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Caliboo818 - A Little by Little Production

City: Duarte
State: CA
Country: USA
Member since: Mar 09, 2008
Last logged in: Nov 07, 2008

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Parent, Mother, Auditory Integration Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy

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Caliboo818's Page URL

http://www.foggyrock.com/MyPage/Caliboo818

Caliboo818's Bio

Greeting to you all. I know you are saying about time she tells us something about her self lmbo. Well I am a MSAHM of four wonderful kids.

Three girls Lonette 21 soon to graduate next month from Grambling State. Erica 20 Sophomore from Grambling State. Brianna 14 8th grade and my son Eric 13 he was diagnosed with Asthma at 8 month, Autism/PDD at 2, Absence Seizures at 10 and now ADD/ADHD. I have been married for 20 years to my wonderful husband Eric as time goes by you will learn more about us.

Eric was born August 18, 1995 the youngest of 4 children he has three othere sister’s Lonette 21, Erica 19 and Brianna 13. The delivery with Eric was normal except the several cases of false labor he weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and made his television debuet that same day along with his sister Brianna Hubby and I

. While growing up he had multiple ear infections and was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of 9 months we almost lost him at that point.

We began to notice something was wrong when he spoke his first sentence at the age of one which was "Hey chuckle head" and from then on nothing more was said except for mommy and daddy, so in speaking to other people they just said that is normal for boys mature slower then girls and not to worry so we didnt.

On a normal visit to his see his physician Dr Myrah Kahn she began to notice things in Eric like his speech not talking in full sentences, or when he wanted something he would grab you by the finger and lead you to it and point or just grunt.

So she suggested we or when you would ask him a question he would just repeat it so we suggested we take him to have his hearing checked so off to Olive View Medical we went, the hearing test came out fine.

Where they gave a series of other test and thats when we were given the news that Eric had Autism and it felt like my world came crumbling down.

I mean all I felt was anger, frustration, sadness for about two weeks I was on a fog, but then I had to get it together so I could get

But as time when by and he got the proper care from schools like Horaceman, Providencia and Miller and all the wonderful teachers and assistants that worked with him.

. Also the wonderful people from the Frank D Lanterman Center especially Darlene who came into our home and helped us with Eric with the toilet training it was a long process but we all got it done.

Angela how has come in and helped with behavioral issues when needed. In 2006 he was diagnosed with Absence seizures and now in 2008 they think he may have adhd we are having him tested in a few week for that.

It has been a never ending journey with Eric sometimes regression will set in or he will have meltdowns so bad that I just want to sit down and cry with him.

School has had its up and downs his last school he did so well he gave the graduation speech that you can find on my page here.

This year has not been that kind a few of the kids have not been that acceptable of Eric, he has had his arm broken, picked on things thrown at him all because he is different, and friendly kid and according to the school dont fit into the "normal range of a child with Autism" what ever that means. But he is not letting the fact that he is "Different change him" he is loved by so many people due to his charming personaliy thats why we call him our Prince lol.

Just last week he was asked by the Spanish teacher if she could have him in her 7th period class here he normally takes Piano, the reason there is a child in there that will not speak but will communicate with Eric in Spanish, and its funny for when Eric speaks in English he tends to stutter, but when speaking in Spanish it flows out smooth and he has no accent.

So Eric on his on accord agreeded to change his class so he can help his friend to learn to speak in English.

So yes Autism has his bad themes but at times Autism can bring out qualities in our kids we never knew they had.

Have a blessed day

Favorite Blogs (1)

A Favor, Please

Hi- I'm working on putting together an electronic press kit to share with the me...Read more

By shannonj on 05.18.08
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Caliboo818's Blogs

How can you start a support group against Autism

by Caliboo818 on 11/02/2008

This may be old news to some of you. But it was brought to my attention today and when I read it I got a headache and my blood is boiling. How in the ...

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This may be old news to some of you. But it was brought to my attention today and when I read it I got a headache and my blood is boiling. How in the heck can children and adults with Autism? How can you start a support group AGAINST AUTISM? What have our kids every done to this morons oh yes I said.

This is pure form of racism and they must be brought down. Yeah Yeah I know we all have the right to free speech but not against children and adults how have had Autism put into their lives.

So if you are on facebook please please please come and show support for our kids.

Association Against Autism
Yes! We are back! And under new ownership! We are The Association Against Autism. (AAA) We stand for the Normal people. And we are sick of seeing the autistic kids in our schools diluting our education system and demanding Government hand outs for being "Special" and that brings me to my point. They aren't special. So stop treating them as such. For instance when a normal person catches a base ball, big whoop, no one cares. but when a special boy catches one they call him a "Hero" and being Diseased and dirty doesn't make you a hero

So please if you are on facebook let show our support for one another and let them know.
OUR KIDS ARE HERE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT

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Are you there Bridget it's me Autism

by Caliboo818 on 10/29/2008

This is the voice I heard today as I took Eric for his blood work. Blood work that comes from having Absence Seizures which comes from him having Auti...

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This is the voice I heard today as I took Eric for his blood work. Blood work that comes from having Absence Seizures which comes from him having Autism. The little voice that rears his head when I look into the eyes of my young prince as he tried to hold back the tears and I tried to explain to him why once again they have to stick a needle in his arm which he hates to much to draw his blood to put into the tube. Hey Bridget are you there its me Autism knocking and tugging at your heart strings as I hold back the tears and I listen to him say mommy why are they doing this to your baby your only son. Even the nurse Carmen who loves him so much and the Dr's brother how calls him his best friend have to look away to keep from crying as I say to him its a part of the Autism honey, but dont worry I am here to hold you before during and after I will never leave your side and seemed to cancel the fears and he told Carmen to go ahead and take the blood he is a big boy now. Hey Autism I know you are here, you have been since 1998 a constant reminder that you will always try to find ways to keep him and other boys and girls whose lives you have enterned from acheiving their God given goals in life. But Hey Autism its me Bridget and guess what you cant have our kids, we will fight you till the bitter end, you can not take over their minds, hearts and souls. We stand over a Million Strong, we are fighters, we are mothers, fathers, brothers, aunts, uncles, siblings, grandparents. Hey Autism its me Bridget and guess what our kids may have you
BUT YOU DONT HAVE THEM.

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If he didnt have seziures I wouldnt need you

by Caliboo818 on 10/29/2008

If he didnt have seziures I wouldnt need you

Today was Eric's three month check up with his Neurologist Dr Charles Neisen at Cedars Sini. Eric was ...

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If he didnt have seziures I wouldnt need you

Today was Eric's three month check up with his Neurologist Dr Charles Neisen at Cedars Sini. Eric was recommended to him at the age of 10 when we found out he was having Asbence Seizures. They first put him on Zorontin but it didnt take as well, so hey put him on Depokote tablets 4 pills three times a day. Now the issue with these seizures they are hard to catch why you may ask.

Absence seizures mainly happen in childhood. During an absence seizure, the child appears to be daydreaming or switching off. However, in an absence seizure, the child cannot be woken up. They are very briefly unconscious and unaware of what is happening around themBecause most children tend to daydream at times, absences can be very hard to spot. In some cases, children can be having hundreds of absence seizures a day.

This prevents them from learning and fully taking part in school or family activities. These children are missing out on tiny pieces of information. For example, they might hear the first part of a sentence but not the end. They may hear the instruction to go out and play, but not when to be back. Because they might then not do what is expected of them, this may be mistaken for poor behaviour. Parents and teachers may lose patience with children if they don’t realise that they are in fact having a seizure.

This is a scary thing for us a parents like all seizures are scary for parents. Well the dr has asked me to keep track of when he has these spells and like stated above it's hard to tell but I have kinda trained myself more to listen to watch. My son Eric is very active meaning always talking, singing, dancing, talking to himself out loud or everytime he hears the somebody car keys moveing he has to ask "where you going lol" So this time I wrote down he had two one in July, August and two in September in full detail of what happened during and after.

