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Medical News Feed
Minority Toddlers With Autism May Be More Delayed Than Affected Caucasian Peers
The first prospective study of ethnic differences in the symptoms of autism in toddlers shows that children from a minority background have more delayed language, communication and gross motor skills than Caucasian children with the disorder...A Mechanism To Improve Learning And Memory
There are a number of drugs and experimental conditions that can block cognitive function and impair learning and memory. However, scientists have recently shown that some drugs can actually improve cognitive function, which may have implications for our understanding of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease...Motor Skills Affected By Autism
Often, children with autism have difficulties developing motor skills, such as throwing a ball, learning how to write, or running. However, a study published in the journal Autism, suggests that autism itself, not genetics, may be to blame. The research was conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Claudia List Hilton, Ph.D...Autism Brain Scan Signs Found At 6 Months Of Age
According to a study published online February 17, at AJP in Advance, a section of the website of the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered considerable differences in brain development at age six months in high-risk infants who develop autism, than high-risk infants who do not develop the condition. Jason J. Wolff, Ph...In Infants Who Develop Autism, Brain-Imaging Differences Evident At 6 Months
A new study led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significant differences in brain development starting at age 6 months in high-risk infants who later develop autism, compared to high-risk infants who did not develop autism. "It's a promising finding," said Jason J...Kaleidoscopic blog by Brian Robinson
Grades
Had a quick conference with Xan's teacher, and got told he's doing very well. Which isn't a surprise, but it's nice to get confirmation. He's progressing nicely on his standards and will pro...Definition
It appears to be official - the definition of autism will change soon . The article itself doesn't have any specifics, but this article says the proposed definition at the time was "...the...Story
One of my college friends set up a monthly challenge, where we would get a topic and a sentence once a month and have to write a story from those. This has sparked my interest in writing again...Birthday
The Strange and Wonderful Creature had a birthday this week. Ten years ago... We hadn't slept much the night before. Tracy had a scheduled inducement early in the morning, and that appoint...Hashtags
Just a quick note - busy day yesterday, PTO meeting and black belt testing, so I'm still recovering. While up early (yes, tired, recovering AND still insomniac...wouldn't be me if any other way)...The Autism News
The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism RSS
RSS feed from Aspen
An Evening with the Stars – and YOU Can Be There!
We don’t know about you, but we have Awards fever! The Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks is hosting an awesome event, ‘An Evening With the Stars.’ Unfortunately we can’t all physically be there, but you can VIRTUALLY be there! Throughout the night we will be giving updates on Facebook, Twitter, and our newly created Tumblr [...]
Weekly Whirl – Sibling Love!
If anyone knows how hectic life can get – WE DO! That’s why we have created the Autism Speaks Weekly Whirl to fill you in on all of the highlights of the week! The last thing we want is for you to be left out of the loop! Please share with friends and family to [...]
Autism in the News – 02.24.12
Change in definition of ‘autism’ has parents worried they’ll lose critical services (Hartford, Conn.) When Caleb Geary was diagnosed with autism at age 3, he had never spoken or eaten solid food. Read more. Autism Is Jim Calhoun’s Biggest Opponent (Hartford Courant) Jim Calhoun, like many coaches, is superstitious. He might have a lucky tie or [...]
What behavioral therapies can help someone with autism and severe anxiety?
Today’s “Got Questions?” answer comes from clinical psychologist Jeffrey Wood, Ph.D., of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the University of California, Los Angeles. The recipient of three Autism Speaks grants, Wood has extensively studied anxiety in elementary school and adolescent children with autism. Anxiety is common among children and adults with autism [...]
Spotlight on Jay Nolan Community Services
This blog post is by Jeff Strully, the Executive Director of Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. When Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. (JNCS) was first established in 1975, we initially provided support for people with autism and other disabilities in group settings. But then in 1992, in a sign of the times, we changed our [...]
