Here is your update on the TACA (TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM) Group for March 2003 - #1.  As always, email your thoughts and or questions.  SORRY FOR THE LONG UPDATE – there is a lot to share!

 

I want to make this e-newsletter informative for you. Let me know your thoughts on how I can improve it.

==================================================================

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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!

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this edition of TACA e-news:

  1. Next TACA Meeting Information
  2. Upcoming TACA Schedule & other TACA meeting schedule info – March – May 2003
  3. Vaccine News
  4. General News: SWEEPING CUTS IN CALIFORNIA!  HOW YOU CAN HELP!
  5. Tomatis is back for another Orange County outreach with a NEW PROVIDER.
  6. CAN Fundraiser Update
  7. Calling all Loaner Items ! PLEASE RETURN THEM!
  8. Autism Awareness month = APRIL!  What you can do.
  9. Some new books on Autism
  10. Conferences & Fundraising activities
  11. Need help BETWEEN TACA meetings??  An email services via YAHOO GROUPS!
  12. Personal Note

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)  Next TACA COSTA MESA support group meeting:

 

Date:               Saturday, March 8th, 2003 (always the 2nd Saturday of each month)

 

Time:               2:30 - 5:30

Topic:                          Special Education Law - a look back at 2002 and into 2003      Big changes in cases, services provided & hearing results. –
Presented by Paul Roberts of Roberts & Adams

PLACE:           VINEYARD NEWPORT CHURCH - 102 East Baker Avenue - Costa Mesa

 

(Please do not contact the church for meeting details.  They have graciously offered use of their facility, but are not affiliated with TACA.)

 

Directions:

405 FWY South, Exit Bristol

Right on Bristol

Left on Baker

Go under FREEWAY.

The Vineyard church is on the corner just after the FWY - turn left onto the freeway access road, MAKE FIRST right into the Vineyard's parking lot.

 

And remember, we are still a non-faith based group!

 

CONTACT PHONE FOR DAYS OF THE MEETING ONLY:  949.678.9010

Please do NOT use the cell contact for days outside of the meetings.  Thank you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2)  UPCOMING TACA Costa Mesa Meeting Schedule:       

 

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!

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TACA has FOUR So. California meeting locations:

 

Costa Mesa:  2nd Saturday of each month (info in item #1)

West Hills: the 1st Sunday of every month, on the Cal State University

Northridge Campus in the Early Intervention Psyche

Clinic... - 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!! )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

3) THE LATEST VACCINE NEWS – Two articles

 

Article #1

http://www.house.gov/rules/omni12.pdf

On 2/14/03 The Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed. It completely repealed the thimerosal protection rider that was in the Homeland Security Act. Here is the language that was drafted as a compromise between Snowe, Collins, Chafee and Frist:

DIVISION L- HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002 AMENDMENTS

SEC. 102.NON-PREJUCIAL REPEAL OF SECTIONS 1714 THROUGH 1717 OF THE HOMELAND
SECURITY ACT OF 2002. (a) REPEAL. - In accordance with subsection (c), sections 1714 through 1717 of the Homeland Security  Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) are repealed.

(b) APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT. - The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq) shall be applied and administered as if the sections repealed by subsection (a) had never been enacted.

(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.- No inference shall be drawn from the enactment of sections 1714 through 1717 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295), or from this repeal, regarding the law prior to enactment of sections 1714 through 1717 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Further, no
inference shall be drawn that subsection (a) or (b) affects any change in that prior law, or that Leroy v Secretary of Health and Human Services, Office of Special Master, No. 02-392V (October 11, 2002), was incorrectly decided.

(d) SENSE OF CONGRESS. -It is the sense of Congress that-(1) the Nation's ability to produce and develop new and effective vaccines faces significant challenges, and important steps are needed to revitalize our immunization efforts in order to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines and to encourage the development of new vaccines;

(2) these steps include ensuring that patients who have suffered vaccine-related injuries have the opportunity to seek fair and timely redress, and that vaccine manufacturers, manufacturers of components or ingredients of vaccines, and physicians and other administrators of vaccines have adequate  protections;

(3) prompt action is particularly critical given that vaccines are a front line of defense against common childhood and adult diseases, as well as against current and future biological threats; and

(4) not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives should report a bill addressing the issues described in paragraphs (1) through (3).

Kathi Williams
Director and Co-founder
National Vaccine Information Center
421-E Church Street
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-0342
www.909shot.com

 

Article #2

Subject: Mercury Threat to Children Rising - Wall Street Journal

Mercury Threat to Children Rising, Says an Unreleased EPA Report
By JOHN J. FIALKA