Well he looks at me as if not to beleive in what I am saying, he is like well you need to get a watch with a second had so you can tell how many seconds go by during the seizure. I had to explain to him in a calm voice look, when this happends I dont think about time I just want my baby back. I know you are probaly use to parents who want their kids on meds but I am not one of them trust me you know how hard it was to make this decision to put him on meds. I had to ask my trusted friends on what to do, called my mom, my sister before we made this decision. With that being said he mellowed out. So now I have to take him back to our regular dr for more blood work to test the level of medication in his system yippee that is gonna be heck a fun sigh.

This is one of those things I hate about Autism sigh

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Damn those pesty Fruit flies we dont need them

by Caliboo818 on 10/29/2008

Govenor Palin once again stuck her sigh expensive shoes in her mouth at a speech the other day. Hey the goverment is spending money on silly reasearch...

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Govenor Palin once again stuck her sigh expensive shoes in her mouth at a speech the other day. Hey the goverment is spending money on silly reasearch projects that are costing tax payers millions of dollar. Silly research such as Fruit Flies sigh. Well guess what I can see Alaska from my house we as parents of kids with special needs need the pesky little jokers.

Memo To Palin: Fruit Fly Research Has Led To Advances In Understanding Autism

This morning, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) gave her first policy speech urging the federal government to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), “a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.” In the speech, Palin cited the need to do more for children with disabilities such as autism:

For many parents of children with disabilities, the most valuable thing of all is information. Early identification of a cognitive or other disorder, especially autism, can make a life-changing difference.

Palin claimed that the amount that Congress spends on earmarks “is more than the shortfall to fully fund IDEA.” She then ridiculed some of the projects — such as “fruit fly research” — saying they have little or no value:

Where does a lot of that earmark money end up anyway? […] You’ve heard about some of these pet projects they really don’t make a whole lot of sense and sometimes these dollars go to projects that have little or nothing to do with the public good. Things like fruit fly research in Paris, France. I kid you not.
Watch it:

Palin did not specify what fruit fly research earmark she was referring to (presumably a grant for olive fruit fly research), but she is apparently unaware that scientific research with fruit flies has led to valuable discoveries that have boosted autism research, as a study at the University of North Carolina demonstrated last year:

[S]cientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have shown that a protein called neurexin is required for..nerve cell connections to form and function correctly.

The discovery, made in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to advances in understanding autism spectrum disorders, as recently, human neurexins have been identified as a genetic risk factor for autism.

The study of fruit flies has also been used for other autism research and “revolutionize[d]” the study of birth defects.

palin-fruit-flies

Sigh what do you think

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IEP's what you should know as a parent

by Caliboo818 on 10/29/2008

Today I found out that my neighbor that lives next door has a young daughter who is 4 and was diagnosed with Autism. Now we got on this subject after ...

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Today I found out that my neighbor that lives next door has a young daughter who is 4 and was diagnosed with Autism. Now we got on this subject after a huge neighbor dispute (not involving her or myself lol) I was just saying how I dont have time for gossip when I have my kids to deal with especiall Eric who has Autism. She stated so does her daughter so we began to talk, now she explained to me that when they gave her the diagnosed they only gave her a two page letter about autism and sent her on her way, now those who know me know I was hotter then fish grease so I went inside and grabbed my laptop and we went over all the symptons, etc. So then I asked her about her daughters IEP she stated she had one but was not sure about. I stated rule no one

1. Dont ever sigh anything you dont understand.
So I said bring me all of what you have let me go over it and she did. So I grabbed my sons IEP and called my best friend Debbie and she grabbed her son's IEP and we began to compare notes.

My neighbors daughter was DIAGNOSED with Autism by a specialist along with behavioral issues.
But on her IEP they put down the team does not beleive she has AUTISM which means she is being limited to services and according to Educational Code 56320 the following considerations have been made regarding the procedures and materials used during this evaluation to ensure compliane with state and federal regulations.
The reason for the referral
the child was referred for and assessment due to parents concerns and she has been diagnosed with AUTISM. Current results will be used to determine eligibiity for SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES.

Now we turn to her IEP REPORT SIGH
Special Education Eligibility Statement
Student eligible for Special Education under the condition of
Speech/language Impariment
and the little cirlce next to Autism was not colored it. Even though she has two reports by two different specialist that state this child has Autism.

So my friend Debbie and I made a list of all the things we sugges she does

1. Request and Emergency IEP Meeting

(Q. What is an expedited due process hearing?
A. An expedited due process hearing is a hearing before an administrative law judge on disciplinary matters.

Q. What is an emergency relief hearing?
A. An emergency relief hearing is a due process hearing that is held quickly and without the opportunity for mediation.

Q. What issues are considered an "emergency"?
A. Some issues may be considered an "emergency" if it is determined that the petitioner will suffer irreparable harm unless an immediate decision is granted.

Q. How do I request an emergency relief hearing?
A. In addition to the information required for requesting a due process hearing or an expedited due process hearing, requests for emergency relief hearing must be supported by an affidavit or notarized statement specifying the basis for the request.

2. They have to follow through with the diagnose of AUTISM as reported on the orginal report not just supply her with speech and language. This way she will be entitled to all of the Special Educational Services.

If you have concerns about your child, please read this information from First Signs.
Ask your school system in writing for an evaluation of your child. They are required to provide it, at no cost to you. The purpose of an evaluation is to find out why your child is not meeting their developmental milestones. A team of professionals will work with you to evaluate your child. If they do not find a problem, you can ask the school system to pay for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). There are strict rules about this, so you may not get it. You can also have your child tested again privately, and pay for it yourself. But check with your school district first to make sure they will accept the private test results. By law, the school system must consider the results of the second evaluation when deciding if your child can get special services.

3. Ask for increased Behavior Services 30 mins a month is not enough for this little girl

4. OT evalutation and possible OT services depending on the outcome of the evulation

5. Visual support and visual schedule

6. PECS

7. Candian Yeast ( the child has many upset stomachs and headaches)

The Candida Yeast-Autism Connection
Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon

There is a great deal of evidence that a form of yeast, Candida (rhymes with "Canada") albicans, may cause autism and may exacerbate many behavior and health problems in autistic individuals, especially those with late-onset autism.

Scenario. Candida albicans belongs to the yeast family and is a single-cell fungus. This form of yeast is located in various parts of the body including the digestive tract. Generally speaking, benign microbes limit the amount of yeast in the intestinal tract, and thus, keep the yeast under control. However, exposure to antibiotics, especially repeated exposure, can destroy these microbes. This can result in an overgrowth of Candida albicans. When the yeast multiplies, it releases toxins in the body; and these toxins are known to impair the central nervous system and the immune system.

Some of the behavior problems which have been linked to an overgrowth of Candida albicans include: confusion, hyperactivity, short attention span, lethargy, irritability, and aggression. Health problems can include: headaches, stomachaches, constipation, gas pains, fatigue, and depression. These problems are often worse during damp and/or muggy days and in moldy places. Additionally, exposure to perfumes and insecticides can worsen the condition.

Dr. William Shaw has been conducting important research on yeast and its effects on autistic individuals. He recently discovered unusual microbial metabolites in the urine of autistic children who responded remarkably well to anti-fungal treatments. Dr. Shaw and his colleagues observed a decrease in urinary organic acids as well as decreases in hyperactivity and self-stimulatory, stereotyped behavior; and increases in eye contact, vocalization, and concentration.

There are many safe methods to treat yeast overgrowth, such as taking nutritional supplements which replenish the intestinal tract with 'good' microbes (e.g., acidophilus) and/or taking anti-fungal medications (e.g., Nystatin, Ketoconosal, Diflucan). It is also recommended that the person be placed on a special diet, low in sugar and other foods on which yeasts thrive. Interestingly, if the Candida albicans is causing health and behavior problems, a person will often become quite ill for a few days after receiving a treatment to kill the excess yeast. The yeast is destroyed and the debris is circulated through the body until it is excreted. Thus, a person who displays negative behaviors soon after receiving treatment for Candida albicans (the Herxheimer reaction) is likely to have a good prognosis.

Please note: treatment for Candida albicans infrequently results in a cure for autism. However, if the person is suffering from this problem, his/her health and behavior should improve following the therapy.

