Here is your update on the TACA (TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM) Group for February 2003 - #1. As always, email your thoughts and or questions.
I want to make this e-newsletter informative for you. Let me know your thoughts on how I can improve it.
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IF this email is NEW to you and you don't recognize the name... WELCOME! These emails happen two to four times a month for Southern California Autism support called TACA.
We focus on parent support, parent mentoring, gluten / casein free diets, the latest in medical research, special education law, reviews of the latest treatments, and many other topics as it relates to Autism.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE THESE EMAILS, just respond and I will be happy to remove you from the list. EMAIL ADDRESS IS: contact us
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TACA has an official web site at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org
COMPLETE SITE OVER HAUL IS DONE! Dozens of new resources, hundreds of new web links, new THERAPY, GFCF Diet, Medical and Legal information! Check it out!
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In this edition of TACA e-news:
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1) Dr. Jerry’s ICDRC meeting February 22, 2003 is CANCELLED
Due to the uncertainty of potential war, Dr Jerry has cancelled all travel. His trip will be rescheduled sometime in June/July 2003.
The February 22nd seminar, the doctors seminar and parent appointments are ALL CANCELLED.
This is all I know, this is all I have to report at this time. All information will be sent via TACA e-news.
All checks/cash will be returned via mail next week.
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2) UPCOMING TACA Costa Mesa Meeting Schedule:
Please make sure you note the new dates below
– changes and additions have been made
March 8, 2003: Special
Education Law - a look back at 2002 and into 2003 Big changes in cases, services provided & hearing
results. –
Always a big turn out for Paul Roberts, Spec Education Lawyer
April 12, 2003 Autism
and Apraxia
Not just a language problem for autistics
Presented by Speech & Language Connection: Melanie Foshee and Kim Bowman
May 10, 2003 School
Shadowing Presentation -
What to look for - what to avoid ABA Specialist - Jessica Postil -
Autism Spectrum Consultants
Much more is being planned for June – December of 2003! Stay tuned!
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TACA has FOUR So. California meeting locations:
Costa Mesa: 2nd Saturday of each month (info in item #1)
West Hills: 3rd Saturday of each month – 2:30-5:30pm - Info: Contact Us
San Diego: 4th Tuesday evening – 6:30- 8:00pm – Info: Contact Us
Corona: 3rd Saturday – 2:30 – 5:30pm – info: Contact us (accept for this month!! )
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3) TACA FAMILY SOCIAL EVENT REMINDER for FEBRUARY 15th – TOMORROW!
Attention all TACA members! Diane Gallant has worked hard with South Coast Plaza in arranging FREE CAROUSEL RIDES for children with Autism and their siblings!!
Come join us for a morning of fun and horse rides at South Coast Plaza!
Dates: Next 2 dates are: Saturday, 2/15/2003 & 3/15/2003
Times: 8:30am-9:30am (BEFORE the mall opens)
Local: South Coast Plaza by the carousel (NOT the Crystal Court carousel!)
Costs: FREE!!!!!!!!!
Park: Park by ZTejas Restaurant and the Bank of America ATM’s off Bristol
Note: Kids can ride as often as they would like and based on availability. We will hand out tickets to the kids so they don’t lose their manners once the carousel is open for regular business or other trips to the mall!
NO NEED TO RSVP! JUST COME AND PLAY!!
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4) April = AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH – here are some ideas to consider and take part in:
- April 5th – do the Cure Autism Now WALKATHON – for more info – www.cureautismnow.org
- Wear an Autism Awareness ribbon or purchase a bag, hat or other autism awareness item: www.stitches4autism.com or CAN has a flavor at www.cureautismnow.org or another cute source Moms on a mission for autism: http://momsonamissionforautism.org/MoMA_SHOP.shtml
There will be an AUTISM RALLY AND CAUCUS in Sacramento also on April 5th (including Dana’s Autism one day conference all on the same day) – I will going to that Rally and let me know if you want more information! Email me.
- TACA will be working on some fundraising efforts in March and April to honor autism awareness month with ribbons and other great supplies!
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5) NEWS – THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF AUTISM:
Note: I get questions on the rise of autism – “is it only in California?” No, sadly to say – it is everywhere. Here is just one additional example:
Autism Is On The Rise in Israel
Dr. Michael Davidovich, author of a study on autism in Israel and the director of the Institute for Child Development at Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa said: "We face a rise of autism among Israeli children." The rate is 10 children for every 10,000 children. Margolit Tirosh, chair of the Association for Autistic Children, said according to Haaretz that each year at least 60 to 90 children were diagnosed as autistic children. It is not clear as to the reason for this increase. One expert claimed that the pollution of our environment with rays or dangerous chemicals caused a rise of these sad cases.