WASHINGTON A report warning that emissions of mercury by coal fired power plants and other industrial sources poses an increasing health danger to young children has been delayed for nine months, while the Bush administration struggles with how to handle an increasingly contentious environmental problem.
The Environmental Protection Agency report is to be released soon, officials said, after being subjected to an unusual level of scrutiny by a half dozen other federal agencies including the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. But it isn't likely to settle the mercury question. Among pollutants the report studied, mercury is the only one for which levels are not dropping.
A partial draft, titled "America's Children and the Environment," notes that states increasingly are issuing warnings about dangerous mercury levels in fish. It says there is mounting evidence that mercury is collecting in the blood of women of child bearing age. The evidence is also increasing, warns the EPA report, that high doses of mercury cause mental retardation and other neurological disorders in infants. The draft updates a 2000 report by the Clinton Administration that included no findings on mercury.
Reducing mercury emissions has become a battle both in the Bush administration and in Congress. President Bush has proposed legislation called the Clear Skies Act that, among other things, would require industry to cut mercury emissions in two steps: by 50% by 2010, and by 70% by 2018. But the coal mining industry and some coal fired electric utilities are working to weaken the reductions. Environmental groups, meanwhile, want steeper cuts.
"For this administration, mercury has become a very sensitive issue," says Michael Magner, an analyst for the Public Education Center, a nonprofit, pro environment research group, who provided the draft copy of the report, dated in October. People familiar with the final report confirmed it finds that mercury poses a serious health problem for children.
The report notes that children are more exposed and vulnerable to mercury and other environmental pollutants because they play outside, and for their size they drink more water, eat more food and
breathe more air than adults do.
Just when the final report will be released remains unclear. EPA spokesman Joe Martyak says the document is "at the printer" and "was well worth the effort." Sen. Barbara Boxer, who asked EPA for the
report in October, was skeptical of that time frame. "They have been sitting on this thing for months," says the California Democrat. "We're , wasting precious days during which we could be strategizing on how to improve the health of our children."
Environmental health experts both within EPA and in the larger health community are pressing for steeper cuts than in the Clear Skies proposal, arguing that unlike other pollutants, mercury is a persistent poison that tends to accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish.
"Putting as much mercury in the biosphere as we do is something we're going to regret, I think, for a long, long time," says Amy D. Kyle, an environrnental health scientist at the University of California at Berkeley, and one of five authors of the EPA study. The authors reviewed the 2000 EPA report on children's environmental exposures, she said, and felt that mercury should be added "as a key issue."
The draft report notes that children born to women with blood concentrations of mercury above 5.8 parts per billion have a "higher risk of adverse health effects." About 8% of women of childbearing age tested had "at least" that level of mercury in their blood during the years 1999 and 2000, it states.
Utilities and the coal mining industry, who are key supporters of President Bush's energy plan, insist that trying to curb mercury emissions from coal will be economically and technologically difficult. "Right now there are no commercially available technologies for the control of mercury emissions," says Carol
Raulston, a spokeswoman for the National Mining Association.
Her industry wants to postpone the proposed 70% cut, and she says technology already available to cut emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides may have the "co benefit" of meeting the 50% interim
cut in mercury emissions by 2010. "We don't want to attempt further cuts until we see how the technology develops," she says.
The utility industry, on the other hand, regards the 50% cut as "unrealistic," says Dan Riedinger, a spokesman for the Edison Electric Institute. The institute supports the 70% reduction by 2018, however. He says the institute will be pushing for a higher interim cap, which the industry hasn't yet determined.
Other emitters of mercury, particularly municipal waste incinerators, are using injections of activated carbon into their emissions stream to trap mercury, but Mr. Riedinger said the use of that technology by power plants is still in an early stage.
Environmental groups prefer a separate set of regulations being prepared by EPA, under a provision of the Clean Air Act. The act, adopted in 1970, allows EPA to regulate mercury when it views it as a health hazard, which it now does. Those regulations are scheduled to be announced in December, unless Congress adopts the Clear Skies Act, which would supersede Clean Air Act regulations. The proposed
EPA regulations which would be slated to take effect by 2008 have not been revealed yet, but environmental groups expect the mercury cuts to be stronger than Clear Skies.
Enforcing new mercury controls under the Clean Air Act would probably not allow companies to use emissions trading to soften the financial cost of the new regulations, as Clear Skies would. Environmental groups and health experts argue that trading mercury emissions credits would amount to licensing some plants to emit high levels of a poison.
Under emissions trading, companies that use new technology to reduce emissions below federal limits get credits which they can sell to companies that can't stay below the limits without them. Such trading allows plant managers to phase out older equipment and finance the installation of new emissions-control equipment, which can cost hundreds of millions for power plants.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4)     General News:   Sweeping cuts in California (And some sad news)

 

CA UCP CAPITOL REPORT #27-2003
MARCH 3, 2003 - Monday late afternoon

GOV DAVIS PROPOSES MOST SWEEPING CUTS TO CIVIL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN OVER 30 YEARS; ADVOCATES VOW FIGHT