To learn more about yeast and Candida albicans, visit the Autism Research Institute's web site. The Institute's publication list contains an extensive information packet and books on this subject. In addition, William G. Crook, M.D. has written several excellent books on yeast, including the classic The Yeast Connection (1986), The Yeast Connection and the Woman (1995), and more recently, The Yeast Connection Handbook (1996). Dr. William Shaw also provides organic acid testing as well as additional testing. He can be contacted at: The Great Plains Laboratory for Health, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 9335 West 75th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204, U.S.A; telephone: (913) 341-8949; and fax: (913) 341-6207.

8 CF/CF Diet( will help with regression)

What is the gluten-free, casein-free (GF/CF) diet?

This is a dietary intervention to lessen the digestive and bowel issues sometimes found in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent research indicates that there are children with a genetic predisposition to the disorder which is then triggered by some as yet undetermined event – a vaccine, environmental toxin, or virus – which can cause a "leaky gut” (sometimes evidenced by resulting chronic loose stools as the child cannot properly digest these proteins.) If this happens, wheat and dairy are then metabolized as opiates. It is believed that by eliminating gluten (wheat) and milk protein (casein), the gut will begin to heal and the child's overall condition will improve somewhat. Sometimes additional factors are in play and must be addressed as well before positive change is seen (such as yeast overgrowth, as an example). Because the diet is considered an "alternative" therapy, school administrators, medical personnel, and others often view it with skepticism. But, for some children, eliminating gluten and casein helps lessen self-stimulating behaviors, increases focus, and resolves gastro-intestinal distress. That’s why many parents swear by it.

The diet is not a cure for autism nor is it a substitute for traditional one-on-one intervention. Rather, by making the child more comfortable, the child becomes more receptive to learning (not to mention the potential positive impact in the child’s overall health, demeanor, and possible reduction in negative behaviors).

What do the children eat?

Children can eat a wide variety of meat, chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables – anything that does not contain wheat gluten or milk protein (both proteins are very similar in molecular structure, and it is estimated that as high as 80% of children with autism who follow the GF/CF diet can benefit). However, some children may have additional food intolerances/sensitivities as well (including soy, corn, rice, potatoes, peanuts, beans, etc.), and parents may request other foods be eliminated. Furthermore, gluten is also found in oats, barley, rye, and most processed foods. Gluten is in even in Play-Doh, adhesive on stamps and stickers, and many hygiene products (and can be absorbed through the skin – does not need to be ingested to negatively affect a gluten-sensitive child). Milk protein or casein is found in every dairy product imaginable, and is even used as a binder in canned tuna fish.

Many children who are on the diet will react to the slightest bit of wheat gluten or milk protein. A single bite of a goldfish cracker may cause a week of bad stools, aggressive and disruptive behavior, rashes, etc. A child who "gets into" regular Play-Doh may become non-compliant, withdrawn, and regress. One bite of a graham cracker could result in severe tantrumming, head-banging, and unusually strong, aggressive behaviors, sometimes lasting several days.

How is the GF/CF diet implemented at school?

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team will need to document that a dietary intervention is being used in conjunction with traditional interventions. Generally, the parents are responsible for providing GF/CF supplies for their child to use in the classroom as well as any snacks, lunches, or "special treats." Teachers and aides must make sure that the child uses only the GF/CF supplies provided and that food is not shared during snack or lunch times. Students in upper grades and beyond should be encouraged to learn about the diet and the consequences of cheating (i.e., painful diarrhea, loss of emotional control. etc.).

What about non-food items like Play-Doh?

Play-Doh contains wheat. There is some debate as to whether gluten molecules can be absorbed through the skin; however, there is no doubt that younger children will put their hands in their mouth or even eat Play-Doh. Crayola Model Magic is used as a Play-Doh substitute. Other non-food items that may include wheat are paints, markers, glue, glue sticks, paste, tape, makeup or face paints, sunscreens, some bandaids, glue on envelopes, stickers, hand stamps, lotions, etc. (As an example, a shopping trip to Trader Joes ended up with their roll of stickers that were handed out to children in the store stuck all over a child’s legs and arms, and the child’s resulting aggressive behavior was all the proof parents needed to ensure stickers were not used on skin in the future.) The safest way to handle this is to provide parents with a list of items needed, and only use products sent from home. If the child becomes sunburned because the parent failed to send in GF/CF sunscreen, that is the parent's fault, not yours. If you do crafts involving pasta, make sure that the parent supplies you with rice or corn pasta in the necessary shapes and quantities – give them plenty of notice.

What about materials used in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy?

Toothettes and lemon flavored cotton swabs used by speech therapists are GF/CF. Parents can provide lollipops, Jet brand marshmallows, candy reinforcers, etc. as part of their "school supplies." Colgate shaving cream is acceptable for OT use, as are beans and rice used in sensory integration bins. Beeswax, Model Magic or Silly Putty can be used for molding clays to improve hand strength. However, some substances—Nickelodeon Floam or Goop—are notGF/CF. Lotions and powders used in physical therapy or for sensory integration should be provided by the parent after consultation with the therapist. (Again, realize that not all products used for the general class will be GF/CF. When in doubt, ask the parent to confirm GF/CF status, or to provide a suitable substitute to be reserved solely for their child’s use.)

What happens when we have special treats for birthdays or holidays?

Teachers must give the parent at least a few days notice to provide similar "special treats." Parents who are using the GF/CF diet cannot run to the store and buy cupcakes for the next day—these cupcakes have to be made from scratch using a combination of special flours that can be hard to find. Given enough notice, though, most parents can come up with substitutes. Try to make birthdays and holidays less food-oriented; substitute crafts, carnival or piñata type toys, music or movement activities instead of cookies and cupcakes. If you have a freezer on-site, you might request the parent to provide a few cupcakes and cookies to freeze for unplanned celebrations, so that the child need not feel left out.

We have many hands-on activities that involve food--how should we handle this?

Give the parent at least several days notice – the more the better – and start planning some alternate activities that do not involve food. Example: if the class is going to make a loaf of bread from scratch, ask the GF/CF parent to supply the flours for the dough. Parents doing the GF/CF diet may be happy to do this once in a while, but if their child must be excluded because of weekly pizza parties or daily snack preparation as a class, you may hear complaints.

What should I do if the child eats or gets into something they shouldn't?

Call the parents as soon as possible for instructions – be prepared to tell them what the food was, the quantity, and the time that the incident occurred. Do not wait – even though it is not a medical emergency, in a parent's mind, it may be. Some parents will come and pick up the child to give them digestive enzymes and over-the-counter medications. They may wish to rush the child home to soak in an Epsom salt bath to possibly help minimize the potential damage. Other parents will do nothing and then yell at you and blame you for a week's worth of sleepless nights. The important thing is to inform the parents as soon as possible and try not to let it happen again.

Anything else?

It is critical to keep the lines of communication open. The GF/CF diet is extremely stressful on a family – and it is not going to be easy to maintain in the classroom, either. If parents and teachers work together, though, the improvements in the child's health, language, social engagement, and behavior can make this a win-win situation across the board.

No one says the diet cures autism – but it just may make traditional interventions go more smoothly for everyone concerned.

Where can I learn more on my own?

An excellent website, www.gfcfdiet.com contains information, resources, recipes, support for parents, teachers, and physicians.

COMMON GF/CF SCHOOL PRODUCTS/MATERIALS:

Chalk – Crayola
Crayons – Crayola
Foam / Shaving cream – Colgate Shaving Cream is GF/CF (non-mentholated, white cream preferred)
Glue (liquid) – Elmer’s washable glue
Glue Stick - ??? (No suitable replacement found – recommend Elmer’s)
Markers – Crayola (including Color Wonder as well)
Paints (w/ brush) Palmer paint products; Crayola Oil Pastels, powder paint, and water soluble oil pastels; Prism Brand paints
Paints (finger paints) – Crayola
Paints (powder) - Crayola
Play Clay – Crayola Model Magic (NO Crayola Clay – that contains gluten)
Silly Putty - Crayola
Stickers – Most contain gluten – If a sticker is placed on clothes or paper, parent may allow it as acceptable. However, it is to be taken away from the child if the child insists on putting any stickers on skin….the adhesive is transferring gluten directly through the skin.
Sunscreen – Banana Boat
Lip balm – Burt’s Bees
Including GFCF Diet into the IEP Goals & Objectives

Here are some suggested goals & objectives to include into your IEP (Individual Education Plan) by a super mom – Moira.

