeetings Youtube Channel.

    via


    A snippet of Liz's presentation during #WHddAct celebration. #AUCD @nacdd http://ow.ly/ruL1A
     
     
     
    Also, here are a few photos by the
    October 31, 2013 marked the 50th Anniversary of on the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (originally PL 88-164, “The Mental Retardation Construction and Facilities Act of 1963”).  .
     

    50th Anniversary of the Developmental Disabilities Act

    www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/Blog/2013/2013_10_31.aspx


    Observing the 50th Anniversary of Developmental Disability Act and ...

    www.whitehouse.gov/.../observing-50th-anniversary-developmental-disa...


  • Nov 15, 2013 - Uploaded by The White House
    The White House commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and ...



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    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Frontiers | The Intense World Theory – A Unifying Theory of the Neurobiology of Autism | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

    Frontiers | The Intense World Theory – A Unifying Theory of the Neurobiology of Autism | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Friday, December 13, 2013

    Wrong Planet - Interview: Henry and Kamila Markram about The Intense World Theory for Autism


    Our quirky autistic columnist, John Scott Holman, interviewed Henry and Kamila Markram, originators of the Intense World Theory. Read their compelling and refreshing insights in this Wrong Planet exclusive…

    1. The Intense World Theory sheds light on the mystery of autism, and offers fascinating and refreshing insights. This theory may baffle those with a limited understanding of neuroscience. How would you explain Intense World Theory to the layman?




    3. Many members of the autistic community have embraced Intense World Theory, claiming it to be an accurate reflection of their own experiences, and a radical departure from the outdated and socially stigmatizing disease models of the past. Why has it taken so many years for the scientific community to draw a conclusion which autistics themselves find to be quite obvious? What prevented Intense World Theory from emerging years ago?

    Read the complete interview at:
    Wrong Planet - Interview: Henry and Kamila Markram about The Intense World Theory for Autism'




    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    The boy whose brain could unlock autism


    studies find an excess of circuits called mini-columns, which can be seen as the brain's microprocessors


    Autism changed Henry Markram’s family. Now his Intense World theory could transform our understanding of the condition.

    IMAGINE BEING BORN into a world of bewildering, inescapable sensory overload, like a visitor from a much darker, calmer, quieter planet. Your mother’s eyes: a strobe light. Your father’s voice: a growling jackhammer. That cute little onesie everyone thinks is so soft? Sandpaper with diamond grit. And what about all that cooing and affection? A barrage of chaotic, indecipherable input, a cacophony of raw, unfilterable data.
     
     

    The boy whose brain could unlock autism — Matter — Medium


    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

    Wednesday, December 11, 2013

    Sign Petitions on "The Tragic Kingdom"

    The Tragic Kingdom  - Sharing the stories about the hardships and sadness caused by Disney's abandonment and disregard of those with special needs.

    Petition #1
    Disneyland / Disneyworld Discontinues Guest Assistance Card for Special Needs Families
    Petition by Kim McClain

    To be delivered to Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Jayne Parker, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer The Walt Disney Company

    Disney is planning to end the Guest Assistance Card Program at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. We need to communicate how this change will impact the families of people with disabilities. Our voices need to be heard. The proposed change will prevent our families from being able to access the park and will result in fewer visits by those impacted by special needs.

    There are currently 36,144 signatures. NEW goal - We need 40,000 signatures!

    CLICK here to sign this MoveOn.org Petition:  http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/disneyland-discontinues



    Petition #2 -

    Disney We Have Tried Your New System Like You Asked. For Us it does not work!
     author: Kim Mcclain
    target: Disney Corporate Executive Officers
    signatures: 183
     
    SIGN this PetitionSite.com petition at:
    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/253/157/119/disney-we-have-tried-your-new-system-like-you-asked-for-us-it-does-not-work/


    McClain Special Needs Advocacy shared a link.
    Thank you Jennifer R...for taking the lead on promoting our new petition. Hey guys...sign this if the DAS did not work for you and please also share with others. We need this one to take off like the last one! Thanks!!! Kim McClain, you...r Friendly Neighborhood Advocate ♥

    Please sign this one. Thank you!.
    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/253/157/119/disney-we-have-tried-your-new-system-like-you-asked-for-us-it-does-not-work/


     

     
    "Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."
     
     
     
    Related articles:
     
       
     
    We are creating these and will send them out to you on a case by case basis and in preparation of your trips to Disney in attempts to spread the word and help others. Disney and other pages/sites advise steering away from this page due to ..."Misinformation". In reality, you will receive the truth because outside of advocacy, inspirational information, we primarily post your stories which helps to educate our community on what is happening as well as all of the inconsistencies with the new program.

     
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    disneyparks.disney.go.com/.../disney-parks-disability-access-service-card...
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    disneyparks.disney.go.com/.../guest-assistance-card-program-up...
    Oct 4, 2013 - The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest ... The present system allows for this, so I am wondering how the new  ...
  • Disney updates the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) with the new ...
     
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iXfWSlg08M
    Oct 9, 2013 - Uploaded by TemporaryTourist
    The Temporary Tourist shows the process to obtaining Disney's Disability Access System (DAS) card. For ...

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    Watch another video on a DAS Review by Temporary Tourist by a couple:
     
     
     
     
  • Disney releases official statement, rules, and FAQ on new Disability ...
    www.insidethemagic.net/.../disney-releases-official-statement-rules-and-f...
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    www.dailyfinance.com/2013/.../disney-parks-disability-access-service-du...
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    www.dailyfinance.com/.../disney-dissing-disabled-solve-abuse-problem/
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    www.mouseplanet.com/.../Autism_and_the_New_Disability_Assistance_...
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  • Disney Changes Rules on Passes for Disabled Guests | KTLA 5
    ktla.com/2013/10/.../disney-changes-rules-on-passes-for-disabled-guests/
    • Oct 9, 2013 - Disney begins new policy on passes for guests with disabilities. ... The new program entitled the “Disabled Assistance System,” will reportedly  ...
  • Disney Reportedly Altering Special Needs Access ... - Disability Scoop
    www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/09/20/disney-altering-access/18741/
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  • Durangoan challenges Disney over disability access program
    durangoherald.com › ColumnistsCreating Community