Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Lost at School
Having survived several tough days at school, my 7 year old and I are at a loss. Neither understands each other. On that note, I went back through my library and am giving Dr. Ross Greene's book, The Explosive Child another read. I may have forgotten a few things about dealing with my child. In addition, I have just ordered Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them - Dr. Green's latest edition. Actually, I ordered two - I am giving one to the new principal at my son's school. Dr. Greene has a significant amount of insight about kids on the spectrum and his checklist assessment of lagging skills and unsolved problems really makes me think. You can find this on the website for the Center for Collaborative Problem Solving.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
MSNBC Autism Videos
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/%2021134540/vp/30262936#30225368
is the link for a series of NBC Today show videos highlighting great topics on Autism!
Happy watching!
is the link for a series of NBC Today show videos highlighting great topics on Autism!
Happy watching!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
2nd Annual All Out for Autism!
Well, I completed the 2 mile fun walk in the drizzle today. It was for a great cause - the 2nd annual All Out for Autism walk/run in Murray Park in Little Rock. For everyone that was there - impressive! If you missed it, you really missed out! I got a great t-shirt, caught up with old friends, and shared stories about our terrific kids. Mike Francis was there to capture it on camera and everyone had a blast. I can't wait to see what else AAROC has in store for 2009. http://www.arkansasautism.org/ is the website for AAROC. Just in case you are wondering, Autism Speaks is having a community meeting on May 14th at 6:30 pm at Camp Aldersgate - so come out and see what the organization has planned.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Walking for Autism on April 18th
http://arkansasautism.org/ is the website to register or find more information about Saturday's All out for Autism 5K and fun walk. I plan to get there around 8:30 am so that I can park before the race starts. The fun walk - my speed - is at 10 am.
Loretta
Loretta
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
DAN in OK
Regional DAN Conference to be held in OK June 13-14
NORMAN, Okla., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's Bridge presents Autism Research Institute's Defeat Autism Now!(R) Regional Conference June 13-14, 2009, at The Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center at 2501 Conference Drive in Norman. The conference will feature seminars devoted to educating doctors, parents and professionals. Presenters including Elizabeth Mumper, MD; Bryan Jepson, MD; Dan Rossignol, MD; and Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, will discuss topics such as behavioral and biomedical strategies, dietary interventions, what parents can do now and hands-on workshops for implementing treatment strategies.
On June 14, a Clinician Introductory Workshop with CME Credits will cover topics such as case histories, medical treatment strategies for gut disease and autism, integration of science and biomedical interventions for autism. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Aaron's Bridge.
"Autism is a challenge for pediatricians, their patients and families. By working together, we stand the best chance of helping these children to realize their full potential," American Academy of Pediatrics President Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP said this past April. "The Academy is committed to working with researchers and treatment groups like Defeat Autism Now!(R) to get closer to finding answers to the multiple causes of autism and determining effective therapies."
Defeat Autism Now!(R) is distinguished by its commitment to invite only the most credible, accredited and forward-thinking researchers and clinicians as speakers.
The conference is sponsored by Aaron's Bridge. Keith and Joni Geary established Aaron's Bridge foundation because of their personal experience with autism. Their son, Aaron, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, and the family began to see promising improvements in his condition when he began biomedical treatments with Dr. Bryan Jepson at The Thoughtful House Center for Children in Austin, Texas.
Aaron's Bridge was created to facilitate access to more treatment options in Oklahoma for children with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder.
"We formed the foundation to build a bridge of hope, connecting Oklahoma families to effective solutions and treatment options, such as biomedical interventions," Joni Geary said. "This conference will provide families, particularly Oklahoma families, with up-to-date information regarding effective treatments for autism and most importantly, hope."
For a complete schedule and to register, go to www.regonline.com/ari-oklahoma.