GOAL 1:
Child will deny offer of foods that are not brought from home

Incremental objective #1 related to the goal:
When adult asks child if he can eat food not brought from home, he will answer "No" 70% of the time.

Incremental objective #2 related to the goal:
When adult asks child if he can eat food not brought from home, he will answer "No" 80% of the time.

GOAL 2:
Will self monitor the consumption of safe foods and non-edible items

Incremental objective #1 related to the goal:
Will be able to decline offers of unsafe foods that look similar to his by asking "Am I allergic to this?" 2 out of 5 opportunities.

Incremental objective #2 related to the goal:
Will refrain from eating non-edible items (such as rocks, plastic and wood) at all times independently or by asking an adult 4 out of 5 opportunities.

GOAL 3:
Will self-monitor safe food consumption (gluten and casein free diet)

Incremental objective #1 related to the goal:
Will be able to only consume foods provided for him from home.

Incremental objective #2 related to the goal:
Will be able to decline offers of unsafe foods.

SPECIAL NOTE: These are sample goals. Please be sure to work with your team of professionals in making a goal list that is unique to your child’s needs.

9 Try Melantiomin(as always talk to your dr first)
Melatonin

Melatonin is an important hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Since its identification in 1958, studies have shown that melatonin actually regulates many of the other hormones in the body. These hormones control our circadian rhythm, the 24-hour patterns that our bodies respond to every day. The release of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, so it helps control when we sleep and when we wake. Melatonin also controls the timing and release of female reproductive hormones, affecting menstrual cycles, menarche, and menopause. Overall levels of melatonin in the body also respond to the process of aging. Children have the highest levels of nocturnal melatonin; as adults age, their nocturnal melatonin levels get lower and lower, which means they go to sleep and wake up earlier, and may suffer from disrupted sleep patterns.

Uses

Jet lag. Melatonin is used to restore sleeping patterns and fatigue caused by cross time-zone travel.
Insomnia. Melatonin can restore more regular sleep patterns in those who suffer from insomnia as a result of low melatonin levels (that is, older people and some children with sleep disorders that may be caused by autism, epilepsy, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy).
Cancer. Melatonin can help prevent and treat some cancers, particularly those that are related to hormones (for example, breast cancer, prostate cancer) and non–small cell lung cancer. It also greatly increases the effectiveness and lowers the side effects of some cancer drugs (for example, interferon and interleukin 2).
Depression. Melatonin may be beneficial in treating depression related to low melatonin levels (for example, seasonal affective disorder)
Preliminary studies show melatonin may be useful in treating multiple sclerosis, coronary heart disease, epilepsy, and post-menopausal osteoporosis; and in preventing sudden infant death syndrome.
Dietary Sources

N/A

Other Forms

Melatonin is available as tablets, capsules, and sublingual tablets.

How to Take It

There is no official dosage range for melatonin supplements. Different people will be more sensitive or less sensitive to melatonin. For those especially sensitive to it, lower dosages may work as effectively as the standard amount, while taking the standard amount or higher dosage could cause anxiety and irritability.

To treat insomnia, one dose of 3 mg an hour before bedtime is usually effective, although dosages as low as 0.1 to 0.3 mg may improve sleep for some people. If 3 mg a night is not effective after three days, try 6 mg one hour before bedtime. An individually effective dose should produce restful sleep with no daytime irritability or fatigue. For treatment of jet lag, take 5 mg of melatonin one hour before bedtime upon arrival at your destination, and take it for the first five days. Dosages for anticancer treatment may be much higher (10 to 50 mg per day). Do not take melatonin supplements long term without consulting your health care provider.

Precautions

There are no known serious side effects to supervised melatonin use. Lack of sleep and insufficient exposure to darkness may suppress your body's natural production of melatonin. Some people may experience vivid dreams or nightmares when they take melatonin. Overuse or incorrect use of melatonin could disrupt circadian rhythms. Melatonin can cause drowsiness if taken during the day. If you experience morning drowsiness after taking melatonin at night, take less of it.

It may not be good for you to take melatonin if you have an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or an immune system cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia. If you are taking melatonin for depression, make sure you do so under your health care provider's care and advice. In some cases, melatonin can actually worsen the symptoms of depression instead of making them better.

If you take corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory or immune suppressive purposes (for example, you have had a transplant), use melatonin cautiously, and always under the supervision of your health care provider. Melatonin could interfere with fertility. Do not take it if you are pregnant or nursing.

Possible Interactions

Vitamin B12 changes the level of production of melatonin. If you have low levels of melatonin, you will often have low vitamin B12 levels as well. Taking vitamin B12 (1.5 mg of methylcobalamin per day) can help sleeping disorders because it increases melatonin production. Protein, vitamin B6, niacinamide, and acetyl carnitine all help your body produce melatonin. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, reduce melatonin production levels in the body, so it is best not to take these right before bedtime. Beta blockers also keep melatonin levels from rising naturally at night. Some antidepressants increase the levels of brain melatonin. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, interfere with melatonin production. Alcohol and caffeine can also interfere with melatonin production, as can diuretics and calcium channel blockers.

This document contains information relating to general principles of medical care that should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The reader is advised to check product information (including package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage, precautions, and contraindications before administering any drug. No claim or endorsements are made for any drug or compound currently in investigative use. No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in any material herein.

This web site is intended for your own informational purposes only. No person or entity associated with this web site purports to be engaging in the practice of medicine through this medium. The information you receive is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. If you have an illness or medical problem, contact your health care provider. You should consult your health care provider with any questions about the nature or effect of products you purchase here. Be sure to read all directions, warnings and other information accompanying any product before using it.

Dietary supplements are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness, and the information regarding these products has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

All in all parents please make sure you know your rights so your son or daughter will get all they are entitled to. For what you dont know the some schools are not likely to share with you. Why MONEY.

Well she went in and did as we suggested, now the school wants to take away the diagnose of Autism and put the label in of Aspergers and want her to pay for the retesting sign. 
And they want to suspend all of her daughters services, time to put into place plan b

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The reason why I fight so hard.

by Caliboo818 on 10/10/2008

In 1995 God graced me with this face you see here my baby boy Eric. In 1996 we almost lost him to Asthma that we didnt know he had but was brought on ...

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In 1995 God graced me with this face you see here my baby boy Eric. In 1996 we almost lost him to Asthma that we didnt know he had but was brought on by a simple ear infection and a bottle of Benydrel. I woke up one morning to get the older girls ready for school and to get his younger sister ready for the day. We lived in Virginia at the time and was about to move back to California the kids and I were in the middle of packing our things and hubby had already left to start his new job.

When I went to turn off the alarm I could hear him gasping for air and his little face was blue, I tried not to panic I had my oldest to run down stairs to get the neighbor who was a nurse and called my mom who lived in CT 911 didnt cross my mind but my mom did. You see she is preacher anointed by God and I know I needed to get some reassurence she could hear him gasping for air he was like 7-8 months at the time. She said hang up call 911 we got the prayers on this end and call me back.

The neighbor finally arrived and she got the girls ready as the ambulance came, they had to take him to the VA Hospital which was right in back of where we lived, they asked all kinds of questions like what did he eat? What time did it happend I tried to answer them all but them something said "Tell them to check for Asthma" why do you ask well it runs on both sides of the family and that came to my mind. In the mean time I called hubby and told him J as we call him was in the hospital he was having a hard time breathing.

Well he was on the next thing smoking back to VA. Well we stayed at the VA hospital for about two hours then they transported us to the childrens hospital where the questions began again, I told them to please check for Asthma but they all looked at me like I was crazy, finally hubby arrived and the world seem calmer. After about 8 hours the results came back ASTHMA my heart sank but I was glad I was right and it wasnt anything worse then that.

Two years later my world was rocked again we began to notice something was wrong when he spoke his first sentence at the age of one which was "Hey chuckle head" and from then on nothing more was said except for mommy and daddy, so in speaking to other people they just said that is normal for boys mature slower then girls and not to worry so we didnt.

Where they gave a series of other test and thats when we were given the news that Eric had Autism and it felt like my world came crumbling down.