WELCOME TO ALABAMAAUTISM.ORG
We welcome everyone with the desire to share or obtain knowledge with the autism community. Uniting, making connections, sharing knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the World. A hub for Autism related info, events, videos, & support. Make us your "Autism Favorite List" Only through the voice of many will the voice of one be heard.
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Calhoun County Autism Walk 2012 Fundraising Link Below All Proceeds go to the Autism Society of Alabama Tax deductible.
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Our Picture section is not to be used for advertising but instead pictures of ourselves and loved ones. No heckling, personal attacks, spamming, trolling or profanity will ever be tolerated. Members are encouraged to report anyone that attempts to contact you by private to sell, spam, or troll to Mike Tumlin or Tracy Robinson for prompt action.
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WRIGHTS LAW CONFERENCE IN HUNTSVILLE!!
March 1, 2012 from 8am to 4:30pm – Chan Auditorium, Huntsville
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Calhoun County Autism Walk
April 28, 2012 from 8:30am to 12pm – Oxford High School Stadium
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Thanks Ashlie. I ended up letting him go. I was with him, also, and it went okay. And, yes the…
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Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge on the topic of PE. It is indeed appreciated! The world…
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Hi Nancy,
If you had previously negotiated some kind of deal involving specific…
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James,
I have a question that actually affects ALL students in my daughter's school. There are…
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Again, thank you! I appreciate everything you do to serve and advocate for the sped community.
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What behavioral therapies can help someone with autism and severe anxiety?
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Today’s “Got Questions?” answer comes from clinical psychologist Jeffrey Wood, Ph.D., of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the University of California, Los Angeles. The recipie...
Autism Apps
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ABA My First WordsThe ABA My First Words App allows kids to view flash cards of some common first words as well as a matching game for pictures and words. The flash cards now have audio.itunes.apple.c
This is a great group with a great leader. This is also the ONLY Autism Society...
This is a great group with a great leader. This is also the ONLY Autism Society of Alabama group in Montgomery at this time. They do lots of things such as sensory free movies etc. Check them out! Mike
Montgomery Tri-County Autism Networking Group Online
Welcome to the Montgomery Tri-County Networking site for parents of children/adults with Autism.
Autism Insurance Reform Update The Autism Society of Alabama along with the nat...
Autism Insurance Reform UpdateThe Autism Society of Alabama along with the national organization, Autism Votes and Alabama Senator Cam Ward have been working on Alabama Autism Insurance Reform.
As most families living with ASD are aware, there is very limited insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This is an update of the Alabama Autism Insurance Reform Campaign.
The Autism Insurance Reform Bills
Senate Bill 283
The senate bill is attached to this email
House Bill 345
Alabama Legislative Information System Online
http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACTIONViewFrameMac.asp?TYPE=Instrument&INST=HB345&DOCPATH=searchableinstruments%2F2012RS%2FPrintfiles%2F&PHYDOCPATH=%2F%2Falisondb%2Facas%2Fsearchableinstruments%2F2012RS%2FPrintFiles%2F&DOCNAMES=HB345-int.pdf
The Autism Insurance Reform Bills Information
Who is covered by this bill?
The goal of this legislation is to improve private insurance coverage for the most number of Alabamians, for the greatest number of therapies, for the greatest length of time. That being said, this bill will not cover the majority of Alabamians affected by ASD. The Senate Bill includes a maximum age of 9 years old for coverage. The House Bill has a maximum age of 18 years for coverage. As the bills progress through the legislature, the maximum age will have to be agreed upon by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
These bills affect private health insurance policies that are fully funded policies or policies that are regulated by or partially regulated by state insurance regulations. Large companies are self funded or self insured health insurance policies that are regulated by ERISA federal insurance regulations. If you work for a large company, it is probably regulated by ERISA federal insurance regulations and the Alabama bills will not affect your policy. If your company is a medium sized company that is state regulated or fully funded, the bill may affect your family. The state health insurance plan is excluded from this bill.
If your family is not covered by this bill, why might you be interested in Autism Insurance Reform?
