shannonj - Breathe......
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City: Harpswell
State: Maine
Country: USA
Member since: Jan 23, 2007
Last logged in: Mar 14, 2010
shannonj's Bio
 

My name is Shannon and I have a great husband and 2 amazing kids.

My oldest, Wynn, age 14, has autism and still struggles, after all these years of treatments and therapies, with anxiety and aggression. At his best, he is funny, intuitive and sensitive.

My daughter, 13 year old Haley, is strong and independent, creative and musical. She has been a shining example for Wynn and taught him many of his first words and skills by sheer example.

Steve is my husband of 20 years and partner in this endeavor to be a family in this crazy world of autism. Out of a need we had to have better communication with Wynn's team members, he created a web application called iAbida.com. It has been a project from his heart, and he makes it available to all families, around the globe, for free.

And me? In spite of being a terrible klutz, I have learned the fine art of juggling....motherhood, advocacy, household management and working from home. Foggyrock is my latest project--to fulfill my own need to be associated with other fantastic folks, like you, who I knew were out there.....Thank you for allowing me into your life through this community.

Favorite Compositions (6)

- New closet doors $200
- Repairing four walls with holes - $100 and hours of ...Read more
By stevej on 01.01.70
Comments(6)
My son Wynn has autism. As a result, his social skills are stunted. Neverl...Read more
By shannonj on 01.01.70
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Every once in a while, the planetary structures all come together in just th...Read more
By shannonj on 01.01.70
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My 12 year old son struggles, for some reason, with understanding the difference...Read more
By shannonj on 01.01.70
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I’ve heard the weather reports and recognize that it is surely inevitable that I...Read more
By shannonj on 01.01.70
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shannonj's Compositions

Urge Your Legislators to Support the ABLE Act!
by shannonj on 03.05.09 - public - 265 visits

The Autism Society of America is pleased to support the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009, ("ABLE" Act), S. 493/H.R. 1205. This legislation was recently introduced by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) in the Senate and the House companion bill was introduced by Reps. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Kendrick Meek (D-FL). This critically important piece of legislation has the potential to help improve the lives of all affected by autism.

This legislation is designed to encourage individuals with autism (and other disabilities) and their families to save for disability-related expenses and will supplement, rather than to replace, benefits provided by other sources such as Medicaid and private health insurance coverage. The ABLE Act authorizes "ABLE Accounts," which are similar in many respects to existing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 529 college savings plans. Provided certain rules are met, these disability savings accounts will be exempt from federal taxation.

Families of individuals affected by autism often find themselves in a position of financial frustration. Our families want nothing but the best for our children and we are often faced with astronomical expenses in connection with providing appropriate services.

To help improve the lives of all affected by autism, simply take a moment and click here to send an email to Congress today. https://secure2.convio.net/asa/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=227&JServSessionIdr008=9z25go93h1.app26a

The time for action is NOW! Urge your U.S. Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009, ("ABLE" Act), S. 493/H.R. 1205

Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Lee Grossman
President & CEO
Autism Society of America

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