I mean all I felt was anger, frustration, sadness for about two weeks I was on a fog, but then I had to get it together so I could get

Eric the help he needed for we started to see how this was effecting him how he would become frustrated when you could not understand him so he would become angry and fight, his attention span was very short and he would cry for no reason. Well after all of the test and probing he was diagnosed with AUTISM sigh now came the crying, the questioning of "what did I do wrong" What could I have done differently.

Then I remembered hubbys cousin has Autism as well but he is lower functioning where as Eric was diagnosed with Autism/ PDD a higher functioning case. So after all of the Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy, and finding the correct schools the journey began.

But as time went by we finally found the proper care from a school like Horaceman especially Brigette. She would keep the parents abreast of the day to day activities of our children via notebook, she would be able to make us see our children steps in a visual way for and example. She made us notice the way Eric walked up the steps using one foot at time she gave us a date by when he would be able to walk the steps like regular kids and my damn if she wasnts on point.

Providencia and Miller and all the wonderful teachers and assistants that worked with him. The things that came with it the long IEP's sometimes being put into the wrong classe rooms which still to this day frustrates him to no end. Some teachers that just dont get it, some adults that dont get it as well, dealing with kids who dont know better and dealing with kids that think he is the coolest things since pants with pockets lol and will defend his honor. The potty training which didnt become come successful until he was 6 years old and oh the party we all had lol. The tears that came when he said a full sentence again, to hear his voice again so see him smile again. But then we have the days where the regression comes in, the meltdowns, or the picky eating, the Echoilia or now we deal with the Delayed Echoilia meaing repeating of tv shows, movies, etc.

The sensory issues cant stand tags or loud noises even though he is louder then your average megaphone sigh. The over stimulation and the issues it can bring with the kids, teachers. Fighting to get Speech teachers that speak english, fighting for Adpative PE for two years, his arm getting broke at school because he is different, bottle thrown at his head cuz he is different. The school district how had and issue that he could tell me whats wrong with him because kids with Autism are not allowed to be able to communicate so well this is what happends when you live in the stone ages.

Just last year the Spanish teacher asked if she could have him in her 7th period class here he normally takes Piano, the reason there is a child in there that will not speak but will communicate with Eric in Spanish, and its funny for when Eric speaks in English he tends to stutter, but when speaking in Spanish it flows out smooth and he has no accent

So Eric on his on accord agreeded to change his class so he can help his friend to learn to speak in English. He is taking it again this year his progress report came in three days ago A+

Dealing with parents of kids with Autism how hate you in a way due to the fact you child is high functioning and theirs isnt. Instead of prasing you they bash you, you want to share good news with them but are afraid to. Or tell you omg stop throwing pity parties for your kids when you kid has a bad day. But when they tell you about their autism moments you give support you offer suggestions ect why because in the Autism Community we are all we got.

Mom who say aww what you are doing for your child is wrong, try my way not knowing that Autism is not like that tag you see at some stores on a shirt "ONE SIZE FITS ALL" and even that tag can be misleading. What works for your kids may not work for mine, but I will give it a try and if it works fine if not I am not ashamed to say 'UMM HEY WHAT ELSE YOU GOT"

Eight years later another blow was dealt sigh Absence seizures and is on medication for this. They tried to put the ADD/ADHD tag on him but we dodged that the test came back negative and no more medication for him. He is 13 now and heaven knows what else is in store for our Prince as the years go by. But all I can say is thank you to all the mommies that helped me during this time. Debbie, Pat, Ali, Ruth, Anissa, Chrissy, the list goes on so if I dont post your name dont mean I forgot you I my fingers are just tired lmbo

So yes Autism has his bad times but at times Autism can bring out qualities in our kids we never knew they had

I the end always remember but never forget

You cant have and Autstic child if they dont have Autism

Love always Bridget

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My oldest is growing up

by Caliboo818 on 09/05/2008

Today I got a call from my oldest daughter, we had some rough times these past couple of months and things are slowly getting back to normal. She is ...

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Today I got a call from my oldest daughter, we had some rough times these past couple of months and things are slowly getting back to normal.  She is doing her grad work at Grambling State University were she graduated from in May. Right now she is doing intern work at this center and she has a few cases she is working on. One involved three girls who live at home with their mom and her boyfriend at this present moment. They dont have much and the oldest girl is working as a sigh prostitute to help make ends meet, thesecond oldest is missing so many days of school its sad due to her not having a uniform and the youngest is making do the best way she can. My daughter said "Mom I never knew just how good we had it growing up. I know we are not rich nor we are worse off then this family but no matter what you and dad have always made a way for us to get what we wanted, and what we needed and I should have said thank you more often.

I just sat back on the phone and smiled and finally said sweet heart you are welcome.  I am going to get a care package together to help her with the young girls, going to go to the dollar store to pick up toiletries, pencils, pens, paper, get them a net spend card and add a few dollars to it so they can go to walmart to pick up some undergarments, and the hair supply place to get things for them to get their hair braided. It feels good to know that I have instilled the kind of love I have for helping people into my kids and hoping that one day they can make a difference.

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My hard work is paying off

by Caliboo818 on 08/16/2008

Everyone that knows me can say that when I am not talking about normal mom issues, basketball season or the MIL lol my next topic is Autism. I have be...

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Everyone that knows me can say that when I am not talking about normal mom issues, basketball season or the MIL lol my next topic is Autism. I have been trying to get a group for parents set up in my city but the good ole school district has been fighting me on it tooth and nail, They dont want me to talk to parents or show them that they have choices when it comes to their kids rights it scares them to know that we as parents can do better by our kids and live by the old fashion ways they want to try to set in front of us.  Well last month I got to meet Eric's new worker from the Pomona Regional Center and she got to meet Eric and fell in love with him instantly. So I began to tell her about the issues he had from the first week of school up until the last day, how they had to restruct their whole special needs program with the things I told them about Eric and how each child is different. Just because they have Autism dosent mean they are all the same, Oh I had a lot of ideas that she loves. So the following week I got a phone call stating she had told the people on the board of directors about me and what I could bring to the table, and they said they would love to have me sit on the board of directors at the regional center. I was in shocked, I have to sit on the committe for about a month to get a feel of how it works and then I move up from there. Oh I am so excited about this being able to go to conferences and bring back ideas to share with my family and friends talk to people who can offer me suggestions and vice versa. This has truly been a blessing for me to think I can finally be of more help to mom's like us
God is good aint he lol

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Family ordered to leave restaurant because of crying child

by Caliboo818 on 07/16/2008

JACKSON, SC (WIS) - At first, Gail Martin says she wasn't sure who was yelling at her to leave the Buckhead Café in Jackson. It turned out to be Jacks...

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JACKSON, SC (WIS) - At first, Gail Martin says she wasn't sure who was yelling at her to leave the Buckhead Café in Jackson. It turned out to be Jackson Police Chief Dennis Rushton, asking Gail and her family to leave.

"I didn't know what he was doing," Gail's daughter Lauren said.

The family was just about to order when 4-year-old Alyssa began crying; she suffers from autism.

Gail says Chief Rushton yelled across the restaurant again.

"He said, ‘You need to pick her up and you need to get out of here now,'" Gail said.

Lauren is upset with the chief.

"That was very mean to say -- just very mean," Lauren said.

The embarrassment was too much for Gail and her daughters, who soon left the restaurant.

"I wasn't embarrassed of Alyssa's behavior, I was embarrassed of the way it was handled," Gail said.

Chief Rushton would not make a statement, but he did say he felt Mrs. Martin's daughter was being extremely loud and bothering other customers.

Even though he knew the child was autistic, he said he did ask the Martins to leave.

Gail says she feels like Chief Rushton should have been more understanding about what was going on with her autistic daughter.

"We can't just lock them up, they have every right to be out in public like everyone else," Gail said.

Now Gail hopes her story will bring more awareness about autism.

"If it can happen in a small town in Jackson, it can happen anywhere," Gail said.

Chief Rushton says he is open to going through training through the South Carolina Autism Society to help him better understand the condition.

Rushton also says his police commissioner has invited the Martin family to meet with them at City Hall.