NORMAN, Okla., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's Bridge presents Autism Research Institute's Defeat Autism Now!(R) Regional Conference June 13-14, 2009, at The Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center at 2501 Conference Drive in Norman. The conference will feature seminars devoted to educating doctors, parents and professionals. Presenters including Elizabeth Mumper, MD; Bryan Jepson, MD; Dan Rossignol, MD; and Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, will discuss topics such as behavioral and biomedical strategies, dietary interventions, what parents can do now and hands-on workshops for implementing treatment strategies.
On June 14, a Clinician Introductory Workshop with CME Credits will cover topics such as case histories, medical treatment strategies for gut disease and autism, integration of science and biomedical interventions for autism. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Aaron's Bridge.
"Autism is a challenge for pediatricians, their patients and families. By working together, we stand the best chance of helping these children to realize their full potential," American Academy of Pediatrics President Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP said this past April. "The Academy is committed to working with researchers and treatment groups like Defeat Autism Now!(R) to get closer to finding answers to the multiple causes of autism and determining effective therapies."
Defeat Autism Now!(R) is distinguished by its commitment to invite only the most credible, accredited and forward-thinking researchers and clinicians as speakers.
The conference is sponsored by Aaron's Bridge. Keith and Joni Geary established Aaron's Bridge foundation because of their personal experience with autism. Their son, Aaron, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, and the family began to see promising improvements in his condition when he began biomedical treatments with Dr. Bryan Jepson at The Thoughtful House Center for Children in Austin, Texas.
Aaron's Bridge was created to facilitate access to more treatment options in Oklahoma for children with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder.
"We formed the foundation to build a bridge of hope, connecting Oklahoma families to effective solutions and treatment options, such as biomedical interventions," Joni Geary said. "This conference will provide families, particularly Oklahoma families, with up-to-date information regarding effective treatments for autism and most importantly, hope."
For a complete schedule and to register, go to www.regonline.com/ari-oklahoma.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Post Legislative Conference - Kids Count!
Registration is now open for the
Arkansas Kids Count Coalition’s
Arkansas Kids Count Coalition’s
Post-Legislative Conferences!
9 a.m. to noon
Jones Center
922 E. Emma Ave.
Springdale
-
Informative presentation to open the day’s events.
-
A de-briefing of the policy activity from the 2009 legislative session.
-
Our popular break-out sessions on the health, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare of Arkansas’s children and families.
-
Especially highlighted during this conference will be the complexities of the economic stimulus package and how it will affect Arkansas families.
- Registration is free! Click here to register.
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
St. John's Catholic Center
2500 North Tyler Street
Little Rock
-
Informative presentation to open the day’s events.
-
A de-briefing of the policy activity from the 2009 legislative session.
-
Our popular break-out sessions on the health, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare of Arkansas’s children and families.
-
Especially highlighted during this conference will be the complexities of the economic stimulus package and how it will affect Arkansas families.
-
A luncheon complete with some inspiring speeches and the awards ceremony to recognize the nominees and winner of the Sister Joan Pytlik Award and demonstrate our appreciation for the Legislative Champions of the 2009 session.
- Cost for the entire day, including lunch, is $10 for members of the Kids Count Coalition and $25 for non-members. Click here to register.
Register today! Space is limited at the Little Rock conference.
ABA & TEACCH - no preference
The Use of Concurrent Operants Preference Assessment to Evaluate Choice of Interventions for Children Diagnosed with Autism
Authors:Source:
International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, Volume 4, Issue 3, p.270-278 (2008)Layperson Summary:
Children with autism do not seem to prefer applied behavior analysis (ABA) over Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH).
Two of the most common techniques for teaching children with autism are ABA and TEACCH. While ABA tries to make a child with autism the same as his peers, TEACCH tries to respect the culture of autism. Therapists tend to be loyal to one approach or the other. This study looks to see if children with autism would choose one technique over the other. The authors call on further research to look at choices that people with autism make with regards to intervention, leisure, and other issues that affect quality of life.
From Healing Thresholds http://autism.healingthresholds.com/
I recommend that you subscribe to their weekly e-brief.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Irlen Lenses Screening coming to Arkansas
Do you know anyone who: has trouble reading words? is sensitive to light? gets a headache from reading?
