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Santorum: ‘Imperfect’ children remind us of deeper truths

by LisaAKAmom on 09.29.08 - public

Santorum: ‘Imperfect’ children remind us of deeper truths
September 27th, 2008
Writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, former Pennsylvania senator Ric...

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Raise Your Voice to Fund Autism Research

by LisaAKAmom on 09.22.08 - public

Raise Your Voice to Fund Autism Research

From Coalition for SafeMinds.

The House and Senate are debating the final version of the 20...

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Raise Your Voice to Fund Autism Research

From Coalition for SafeMinds.

The House and Senate are debating the final version of the 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill. This bill includes funding for the Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program (ASDRP).
      The ASDRP has been a ray of light in autism research in that it has successfully used main stakeholders in its process and pursues diverse avenues in autism research. Funding for this program has been requested at $15 million.
      Decision makers in this process are Representatives Murtha and Young of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senators Inouye and Cochran of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee.

Take Action Now!
      Contact your Representatives and Senators today and ask them to contact these decision makers to ask for their support in funding this critical program.
      Need to find out who your Senator or Representative is?
      Visit www.congress.org, type in your zip code. Write, Fax, Email or Phone and ask for this program to be funded at $15 million.
       
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There Is No Emergency Alert System In Place For Missing Children With Autism Or Other Disabilities!

by LisaAKAmom on 09.22.08 - public

There Is No Emergency Alert System In Place For Missing Children With Autism Or Other Disabilities!

By LisaAKAmom
09-22-08

There Is No Emergenc...

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There Is No Emergency Alert System In Place For Missing Children With Autism Or Other Disabilities!

By LisaAKAmom
09-22-08

There Is No Emergency Alert System In Place For Missing Children With Autism Or Other Disabilities!

It is our hope that National Legislation will be introduced by a willing legislator who can make sure an alert system with mandated emergency search efforts is in place for these children.
Please send this article to your legislator, or any personal story/plea you may want to share. Follow this link to retrieve your legislators’ contact information: www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Ask them for an alert system in your area -- ask for their help in getting federal legislation introduced that will guide states in implementing an alert system nationwide. It is necessary and important that our children have mandated resources in place to help ensure their safe return home.

AMBER/SILVER Alert Action Alert!

By Law, AMBER alerts cannot be issued for children with autism who have wandered off.

Your help is needed in getting an alert system in place for children with autism and other disabilities

This is from the National Autism Association.

Dear Friends,
      Below is a link to an article in the September issue of The Autism File Magazine regarding the lack of mandated emergency coordination for missing children with autism.
      To view the article, please go to: www.sarnet.org/lib/Lori_Lostboys.pdf
      Currently our children are not included in the AMBER Alert criteria -- only abducted children qualify. Currently our children are not part of the Silver Alert criteria -- only adults with mental impairments qualify.

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It's beginning to Look alot like Christmas

by LisaAKAmom on 09.20.08 - public

Well Richie has been sowing his wild oats lately....and one of his obsessions has been my christmas tree...and I have to hide it, otherwise he will ge...

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Time to say Goodbye to Romeo!!!

by LisaAKAmom on 09.09.08 - public

Today when I went to get richie off the bus...His bus drive just cracked me up. She said it's time to say Goodbye to Romeo! I said why is that? She pr...

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Additional Financial Assistance Offered

by LisaAKAmom on 09.08.08 - public

Additional Financial Assistance Offered
Financial Assistance for Military Families and Students
Dr. Rimland worked for the Navy, and he felt a close...

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Additional Financial Assistance Offered
Financial Assistance for Military Families and Students
Dr. Rimland worked for the Navy, and he felt a close connection to families in the military who have children with autism. In his memory, the Autism Research Institute and Defeat Autism Now! extend a 33 percent discount to those families who wish to attend. This discount is also available to students. 
To receive this discount: Click the Military Families and Students Discounted rate ($85 per day) option on the Conference Registration Form. Current Military or Student ID is required at registration.

Defeat Autism Now! Angel Money Fund
Created two years ago, the Angel Money Fund has helped hundreds of families. But now, as the need increases, our exhibitors and donors have really stepped up to the plate. Thanks to their generosity, any parent in need of financial assistance for registration just needs to ask. Funds are limited, so we ask that applicants first consider volunteering in order to assure funding for families who otherwise won't have the opportunity to attend. Funds are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. 
To receive this discount:

Email Tanya@DefeatAutismNow.com requesting a 50-percent-off "Angel Money" certificate.   
Tanya will e-mail it to you on behalf of the exhibitors. 
Click the Angel Money $65-per-Day option on the Conference Registration Form and enter your certificate number.