The Davis Administration released late this afternoon new revised versions of proposed "trailer bill" language for both the special and regular session that would implement the most sweeping changes to the civil rights of people with developmental disabilities since the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act was enacted over 30 years ago.  Advocates for people with developmental disabilities claim that the Governor's proposed bill language will mean virtually outright suspension of the landmark civil rights act, resulting in massive reductions in community services and supports.  Advocates across the state vowed to fight the Governor's proposals.
Much of the language, including language related to the proposed "purchase of service statewide standards", were proposed by the Davis Administration earlier, in December, during the early days of the Legislature's special session that was called by the Governor to consider and enact his package of $10 billion of cuts, reductions and fund shifts from the current year budget that the State is operating under. California faces a projected budget shortfall between $26 billion and $35 billion.  As of Monday evening, March 3, special legislation containing some of the proposed cuts was passed last week by the Senate and is pending further action in the Assembly.  The Senate version of those cuts were passed out of the Assembly Budget Committee late Monday afternoon, March 3 - and now go to the Assembly floor for further
action.
Both houses of the Legislature in December and January decided not to take up the Davis Administration's proposed "trailer bill" language and the other major proposal impacting services and supports to people with developmental disabilaities - preferring to hold any action until the regular budget process, which began last week with initial hearings (and will continue through late May).
Whether or not the proposals by the Davis Administration will be taken up by the Legislature or be changed during the budget process is not clear at this time.
MAJOR POINTS OF PROPOSED DRAFT LANGUAGE SAYS (AS RELEASED 3/3/03): * PURCHASE OF SERVICE STATEWIDE STANDARDS - This section is added to the existing Welfare and Institutions code, that authorizes implementation of statewide purchase of services standards (and other measures) to achieve savings for the state.  The language reads: "4791 (a) The Legislature finds that the state faces a deepening fiscal crisis requiring that unprecedented measures be taken to reduce General Fund expenditures. Therefore, beginning in the fiscal year 2003-04, the department [of Developmental Services] is authorized to limit services purchased by regional centers to ensure expenditures do not exceed the department's appropriation.  It is the intent of the Legislature that this limitation of services or supports not endanger a consumer's health
or safety, nor place a consumer in a more restrictive setting in violation of the United States Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C. (1999) 527 U.S. 581." What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, this could mean drastic and wide spread cuts and reductions to
services and supports in the community for people with developmental disabilities, families, providers, direct care staff even beyond Governor Davis' proposed $100 million reduction to the budget that funds these services and other cuts. It could mean that - if a regional center budget, as what is projected for all 21 regional centers this year - goes over their budgets, the State will not cover those shortfalls.
* ELIMINATING APPEAL RIGHTS - Even though the previous section makes reference to the Olmstead Decision, many advocates point to the following section as the "axe" that cuts the Lanterman Act - and even rights to appeal any decision,  which says that "4791 (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, the department [of Developmental Services] may limit the type, duration, scope, location, amount, or intensity of, and may prohibit by type, the services and supports that may be purchased by regional centers for consumers pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. A consumer whose services or supports are reduced, terminated or changed shall receive notice of such action pursuant to Section 4700 et
seq, but such action shall not be appealable if the type of service or support has been prohibited pursuant to this section or regulations promulgated hereunder."
What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, this would mean that cuts, reductions and other changes to a
person's services and supports cannot be appealed - a major, significant
change in the civil rights act.
* AUTHORITY TO CLOSE PROGRAMS AND REDUCE PAYMENTS AND ELIMINATE APPEAL RIGHTS - Many advocates point to the next section as yet another attack on community based services and supports, including removing any right to appeal decisions by the Department of Developmental Services to reduce payment or close down programs,  which says "4791 (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, in order to ensure that regional centers are able to provide services and supports to eligible consumers thoughout the fiscal year within the level of funding available, the department [of Developmental Services] may require regional centers to impose payment reductions and closure days
on categories of vendors selected by the department [of Developmental Services]. The department's actions pursuant to this provision shall not
be appealable by vendors or consumers." What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, this would mean that cuts, reductions and other changes to a person's services and supports cannot be appealed by either people receiving services (and their families) or by providers - a major, major, significant change in the civil rights act.
* OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROVISIONS - the remaining provisions of Section 4791 further underscores the Davis Administration's intent to reduce signficantly, useage of services and supports: "Section 4791 (d) The department [of Developmental Services] may promulgate emergency regulations to implement this section. Any such emergency regulations shall conform to the following principles:
(A) Services and supports shall be directly related to the individual's
developmental disability.
(B) Families are responsible for providing those services and supports to a minor child with a developmental disability that families provide to children without disabilities.
(C) Regional centers shall, in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 4659(a), aggressively pursue all possible alternative sources of funding before using regional center funds.