Sound & Listening Center – Tomatis Providers – Close their offices
Tomatis Update
Dr. Billie Thompson has shut down the Sound and Listening Center and is no longer providing Tomatis listening services.
Dr. Deborah Swain of the Swain Center in Northern California has agreed to continue the Tomatis outreach program in Orange County. Dr. Swain has multiple years experience in listening and auditory processing and is passionate about helping our children. She is in no way affiliated with Dr. Thompson.
To learn more about Dr. Swain and her practice, please visit her web sites:
Dr. Swain will be meeting with all interested families on Monday, March 3, at 4:00 at McKinsey & Co., 131 Innovation Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. At this meeting she will discuss her plans for a March outreach including: the Tomatis protocol she follows for ASD clients, her fees and the outreach schedule. In addition, she will answer any questions you may have.
If you desire more information prior to the meeting, please contact Poita Cernius, mailto:cernius6@adelphia.net, or Judy Sweeney, judysweeney@cox.net.
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6) THE LATEST VACCINE NEWS –
|
SCHUMER: FEDS SHOULD RELEASE PAPERS THAT MIGHT PROVE LINK BETWEEN VACCINE AND AUTISM |
http://www.senate.gov/~schumer/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/PR01464.html
FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/30/politics/30SMAL.html?tntemail1
Health Care
Leaders Voice Doubts on Smallpox Inoculations
By DONALD G.
McNEIL Jr.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 — Serious doubts about the
president's smallpox vaccination plan emerged today at a Senate hearing from
the very health care professionals who have been asked to get or administer the
vaccine.
The chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nation's largest children's
hospital, said his institution would not immunize its staff.
The health and safety director of a union representing 350,000 health care
workers asked for a delay and said several of his chapters had advised their
nurses not to cooperate.
Two public health officials said the Bush administration was seriously
underestimating the costs of the plan and how much money it would take from
public health programs for things like childhood vaccines and tuberculosis
control.
Dr. Julie Geberding, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
defended the administration's plan, but said, "We appreciate the concerns
and are going to take steps to make the program successful."
The president's program, announced on Dec. 13, calls for up to 500,000 health
workers to be vaccinated in the coming weeks. The second phase is to include 10
million more health workers, firefighters, police and ambulance personnel.
All are to be volunteers. Four doctors were vaccinated in Connecticut on
Friday, the first day the plan went into effect, but Connecticut health
administrators were embarrassed when the nurses on their vaccination team
backed out at the last minute, citing concerns like those expressed at today's
hearing before the subcommittee on labor, health and human services of the
Senate Appropriations Committee.
The critics' chief worries were that vaccinated health workers could suffer
side effects themselves or accidentally infect their own family members or
patients with the vaccinia virus. If they or a family member suffered a bad
reaction — whether resulting in a day off work because of fever or a rare but
life-threatening case of encephalitis or generalized vaccinia — they might not
be covered by workers' compensation, they said.
When the vaccine was last in routine use, in the 1960's, it caused up to 52
life threatening complications and two deaths for every million people
vaccinated. Some experts expect higher rates of complications today because
more people have compromised immune systems and skin problems. On the other
hand, the 1960's figures were mostly for the first-time vaccination of
children, while many health care workers today were vaccinated as children,
and, of course, are adults and
presumably know something about the risks of side effects.
Dr. Louis M. Bell, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, in explaining his hospital's decision not to join the
plan, said, "The virus might spread from the arm of a health care worker
to a
hospitalized child."
From 1907 to 1975, Dr. Bell said, citing a study that he
said would soon appear in The New England Journal of Medicine, 85 children and
adults were infected by health care workers shedding virus, and 9 of them died.
The risk was greatest to hospitalized children. Hospitals like his now contain
many children on cancer chemotherapy or undergoing organ transplants, so the
risks are greater, and there are more immuno-compromised health workers.
Senator Arlen Specter, Republican of Pennsylvania, who was chairman of the
hearing, called it "rather startling that an institution of your prestige
should decide not to inoculate." Mr. Specter later said a newspaper survey
of 50 state health officials found that more than 80 of the country's 3,000
hospitals, including some leading ones, had made the same decision.