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Volunteers Needed to Make a Difference at Defeat Autism Now!

by LisaAKAmom on 09.08.08 - public

Volunteers Needed to Make a Difference at Defeat Autism Now!
Be Part of the Team in San Diego Oct. 23-27

Defeat Autism Now! conference volunte...

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Back to School...Billy Maddison

by LisaAKAmom on 09.02.08 - public

So far...the school year is looking very promising....I got to meet the kids teachers on Wednesday and so far so good.
Christian seems to have a dif...

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Looking for Help/Ideas - Self Injury Chin Banging a form of Stemming

by LisaAKAmom on 08.14.08 - public

I dont know if anyone elses child does this or not....I know some bang their heads, and sometimes richie will do that too...but for the most part it's...

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I dont know if anyone elses child does this or not....I know some bang their heads, and sometimes richie will do that too...but for the most part it's his Chin that takes the most of the beating. I have to say this is definately a Sensory/Habit that he has...because he will do it when he is happy too...but he doesnt hit it as hard. However, today he got upset, because his DVD wouldnt play...I took the DVD out and it wasnt repairable...it was cracked. So he was even more upset...because good ole mom, couldnt fix it...so he went into the famous autism meltdown...banging his chin on the TV...the Wall...Hitting me and anyone else that was close...then bangin his chin and head again. Well he hit it so hard today...that he cut it open....and Yes I do try to step in...but he is really fast as you all know how are kids are. So I'm looking for any type of Ideas...or if anyone else has dealt with the same thing with their child.  I know I need to find a replacement behavior...I just cant find one...he will stick with....and I'm worried one day he is going to end up breaking his Jaw. Of course he doesnt hit it as hard when he is happy...but he will still take his fist and hit his Chin...or hit it on a table or chair. Its like its a calming/stemming behavior. So any thoughts or imput would be welcome!
Thanks!
Lisa

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Food: Aversions and Addictions

by LisaAKAmom on 08.12.08 - public

I could write a book on this one...but I think I will spare everyone the Drama! This is my sons biggest Issue. He is so sensory affected when it comes...

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I could write a book on this one...but I think I will spare everyone the Drama! This is my sons biggest Issue. He is so sensory affected when it comes to eating, all of his senses play a factor...not just one or two. Before he will eat anything he as to look at it, smell it, touch it, taste it...and we did attempt to do the diet and suppliments...to know avail. Alot of people would tell me...oh he will eat or drink when he was really hungry. Wrong....my son would rather starve first and did. Lately things have gotten even more challenging in this area...because the staple foods that he would eat...he is tired of eating...yet he refuses to try anything New what so ever.
The other challenge this presents...is medication. In a way, I'm proud to say...we have made it through 11 years of autism...with out any type of medication what so ever...and he has made Progress...going from nonverbal...to actually having some words.....Yet...now, whenever he gets sick...I cant get him to take any type of medication...trust me..I have tried everything...to no avail. So when he is really sick...that means a trip to the doctors office for a Penicillian shot. The big concern with this problem is he started having seizures a couple of years ago...and so far...he has only had 3 grand mal seizures...but the worry is if he starts having more of them...there is absolutely no way, I can get him to take medication.
The other thing we have thought about...is as he has had these seizures...my dev ped...also told us...he would start to have more behavior issues...and well Puberty, hasnt been my best friend at all. So again...the medicine issue comes up...as a means to help work with behaviors...because I do know meds dont cure behaviors...but can be helpful at times. 
So I guess I'm just curious to know...I know alot of you here have had success with the diet and all that...so I'm just wondering if there are any other moms out there...that are in the same boat I am. Where you have tried everything...and Nothing Works.

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Sounds of Summer

by LisaAKAmom on 08.12.08 - public

Where did it Go??? Seems like Yesterday...school was out....just to start all over again in a couple of weeks.
Boy do I feel Old....lol

Summer is ...

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Where did it Go??? Seems like Yesterday...school was out....just to start all over again in a couple of weeks.
Boy do I feel Old....lol

Summer is usually our favorite time of year...a time to relax and have fun and catch our breath. Richie has always loved to play outside...and when he can play outside and get physical activity...it really helps him to stay calm and focus.
Well This summer can be summed up with C words....

Caring, Concern, Chaos,Challenges, Coping and My favorites...COURAGE, COMPASSION, CONFIDENCE and CHANGE.

COURAGE to weather the storms of Life.
CONFIDENCE...that no matter what comes our way....God is in CONTROL and his COMPASSION and LOVE is EVERLASTING...as Promised in 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Although I dont know what the future holds...I do know who is holding the future...my biggest problem is remembering that its not me. When I remember that...things are good...when I forget...well we all know how that turns out.

So the Famous Serenity Prayer...has taken on a whole new meaning for me this summer.