(D) Any regulations promulgated pursuant to this section may include limits on the type, amount, duration, location, and intensity of services and supports, and may prohibit regional center funding for types of services and supports.
(E) Any regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall include a process whereby the regional center may grant exceptions.
(F) Regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall be deemed an emergency necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, or general welfare for purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code.
(G) This section, and any regulations promulgated hereunder, shall be  become inoperative on July 1, 2006, and as of January 1, 2007, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that becomes operative on or before January 1, 2007, deletes, extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed."
What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, this means that regulations issued by the Department of Developmental Services will last until at least July 1, 2006 (three years from now). It also provides the needed provisions to allow the Department to issue "emergency" regulations - that do not require the long public comment and review period - and can be issued and implemented almost immediately. * NARROWING ELIGIBLITY - as previously proposed, the Governor proposes to add Section 4512 (l) to the Welfare and Institutions Code that would limit eligibility for services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.  The language reads: "Section 4512 (l) "Substantial Disability" means the existence of significant functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity, as determined by a regional cetner, and as appropriate to the age of the individuals: self care; receptive and expressive language; learning; mobility; self-direction; capacit for independent living; and economic self-sufficiency." What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, the Department of Developmental Services estimates that over 400 persons new to the system, who would currently be eligible for services, would NOT be eligible, if this provision is approved, effective July 1, 2003.  Currently the provision is NOT retroactive and would only apply to people NEW to the system. But advocates feel this is a first step, and a drastic measure in cutting needed services to people with developmental disabilities and their families.
* PARENTAL CO-PAYMENT FOR SERVICES FOR MINOR CHILDREN LIVING AT HOME -
As earlier proposed by the Governor, the trailer bill language outlines how the co-payments would be implemented. The proposed language would add Section 4785 (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) to the Welfare and Institutions Code - with the most significant section reading as: "4785 (a) Each parent of a child who: (1) is aged three (3) years through 17 years; (2) resides in the parent(s)' home; and (3) receives services purchased through a regional center shall pay a co-payment for services provided to the child.  No co-payment may be assessed against the parent(s) if the total of the parent(s)' adjusted gross income, as defined for purposes of state income tax during the year in which the service is provided, is less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines for that year.  The co-payment imposed for each child during one year may not exceed the actual cost of the service being provided.  The State Department of Developmental Services shall collect
all of the co-payments in this section and may take such action as is necessary to affect their collection within or without the state. All payments collected pursuant to this section will be remitted to the State Treasury and deposited in the General Fund."
What This Could Mean: If passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, this would mean that families - generally low and middle income families could be hard hit. The Department of Developmental Services estimated that a family of 4, with two parents and two children - one of whom has a developmental disability, making an income of about $50,000, would be required to pay 100% for the cost of services of that child funded through the regional center, up to $5,000, per year.
OTHER PROPOSED DRAFT "TRAILER BILL" LANGUAGE
* REGIONAL CENTER START-UPS - Extends (from last year) suspension of non-community placement plan start-ups by regional centers (to include the 2003-2004 budget year)
* INTAKE/ASSESSMENT - Extends (from last year) the longer time allowed for intake and assessment (120 days) to include the 2003-2004 budget year).
* SELF DETERMINATION - makes change (to Section 4685.5 (a) of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to allow for the continuation of the existing self determination pilot project from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005, and expands project from 3 to 5 regional center areas, contingent on receiving federal dollars to fund the expansion.  The regional centers from the existing project are Tri-Counties Regional Center, Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center and Redwood Coast Regional Center.  The trailer bill adds Kern County Regional Center and San Diego Regional Center. Deletes previous provisions related to request for proposals, reports and funding. * HABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM CHANGES - draft proposed language to implement the changes in the Habilitation Services Program (currently within the Department of Rehabilitation - but proposed to be moved to the Department of Developmental Services). Also changes implementing previously reported rate cuts to work activity programs - and also freezing of rates for work activity programs.  Please see CA UCP Capitol Report 28-2003 for details.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
* "Trailer Bills" are bills that are linked or tied to the state budget bill.  Passage of these bills follow - or "trail" the main budget bill. * The proposed "trailer bill" language - and proposed cuts by the Governor, are in addition to  OTHER cuts being proposed that also impact people withd developmental, cognitive, and other disabilities, mental health needs and seniors - including massive proposed cuts to Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP and future proposed changes that could mean cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, massive cuts to education (adult education programs  that impact people with deveopmental disabilities and potentially cuts to special education).
* In addition, the proposed "trailer bill" language that would implement
huge cuts, are in addition to the current cuts imposed in the current budget - and in addition to the huge staggering costs of workers compensation premiums that are pushing hundreds of community-based organizations to the brink of closure.
NEXT STEPS
* Last December and early January both houses were not interested in pursuing the earlier versions of the Governor's proposed trailer bill language.  It is not certain if any of these proposals will move forward - though advocates vow a "huge fight".
* These issues may come up during the April 7 (Monday) budget subcommittee hearings that both the Senate and Assembly will be holding.No final actions are expected on that day - but public comment and input could have some influence on future actions of both subcommittees.

* Both budget subcommittees are likely to hold off on any final actions
(including whether or not to move on any of these proposed trailer bills) until after Governor Davis releases his revisions on May 15 to his proposed 2003-2004 budget (referred to as the "May Revise" or the "May Revision").
* Even if some or all of the trailer bills move forward, amendments and
other changes are expected.


WHAT CAN YOU DO?
* Letters - write letters to targeted legislators (see CA UCP/California
Community Advocacy Network NEW alert)
* Save the Date - April 7, 10:00 AM Sacramento for big meeting of over 1,000 people with developmental disabilities, their families, providers, direct care staff, advocates, regional centers and others who will then march to the Capitol, and attend/testify at both hearings scheduled for that day.  Location of the meeting to be announced very soon!  Save the
Date - Come to Sacramento on APRIL 7th MONDAY!

* Lobby Days - lobby days are being organized for EVERY week.  Teams are
being formed - if you can come up (there are specific days per week),
please let us know.