Irlen May Be The Solution! [More about Irlen lenses can be found in the Autism 101 Manual]
Who: Individuals who may be affected by Scotopic Sensitivity Irlen Syndrome
What: Irlen Screenings or Lens Testing Appts.
Where: La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown 617 S. Broadway Little Rock, AR 72201
When: April 22 from 1pm to April 23rd all day By appointment
Please contact Mrs. Catherine Barnes at 1-859-489-7773to make appointments or if you have any questions.
Irlen May Be The Solution! [More about Irlen lenses can be found in the Autism 101 Manual]
Who: Individuals who may be affected by Scotopic Sensitivity Irlen Syndrome
What: Irlen Screenings or Lens Testing Appts.
Where: La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown 617 S. Broadway Little Rock, AR 72201
When: April 22 from 1pm to April 23rd all day By appointment
Please contact Mrs. Catherine Barnes at 1-859-489-7773to make appointments or if you have any questions.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
AR autism bill fails to get out of committee
Bill to provide insurance coverage for autism dies in committee
Posted on 08 April 2009
By John Lyon
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — A bill that would require insurers to provide health coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism failed to get out of a House committee today, the last full day of the legislative session.
Sen. Mary Ann Salmon, D-North Little Rock, the sponsor of Senate Bill 913, tearfully told the House Insurance and Commerce Committee she would refer the bill for interim study because she lacked enough support to win the committee’s endorsement.
The committee previously rejected the bill last week, two days after the Senate passed it 35-0.
Last week and again at a committee meeting Tuesday, representatives of the insurance industry testified in opposition to the bill, which was expected to raise health insurance premiums by an average of $1.48 per month.
Salmon said society pays a higher cost for not providing coverage for autism. The cost to the state to care for one autistic child is $120,000 a year, she said.
“Yesterday we heard the sky is falling. The sky fell on these people when they got a diagnosis of autism,” she said.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Defeat Autism Now! OKC Conference June 2009
Regional Defeat Autism Now! Conference
Embassy Suites
2501 Conference Drive
Norman, OK 73069
Saturday, June 13, 2009 7:00 am -
Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:00 pm
Embassy Suites
2501 Conference Drive
Norman, OK 73069
Defeat Autism Now!® is known worldwide as the premier conference at which parents and clinicians join together and pool their understanding to uncover the causes, focus on effective treatments, and share our happiness at the recovery of some children. We do not claim to have all the answers; in fact, knowing we don’t is what keeps us moving forward. But thanks to the insights and tenacity of the parents, and the determination, professionalism, and open-mindedness of our researchers and clinicians, we can say unequivocally at every Defeat Autism Now!® Conference: Autism is Treatable. Recovery is Possible!
Join Us:
- Explore the latest research and treatment findings
- Experience hands-on support for taking a biomedical approach home
- Network with parents and clinicians using the Defeat Autism Now! approach
- Earn CME credits attending our Clinician Workshop (licensed medical providers)
Autism Research Institute
Defeat Autism Now! OKC
877-644-1184 (toll-free)
Defeat Autism Now! OKC
877-644-1184 (toll-free)
Check by Mail
Complete your registration & print your confirmation and mail with your check, payable to Autism Research Institute to:
Defeat Autism Now! OKC Conference
c/o Denise Fulton, ARI Asst.
5417 Park Place Lp. SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Make checks payable to: Autism Research Institute
Monday, April 6, 2009
Help raise funds for Equestrian Zone
Everyone:
This is a fundraiser for the equestrian therapy group that does my
son's HIPPO therapy (PT on a horse). I couldn't ask for a better
group of folks. If you are available May 30th, please consider
purchasing a ticket and coming out to visit the facility. Donations
are welcome *in any amount* if you are unable to join us for the
party!