Dr. Geberding of the disease control agency said the administration's plan did
not require every hospital to participate.
"We knew that not every one would choose to," she added. "We
planned for it."
During her brief testimony, Dr. Geberding calculated that it would cost about
$13 for each person vaccinated. An earlier estimate by the centers had been $85
a person.
Two witnesses disagreed. Patrick Libbey, director of the National Association
of County and City Health Officials, said four of his members estimated their
costs at $155 to $220 per person vaccinated, and Jane
Colacecchi, the public health director of Iowa,
estimated her costs at $400 a person. Both said their figures included training
vaccination teams and paying their salary and travel costs, screening out
people at risk, giving the vaccinations and bandages, following up on bad
reactions and managing the data.
Dr. Geberding later said her estimate was only "the extra cost of putting
vaccine in someone's arm," not what she called "infrastructure
costs."
James August, health and safety director for the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees, representing 350,000 health care workers,
called for a delay in the program until workers could be taught more about the
risks, and until all the worries about compensation for those
suffering side effects were worked out.
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7) TAX PLANNING FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM
Reprinted from the Shafer Newsletter:
Year 2002 Tax Benefits for
Parents of Learning Disabled Children
[This is provided for our readers' information
only and should not be construed as financial advice by the Schafer Autism Report.
Differing, or additional material or views from a credible source can be
submitted for publication: edit@doitnow.com.
Thanks to Bernice Polinsky on the NSASA list.] http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=684&g=2
If you have a child with a severe learning disability, you may qualify for
valuable tax benefits. If your child has AD/HD, or other physical, mental or
emotional impairment, you may also qualify for tax benefits. Because tax laws
are complex, and many tax preparers often do not have occasion to use these
unique tax benefits, families are at risk of losing refunds worth many
thousands of dollars. It's likely that 15-30 percent of families with a
disabled child have one or more unclaimed tax benefits.
This guide provides a brief summary of the most significant tax benefits and should not be considered legal advice. Tax decisions should not be made simply on the basis of the information provided here. You are advised to print out this guide and give a copy to your tax advisor.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) "Publications" represent the most accessible form of guidance to the tax rules for the general public, and relevant IRS publications are cited for each of the tax benefits listed below. The IRS also issues interpretations of the code and regulations called "Revenue Rulings." These interpretations are formal, binding policy statements. Tax professionals rely on revenue rulings in advising clients about tax liabilities and tax benefits. For example, Revenue Ruling 78-340, discussed later, authorizes a medical expense deduction for tuition or tutoring fees paid for a child with a severe learning disability who is attending a special school at the recommendation of the child's doctor.
Tip: Relative caretakers, such as grandparents or aunts, and non-relative caretakers, such as foster parents, also may qualify for tax benefits. See a related tax guide of the Casey National Center for Resource Family Support.
Tax Benefits: Deductions vs. Credits
It's important to distinguish between two different categories of tax benefits.
One category is a "deduction from taxable income" or simply "a
deduction." The value of a deduction is based on the marginal tax rate of
the taxpayer. If a person has a tax deduction "worth $1,000," the
actual value of the deduction will be determined by the taxpayer's tax rate. So
a taxpayer in the lowest tax rate bracket, 10 percent, will have taxable income
reduced by $1,000, and save $100 (10 percent of $1,000). However, a taxpayer in
a higher bracket, say the 30 percent, will have taxable income reduced by
$1,000, and save $300 (30 percent of 1,000).
The second tax benefit is a tax
credit, which is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax liability. An individual
with a tax credit worth $1,000 will have his tax bill reduced by $1,000. This
means that the actual amount of taxes is reduced by the amount of the tax
credit. However, because tax laws and procedures are very complicated, other
factors can influence the ultimate value to the taxpayer.
The following summarizes the principal tax benefits that may be available to
families caring for children with severe learning disabilities.
Retroactive Claims for Refunds
The IRS allows taxpayers to file amended returns, and collect refunds for
unclaimed tax benefits, retroactively up to three years. This means a taxpayer
can file an amended return for the 1999 tax year and claim a refund if the
return is filed not later than April 15, 2003. (See IRS Publication
17, Tax Guide 2002, at pp. 18-19.)