God Grant me the Serenity
To Accept the things I cannot Change.
The Courage to Change the things I Can...and the Wisdom to Know the Difference.

And the final C word that comes to my mind....Content....boy is this one a struggle. Learning to be Content in all Circumstances....well I guess I have all Winter to work on that one! LOL
Thanks for letting me think and reflect out in Text!

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"Your Child Might Have An IEP If..."

by LisaAKAmom on 08.10.08 - public

In talking with families many seemed confused about whether their child had an IEP through the school. To assist families in determining whether their...

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In talking with families many seemed confused about whether their child had an IEP through the school. To assist families in determining whether their child has an IEP, we felt it would be helpful to apply the Foxworthy test.

If you have ever attended a meeting at school with 25 professionals... your child might have an IEP.

If you are the only one wearing jeans.... your child might have an IEP.

If these professionals speak a different language.... your child might have an IEP.

If the meeting room was the size of a closet... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been asked, "do you think your child is the only one in the district?"... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever heard, "we do not have money for that!"... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been called an "overprotective, hysterical parent" or an "uninvolved parent"... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been told your child "will just grow out of it", "is lazy", "slow", irresponsible", "immature and/or sensitive" etc...etc... your child might have an IEP.

If you feel you have walked into "Assertiveness Training 101" by accident... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been screamed at by a school official... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been told your child will be lucky to grow up and dig ditches... your child might have an IEP.

If it has ever been suggested to move to another District... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been invited to home school your child... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever called the school and asked for your child and were told "we do not have anyone here by that name... " your child might have an IEP.

If your family is ever discussed in the teachers lounge... your child might have an IEP.

If every time you call the school board office, the person you need to talk to is in a meeting... your child might have an IEP.

If a meeting with the school has ever been rescheduled more than twice to the time you definitely can not come... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been patted on the shoulder and called "honey" by the principal... your child might have an IEP.

If it has ever been suggested all your child needs is a "good spanking to straighten him/her up..." your child might have an IEP.

If you have been asked by a teacher to "just sign it!"... your child definitely has an IEP...

If you have ever been called Ms. White something... your child might have an IEP.

If you know your advocate's phone and fax number by heart... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been forced into due process, state court, the district court of appeals, federal court, or the federal circuit court on a fast track to the US Supreme Court... your child might have an IEP.

If you are known as a due process queen... your child might have an IEP.

If you can quote federal statutes in your sleep... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever requested your child's records and it took two years to receive them... your child might have an IEP.

If you have ever been told, the district doesn't care if you sign the IEP or not, services have ceased... your child might have an IEP.

If you have crossed out the words "Procedural Safeguards" on your copy and written in "Procedural Land Mines" (I know I have)... then your child definitely has an IEP (for what it's worth).

If a new teacher went to pull your child's cumulative records and had to make two trips to get them... your child might have an IEP/ You've been through a Due Process.

Your child might have an IEP/ you've been through a Due Process if... [enter state DOE legal head here] knows you.

Your child might have an IEP/you've been through a Due Process if... you sign all your letters, "I look forward to your written response on or before ten (10) business days." 
Author Unknown

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Online Petition - To Stop Electric Shock Therapy on Autistic Children

by LisaAKAmom on 07.29.08 - public

Please help, endorse the Stop Electric Shock Therapy on Autistic Children Now! Petition to Judge Rotenberg Center and Public Officials.

Read the St...

How is this NOT Child Abuse???

by LisaAKAmom on 07.26.08 - public

If any of us were doing this in our own homes...Child Services would step in and take away our children...so for the life of me I cant understand...Wh...

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If any of us were doing this in our own homes...Child Services would step in and take away our children...so for the life of me I cant understand...Why they arent Protecting these Children!!!
House blocks latest attempt to restrict electric shocks at JRC in Canton

By Jay Turner
Citizen Staff

A 20-year legislative odyssey aimed at ending the practice of electric skin shock treatment at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton will apparently continue, after the latest proposal, sponsored by State Senator Brian Joyce (D) of Milton, recently stalled in a conference committee after facing opposition from members of the House.

Attached to the 2009 state budget as Amendment EHS 874, the measure had previously passed the Senate and was being hailed by Joyce as a true compromise between an outright ban and the current requirement that the school get permission from a state probate court before administering shocks to any of its students.

“We have been stymied by the House and it’s incredibly frustrating,” said Joyce in a telephone interview on Friday.

The legislation, authored by Joyce and Representative John Scibak (D), a licensed psychologist, would have limited the controversial treatment to cases in which the student’s behavior presented an “immediate risk of serious physical injury or harm to self or others,” and only after all other “less intrusive” treatments had proved unsuccessful.