The Martins say they are open to meeting with the commissioner.

As you can imagine, people have had plenty to say about this story.

Viewer Roger said, "The family should have known better than to take an emotionally disturbed child into a restaurant. When customers pay to enjoy a nice meal the last thing they want to endure is an uncontrollable child."

Viewer Amanda wrote, "I know what it's like to have one or both of your autistic children start crying for reasons that other people could not possibly understand. I'm not saying children with autism should get a free pass on their behavior. I'm just saying that people should be more understanding because most of these kids can't communicate their needs verbally."

I cant say I am shocked at the mentality of these people.

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When Autism is the only normal thing in yoru life

by Caliboo818 on 07/10/2008

This is a first time in months I think I have been here and right now its's my moment of sanity. The last two months have been pure heck dealing with ...

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This is a first time in months I think I have been here and right now its's my moment of sanity. The last two months have been pure heck dealing with issues outside the Autism realm.  I thought dealing with a child with special needs was a tough road to travel then come to fine out it's dealing with those without Autism that put you through the most drama and unwanted excitement.  Those who know me on a personal have and idea of the events of May at my oldest graduation the has lead to the rest of the family not on speaking terms with her due to her young man she decided to choose her family over. How by punishing me so she thinks it by not talking to her little brother whom adores her is going to make me change my mind about my feelings of her relationship. The only that is hurting here is him, how do you explain to a 12 year old kid with a special need that you sister likes to play mind games (she graduated with a Degree in Psychology a tool she feels she can use to get into the mind of people discuss their issues then use them against that person later on in life) The only that is suffering is him, his other two sisters 14 and 19 are filling in the void left behind by the 21 year old. Or how the mind of my mother and sister have been turned to beleive the lies and deceite of how and uncaring parents my husband have been to this child. How is it I we can have 4 kids beautiful ones I may add and only one of them ends up with a hateful spirit? I guess its like the way we have four kids and only one of them ends up with Autism its one of lifes many mysteries. With Autism you have a chance to learn about the what  you are facing, but with this situation there is no book, no internet advice that can perpare you for what we are facing, how to put your emotiions undercontrol and its gonna feel when you have to let go of someone you brougt into this world.
How do you cope when you mom wont even speak to  you over a decision that you had to make to keep your sanity, but then has the nerve to say if I stop putting so much time into my son and his needs (for she feels he dosent really have Autism) then my daughter wont feel the way she feels I favor the 19 years old and my son over her and the 14 year old. Not that is not the case all are treated equal up ot a certian point each one has "certian needs" that cant be given to the other children and my son is a whole ball game all together but appears its easier then the non Autism Issues is that wrong?

Hopefully things will get back to normal what ever that may be, and if they do its fine if not I guess its just one of those tough love lessons in life I had to learn

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How man have come into the light?

by Caliboo818 on 06/24/2008

THE “DARK AGE OF AUTISM” IS DEAD
Looking back this year’s conference stood in sharp relief to previous years. Earlier years had an element of forebo...

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THE “DARK AGE OF AUTISM” IS DEAD 
Looking back this year’s conference stood in sharp relief to previous years. Earlier years had an element of foreboding.  In fact, for years the first night of the conference was reserved for a candlelight vigil with parents sharing their stories of suffering. It was the equivalent of the autism “wailing wall.” Words were not big enough to adequately articulate the enormity of our anguish.

This year the energy radiated from a different place. The focus was not on surviving the present, but on moving confidently into the future. Before, laughing was also taboo. This year a sense of humor was out and about in full force. From the bright eyes and smiling faces shone a confidence that was breathtaking in its redemption.

The Dark Age of Autism was as real and destructive as the epidemic itself. Parents lost their spouses, lost their jobs, lost their savings, lost their friends and lost their way. A diagnosis became an ongoing tragedy that fed on and consumed itself. Played out in thousands of doctors’ offices and picked up by the press a theme of blame, shame, and censure was waged against parents who refused to also lose their children.

Doubt and disbelief grew into defiance and then open rebellion. Asking for help from your school was seen as an act of civil disobedience. Asking certain questions of the medical establishment was akin to burning the flag. Asking government agencies to perform their duties was an exercise in futility.

Ironically, in the years of self-sacrifice and searching to save their children parents found themselves. The Dark Age of Autism forged a parental response more in keeping with a political revolution than a medical diagnosis.

Along the widening plane of engagement parents found their voice.  If your background was medicine your voice was needed; law, information technology, administration, accounting, education, IS, public relations–every profession and every voice found a matching need along the spectrum.

Until finally it can be declared the “Dark Age of Autism” is Dead! Never again will our community suffer the same type of terror that tested our limits and tried to embargo our voice. Never again will asking for help be callously ignored and construed as a weakness. The open rebellion has grown into a revolution demanding change.

Welcome to the “Age of Freedom.” Previous obstacles become petty annoyances when our hard-won freedom from fear and faith in the future is measured against the puny and the wrong. Like bad actors in a canceled comedy the same talking heads appear on TV and in print spouting the same tired shtick, unaware the country has moved past them.

While we have moved past you, we have not forgotten you – government and industry enablers and apologists will be dealt with in due time.

A system that allowed this to occur, spinning numbers out of whole cloth to scare parents, which has created the single largest problem the world faces today will end. It will not be pretty, but in life there are prices to pay for your actions. In a poetic turn of justice The Dark Age of Autism is about to descend on its creators.

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But Honey its a Sensory Issue

by Caliboo818 on 06/05/2008

How do you get your spouse or others to understand the difference between you'r child not listening in the regular child way, or a behavior due to A...

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How do you get your spouse or others to understand the difference between you'r child not listening in the regular child  way, or a behavior due to Autism or what ever disability.Now mind you my husband has know about my son's Autism since day one. He was the one that came home and broke the news to me. But I am the one that does all of the reading, research, talking to parent and watching all of the movements of Autism. Oh I try to explain to him every new thing I discover. It's not like he isnt interested its just all of it gets left up to me, maybe its his way of still dealing oh heck I dont know.

Eric has this issue with tags any kind of tags he hates when they touch his skin and will pull them out of what every he is wearing. I have told other's in this house of this and at times I will forget to pull them off myself. 
Now Erica and I have these NBA slippers and I let Eric wear mine not realizing the the tag on the back or thinking it would be and issue he wound up tearing them up by taking off the tags. Was I angry yes but I then had to realize it not a thing he does on purpose so I tried to explain to him that he cant do that. Now last night Erica let him use her slippers after he had a shower I go into the room sigh the same thing I told hubby he hit the roof, I left and went and told Erica she was not upset she made light of it, but I could hear hubby yelling, he was asking Eric why he did it, he said it was and accident, Hubby said one maybe but not two, he asked him why he did it Eric said I dont know. I tried to explain to him the sensory issue with tags, he stated I know all about that, so I said look far be from me to tell you what to do, but its a big differene of his being a kid and not obeying what you say, and him doing what he does do to how he is meaning Autistic. I am not making any excuses but its nothing we nor he has control of. 
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The Great Autism Rip-Off

by Caliboo818 on 06/03/2008

The Great Autism Rip-Off
How a Huge Industry Feeds On Parents Desperate To Cure Their Children

By Barney Calman in the Daily Mail, UK.
tin...

