Here is your update on the TACA (TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM) Group for September 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 the Southern California Autism support group called TACA.
We focus on parent information and support, parent mentoring, gluten/casein-free diets, the latest in medical research, special education law, reviews of the latest treatments, and many other topics relating to Autism. Our main goal is to build our community so we can connect, share and support each other.
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA’s.
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TACA has an official web site at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org
ALL CORRESPONDENCE needs to be directed to contact us
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In this edition of TACA e-news:
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1) Next TACA COSTA MESA support group meeting:
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2003 (always the 2nd Saturday of each month)
Time: 2:30 - 5:30
TOPIC: Gluten-Free/Casein-Free & Organic Cooking Class
See Item #9 of this newsletter for more details
NOTE: RSVP’s ARE REQUIRED!!
PLACE: LOCATION CHANGE FOR THIS MEETING ONLY!
Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island, Newport Beach
Home Store – 3rd floor above Atrium Court
(Please do not contact the Bloomingdale’s for meeting details. They have graciously offered use of their facility and sponsored this meeting, but are not affiliated with TACA.)
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!
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2) UPCOMING TACA Costa Mesa Meeting Schedule:
October 11, 2003 Beginner Medical Intervention For
Autism – a beginner’s course
presentation by a new Southern California DAN! Dr Bob Sears
November 8, 2003 Mainstreaming High Functioning ASD
Kids - Jessica
Postil –
Autism Spectrum
Consultants
December 13, 2003 School District Roundtable -
The meeting will start with a general announcement about the state of local school districts. Then each school district or general area will break out into separate groups to discuss general information, share IEP’s and strategies.
Note: This meeting is for PARENTS ONLY!
January 10, 2004: Big Fun Gymnastics – Occupational Therapy for ASD Kids
Gene Hurwin
Much more is being planned for 2004! Stay tuned!
Note: How do topics get selected for TACA MEETINGS? Each location frequently does a formal or informal survey of attendees by the meeting coordinator. Based on the meeting attendees’ requests, topics are then selected and speakers are scheduled. Is there a topic you are interested in learning more about? Please forward a note to Lisa. We want to make sure the meetings are informative with topics based on the group’s needs. If you have a suggestion, we would like to hear from you!
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TACA has FIVE So. California meeting locations:
1) Costa Mesa: 2nd Saturday of each month (info in item #1 for meeting subjects and details.)
2) Mission Hills (the valley man!): NEW the 1st Sunday of every month 7-9pm. Location: Jay Nolan Community Services – 15501 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Suite 200, Mission Hills CA 91345... - Info: Contact Us
3) San Diego: 4th Tuesday evening – 6:30- 8:00pm – Info: Contact Us
4) Corona: 3rd Saturday – 1:30–4:30pm – for more info: NEW LOCATION!!! EMAIL FOR MORE INFO AT: Contact us - Topics for the TACA Corona location are:
· Saturday,
September 20th (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Dr. Kurt Woeller from San Diego (DAN! Doctor) to speak regarding DAN! protocol and biomedical interventions
· Saturday,
October 25th (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Jack & Christina Anthony (Legal Advocacy Firm)
· Saturday,
November 15th (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Lisa Ackerman - Interventions that worked for my child. This will be the
presentation given at the Great Plains Conference
for those who missed it.
5) Torrance: 3rd Monday of each month at Whole Foods Market on PCH In Torrance – 6:30-9:00pm. Info: Contact Us
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3) General News:
Girls, Boys and Autism – COVER OF SEPTEMBER 8TH NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE
http://www.msnbc.com/news/958646.asp?0ql=c7p
(NOTE: in order to save space in the TACA E-news the article link is above.)
TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE ARTICLE:
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/Newsweek/feedback/nwfeedback.asp
* * *AUTISM COMMUNITY COMMENTARY ON THE NEWSWEEK ARTICLE:
Hello to All:
This morning on The Today Show there was an interview with the Newsweek author, Geoff Cowley, who currently has published the cover story article that trivializes / insults the plight and condition of vaccine-injured / autism spectrum children. Vaccines, in fact, are never even mentioned. However, even if you, personally, haven't explored that road yet, the article insults the tens-of-thousands of children on the autism spectrum. This article makes them out to be: quirky; quaint; with just a personality variant; with minimal challenges; with an imbalance of empathizing vs. systemizing skills; and, just extremely male. They even try to downplay the fact that there is a disorder operating here. Key to the article is a Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen, a psychologist from Cambridge, who has a book out entitled The Essential Difference. His thesis is that autism is an imbalance between two kinds of intelligence: that with which to understand people and that with which to understand things. This article illuminates that our quirky, quaint kids have a shot at being engineers with a 700 score on the math SAT's. It doesn't emphasize severe learning disabilities. It doesn't mention severe pain. It doesn't mention severe speech and attention deficits and dangerous lack of self-help skills. It doesn't mention multiple physiological system shutdowns. It doesn't mention physiological / neurological / immunological destruction and disruptions - and domino effects. It doesn't mention the pain, frustration, fear, sensory terror and behaviors caused by these. The Today Show didn't mention ANY RESEARCH WHATSOEVER. We cannot let the American public and American parents be sidetracked from the real issues and REAL independent, unbiased RESEARCH, by some guy's theory that deludes, deflects, and distracts to the detriment of children.
Please call in your comments to the Today Show at (212) 664-4249, and press "4" for the comment line. Please have every member of your family do so, as well. Please distribute this request to your lists. Thank you.
Bobbie, Kelly, Teri
Action For Angels
=====================Additional Autism Community Commentary:
So that everyone can have a chance to be a little autistic, Baron-Cohen, as part of his most recent psycho-babble theory of autism (I thought we moved away from this 1940's stuff along time ago!) you too can see just how autistic you are (and if you are a woman...well autism is just the start of your problems!), just fill out the survey, and yes you too may become part of the autism epidemic!! Unbelievable.
Rick
Rollens
Click
here: Newsweek Interactive: The Autism Quotient
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State of California Legislation News - Protection & Advocacy SB 145 -
Information provided to TACA by attorney Maureen Graves – thanks Maureen!
Protection & Advocacy is requesting that people write to Governor Davis and ask him to sign SB 145, Protection & Advocacy's bill to require districts to allow independent observers to observe students and to observe school districts' actual or proposed settings if districts use observations in their own assessments.
I think the part of the law regarding observations is very positive, and much needed, since the hearing office refuses to order districts to allow observations. Davis is apparently questioning whether to sign it, because there will be some incidental costs.
I have concerns about another section, which allows hearing officers to set limits on the length of hearings. Protection & Advocacy thinks long hearings are a burden on parents, which they certainly are; however, they also are very frightening to school districts, which definitely have to pay their side and may have to pay both sides. I think as long as parents are in hearing, they need to win, and that short limits might be imposed which would make it impossible for the hearing officer to see just how clueless the many school district staff who actually interacted with the student were as well as forcing parents to cut short their own stories. I think it takes more lawyer time to prepare a very compact presentation, and that there is likely to be more difficulty getting reimbursed for more hearing prep time if hearings become shorter.
However, I am not sure how much difference this provision makes -- SEHO is already setting time limits in some cases -- and at least this bill provides some guidance as to the issues SEHO must examine before limiting time (complexity of issues, ability to present evidence, etc.), which might actually help, or provide grounds for appeal if SEHO fails to do it. Also, while I oppose time limits now, that might possibly change if attorneys' fees become subject to sharp limitations: then long hearings really could become a way to wear parents down.
Overall, I support this bill, and urge others who do to contact Governor Davis and request that he sign it.
Contact Info for the Governor:
Governor Gray Davis
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
governor@governor.ca.gov
Information provided to TACA by attorney Maureen Graves – thanks Maureen!
New FEDERAL LEGLISLATION S. 1422 – Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act 2003
On July 17, 2003, Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) introduced in the United States Senate a bill to address teacher training and other issues on behalf of the autism community. This bill, S. 1422, is titled the "Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act of 2003" or "TEACH Act of 2003."