Currently, the Rotenberg Center, which treats both high- and low-functioning students with behavior problems, employs the two-second electric shocks to address a range of behaviors, including some that the JRC admits might seem too “innocuous” if viewed out of context, such as mumbling, deliberately providing a wrong answer, and getting out of one’s seat without permission.

According to its website, www.judgerc.org, the school as of August 2007 was using skin shock treatment on 43 percent of its 154 school-age students, as well as 85 percent of its 65 adult residents, most of whom are lower functioning. JRC also uses other behavior modification techniques, including water spraying, known as “sensory punishment,” and “movement limitation” as a form of physical punishment.

“I think what they’re doing there is wrong,” Joyce said. “I think that innocent children are being harmed.”

In addition to pointing a finger at JRC founder Matthew Israel, Joyce said he also faults House leadership for repeatedly blocking attempts to ban what he considers to be “barbaric” acts committed on the “most vulnerable citizens,” including many with autism and mental retardation.

Joyce himself has now been rebuffed twice in three years, including in 2006 when he went for an all-out ban — a proposal that also died in a conference committee after passing the Senate.

Further complicating matters is the fact that the JRC has a powerful ally in Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, whose nephew attends the school and has reportedly benefited from skin shock treatment. In fact, according to a State House News Service report, Sanchez’s nephew hit himself repeatedly during a January legislative hearing, and then Sanchez, after restraining him, stated that the treatment has “kept [the child] alive.”

Meanwhile, Joyce, who was recently honored as “Legislator of the Year” by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, has vowed to “continue to push this issue” until children in Canton and at some of the JRC’s nearby residential facilities are no longer shocked.

“The government has a fundamental duty to protect vulnerable populations,” he said in a press release, “and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a moral imperative to address this issue once and for all.”

It isn’t just the treatment that has the senator concerned, either. He pointed to an incident last August that made national headlines, in which staff members wrongfully shocked two students dozens of times after being ordered to do so by a caller posing as a supervisor. The caller was later determined to be a former JRC student.

Citing a story printed in the Boston Globe, Joyce pointed to the fact that surveillance tapes of the incident were shown to investigators, but that school officials later destroyed the tapes despite being instructed to preserve them.

The story also reported that State Police in May seized boxes of documents from JRC offices as part of a yearlong grand jury investigation into the prank call incident led by the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley. The Globe quoted an unnamed source who said the investigation “had an ambitious scope and involves multiple government agencies.”

Joyce also detailed other alleged “horrors” in a press release, including children receiving second degree burns from the skin shocks, and children who have been shocked as many as 5,000 times in one day.

“We don’t allow shock therapy on our prisoners and we should not allow it to be used on innocent children,” he said in the press release. “We have an obligation to stop the unfettered use of shock therapy on a very vulnerable group of disabled children and adults.”

July 24,  2008

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FYI - RESPONSE FROM RADIO SHACK...NOT A MIKE SAVAGE SPONSOR!

by LisaAKAmom on 07.23.08 - public

Here is the response from Radio Shack...regarding the broadcast with Mike Savage...Apparrently stations ran the ads without their permission.
Here is...

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Here is the response from Radio Shack...regarding the broadcast with Mike Savage...Apparrently stations ran the ads without their permission.
Here is the letter I recieved from them today!
Thank you for your email to RadioShack's Media Relations Department.  We appreciate and share your concerns.

We would like to emphatically state RadioShack was not and is not a sponsor of the Michael Savage radio show.  In fact, our agreement with the radio stations airing his show specifically excludes his program (along with several others) as one on which our commercials may appear.  Any ads that may have run on the July 16 broadcast of this show were in direct violation of our advertising contract with these radio stations.  The stations have admitted their mistake to us and apologized for the confusion they have created.  We will continue to investigate all local stations that air Michael Savage to ensure any unauthorized ads airing on Michael Savage are accounted for and that this does not happen again in the future

Unfortunately, the stations’ mistake was heard by many individuals such as you who have since spread the inaccurate message that RadioShack sponsors this program.  Likewise, Web sites that were quick to post our name as a sponsor without investigating the actual facts have been very slow to correct the record online.  Until that happens, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the correct facts through your own personal network.

Once again, thank you for writing and allowing us the opportunity to set the record straight.

Sincerely,

Charles Hodges 
Director Media Relations

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Autistic Kids Aren't Sick..."Just Brats"

by LisaAKAmom on 07.19.08 - public

A Savage Betrayal Of Humanity: Radio Host Michael Savage Says Autistic Kids Aren't Sick..."Just Brats"
by Steve and Ryan Young

I've written for ye...

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A Savage Betrayal Of Humanity: Radio Host Michael Savage Says Autistic Kids Aren't Sick..."Just Brats"
by Steve and Ryan Young

I've written for years about the problems I've had with talk radio, and did so, for the most part with tongue tucked firmly in cheek. I've even had my own show in L.A. so In some way, I've been a part of the problem I write about. I do get ticked off, but rarely does anything said on talk radio ever cause me to lose my sense of humor. Until this past Wednesday.