The law has passed in 29 states and most states with the Autism Insurance Reform Law report an increase in providers or therapists in their state.
In many of the states with Autism Insurance Reform, some larger ERISA or federally governed insurance policies have included ASD in their treatment options.
Autism Votes includes information for families that may not be included in state regulated Autism Insurance Reform. The information is at the Autism Votes Website at www.autismvotes.org under resources under Autism Insurance Reform Resources for Self-Insured Companies.
What does the bill cover?
The bills cover the following medically prescribed or medically necessary therapies:
Behavioral Health Therapy
Pharmacy Care
Psychiatric Care
Psychological Care
Therapeutic Care
The bill specifically reforms the coverage of a type of behavior therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis.
Status of SB 283 and HB 345
SB 283 was sent to the Senate Committee on Health. The hearing for SB 283 will occur on February 29, 2012, Wednesday at the State House in Montgomery. These committee meetings are always open to the public in the sense that anyone from the community can observe the proceedings. We do not know whether we will be invited to speak at the hearing. The committee members will vote on the bill to indicate their endorsement of the bill to go to the Senate Floor for a vote. The Senators also have the option to reject the bill which would prevent the bill from going to the Senate floor for a vote.
HB 345 was sent to the House of Representatives Committee on Health. The hearing for the House Bill has not been announced.
How can you help the Autism Insurance Reform Process?
There are ways to assist the Autism Insurance Reform process.
Please stay updated on the progress of Autism Insurance Reform at the Autism Society of Alabama website.
Please contact your state Senator and House of Representative Member and let them know how important this issue is to your family and to families living with ASD in Alabama. You can find your legislators at www.legislature.state.al.us.
Please contact members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health and the Senate Committee on Health and ask them to endorse HB 345 or SB 283 to go to the House or Senate floor for a vote.
For more information
Autism Votes maintains a website specific to Autism Insurance Reform and contains information about the law in 29 states. Autism Votes is www.autismvotes.org.
Please send me your questions. This is a unique process and we have a unique opportunity, so no question is too small or unimportant.
Thanks everyone.
Bama Hager, Ph.D.
Parent
Policy Advisor
Autism Society of Alabama
bamahager@hotmail.com
View HB345
alisondb.legislature.state.al.us
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Need some help finding support networks
Started by Matthew McFarland in AUTISM. Last reply by Mike Tumlin Feb 16. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Private aids/therapist for public classroom?
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Walk for Autism 2012 info
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angry asperger
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Petition to Board of Education of Marion County Regarding the Recent incident in Hamilton Follow up
Started by Mike Tumlin in AUTISM. Last reply by Mike Tumlin Dec 14, 2011. 1 Reply 0 Likes
School accuses 14-year old non-verbal Autistic girl of felony assault in Hamilton Alabama
Started by Mike Tumlin in AUTISM. Last reply by Elizabeth Noel Dec 14, 2011. 10 Replies 0 Likes
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Help for my 19 year old
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Question? Anyone else had 2 children diagnosed with Autism?
Started by Tracey Tene Doran in AUTISM. Last reply by Helen Williams Jan 6. 8 Replies 0 Likes
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What is an IEP "Amendment"
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SUMMER'S COMING
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Newly Diagnosed - Where do I start, What do I do?
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Welcome to Holland
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Top ten Snappy Answers to some of the annoying remarks that we get.
Posted by Mike Tumlin on September 6, 2010 at 7:05am 5 Comments 0 Likes
Cam Ward State Representative speaks on Teacher Training importance and using online training like we provide here except better!!!!
Posted by Mike Tumlin on January 31, 2009 at 2:30pm 5 Comments 0 Likes
Opening the Door to Temple's World Intro to Temple Grandin's Story
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Adults with Asperger's
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The Five Goal Myth
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I wonder.........