NOTE: This is a report for Californians with developmental (& other disabilities),  families, providers and other advocates from the California Coalition of United  Cerebral Palsy Associations. If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that request to: martyomoto@rcip.com. Please allow some time to be removed from the list (it takes time to delete names from distribution listing). Additions can be added immediately.  Sharing information is part of our organizing effort. Please feel free to forward/copy this (attribution is nice).  Thanks! Remember – we are all in this together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marty Omoto, Legislative Director
CA Coalition of United Cerebral Palsy Associations
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814
916/446-3204  FAX: 916/446-3206 email: martyomoto@rcip.com
Coalition Chair: Michael Williams (UCP of the Golden Gate)
Immediate Past Chair: Ron Cohen (UCP LA and Ventura Counties)

 

 

Two sad articles

 

SAD news from a great Autism Advocate:

 

Parents,

Sunday, February 23, 2003, I was home in the early afternoon with my son, Eric. My wife, Helen and my 14 year-old daughter, Julie were off at a play performance a mile away from home. For those that do not know, Eric is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 150-160 pounds and is 18 years old. He is very muscular. I'm 5'10", 220 pounds and 58 years old.

Eric was eating when he started to have a tantrum. I had to run in one of the rooms and lock the door until Eric calmed down. Usually it works but this day it didn't. Eric started to kick, head butt, scratch and bite. I couldn't get into the bathroom door to lock it so I ran to the front door. Eric followed me where he head butted me and pulled my hair.

I then ran outside across the street to get help from my neighbor. Eric followed me. When I got to the front door of my neighbor, Eric bit me left hand and had two of my fingers in his mouth clamping down with his teeth (the index finger next to my thumb and the finger next to that). I was in extreme pain and with my right hand worked Eric's teeth off of my left hand. If I hadn't done it sooner, I would have lost the two fingers because the one finger was bitten so severely that the nail was hanging off. I rang the doorbell and my neighbor came out and helped me with his wife and a young girlfriend of their son. Another neighbor came and helped with Eric. I was treated for my head scrape, my nose bleed and
wounds on my hand (that I later found out were more severe). The police were called (two came) and my wife and daughter were called. The Emergency Squad came and took me to the Emergency Room at the local hospital.

At the hospital, there were X-rays taken and they found that my left index finger (one next to the thumb) had the tip of the bone amputated from the rest of my finger. Eric had actually bitten through the bone of
my hand. A hand surgeon was in the area and he came by and after my wounds were cleaned and my finger soaked in an antibiotic solution, it was stitched up with the finger nail put back in the correct position.
It was bandaged up along with my other finger on the end that had been badly bitten. I received antibiotics and pain killers and are taking them now ....Augmentin and Oxycodone w/Apap respectively.

This isn't the first time Eric has attacked me, Helen and Julie and it was mentioned at the December 10, 2002 hearing in Washington DC conducted by Congressman Dan Burton. (see http://www.autismautoimmunityproject.org/120302_hearing.html)
Congressman Burton mentioned that his grandson could eventually be 6'10" and ask the people at the hearing what would happen when all these children grow up and have these behaviors.

I have been fighting since 1995 regarding the MMR vaccine link to autism. In 1998, our organization, The Autism Autoimmunity Project was founded and to date we have raised a bit over $120,000.00 for research. In talking to Dr. Vijendra Singh of the Utah State University (who has been funded for
his research into the autoimmune link to autism) he knows that we could be treating these children with various immunotherapies but unfortunately the money is not there. We could do a lot more for the children with autism but most of the millions of dollars of research funds are spent on genetic and drug
studies.....and very little on the immune and gastrointestinal research unless it is by small organizations like ours.

It is a shame because in 5, 10 and 15 years, there will be more families that will have the same thing happen to them. Will the children attack a family member, someone at school or a stranger? These children will grow up to be large, healthy adults.....what will happen then? I'm facing the situation now where I'm racing against time to get my son better through homeopathic treatment. My son regressed into autism after the MMR vaccine in 1986 (at one year, three months old) and in 1993-1994, his behaviors got worse because of three hepatitis B shots he got with thimerosal in them. By looking at the pediatrician's notes that we recently got and a record of the vaccines Eric got, an MD could see the
connection as could me and my wife.

What will happen over the next 5, 10 and 15 years? Will we get the treatments or will we face a bleak landscape of children growing into adults and not being helped? Our family has to face the prospect that if we can't help Eric, he will be sent to an institution where he will surely die.

Raymond Gallup, Founder
Autism Autoimmunity Project

Article #2:

Stanton mother will be tried
Prosecutors say she tried to kill her autistic son with anti-anxiety medication.

By LARRY WELBORN
The Orange County Register

A Stanton woman who allegedly told a nurse that her autistic son "would be better off with God" after giving him a handful of anti-anxiety pills was ordered Friday to stand trial for attempted murder and child endangerment.

Heidi Shelton, 38, was described in letters of support written by friends and family as a wonderful mother who doted on Zachary, 5, her son.

Witnesses, however, testified this week that she gave Zachary Xanax pills and took some herself Dec. 7 and 8, 2002, before she left a suicide note that gave all of her assets to autism research.

"I can't let Zach live in this world where he is constantly rejected by everyone, including his family, education system, etc." Shelton wrote in the note.