On his syndicated talk radio show, The Savage Nation, Michael Savage (real name: Michael Weiner), the third most listened to talk show host behind Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, and a bomb thrower like no other, called the disorder known as Autism, "a fraud" and "a racket."

He went further.

"I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot."There's so much I wanted to say, not only to pound some actual knowledge into whatever Savage uses for a brain, but also to defend those families who have been besieged by the heartbreak and hardship of living with someone, especially their children, with Autism.

I wondered how Savage might feel it were his child who was constantly being met with disapproving stares from strangers who recommend that "if your child can't behave maybe you shouldn't take him out in public." And how he might feel if the knew that it is going to happen every single day.

But as I began to write a note to Savage, I realized that it would be more appropriate to have someone who knows full well the devastation felt of not only hearing the diagnosis of your child as autistic, but having to live through the day to day sadness, frustration and pain you feel when it hits you that your child may never have what most would consider a typical life. For that I turned to my son Ryan...

Mr. Savage, 
My eight year old daughter Rebecca has a diagnosis of Autism. 
Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior. That diagnosis in itself may help define a set of Rebecca's symptoms, but it far from defines who she is any more than insensitive or mean-spirited totally describes you.

Rebecca can be sweet, funny, happy, sad, angry, silly, frustrating, irritating, gentle, kind or any number of other adjectives you'd use to describe a typical eight year old, though brat is not one that her doctors have used to describe her. That usually only comes from those ignorant of her condition.

When Rebecca is having a meltdown or dealing with any other upsetting moment in a public place, we are almost always met with judgmental glares from onlookers who are thinking, boy, if that was my child... or who might even say, "If you can't control that child, keep her home!" G-d forbid these people ask if there anything they can do to help you. It's something every parent of an autistic child has had to deal with most every day.

If you don't understand Autism, its very easy to say or think such things. I probably did too before my wife and I had Rebecca, but I never went on a radio show, where millions of people believe I am some sort of authority, to label innocent children as a moron or idiot. That you supposedly hold master's degrees in medical botany and medical anthropology makes your actions even more shameful.

Imagine, Mr Savage, if you lacked the ability to express your feelings, thoughts or needs. Imagine if this were your child. Would you want your child smeared for something they had no control over? Many children with autism lack the capacity to verbalize their feelings instead act them out. This is not how they act like a putz. This is how they communicate.

Being her father, I see Rebecca's many challenges, stressors and unexpected events that challenge her ability to get through each and every day. As parents, her stressful and frustrating moments become OUR stressful and frustrating moments. What loving parent doesn't cheer when their child succeeds or aches when their child is hurt, frustrated or upset?

Because the world challenges Rebecca so incessantly it would be easy to want to keep her home, insulated from the world, protecting her against the whirlwind of circumstances that at once can delight her one moment or upset and anger her the next. But ours is a life built on "that which does not kill you, can only make you stronger." With each challenge Rebecca meets head on, she can learn and grow, hopefully adapting to the world, one step at a time. With each fall that she rises from she learns to walk a little stronger; gains confidence, and actually learns to become the best Rebecca she can be.

What no parent of a special needs child wants is to be pre-judged or isolated and kept in the shadows so that people like you don't have to look at a child with a disability. We want and need support of those around us and hope upon hope that our child be treated with compassion and understanding.

This week, you Mr. Savage, have made that a little harder.

Sincerely,
Rebecca's Proud Dad, Ryan

For more information on Autism, go to: Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org

Ryan Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. His dad is author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful...Mistakes, Adversity, Failure and Other Steppingstones to Success."
 
>>>>>There is also a Video if you go to this Link! 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-young/a-savage-betrayal-of-huma_b_113510.html

Summary!
On the July 16 edition of his nationally syndicated radio show, Michael Savage claimed that autism is "[a] fraud, a racket." Savage went on to say, "I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.' " Savage concluded, "[I]f I behaved like a fool, my father called me a fool. And he said to me, 'Don't behave like a fool.' The worst thing he said -- 'Don't behave like a fool. Don't be anybody's dummy. Don't sound like an idiot. Don't act like a girl. Don't cry.' That's what I was raised with. That's what you should raise your children with. Stop with the sensitivity training. You're turning your son into a girl, and you're turning your nation into a nation of losers and beaten men. That's why we have the politicians we have."

Savage also stated: "[W]hy was there an asthma epidemic amongst minority children? Because I'll tell you why: The children got extra welfare if they were disabled, and they got extra help in school. It was a money racket. Everyone went in and was told [fake cough], 'When the nurse looks at you, you go [fake cough], "I don't know, the dust got me." ' See, everyone had asthma from the minority community."

