If there is one thing that is difficult when you’re coping with autism, it’s a natural disaster. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, you name it, it’s a problem. These events affect everyone, of course, but for someone with autism and their family, it can be even more challenging. People with autism generally do not do very well [...]
November 21, 2011
Parents need to prepare for the holiday season so that their children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome can cope. Long trips by car or plane can be especially difficult for a child with autism. But with some planning and by following these simple tips, travel can be fun and rewarding. Prepare your child for the changes [...]
September 22, 2011
Your child has just been diagnosed with autism. You may be scared and wondering what to do next. You may feel like autism is a life sentence. But try not to panic too much. If caught early, your child has an excellent chance of regaining some life skills and proper development. (And even if they [...]
September 16, 2011
Sensory integration therapy is a way of trying to “tune down” overactive senses, or stimulate dormant ones, to help a person function in the world better. The goal for this is gentle exposure to different sensory stimuli, so that they get better incorporated into what the body can tolerate and deal with. The central nervous [...]
September 6, 2011
Getting your child with autism to sleep can often be a huge challenge. Some childen wake up after a few hours of sleep…then they cannot fall back to sleep. Others toss and turn for half the night before they fall asleep. Some just refuse to comply with any instruction…bedtime included. Routine is Important for a [...]
September 3, 2011
It is a very sad story. I covered it extensively as it unfolded last year. Trevor Varinecz went to school. Said goodbye to his mom. A regular school day for this 16 year old high school student. Little did his mom know that was the last time she would see her son alive. Or that [...]
August 31, 2011
More than 150 cases of measles have been reported in the US this year already. There has also be a similar rise in measles cases in Europe. Doctors are now worried that measles will make a comeback and plague school age children as it did when I was a child. Many think that the increase [...]
August 31, 2011
Have an iPad? Maybe you did not realize it can be a great help for autistic kids. Well one school has found a way to use iPads to help kids communicate…special needs students who would not normally be able to have the life enriching experience in school that neurotypical students have. At the Lehmann Center, [...]
August 28, 2011
A recent study of 1900 children in Australia found that children with autism are less likely to use gestures such as pointing and waving when they communicate with their peers. Carly Veness, a speech pathologist who conducted the research identified a low pattern of gestures in autistic kids between 8 months and two years [...]
August 27, 2011
The Institute of Medicine has done a comprehensive review of the studies on vaccines. They reviewed 1,000 studies and found no link between vaccines and autism and type 1 diabetes. The findings are that vaccines are generally OK. Vaccines have been a highly controversial area, especially in the autism community. Last year there was a [...]
I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
Laurie Charlick, Brantford, ON, Canada
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with autism (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
Matt Turner, Australia
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Peggy Stockdill, Daniel (age 13), Minneapolis, MN
I definitely found your information helpful. My grandson was just diagnosed this summer. He is very smart and sweet. We will continue to be an advocate for him thanks to your information. I am including a picture of him.
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Terrie Scott, San Antonio, TX
"Hi my son of 3 and a half years was diagnosed today, I had concerns so prior to his appointment I researched it and joined your newsletter. The information was so helpful and very supportive it was almost like having a counselor as I opened each email I felt like some one really understood my situation so thanks you so much for that, it's a very hard thing to accept and you do feel alone but with the letters I was given inspiration and hope that not everything was going to be doom and gloom it was and still is a lifeline.
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Abby Brown, St. Paul, MN
Your newsletter helps me learn more. It gives me bite-sized pieces of information and it's topical format makes it easy for me to share with others. I share it with my husband and my mom mostly. And because the information is bite-sized, it is easier for me to remember and I use that in day-to-day conversation with close friends who have questions. Sincere thanks for your newsletter.
Hilary Reach
I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
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Mariat Lennon, Milton Keynes, England
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, how much your newsletters has help me try to understand my 9 year old son better he just got diagnosed in June. It's very hard for me still and I just hope that I could do it. Thank You very much
Claudia Nazario, Monroe, NY
I am Ben's grandmother and see him every single day. He is a joy. What your info does is help us to understand the melt downs that quite frankly we have always put down to the meds that he takes. We have proved your theory of a strict regime for Ben. Each letter adds to our knowledge. Keep it up dear friend. We learn from you every day and will I am sure continue to learn. God Bless you.
November 1, 2012
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