Defense attorney Al Stokke called the note "a cry for help."

He said Shelton, a single mother, loves her son and had successfully coped with his tremendous behavioral problems for years. Stokke said that besides autism – a neurological disorder that affects the way an individual processes information – the boy also had been diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder plus hyperactivity.

"Even for such a devoted mother, he was a handful," Stokke said. "At school, he would grab other kids and not let go. He would become agitated and anxious and sometimes defiant. He was very hard to put up with."

The Shelton case recalls a murder-suicide in Laguna Niguel last year in which Delfin Bartolome, 55, shot and killed Dale Bartolome, 27, his autistic son, outside a vocational school in Mission Viejo, and then committed suicide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that autism strikes one in 250 children, some more severely than others, making it the top learning disability in California. And autism is about 10 times as prevalent today as it was in the 1980s, a study by the federal agency said. Some of the increase is the result of widened definitions of the disorder, researchers say, but the reason for the rest of the increase is unknown.

For parents, one of the most difficult things to bear is that the child's needs are neverending.

Art Aguilar of Yorba Linda said Friday he understands the frustrations of trying to care for an autistic child. He said that sometimes his autistic grandson "gets in his own world and you can't get in." "It is the most helpless feeling of helplessness that you will ever encounter," Aguilar said. "I remember early on and talking with him knowing that there was no one there, but talking to him anyway, and hoping he was comprehending even a little of what I was saying."

On Dec. 8, 2002, Shelton's mother, Cheryl, called for paramedics after she woke up and found her daughter groggy and stumbling and Zachary not quite his unusual bouncy self. Heidi Shelton and Zachary were rushed to a hospital, where tests confirmed that both had Xanax in their systems. Both were treated at the hospital and released, and Zachary is now being cared for by his grandmother.

District attorney's investigator Nasario Solis testified during the preliminary hearing that as Shelton was being treated at the hospital, she told a male nurse that Zachary "would be better off with God."

"I think she reached the end of her rope and decided that she had to draw someone's attention to her sense of depression," Stokke said. "She was saying 'I am not presently capable of helping my son, and somebody else needs to try to help.' "

"I don't think she meant to kill herself," Stokke added. "I certainly don't think she meant to kill her son.

Deputy District Attorney Karen Schatzle disagreed.

"I think the note found in the house accurately reflects her intent. But for the paramedics being called to the scene, we would have been most likely looking at a murder-suicide."

Schatzle argued Friday that Shelton's bail should remain at $1 million because Shelton could face a possible life sentence and because she feels that Shelton represents a danger to herself, to her son and to the community.

Superior Court Judge Glenda Sanders said Friday that while she had compassion for Shelton because of the circumstances, there was enough evidence to warrant a trial for attempted murder and child endangerment. Sanders also ordered that bail remain at $1 million pending Shelton's arraignment March 10 in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. A graduate of the University of California, Riverside, Shelton stopped selling real estate to care for her son, family members said.

Jim Shelton, Heidi Shelton's brother, rushed out of the Westminster courtroom Friday after hearing that bail would not be reduced.

"Heidi wants to get out of jail and get her life straightened out and to see Zachary again," the brother said. "She loves that baby more than life itself."

He said his nephew's behavioral problems were intense, but his sister was a great mother. "She just couldn't take it anymore," Jim Shelton said. "No one was helping her, and she just snapped."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5) tomatis is back in Orange Co. – with a NEW PROVIDER

ORANGE COUNTY tomatis OUTREACH SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 17 THROUGH APRIL 4

 

The Swain Center (Santa Rosa and Walnut Creek, California) will be providing Tomatis auditory training in Orange County March 17 through April 4, 2003.  Individuals who are beginning Tomatis will participate in a three week session beginning March 17. The sessions will be 2 hours per day, 5 days per week for the three-week period, at a cost of $1,500. Individuals who have recently completed some Tomatis listening will participate in a two week session also beginning March 17 at a cost of $1,000.

 

The 2-hour sessions are limited to 6 or 7 students each and are currently scheduled as follows:

8:15 to 10:15 a.m.

2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

 

In addition, if at all possible, all of the new families will be in the same session, most likely from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

 

The Swain Center has had success in obtaining insurance reimbursement for Tomatis from many major insurance companies, and will provide parents with insurance code numbers and the paperwork necessary for processing claims.

 

For further information or to sign up, contact Poita Cernius (cernius6@adelphia.net) or Judy Sweeney (judysweeney@cox.net).   For information about The Swain Center and its director, Dr. Deborah Swain, go to theswaincenter.com.  For more information about Tomatis training, go to tomatis.com. 

Personal note:  We have seen enough gains in Jeff to do Tomatis again. I will report my additional findings in the next TACA e-news. (This newsletter is long enough as it is!)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6)  CAN Orange Co. Fundraiser update:

 

On March 1, 2003 – the Orange Co. Chapter of CURE AUTISM NOW hosted its first black tie fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel.  Over 300 people attended to enjoy dancing, a silent & live auction all benefiting Cure Autism Now.

 

Here is a note from Sharon Shelton at Cure Autism NOW :

 

Thank you to everyone who helped with Art & Soul.  Saturday night was an amazing success.  We raised over $250,000 from Art & Soul. Congratulations!!  An article appeared in the Orange County Register on Monday profiling the event.