Talk Radio Network, which syndicates The Savage Nation, claims that Savage is heard on more than 350 radio stations. The Savage Nation reaches at least 8.25 million listeners each week, according to Talkers Magazine, making it one of the most listened-to talk radio shows in the nation, behind only The Rush Limbaugh Show and The Sean Hannity Show.

From the July 16 edition of Talk Radio Network's The Savage Nation:

SAVAGE: Now, you want me to tell you my opinion on autism, since I'm not talking about autism? A fraud, a racket. For a long while, we were hearing that every minority child had asthma. Why did they sudden -- why was there an asthma epidemic amongst minority children? Because I'll tell you why: The children got extra welfare if they were disabled, and they got extra help in school. It was a money racket. Everyone went in and was told [fake cough], "When the nurse looks at you, you go [fake cough], 'I don't know, the dust got me.' " See, everyone had asthma from the minority community. That was number one.

Now, the illness du jour is autism. You know what autism is? I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is.

What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, "Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot."

Autism -- everybody has an illness. If I behaved like a fool, my father called me a fool. And he said to me, "Don't behave like a fool." The worst thing he said -- "Don't behave like a fool. Don't be anybody's dummy. Don't sound like an idiot. Don't act like a girl. Don't cry." That's what I was raised with. That's what you should raise your children with. Stop with the sensitivity training. You're turning your son into a girl, and you're turning your nation into a nation of losers and beaten men. That's why we have the politicians we have.

—Z.A.
Zachary Aronow is an intern at Media Matters for America.

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As a Parent, we get pretty use to ignorance and comments made...and we have developed pretty thick Skin...but after listening to this man, and reading his comments....You can better believe, I will be taking Action....and wrting not only Mr. Savage, but Hopefully his boss...and I promise to be just as respectful as he was to Us and Our Children!!!! BTW, I think Mr. Savage, needs to Stop acting like a Moron, and make is father proud, by not Behaving like a Fool...Do you think a Good Spanking Would Cure His Ignorance??? HMMM, I wonder?

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This is Awesome....Makes Everything worth it to Me!!!

by LisaAKAmom on 07.12.08 - public

For a while i have struggled with my Son's Question of WHY ME???? Of Course the Standard Answer is .... I dont know...but There is a Reason for Everyt...

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For a while i have struggled with my Son's Question of WHY ME???? Of Course the Standard Answer is .... I dont know...but There is a Reason for Everything and God will Tell us in his Own Time. Well I didnt expect to get our so soon....
Wednesday, I had to take my daughter back into the eye doctor, to get fitted for her contact lenses. This is the same office that caught Christians Tumor and Pushed the Endocrinologist to order the MRI. Anyway, while we were there....He asked how Christian was doing...and we talked about his recovery and what was going on with him.  His respones...If you ever wanted Proof there was a God, study the endocrine system, because its so intense. 
At the end of the exam, he asked me, if it was ok with me....That  he and his Partner would like to write up  a Formal Paper...regarding Christians Diagnosis to other Opthamologist, and have it published...as a reminder for them...to go the extra mile...cause if it looks like a fish and acts like a fish...It may actually be a Duck. Of course, I agreed to it, and will be getting them the medical records after we see the NeuroSurgeon in August.
 Christian still has a long way to go...but just maybe we were put in this situation and place to Help save other childrens, eye sight and lives....Which I truly have to say, I am so thankful to these eye doctors...because if we hadnt of found it when we did, my son could have become blind, or even worse,it could have killed him. 
I just had to share...how something Good could come from our struggles....which makes it worthwhile....and gives us encouragement.
God is Good.
God Bless and Thank You for letting me Share!

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Meltdowns

by LisaAKAmom on 07.11.08 - public

Well we try to avoid them as much as possible...but as we all know, there are times when its just not possible.
Seems like my son is going through th...