Loretta
1st ANNUAL
EQUESTRIAN ZONE
RIDING FOR A REASON
BOOTS & BENEFACTORS BARBEQUE
May 30, 2009
5:00-8:00 PM
4800 South Frankfort * Russellville, AR
Tickets: $35 per person
Ticket Price Includes:
Scheduled Live Entertainment Featuring: Nik & Sam
ChuckWagon Dinner
Evening at the Races
Rider Stories
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Cargill & UACCM
TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 1, 2009
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $15,000
http://www.equestrianzone.org/ to purchase tickets.
This is a fundraiser for the equestrian therapy group that does my
son's HIPPO therapy (PT on a horse). I couldn't ask for a better
group of folks. If you are available May 30th, please consider
purchasing a ticket and coming out to visit the facility. Donations
are welcome *in any amount* if you are unable to join us for the
party!
Loretta
1st ANNUAL
EQUESTRIAN ZONE
RIDING FOR A REASON
BOOTS & BENEFACTORS BARBEQUE
May 30, 2009
5:00-8:00 PM
4800 South Frankfort * Russellville, AR
Tickets: $35 per person
Ticket Price Includes:
Scheduled Live Entertainment Featuring: Nik & Sam
ChuckWagon Dinner
Evening at the Races
Rider Stories
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Cargill & UACCM
TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 1, 2009
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $15,000
http://www.equestrianzone.org/ to purchase tickets.
SB 913 AR House Commttee Meets Tuesday afternoon
SB 913 (the bill to provide health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders) is taking another run at the Arkansas House tomorrow. It has been placed on the agenda for the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce for the Tuesday committee meeting that begins at 3 or 4 pm (after session adjourns). Now is a good time to e-mail the committee members for support. The committee members are as follows (* voted No or Not Present for last vote):
(Vilonia) Rep. Eddie Hawkins, Chair hawkinse@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (LR Central) Rep. Fred Allen, Vice Chair FredAllen99@comcast.net
(Mena) Rep. Bill Abernathy abernathyb@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Prairie Grove) Rep. Mark Martin martinm@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Monticello) Rep. Allen Maxwell maxwella@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Magnolia) Rep. Bruce Maloch malochb@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Melbourne) Rep. Eddie Cooper
* (Van Buren) Rep. Rick Green greenr@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Camden) Rep. Willie Hardy hardyw@arkleg.state.ar.us
(LR Central) Rep. Wilhelmina Lewellen lewellenw@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Dumas) Rep. David Rainey raineyd@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Paris) Rep. John Paul Wells wellsj@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Forrest City) Rep. David Dunn dunnd@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Fort Smith) Rep. Frank Glidewell glidewellf@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Perryville) Rep. Johnny Hoyt hoytj@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Springdale) Rep. Jon Woods woodsj@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Marked Tree) Rep. Buddy Lovell lovellb@arkleg.state.ar.us
(NLR) Rep. Barry Hyde hydeb@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Manila-Blythville) Rep. Charolette Wagner wagnerc@arkleg.state.ar.us
(West Memphis) Rep. Keith Ingram kmingram@aol.com
(Speaker - ex officio) Rep. Robbie Wills willsr@arkleg.state.ar.us
Switchboard number at Statehouse 501-682-6211
Fax number at Statehouse 501-682-2917
Folks - we need two more votes. E-mail, call, fax these representatives and be heard on this legislation!
Loretta
Loretta Cochran
PO Box 138
Pottsville, AR 72858
lfcochran@gmail.com
479-567-9037
(Vilonia) Rep. Eddie Hawkins, Chair hawkinse@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (LR Central) Rep. Fred Allen, Vice Chair FredAllen99@comcast.net
(Mena) Rep. Bill Abernathy abernathyb@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Prairie Grove) Rep. Mark Martin martinm@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Monticello) Rep. Allen Maxwell maxwella@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Magnolia) Rep. Bruce Maloch malochb@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Melbourne) Rep. Eddie Cooper
* (Van Buren) Rep. Rick Green greenr@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Camden) Rep. Willie Hardy hardyw@arkleg.state.ar.us
(LR Central) Rep. Wilhelmina Lewellen lewellenw@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Dumas) Rep. David Rainey raineyd@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Paris) Rep. John Paul Wells wellsj@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Forrest City) Rep. David Dunn dunnd@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Fort Smith) Rep. Frank Glidewell glidewellf@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Perryville) Rep. Johnny Hoyt hoytj@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Springdale) Rep. Jon Woods woodsj@arkleg.state.ar.us
* (Marked Tree) Rep. Buddy Lovell lovellb@arkleg.state.ar.us
(NLR) Rep. Barry Hyde hydeb@arkleg.state.ar.us
(Manila-Blythville) Rep. Charolette Wagner wagnerc@arkleg.state.ar.us
(West Memphis) Rep. Keith Ingram kmingram@aol.com
(Speaker - ex officio) Rep. Robbie Wills willsr@arkleg.state.ar.us
Switchboard number at Statehouse 501-682-6211
Fax number at Statehouse 501-682-2917
Folks - we need two more votes. E-mail, call, fax these representatives and be heard on this legislation!