I would especially like to than Eve Lowey and Jerrine Murphy for all  of their hard work in making this event such a success.  Thank you all!

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6) CALLING ALL LOANER ITEMS!

 

At one time or another, I had a BOAT LOAD (and I mean a boat load) of books, video tapes, audio tapes, and other Autism related supplies. 

 

And – I have forgotten to get these items BACK!!  CALLING ALL LOANER ITEMS!!

Please return them one of two ways:

 

VIA MAIL:   Mail: PO Box 12409 Newport Beach, CA 92658-2409

 

VIA A TACA MEETING:  Next Costa Mesa TACA meeting is March 8th.  Please bring those items back.

 

Now:  If you have any used Autism resources (this includes; books, toys, audio & video tapes) we are starting a TACA library!  Please consider donating these items for new families.  You can bring them to a TACA meeting or send them via mail!

 

These items exclude: New Parent Binders, The Victoria Beck book called “Confronting Autism”

 

Special hugs and thanks to Dianne & Erin who so bravely volunteered for the TACA Costa Mesa co-librarian jobs!! 

 

WE WILL BE OFFERING A TACA LIBRARY AT THE MARCH 8TH MEETING!  COME CHECK IT OUT!

 

Wish list:  If you have any items you want to be part of the TACA Library – please drop me an email

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7) Autism Awareness month = April

 

a) April 5th – do the Cure Autism Now WALKATHON – for more info – www.cureautismnow.org

b) 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

c) Go to a conference and learn more about autism. Conference is in Buena Park – information about conference is available at:

D) There will be an AUTISM RALLY AND CAUCUS in Sacramento also on April 5th. I will going to that Rally and let me know if you want more information!  Email me.

E) Write a letter to your state senate representative about budget cuts to special education!

F) Do it all! (just kidding!  Do as much as you can!)

NORTH STEPS OF THE STATE CAPITOL

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

A Rally Uniting The Autism Community In One Cause:

 Autism Awareness In The State Of California
For more information: Contact ddwisdom@earthlink.net , jacobsen5@msn.com , ctlautism@aol.com   ITINERARY

    Association                                                      Speaker           Time

Welcome                                                                                   12:00

FEAT & The MIND Institute                          Rick Rollens               12:15

1st VP, Autism Society of America, Unlocking Autism  Jeff Sell          12:30

President, Autism Society of California           Dr. Dean Wilson         12:45

FEAT: Families for Early Autism Treatment      Nancy Fellmeth          1:00

The MIND Institute                                       Dr. Blythe Corbett      1:15

Intermission

Tribute to the Siblings                                  Barbie Dunham           1:30         

Cure Autism Now                                       TBA                             1:45    

TACA                                                           Lisa Ackerman            2:00    

Schafer Report                                            Lenny Schafer             2:15

Unlocking Autism                                        Valerie Jacobsen          2:30   

 

If time allows, additional speakers from the audience will be taken

 

Here is the hotel information for Sacramento.

1209 L Street
Sacramento, California
95814 USA
Tel: +1 916 443 1234

- TACA will be working on some fundraising efforts in March and April to honor autism awareness month with ribbons and other great supplies!

 

Dear Colleagues in the Autism Community,

      In November 2002, The MIND Institute presented their findings to the legislature, showing that autism is truly an epidemic in California.  As representatives of the California Autism Community, we need to let Sacramento know we are here and we are united. We invite you to join us in our effort to truly become "One Voice for Autism" and make the needs of the autism community known.
      I am writing to you today to encourage you to become participants in two major events in April, National Autism Awareness Month:
      1)   Saturday, April 5, 2003, in Sacramento, the Autism Society of California (ASC) is joining forces with Unlocking Autism, FEAT and other parent run organizations for a rally on the steps of the State Capitol.
      2)   Sunday, April 6, 2003, ASC is sponsoring the inaugural California Autism Coalition at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
      California has the most reproducible incidence numbers in the country, and the nation is looking to California for leadership in autism. We now have an opportunity to address these issues head on and try to do something about it. The legislature will be looking towards the autism community for answers on how to best serve the needs of individuals with autism and their families, given the current budget crisis.  They will more readily listen to a larger group that represents all of the autism community, rather than individuals or smaller independent groups. Now, more than ever, we must become the united voice of the autism community.
      The Coalition meeting is on Sunday, April 6th at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento at Capitol Park, 1209 L Street, from 9AM-4PM. We hope to attract representation from as many parent groups in California as possible to participate in both events. The state of California is so immense, and the need for support is so great, that we need to band together in order to tackle this daunting task. Each group brings its own unique focus and abilities, which other groups can learn from. We need to come together and share ideas, strengths and visions, to create a united force. It is our hope that we can effect change through legislation and advocacy.
      Topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to:
      1)  Reviewing the "state" of autism in the state of California. What's working and what needs improvement.
      2)  Looking at the geography of the state to visualize what areas are being served by a parent organization, and where more support is needed.
      3)  Major focus will be discussion about preserving the Lanterman Act and the services "offered" by Regional Centers in this current State budget crisis. Also, possible recommendations for changes within the Regional Center system.
      4)  We will attempt to not discuss specific therapies, but rather general principles regarding autism and autism services.
      5)  Other topics as time allows.
      Please let us know how many individuals from your organization will attend, as space is limited to a total of 100 people and we need an accurate head count as lunch will be provided. The Autism Society of California is sponsoring the event, and there is no charge for attending. All suggestions for topics will be welcomed. This is only the first meeting of what will hopefully be a long-standing force for Autism in the State of California.