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Well we try to avoid them as much as possible...but as we all know, there are times when its just not possible.
Seems like my son is going through the Teenage attitude lately only without the words too....and it doesnt take much to rock the boat these days.
If its the way its suppose to be...it better be that way. So batteries have to work and heaven forbid if the VCR/DVD play doesnt work...we had a major issue a month ago...because his vcr was broken...so I had to replace it...and didnt have the money to replace it so mom went to the thrift store and got a cheap vcr...it lasted all of 2 hours...and we were right back at aquare one.
Luckily a friend of mine...had an extra one...and she gave it too him...in the meantime this summer we have gone through at least 5 of them. I count this in the....How much does it cost to raise an autistic child.....in that this is part of our additional family expenses.
The other new obsession...is now he will go outside....with clothes...so that's a bonus...before clothing was optional..but he puts his shoes and socks on, and goes outside and will get in the car...or come tell us he wants to go....and refuses to take NO for an answer....which is very hard to get him distracted and moved on to a new Idea...as we all know...the tunnel vision.
Then when you get in the car...he starts pointing like babe ruth...and telling us which way to drive the car...and if you dont drive the car...then he starts banging his head on the window!!!
So not really sure where I'm going with this other than....Been there...Still doing that!
And as we all know, once you get one behavior figured out...here come three more to work on!
The other thing I know...last week we had a really rough day...because he was bored...and he figured out my locks on my doors...which I got that situation fixed this week...bought new child locks and lots of Duck Tape...so he cant pop them off.
But I spent most of the day, following him in and out of the house....and was so exhausted, I came in here and vented about it. Go Figure the Next Day he was a total Angel!...so having said that...one minute its fasten your seat belts....and as quick as the storm Hit....it's back to calm.

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Dear Teacher........

by LisaAKAmom on 06.06.08 - public

It has been an uphill journey to get to where we are today! As a parent I have had alot to learn on how to properly advocate for my child...and becaus...

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It has been an uphill journey to get to where we are today! As a parent I have had alot to learn on how to properly advocate for my child...and because of that lack of education, in my son's early years....I have to say, he didnt have the best of teachers or IEP Goals or anything.
But once I got involved with the online groups and started speaking to other parents, I started learning...how to advocate for my son's educational needs.
The final push came when we had to take the school district to due process...then I learned that just because you win a due process, still doesnt mean that the teacher will follow the IEP...and partially because they just didnt know what they were doing.
So we pulled richie out of school the rest of that year...I have to say, that was one of the worst times in my entire life...but also one of the best...I learned alot.
The next year, my husband was going to be sent over to play in the Dessert...so I knew it was just going to be me for a while...and that if I was going to survive, I needed to get richie back into school...yet I needed a good situation for him. So I went back in and spoke one on one with the Special education coordinator...and said, look I'm willing to give you guys one last chance...but there is no way he is going back into that same classroom. She said ok, how about a brand new school, with a brand new teacher...and lets see how it goes...I said OK!
They hired a woman, that actually had some experience and education with autism and teaching autistic children...and basically built the classroom around my son! I have to say, not only has my son Benefited from this classroom...but so have the other students.
It has been such a blessing to me...for the last 4 years to have this Teacher, The wonderful Aides, and Therapist working with my child. Because they all truly want what is best for him...and even better....THEY WANT TO TEACH HIM....AND THEY HAVE!!! My son has made so much progress in the past 4 years, then he has his whole life....and I know alot of it is because of this teacher's dedication and because she truly cares.
If richie isnt at school...she will call me personally and ask me how is he.
We only have one more Year left...before my son has to transition to a Jr. High Setting...but I cant say Thank You Enough or How much all her work has meant. From knowing exactly when to push...and when to back off.
I believe it was Temple Grandlin that said it best....
A good Teacher is Hard to Find...and worth more than their weight in Gold.
It's so true!
For those of you that arent as fortunate right now....KEEP FIGHTING...because your not only Fighting for your child...but for mine too.
God Bless,
Lisa

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Communication Skills

by LisaAKAmom on 06.06.08 - public

This topic was brought up in a group...and I thought maybe this information, might be helpful for some that are just getting started or maybe hitting ...