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Five tips for Halloween
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Parents of Special Needs Children - BILL OF RIGHTS
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potty time
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Direct Feed from the Autism Support Network Site Below
Autism & "first blood" of the year
The end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 have been amazing for Dillon. The new medications have done wonders for his moods, aggressions, tantrums and other “out of control” behaviors. The house destruction has decreased significantly, and we have these new medications to thank.
Autism & a parent's expectations
Children learn what they live and they are influenced by their parents, their surroundings, their families, their teachers and their friends. As a parent we all wish to provide the very best for our children. It is our most important role in life. We are responsible for our child from the very first day they are born and we want everything to be perfect. As our child grows and matures they will experience many things both happy and sad. We have to help to show our children how to live a life filled with promise, hope, joy, friendship, love and faith.
Video: Autism and problems of self-medication, drugs & alchohol
Life on the autism spectrum comes with challenges, some more difficult than others. Complicating the situation is falling into the bad choice of "self medication" using drugs or alcohol that can lead to addiction. If you know someone like that -- or that has been you, and you're caught up in ongoing trouble with the law and or jail, there's good news on the horizon. Please welcome someone who has been there and done that with family, author Claudia Curry.
Autism and discovering acceptance
Matt has always loved the water and going to the beach was always a time of high excitement. One of our favorite destinations is the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For Matt it was especially wonderful as it has the Wright Brother’s Memorial, light houses and shopping too. Matt loves historical places and every time we go we are obliged to visit the location of the first-flight sand dunes, the memorial and exhibits. Matt and I even walked the entire path of the distance the plane flew on one winter trip. It was very cold.
Autism and the quasi-music man
At dinner, over a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, Nate pored through the new Rolling Stone. He likes reading it as soon as it arrives, pulling out loose subscription cards which he ends up drawing on. Then, later, he goes over the pages again, more slowly. I think he reads some of the articles. I caught him intently focused on a review of The Doors’ LA Woman reissue a few weeks ago.
“Who’s this old guy?” Nate asked, checking out the photos in “Random Notes.” I glanced over.
“It’s Warren Buffay,” Nate answered himself. And it was. The uber-tycoon was chatting with Jay-Z.
Direct Feed from Autism Speaks
An Evening with the Stars – and YOU Can Be There!
We don’t know about you, but we have Awards fever! The Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks is hosting an awesome event, ‘An Evening With the Stars.’ Unfortunately we can’t all physically be there, but you can VIRTUALLY be there! Throughout the night we will be giving updates on Facebook, Twitter, and our newly created Tumblr [...] Weekly Whirl – Sibling Love!
If anyone knows how hectic life can get – WE DO! That’s why we have created the Autism Speaks Weekly Whirl to fill you in on all of the highlights of the week! The last thing we want is for you to be left out of the loop! Please share with friends and family to [...] Autism in the News – 02.24.12
Change in definition of ‘autism’ has parents worried they’ll lose critical services (Hartford, Conn.) When Caleb Geary was diagnosed with autism at age 3, he had never spoken or eaten solid food. Read more. Autism Is Jim Calhoun’s Biggest Opponent (Hartford Courant) Jim Calhoun, like many coaches, is superstitious. He might have a lucky tie or [...] What behavioral therapies can help someone with autism and severe anxiety?
Today’s “Got Questions?” answer comes from clinical psychologist Jeffrey Wood, Ph.D., of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the University of California, Los Angeles. The recipient of three Autism Speaks grants, Wood has extensively studied anxiety in elementary school and adolescent children with autism. Anxiety is common among children and adults with autism [...] Spotlight on Jay Nolan Community Services
This blog post is by Jeff Strully, the Executive Director of Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. When Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. (JNCS) was first established in 1975, we initially provided support for people with autism and other disabilities in group settings. But then in 1992, in a sign of the times, we changed our [...] RSS feed from Special Ed. Justice Attorney Jennifer Laviano
Social-Pathologist-Behavior-Worker-Therapist-Type Person
True confession: when I was in junior high and high school I LOVED General Hospital. I admit it. I loved it even though I knew it was ludicrous. It’s an embarrassing but true part of my past. One of the things that I realized about the show as I got older was just how silly [...]Um. Okay. Thanks.