Please RSVP by email: DWilson80@aol.com or phone (562) 425-2292 by Friday, March 28th.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dean C. Wilson
President, Autism Society of California
______________________________________________________________________

 

9)   New books on Autism:

 

Three years ago when Jeff was diagnosed I bought all 25 (current) books on autism. Now there are over 500 books on autism and over 85 in my library. I am thrilled (and kind of saddened) to see so much written on the topic.

 

A Real Person: Life on the Outside
by Gunilla Gerland

Amazon.com link:  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0285636626/qid=1044666279/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-4106189-6580712?v=glance&s=books 

The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism (The Healthy Mind Guides)
by Stephanie Marohn

Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1571742883/qid=1046837049/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-4106189-6580712?v=glance&s=books

Note: this book has chapters on Tomatis, supplements and other natural therapies.

 

Children With Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition
by Jaquelyn McCandless

This is the 2nd edition to this amazing book.  You can acquire it from

www.autism-rxguidebook.com

 

SOULS:BENEATH & BEYOND AUTISM
by Thomas Balsamo, Sharon Rosenbloom

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0072881704/qid=1046837317/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-4106189-6580712?v=glance&s=books

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10) Conferences & Fundraising activites:

 

CONFERENCES:

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.

=====

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

March 31, 2003 - 7PM: "Innovations and Considerations in Teaching Social

Skills to Adolescents with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder" - Guest

speaker: Dr. Doug Moes. Dr. Moes is a licensed clinical psychologist

specializing in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and currently

serves as Coordinator of School and Family Services for Autism Spectrum

Therapies.

Pacific Christian Center, 1403 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach

WWW.AdvocatesforSpecialKids.org

ASK has a new telephone number: (310) 480-9310

 

April 28, 2003 - 7 PM: _Occupational Therapy [OT]/Physical Therapy [PT]

and Sensory Integration_- Guest speaker: Lori Annes, R.P.T., and Ph.D.

Dr. Annes is the Director of _Can Do Kids_ in Venice.

Pacific Christian Center, 1403 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach

WWW.AdvocatesforSpecialKids.org

ASK has a new telephone number: (310) 480-9310

 

May 19, 2003 - 7 PM: _The _Wh_ Questions and Answers to Speech Therapy_

- Guest Speaker: Maureen Johnston, M.A., C.C.C.

Pacific Christian Center, 1403 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach

WWW.AdvocatesforSpecialKids.org

ASK has a new telephone number: (310) 480-9310

 

Dates have been secured for the Behavior Analysts Verbal Behavior Follow Up Training.  It will be held Wednesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 26th. The cost is $450.00 per person for 4 days of intensive training.  It will be held out here in the Ontario/Corona area.  More details will be emailed to the attendees closer to the date.

There are MANY more people that want to attend this workshop than is possible (they only allow 20 spots per workshop), so even if you have emailed me already, I will still need to receive your check (either in person or in the mail ASAP) in order to confirm your spot.  That is the only fair way I can do it.  Also, please email me back with the following information so I can hold your spot.

Name:
Address:
City
Phone:
Email:
Number of attendees:
What other Verbal Behavior seminars have you attended and what were the dates (i.e., Dr. Carbone, Dr. Partington, Dr. Sundberg, Jaime Stahl or other VB workshops).

Will you be bringing check over or putting in the mail?


You can mail your check to:

Christy Crider
1539 Iris Grove Drive
Corona, CA 92881

Or call me to make arrangements to come over to my home.  I will be writing the master check and signing the contract with Behavior Analysts myself, so I need to have your check in hand to confirm your spot. 

Please email me directly (not on group) if you have any questions.

Christy Crider
Mom to Dylan (2.11 years old)
Corona, CA
Email:  christycrider@aol.com

FUNDRAISING:

 

Walkathon                               April 5th – 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

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

11)  Need support BETWEEN TACA support group meetings?  Not a problem – it is just an email away!

 

Email lists are a great way to stay connected between meetings.  You can subscribe, read emails and ask questions all related to autism. These list sconnect you to other parents like you in the Southern California area.  Here is how to connect with the bestemail list service in So. California: 

 

Join YAHOOGROUPS! For correspondence for this group.

Step 1 -                  Go to http://groups.yahoo.com

Step 2 -                  Get a userid and password account

Step 3 -                  Search on  autisminterventionsocal

Step 4 -                  JOIN  autisminterventionsocal

Step 5 -         Be prepared to get 10-15 emails a day from this group and participate in autism topics specifically to Southern California!

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal Note:

 

Since this email is long enough – my personal update on Jeff will be done next time!!  Hugs to you all!

 

 

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 559 families