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This topic was brought up in a group...and I thought maybe this information, might be helpful for some that are just getting started or maybe hitting some of the same road blocks that I did with my child. I hope this can help and is useful.
We have done alot of things with Richie. I think the best thing we did with richie...was when he was first dxed...we had our insurance pay for additional speech therapy for him. And his Speech therapist was really special...because she raised a girl with autism, that was nonverbal, but became verbal...so she actually knew something about Autism. Also there was an LA Law episode done on her and her daughter...She had to take the School district to due process and she sued the district, because they had told her....they didnt have a place for her daughter and couldnt educate her. Ok long story short....What she did with Richie, was basically ABA....and worked on his Attending Skills and teaching him out to Point to things....Often times we dont realize how important the pointing and touching skill is...especially to a nonverbal child. She would say Richie...Touch the ball. etc.
So from there we went to Teacch and PECS....but that wasnt working very well, because he wasnt making the connection and mom was trying to do too much, instead of KEEPING IT SIMPLE. Also, at that time, I was still in the greiving process and well the thought of my son using pictures was a hard concept to grasp, because that meant me admitting that my son had a problem and that he might never ever Talk...and well at the time, that was a very hard thing to accept, I'm sure you all can understand this...so I think that was another reason it didnt work at that time.......so then we moved onto  sign language....and well the only 2 signs he would do or understood was please and More. The rest didnt click, because it had no purpose also he had fine motor skill problems that hindered his ability to make the signs....So we went back to TEACCH and PECS....However, this time, I had his OT come over...and show me how to simplify things so he could make the connection. The first thing I had to do was Lock him out of my Kitchen Cabinets and the Refridgerator, because mr. independant wouldnt ask for things...he would just go help himself....One quality I love about him...lol.....after that, instead of taking pictures or using board maker....we started cutting out labels of foods that he would eat and already knew what they were....example, Cheetos, Cereal box tops, fruit snacks and Pop Tarts....his four favorite food groups.
I laminated them to card board to make them more durable, and I started out with six of his favorite food items and velcro'd them to the Fridge. IT WORKED....because he knew the actual Labels and the first label he brought to me was Cookie Crisp Cereal.
From there I built other Choice boards...but it was getting him to make that initial Connection...for him to understand the picture concept of communication.
From there We built him a Visual Schedule...first and Then (or Next)
with a finished pocket. Once he understood the pictures had a meaning, it didnt take him long to understand the visual schedule...which I have to say, helped him with transitions and cut down on alot of his meltdowns...because he could see if he had to do something he didnt like, if he got it over with he could move on to an activity he did like.
From there, we moved back to the states...and it was mentioned to me about augmentative communication...which is just a more advanced form of PECS.
He was given a Communication Board...and I was again able to get him to use it by introducing Pictures that he already Knew...The one that got his attention most was Burger King....He was in love with ICIES...so he pushed the BK button...it said, I want to go to Burger King...and away we went.
It wasnt long after that...that the words started coming for him...and he started becoming more echolalic...and with the help of a really awesome teacher and speech teacher...he is starting to make more connections with his words.
Our biggest problem is getting him to accept NO...because he knows what it means...but doesnt understand Why he cant have what he wants when he wants it.
I still consider him to be non verbal at this point....but we are really getting closer. He can pretty much repeat anything I have him say...but we are working on the spontaneous and working to get him to where we can have a conversation with him.
We have truly come along way....also we are starting to introduce Social Stories with him.
Sorry for writting a book...but I hope this helps someone that may be hitting some of those same road blocks I did.
Lisa

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A Unique Brother

by LisaAKAmom on 06.05.08 - public

This was written by my Oldest Son last year...and its very special to me. As this event really did happen and I thought at the time it was important t...

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This was written by my Oldest Son last year...and its very special to me. As this event really did happen and I thought at the time it was important to let him express his feelings about what had happened. 
A Unique Brother

Everyone has Family, some have brothers and some have sisters, and some people have them both or none at all. Sometimes brothers and sister fight and do not get along with each other. Sometimes when brothers fight it can get out of hand, and some brothers are treated like dirt. However, if your brother did something that made you so mad, that you said, something so mean and hateful that it hurt their feelings really bad, and the next day they were gone or worse dead. How would you feel? Like dirt? Sad? Some people say they would be glad if there brother was gone, for me I don’t know how people can say that. I mean I could not live with out my brother and he is unique, he is autistic and he cannot talk. He can say some words but not very many. If your brother couldn’t say all the words and you wanted to play with him, like a game of cards….could he do it? Not all autistic brothers can play cards. I ‘m very lucky and let me tell you why.

One day I was playing video games just before bedtime, when mom told us to go to bed, so I brushed my teeth and went to bed. Well that night something awful happened, my brother had a grand mal seizure. I didn’t even know what that word meant and I didn’t even know that he could have one, but he had one and it changed my life forever. Ever since that day I have worried, but I’m getting a little bit ahead of myself, I was in bed, when I heard my mom call my dads name, then I didn’t think nothing of it and I closed my eyes and then I heard my dad say. Call 911, Call 911! Then I knew something was wrong and I was not sure what it was it could have been anything but I thought a man or someone broke into the house or a big car accident outside. Then I heard my dad say…Come on Richie, breathe…breathe. Then I knew there was something wrong with Richie. I tried to go downstairs, but I stopped and all of sudden tears came out of my eyes and I said Richie NO! I did not see him, but I didn’t want too…I guess it was fear that stopped me. Then dad ran out the door with Richie in his arms and went to the neighbors house where they helped richie breathe, and he threw up after and then went into an ambulance with my dad. Ya I will admit I cried for a while, but then my mom had us get into the car and we all went to the hospital. When we got to the hospital, I could see that mom and dad were worried and so was I. I know that Richie is special, he gives my family hard times and he give us funny and good times too. If something really bad happened to him, "something worse than a seizure" I don’t know what I would ever do….When I look at Richie, I am reminded to be thankful for what I have. So if you have a brother that gets on your nerves, remember he might not be there tomorrow.

Written by Christian Morrell

1/3/2007

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