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The Great Autism Rip-Off 
How a Huge Industry Feeds On Parents Desperate To Cure Their Children

By Barney Calman in the Daily Mail, UK.
tinyurl.com/5k2k3z

There is little hope given to parents of children with autism. Mainstream medicine offers no explanation for the cause of this life-long learning disability, thought to affect one in 100, and there are no effective treatments.
      Perhaps the most cruel characteristic of the condition, which impairs communication development and ability to relate to others, is that children often develop normally until about two years of age, when they suddenly 'regress', becoming mute, withdrawn, refusing to make eye contact and prone to tantrums.
      Many never take part in mainstream education and some require full-time care, even as adults.
      In the absence of solutions, desperate parents are increasingly turning to the world of alternative medicine in their search for a cure.
      In this burgeoning market, private doctors and clinics have sprung up across the UK claiming they can treat or even 'reverse' the disorder.
      Recent research published in the Journal of Developmental And Behavioural Paediatrics found that a third of parents of autistic children have tried unproven 'alternative' treatments.
      Worryingly, the study claims one in ten has used what the experts class as 'a potentially harmful approach'.
      The Blackpool-based mother of seven, five of whom suffer from ASD, knows all too well the powerful allure of the promised 'cure'.
      After the Jackson family - including Matthew, 24, Rachel, 22, Sarah, 20, Luke, 19, Anna, 18, Joe, 15, and Ben, 11 - appeared in the 2003 BBC documentary My Family And Autism - dramatised in the film Magnificent 7, in which actress Helena Bonham Carter played a character based on Jacqui - they were inundated with calls from alternative practitioners.
      'You are so desperate in the early stages, you'll try anything,' says Jacqui.
      'I bought enzymes and supplements from America, which cost a fortune. I even paid thousands for a special mattress, blankets and pillows with magnets sewn into them that the sales people promised would do wonders but, of course, didn't work.
      'Autism is seen by some people as big business.
      'I meet parents who want a cure and spend money in the hope they'll have a normal child. I try to warn them that there is no evidence any of these things work, but they'll often go ahead.' Jacqui Jackson and autistic sons
      Jacqui with her four sons who all suffer from autism - from left, Matthew, Luke, Ben and Joe
      To investigate Jacqui's claims and to discover exactly what is being offered to parents, I visited five practitioners of 'biomedical' autism therapies posing as a parent of a three-year-old boy diagnosed with ASD.
      In each case my story - a 'typical' case of an autistic child, developed with the help of medical experts - was the same: My 'son' Archie was born on September 15, 2004, after an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth.
      He had all the usual baby vaccines, including the MMR at 14 months, and developed normally until around 18 months old when he became withdrawn and stopped speaking, refusing to make eye contact. Our GP referred us to a specialist who diagnosed him with ASD.
      I claimed to be seeking help from more 'forward-thinking' doctors.
      During my investigation, I was recommended expensive tests, vitamin supplements and special diets, ointments, suppositories and injections to 'flush out toxic heavy metals', bizarre-sounding high-pressure oxygen chambers and intravenous infusions of hormones - and told in each case that they could bring about a complete recovery from autism.
      Yet medical experts say there is no evidence to support their claims, and in fact many of the treatments I was offered were potentially harmful, and even possibly fatal.
      The experience left me disturbed at the lack of regulation surrounding these practices.
      The cost of some treatment programmes ran into thousands. Yet some clinics claimed to have six-month waiting lists.
      This week, new legislation aimed at protecting consumers from 'rogue traders' came into force, prohibiting businesses from making 'false claims' that a product is able to cure illness.
      Although the practitioners stopped short of saying they could 'cure' autism, each described to me instances of young patients who had been transformed by their treatments and were able to lead totally normal lives and participate fully in mainstream education.
      The doctors I visited are all linked to the highly controversial US-based Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) group - a collection of fringe academics and doctors.
+ Read more: tinyurl.com/5k2k3z

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What About My Disease?

by Caliboo818 on 06/02/2008

While Autism Attracts Research Money, Other Diseases Struggle for Funding
Some are calling autism the "disease du jour," and its fundraising coffers ...

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While Autism Attracts Research Money, Other Diseases Struggle for Funding
Some are calling autism the "disease du jour," and its fundraising coffers have the dollars to prove it.

The Autism Society of America has seen its budget grow to $20 million, and a new advocacy group -- Autism Speaks -- raised more than $33 million in its first year of operation in 2006. It expects to raise that to $50 million this year.

The 1,000 biggest U.S. private foundations nearly doubled their autism-related giving to $2.7 million between 1998 and 2005, the New York-based Foundation Center reports.

Long ignored by the medical community, the spectrum of neurological disorders known as autism is now the cause celebre in fundraising, commanding the attention of parents, pediatricians and star-studded spokespeople.

Just this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics released two new reports to help pediatricians recognize and treat autism, recommending that screening take place at both 12 months and 18 months.

Experts cite the strength of parent lobby groups and new government diagnostics that have put the disorder at the forefront of pediatric medicine.

But other champions of childhood diseases wonder if their causes have been overshadowed by autism's success story.

"The reality is every disease organizes and lobbies for its own cause," said Lisa Yue, who founded the New Jersey-based Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation, after two of her infant sons died of the little-known disease.

Well-Connected Fundraisers
"Why they are so successful in getting publicity is that they are very well-connected," said Yue. "Because of that, they are able to get more families involved and give more voice to the disease."

Celebrities have helped raise awareness for autism in the same way that actor Michael J. Fox did for Parkinson's disease. At a fundraiser in New York City this year Toni Braxton, Matthew Broderick and Bill Cosby helped raise $1.45 million for autism research.

Former NBC Universal chairman Bob Wright and his wife, Suzanne, called on celebrity friends like Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Simon after founding Autism Speaks in 2005. After his grandson was diagnosed with the disorder, Wright used his business expertise and star connections to bring added urgency to autism research.

Yue's own passion -- finding a better diagnostic techniques and cure for pediatric cardiomyopathy -- has struggled to get the kind of attention autism has received. The disease, which enlarges the muscle of the heart, has been most frequently associated with the sudden death of athletes.

Cardiomyopathy affects only one in 100,000 children, and the foundation has struggled to find celebrity support. Yue wrote to Ashton Kutcher, whose brother had the disease, but never got a response. It's harder when it's a rare disease," she said. "The pot is only so big and it takes away from other diseases and the potential for more cures."

Autism strikes far more children -- one in 150 in the general population and one in 94 in boys, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only mental retardation and learning disabilities take a greater toll on children's health.

Autism advocates, while well-intentioned, cull more research dollars. "I won't say it takes away from other disorders, but [they] somehow influence Congress and have a better opportunity to see that their interests are funded," said Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, pediatrician and epidemiologist for the CDC.

Epilepsy Efforts
While autism is getting all the attention these days, pediatricians say another serious neurological disorder has a lower publicity profile but occurs in similar frequencies among children -- epilepsy and seizures.

The Epilepsy Foundation does not pull out statistics for older children and young adults, but report that about one-half of 1 percent of children are diagnosed under the age of 15. Autism statistics -- which include young adults with Asperger's syndrome -- show less than 1 percent of all children have the disorder.

Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder in the United States after Alzheimer's disease and stroke and is equal in prevalence to cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease combined.

Like autism, its diagnosis can be elusive -- unless a child has a seizure right in the doctor's office -- and the risk of sudden death is 24 times higher than in the general population. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 will die this year of seizures and related causes.

The foundation raises $80 million a year, and increased autism campaigns have not undermined its fundraising efforts, according to Eric Hargis, president and CEO.

Autism advocacy "helps raise awareness of issues around health and that helps all of us," said Hargis. "Our mission is to encourage people with epilepsy to speak out and let their friends and high-profile colleagues know to do likewise."

Hargis said his foundation has learned a lot from the autism groups. "When celebrities are involved, they make a huge difference."

Greg Grunberg as Spokesman
The foundation has recently found its own celebrity spokesman -- Greg Grunberg of the television shows "Alias" and "Heroes." His son Jake was diagnosed with pediatric epilepsy in 2003 after Grunberg and his wife, Elizabeth, noticed his peculiar staring spells.

Grunberg enlisted the support of Hollywood friends Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman to donate original finger paintings to be auctioned off for epilepsy research.

"If you're talking about other neurological organizations like autism, we see ourselves as colleagues and partners," said Hargis. "Yes, we are out there to get out our message, but not to battle it out for public consciousness."

But other groups say medical charities are in fact battling it out of research dollars at the National Institutes of Health.

"When these resources are expanding, there has been room for most of the participants in the process to feel that they are winning," according to an August article in Nature magazine. "Now that the budget of the largest research agency in the world is effectively frozen, there are likely to be more losers."

"We are lacking vision and leadership that leads us on a scientific basis," said Sharon Terry, president and CEO of the Genetic Alliance, which supports genetic advocacy. "We don't have somebody sitting down and saying not just my disease, but this disease makes the most sense."

What the nation needs, said Terry, is a coordinated and cohesive system of allocating research money.

"It's easier in a way as a nation to grab on to celebrities and stories," said Terry, "than to understand how science solves diseases for a nation."