Medical Expense Deductions
The IRS has ruled that tuition costs for a special school that has a program
designed to educate children with learning disabilities and amounts paid for a
child's tutoring by a teacher specially trained and qualified to deal with
severe learning disabilities may also be deducted. (Revenue Ruling 78-340,
1978-2 C.B. 124.) Special instruction or training or therapy, such as sign
language instruction, speech therapy, and remedial reading instruction also
would be deductible. Related books and materials can qualify for the medical
expense deduction.
Generally, to qualify for the deduction, the child's doctor must recommend the special school, therapy, or tutoring, and there must be a medical diagnosis of a neurological disorder, such as severe learning disability, made by a medical professional. Transportation expenses to the special school or to the tutor also qualify for a medical expense deduction. If transportation is by car, the allowable expense in 2002 is thirteen cents per mile plus parking and tolls, or the actual cost of operating the vehicle.
Diagnostic evaluations also qualify for a medical expense deduction. This can include testing by a psychologist, neurologist, or other person with professional qualifications. Note: Expenses claimed as a medical expense deduction and laterreimbursed by a school district or insurance company must be reported as taxable income for the year in which the reimbursements are received.
Not everyone who has medical
expenses can use them on their tax return. Medical expenses must be claimed on
Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, and are subject to certain limitations. First,
the family must have itemized deductions that exceed their standard deduction
in order to use Schedule A (about 65 percent of taxpayers do not itemize for
this reason). Second, medical expenses are allowed as a deduction only to the
extent that they exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, a significant
threshold for many families. (See IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental
Expenses.)
Deduction for Disability Related Conferences
In May 2000 the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2000-24, which offers guidance - and
good news - for parents of children with disabilities. Parents who attend
conferences to obtain medical information concerning treatment for and care of
their child may deduct some of the costs of
attending a medical conference relating to a dependent's chronic health
condition. The important points to remember are:
Medical expenses are deductible
only to the extent that they exceed 7.5 percent of an individual's adjusted
gross income, and that limitation applies to this deduction as well;
Costs for admission and transportation to a medical conference relating to your
dependent's chronic health condition are now deductible, if the costs are
primarily for and essential to the care of the dependent. Costs of meals and
lodging related to a conference, however, are not
deductible. (Note, however, lodging, up to $50 per night, is deductible if you
must travel and stay at a hotel while your dependent is receiving medical
treatment from a licensed physician in a hospital or a related or equivalent
setting.) Costs are "primarily for and essential to the care of the
dependent" (and therefore deductible) if:
The parent attends the conference upon the recommendation of a medicalprovider
treating the child; The conference disseminates medical information concerning
the child's condition that may be useful in making decisions about the
treatment of or caring for the child; The primary purpose of the visit is to
attend the conference. While at the conference, the parent's social and
recreational activities in the city he or she is visiting are secondary to
attendance at the conference; The conference deals with specific issues related
to a medical condition and does not just relate to general health and
well-being. The full text of IRS Revenue Ruling 2000-24 is available at Amicus
for Children, Inc. or can be retrieved by using the tax links search engine.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is allowed for work related expenses
incurred for dependents of the taxpayer. Generally the dependent must be under
the age of 13. However, if the child has a disability and requires supervision,
the age limit is waived. For example, a 16-year-old with severe AD/HD and a
behavior disorder who cannot be left alone would be
a qualifying child for this credit.
Expenses up to $2,400 per year per dependent are allowed. Expenses for regular
childcare services, after-school programs, and summer camp qualify although
overnight summer camp expenses do not. Payments to a relative to care for a
child also qualify, as long as the relative is not a dependent of the taxpayer.
The credit is calculated at 20-30 percent of allowable expenses, based on the
family's adjusted gross income. The average credit is about $420 but can be as
high as $1,440. (See IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.) +
Article continues:
http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=684&g=2
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8) CONFERENCES & FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
There are a lot of local conferences coming up! I am doing my best to summarize available outside TACA meetings for all families. Here is a list!!