So, I already have a page of Ridiculous Comments made by school district personnel, and their lawyers. But lately, I’ve decided that my clients have some doozies also…so I’ve created this page: Truly Funny, Sad, Insightful, or Outrageous Quotes From Parents. My clients inspire me. They really do. I can not imagine how they manage [...]“The Behavior Guy”
As a parents’ special education attorney in Connecticut, I hear outrageous statements that parents are told by their school districts on an almost daily basis. But, sometimes, I am told something that passes the realm of outrageous, and crosses into ridiculous. Today’s Ridiculous Comment You really can not make this stuff up. So I am [...]Sponsors
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What is Autism?
About Autism: What is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurologically-based developmental disabilities. Scientists do not know exactly what causes the problem. ASDs can impact a person's functioning across a wide range, from very mild to severe. Individuals with ASD are not different in appearance, but they may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from typical peers.
Is Autism a common disorder?
Recent statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that 1 in 150 people in the United States could be diagnosed with ASD. That means 24,000 children in Illinois have an ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) include:
*Autistic Disorder
*Asperger's Disorder
*Rett's Disorder
*Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
*Pervasive Developmental Disorder
What are some of the signs of ASDs?
People with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASDs begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life.
A child or an adult with ASD might:
Not play "pretend games" (like feeding a doll)
Not look at objects when another person points at them
Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
Prefer not to be held or cuddled or may cuddle only when they want to
Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play or relate to them
Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language
Have trouble expressing their needs using typical word or motions
Repeat actions over and over again
Have trouble adapting when a routine changes
Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound
Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)
What Are the Earliest Most Reliable Signs of ASD?
Play Skills
At age... Did your child...
4-12 months Enjoy toys for their sensory value, mouthing, feeling, and hearing them
12+ months Use toys as they were intended feed dolls
16+ months Give objects identities other than intended (use blocks as cars or food)
30 + months Imaginative play make believe/role play
Social Interaction
At age... Did your child...
4 months Show interest in faces, smile back, initiate smiles
6 months Relate to parents with joy, smile often when playing
9 months Orient to name, play give-and-take
12 months Use gestures to get needs met, repeat actions, show objects
15 months Check parent's facial expression, draw attention to objects of interest, begin to show empathy
18 months Pretend play, attract parental attention by looks or gestures
24 months Enjoy playing next to children, offer toys
36 months Imagine self as a character, talk for objects, play show and tell, talk about feelings
Joint Attention
At age... Could your child...
2 months Exchange smiles
8 months Follow a caregiver with his eyes
9 months Follow a point
10 months Show objects
12 months Point to obtain an object
14 months Point to indicate to another an object of interest
14 months Look to others to gather social information
Investigate Further and Consider Autism if:
At age... Your child...
9 months Did not babble
12 months Did not point or gesture
16 months Did not use single words
24 months Did not use 2-word phrases
Any age Had a loss of language or social skills
What should you do if you think a child or an adult has an ASD?
If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, ask for a referral to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older).
Right now, the main research-based treatment for ASDs is intensive structured teaching of skills, often called behavioral intervention.
It is very important to begin this intervention as early as possible in order to help your child reach his or her full potential.
Acting early can make a real difference!
ADAP
For the Alabama Disabilities ADVOCACY Program or ADAP click here These are the folks that will stand up for your rights and help you make sure your child is receiving an appropriate education if you feel like you are having a problem. I highly recomend them. It's a right not a favor!
DISCLAIMER
This site is in no way affiliated with the State of Alabama, Blount County Board of Education, Or any Governmental Entity. This site also has no affiliation with the Hayden School system. This site is independently owned and operated by Mike Tumlin. My mission is a simple one. Share & obtain, knowledge with everyone from all walks of life. The views and post shared on this site do not necessarrily reflect the view of myself or the members of this site.
© 2012 Created by Mike Tumlin.