One comment in paticualr made me sick

We'd rather hear more about Britney. Please stop with these unimportant stories about causes of autism. I mean, really, who gives a damn about such an insignificant subject

So sigh I had to reply it's in my nature

We'd rather hear more about Britney. Please stop with these unimportant stories about causes of autism. I mean, really, who gives a damn about such an insignificant subject Aheadofcrowd
 
 Are you serious I cant beleive then again yes I can you hav what we all call FOTUK (FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN) Nobody knows where Autism came from, but all I know it came into our lives back in 1999 and stole our son and and left hubby and our three othere kids all girls wondering what happened. How it took my son's speech away, his ability to function as a normal child so it left us with Occupational and Physical and Speech Bills. It left us with IEP meetings, teachers that didnt care or were to stressout and overwhelmed to help our chldren. It left us with Schools Disticts that didnt have the proper tools to help our kids, it left us with people like you that talk down on us when you see our kids trying to function in this world and watch how people like you think we let our kids act this way because they are spoiled and we have no control.Come spend a day with moms like us when our kids go through regession periods, meltdowns, seizures, being bullied at school because they are different. Having to fight with inurance companies that wont cover what our kids needs for Autism is know as a pre excisting condition, having to put them on special diets for their digestion systems are so delicate oh my God how the list goes on.There is no cure for Autism, it is not a disease, it not a cold. I applaud all of the mommes and daddies. spokes people ect that have finally put Autism on the map so to speak. And no the othere "Disease's" have not been forgotten

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You know you have a child with special needs when...

by Caliboo818 on 06/02/2008

You know you have a child with special needs when...

You compare ER's instead of grocery stores.
You compare your child's oxygen saturations.
...

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You know you have a child with special needs when...

You compare ER's instead of grocery stores. 
You compare your child's oxygen saturations. 
You view toys as "therapy". 
You don't take a new day for granted. 
You teach your child HOW to pull things out of the cupboard, off the bookcases, and that feeding the dog from the table is fun. 
The clothes your infant wore last fall still fit her this fall. 
Everything is an educational opportunity instead of just having plain old fun. 
You cheer instead of scold when they blow bubbles in their juice while sitting at the dinner table (that's speech therapy), smear ketchup all over their high chair (that's OT), or throw their toys (that's PT). 
You also don't mind if your child goes through the house tooting a tin whistle. 
You fired at least 3 pediatricians and can teach your family doctor a thing or two. 
You can name at least 3 genes on chromosome 21. (You really know your toast if you can spell the full names correctly) 
You have been told you are "in denial" by at least 3 medical or therapy professionals. This makes you laugh! 
You have that incredible sinking feeling that you've forgotten SOMETHING on those few days that you don't have some sort of appointment somewhere! 
You get irritated when friends with healthy kids complain about ONE sleepless night when they're child is ill! 
Your vocabulary consists of all the letters OT, PT, SP, ASD, VSD, IFSP, etc. 
You keep your appointment with the specialist even though a tropical storm is raging because you just want to get this one over with.....you waited 8 months to get it.....and besides, no one else 
will be there! 
Fighting and wrestling with siblings is considered PT. 
Speech therapy occurs in the tub with a sibling. 
When potty training is complete, you take out a full page public notice in the Washington Post. 
When the Doctors/Specialist/Hospitals etc. all know you by your name without referring to your chart. 
You keep a daily growth chart. 
You calculate monthly statistics for the number of times your child vomits, and did this for more then one year. 
You phone all your friends when your child sits up for the first time, at age two. 
With a big smile on your face you tell a stranger that your four year old just started walking last week. 
Her medical file is several inches thick and growing. 
You have a new belief.....that angels live with us on earth.

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Autism Waiver: Fact Sheet

by Caliboo818 on 05/30/2008

I found this to be very interestering and hope parent can get some use out of this
Autism Waiver: Fact Sheet
The Autism Waiver is designed for adult...

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I found this to be very interestering and hope parent can get some use out of this
Autism Waiver: Fact Sheet
The Autism Waiver is designed for adults 21 years and older living in Pennsylvania.

Priority is given to those who are not currently receiving ongoing state funded or state and federally funded long-term care services.

Initial Capacity will serve 200 consumers statewide.

To be eligible for the Autism Waiver, a person must:

Live in Pennsylvania or plan to live in Pennsylvania by time of enrollment 
Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder 
Be 21 years or older by time of enrollment 
Meet Medical Assistance financial eligibility 
Meet Intermediate Care Facility level of care 
IQ is NOT considered for eligibility

The following services are available in this waiver:

Assistive Technology 
Behavioral Specialist Services 
Community Inclusion 
Community Transition Services 
Counseling 
Day Habilitation 
Environmental Modifications 
Family Counseling 
Family Training 
Job Assessment and Finding 
Nutritional Consultation 
Occupational Therapy 
Residential Habilitation 
Respite 
Speech/Language Therapy 
Supported Employment 
Supports Coordination (Case Management) 
Temporary Crisis Services 
Transitional Work Services

The Supports Coordinator will conduct reevaluations annually and services can change based on need.

All written materials will be produced in both English and Spanish; there is also a toll free number for persons with limited English proficiency to access this information in Spanish, Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Russian.

Each waiver consumer will have an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) that includes:

Information about who they like and admire 
What activities they prefer 
Any allergies or other health concerns 
A record of fire and traffic safety knowledge amongst others 
Goals and achievements 
Along with other important information that is a part of the participant’s everyday life.

Consumers may choose the provider for each service in their Individual Service Plan.

The Bureau of Autism Services will directly administer this waiver.

Providers throughout the state are welcome to apply to be Autism Waiver providers through the Bureau of Autism Services and the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP). (See the Provider FAQ)

Providers will be required to complete Autism-specific training which consists of nine (9) Web-based training modules supplied by the Bureau of Autism Services.

Technical assistance is available as needed to providers from the Bureau of Autism Services and the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP).

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced on May 22, 2008, that Pennsylvania has been approved for a first-of-its-kind federal waiver program to provide home and community based services specifically for adults with autism. The $20 million-a-year waiver program, which is expected to serve up to 200 individuals 21 years of age and older with autism, was approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Prior to its approval, no dedicated services existed for adults with autism in Pennsylvania.

Application for a §1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (PDF download)

Persons interested in applying for the Autism Waiver can call (toll-free) 866-539-7689 beginning July 1, 2008. Requests for applications will be accepted for six weeks, ending Aug. 11, 2008. Requests will only be accepted by phone.

Other Resources

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A Challenge to Parents: Try "Quitting" Autism for Just One Day

by Caliboo818 on 05/30/2008

A friend of mine has an eleven-year-old son with moderately profound autism. One day, he expressed interest in the game of golf. His dad grabbed a bag...

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A friend of mine has an eleven-year-old son with moderately profound autism. One day, he expressed interest in the game of golf. His dad grabbed a bag of clubs and some balls, and took his son to the golf course. Amazingly, the boy was a natural! The two spent the whole morning playing 18 holes. The father's delighted quote: "you'd never have known he was autistic." 
Those who have seen the video "Autism:The Musical" heard Lexy, a 13-year-old girl with autism, singing magnificently. Not long ago, she cut a couple of singles for itunes in support of the Miracle Project (the organization that runs the musical program for kids with autism). Listening to her, you'd never know she was autistic.

My son Tom, age 11, is diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a form of autism. Unlike other kids his age, Tom loves art museums. Not only does he walk through the galleries without complaining or fussing - he actively discusses the works of art, and gets excited when he sees a piece he knows. Walking through a museum with Tom, you'd never guess he was autistic.

Your child with autism may always be autistic, but there are places and circumstances in which it either doesn't matter - or in which your child's special talents make autism irrelevant. Whether it's at the beach, in the woods, at a concert, or creating a work of art - just for one day - go somewhere where autism doesn't matter.

Just for one day, quit being the parent of a child with autism. And become just a plain, ordinary, loving, proud parent.

What do you think? Can this be done

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Why Advocate

by Caliboo818 on 05/29/2008

Good special education services are intensive and expensive. Resources are limited. If you have a child with special needs, you may wind up battling t...