Dates: Thursdays Feb. 13th,20th,27th 2003
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (1 1/2 hours)
Topic: Pasadena Child Development Associates Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet Workshop for Parents
Location: Pasadena Child Development Associates 181 N Hudson Ave. Pasadena
Cost $25.00 per family for entire workshop
Registration: Mail Registration and payment to PCDA Attn Joyce Nakashima, MS,RD 181 N. Hudson Ave, Pasadena CA 91101
Note: Topics to be covered: What is the gfcf diet? Research on thr gfcf diet who is benefiting from thr gfcf diet Where to shop for food, ideas for cooking foods, recipes, how to eat out. Resources If you have any Questions about the workshop please call Joyce Nakashima, MS, RD (nutritionist) at 626-793-7350 ex 217
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Date: February
20 and 21, 2003
Time: 9:00am -5:00pm, both days
Topic: Solving The Relationship Puzzle: Opening Doors to Friendship
Instructor: Dr. Steve Gutstein
Location: ACES Inc. 3731 6th Avenue San Diego, California 92109
Registration: Please contact ACES Event
Coordinator Phone: (619) 338-1668
Website: http://www.acesangels.com
Note: The workshop is sponsored by
ACES, Inc. Dr. Gutstein will describe his treatment protocol which addresses relationship
processing deficits in an easily understood, systematic manner. His creative
methods have provided a path for emotional
fulfillment for the thousands of children, adolescents and adults who might
otherwise face an isolated future.
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AND DANA’s Conference is rescheduled !
Direct conference agenda & information: http://www.danasview.net/confrenc.htm
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2003
Time: Check-in 7:30 am, Conference/Seminar 8:00 am through 6:30 pm
Location:
Hope International University [formerly Pacific Christian College, across from Cal State
Fullerton] Terraces Office Complex - 2555 E. Chapman Ave. - Fullerton CA
Cost: $35 per person before March 1, 2003; $40 after March 1, 2003
[parking is free]
Registration information:
Mail check or money order payable to:
Dana's View 18032C N. Lemon Dr. PMB 538 Yorba Linda CA 92886
Registration is subject to space availability. You will receive registration
confirmation by mail. Please bring your confirmation to the conference to speed
check-in. Registration will be accepted at the door on the date of the conference,
if space is available.
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The
Out of Sync Child Conference Series
Date: May 9, 2003
Location: 8110 Aero Drive San Diego, CA 92123 858-277-8888
Hotel info: $109 single or double Four Points Sheraton San Diego
800-992-1441
Speakers: Carol Kranowitz and Dr. Lucy Jane Miller
Great Plains Labs is hosting an exciting one day
conference
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2003
Costs: $149 per person
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
For More Information: gpl4u@aol.com
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AUTISM Fundraising Efforts:
Cure Autism Now is hosting two events in the So. California Area:
Black Tie Formal: March 1st, 2003 Four Seasons Hotel
Newport Beach
Event info: Shelton@cureautismnow.org
Celebrity Hosts: Brad Whitford & Jane Kaczmarek
Costs: $250 per person
Note: We need help with silent auction items
If you have any suggestions for silent auctions
Please email: Lisa at contact us
Walkathon April 5, 2003– Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles
Celebrity hosts: Gil Bellows & David Gallagher
Event Info: jsidell@cureautismnow.org
All funds will go to autism research. For information on the latest grants and studies funded by Cure Autism Now, please go to www.cureautismnow.org
BB JAZZ SERIES CONTINUES:
BB JAZZ presents THE
SECOND ANNUAL HUNTINGTON BEACH SMOOTH JAZZ SERIES at the Huntington Beach
Library Theatre. FEBRUARY 8 kicks off the series with a group of all stars
"COOL JAZZ COLLECTIVE" featuring BOBBY LYLE, JAARED,MARCUS
JOHNSON & DAVID DYSON. We will have two shows 7:00 & 9:00pm. Ticket prices are $55.00 for preferred seating (Rows 1-6) and $35 for
reserved seating Dinner is also available before each for $30.00.
Funds raised have benefited the Huntington Beach Pyramid School for Autistic children.
Join us in helping to raise money and awareness for Children with Autism.
For tickets call or visit our website today!!
www.bbjazz.com or 714 377-7574
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Personal note:
Happy Valentines week everyone! Special thoughts and wishes go out to the families with BIG HEARTS YEAR ROUND!! May your valentines day be filled with love and joy.
Changes with Jeff have been up and down the past month due to yeast and other issues. We have adjusted medical protocols and things seem to be back to status quo again. Kindergarten is going very well, there are some Tomatis positive changes – but we are still waiting to see if anything else comes up (and since we had medical issues at the same time we are bit reserved on reporting anything at this time.)
Hugs, thanks and be safe -
Lisa A Jeff's mom
Web Page for the TACA GROUP: www.talkaboutcuringautism.org - check it out
Disclaimer: views expressed in this email service are not necessarily the view of TACA – Talk About Curing Autism.
P.S. TACA e-news is now at 546 families