Loretta
Loretta Cochran
PO Box 138
Pottsville, AR 72858
lfcochran@gmail.com
479-567-9037
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Contact Senators Lincoln and Pryor!
Comprehensive Autism Legislation Introduced in U.S. Congress
Autism Society of America Applauds Inclusion of Lifespan Services and Supports
Today, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Autism Treatment and Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). The Autism Society of America applauds this comprehensive autism legislation focused around enhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Originally drafted by President Obama as a Senator, the bill includes aspects of legislation introduced in previous sessions of Congress, including the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act, sponsored by then-Senator Hillary Clinton.
ASA especially applauds the inclusion of support services for adults on the autism spectrum in this bill. Currently, the federal government provides for educational services until age 21; however, autism is a lifelong disorder, and when the school bus stops coming, individuals and families are often left to fend for themselves. ATAA would create a demonstration project to provide an array of services to adults with autism spectrum disorders, including: postsecondary education; vocational and self-advocacy skills; employment; residential services, supports and housing; nutrition, health and wellness; recreational and social activities; and transportation and personal safety.
The legislation also would provide for the establishment of a national network to strengthen linkages between research and service initiatives at the federal, regional, state and local levels, and facilitate the translation of research on autism into services and treatments that will improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families. A national data repository would be created to share emerging data, findings and treatment models.
Other key aspects of the bill include:
- the establishment of a national training initiative on autism and a technical assistance center to develop and expand interdisciplinary training and continuing education on autism spectrum disorders; and
- a requirement that health insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, assistive communication devices and other effective treatments.
ASA needs your help in order to help pass this critical legislation. Please contact both of your U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. We’ve composed an e-mail describing all the vital aspects of this bill but it will be especially effective if you add your own story describing how ATAA would help you and your family.
The time to act is now. Please support this important issue today, and urge your friends to take action as well. Together, we can improve the quality of live for individuals with autism across the lifespan.
AR Legislative Call to Action
There is a bill, SB 913, pending in the House Insurance and Commerce Committee that has significant potential to change the face of Autism in Arkansas. If you want to do something about Autism Insurance Coverage, contact the following Representatives and ask them to vote yes for SB 913.
hawkinse@arkleg.state.ar.us; FredAllen99@comcast.net; abernathyb@arkleg.state.ar.us; martinm@arkleg.state.ar.us; allenmaxwell@sbcglobal.net; malochb@arkleg.state.ar.us; greenr@arkleg.state.ar.us; hardyw@arkleg.state.ar.us; lewellenw@arkleg.state.ar.us; raineyd@arkleg.state.ar.us; wellsj@arkleg.state.ar.us; ddunn@arkleg.state.ar.us; glidewellf@arkleg.state.ar.us; hoytj@arkleg.state.ar.us; woodsj@arkleg.state.ar.us;lovellb@arkleg.state.ar.us ; bhyde@hydco.com; wagnerc@arkleg.state.ar.us; ingramk@arkleg.state.ar.us
Hello
I created this blog to help bring awareness to autism in Arkansas. I also hope to provide information about resources in the state for families with a child on the Autism Spectrum of Disorders.
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