This legislation, a companion to identical legislation introduced by Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ): (a) authorizes funding for teacher training; (b) authorizes funding to help improve the results for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); (c) authorizes loan forgiveness programs for individuals with education and training in ASD; (d) strengthens reporting mechanisms for school-based referral services for diagnosis and for teacher training; (e) establishes a task force on ASD at the Department of Education to address best practices; (f) requires a study and report on the effectiveness of federal vocational training programs for people with ASD; and (g) authorizes grants to create state autism ombudsman offices.
Please go to this site and submit a form to ask Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein to co-sponsor this piece of legislation.
https://secure2.convio.net/asa/site/Advocacy?id=119&s_oo=oMyT0x66claPLhY
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4) Local Orange County Doctor Taking More Patients affected by Autism
Great news! Dr. Bob Sears has opened more autism appointment visits to his schedule! We have appointments available in September and October, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm (times vary day to day). Please call Susan at (949) 493-5437 from 8:30-12:30 and 2:30-5:00 to schedule.
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5) TACA FAMILIES – WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Occasionally, we ask TACA families to provide feedback that will assist in making TACA a more valuable resource. Please take a minute to respond (tacanow@cox.net). Thank you.
1. How did you hear about TACA?
2. What TACA location are you associated with?
3. How many TACA meetings have you attended?
4. Why do you attend TACA meetings?
5. What facet of TACA provides the most value?
Please send the answers to TACANOW@COX.NET
With the email subject line: TACA SURVEY!
Thank you for taking the time! We appreciate it!
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6) CONFERENCES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
September 23, 2003
Autism Spectrum Therapies Invites you for an evening with DR.
BJ FREEMAN,
PROFESSOR OF MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY, UCLA
"Review of current treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders -- What
research shows us about effectiveness."
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Hyatt Regency-Regency Ballroom A, 200 South Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90202
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"HOPE
FOR THE FUTURE" at the Ontario Convention
Center, Saturday and
Sunday, September 27 & 28th. A Two-day Conference for Parents, Teachers,
Counselors and anyone interested in knowing more about children who learn and
behave differently presented by the Inland Empire Autism Society in
collaboration with the LDA of Pomona Valley.
The conference includes:
-Pre-conference, Hands On Workshop: "Living with Sensory Overload,"
- Nationally Known Speakers Jerry Newport, Stephen Shore, Bryn Hogan from The
Autism Treatment Center, Rick Rollens, and attorney Christopher Angelo
- Breakout sessions that include Sexuality and Puberty, Information of 504 and IDEA, Homeschooling, the DAN! protocol, transition topics, communication, inclusion, social skills, behavior issues, advocacy and more!
- Author's Book Signing and Exhibitors - AND a Special Full Day Workshop For
Teens and Young Adults (from 14-24). A session designed to explore your own
potential with some awesome teachers, counselors and adults who overcame the
odds. Food, prizes and music! Participants must have attention level skills and
interests sufficient to allow independent group inclusion. For any questions
regarding this workshop, please contact the workshop facilitator, Arline Krieger, MA at (909) 621-1494
For a conference brochure, please call (909) 549-1777.
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Children's
Hospital in San
Diego
is hosting Tony Attwood on Oct. 15 from 8:30-3:30.
Making Friends and Managing Feelings:
Asperger's Syndrome & High
Functioning Autism. The cost is $120 ($100 for early reg.).
For more information you can check the website: www.chsd.org/autism
Location: Children’s Hospital of San Diego
Challenging
Behaviors in Autism: II
October 25,
2003
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Rm. 203, Pasadena
Pasadena
Child Development Associates is hold a one-day workshop on floortime strategies
to support appropriate behavior. This is a continuation of a discussion of
challenging behaviors presented in Part 1 from June 2003.
Topics to be addressed:
Cost $50. For questions, please call Cambria at 626.793.7350. A copy of the registration form will be available through your CSC or Facility Liaison.
http://www.mailermailer.com/x?u=6452565d-56539404
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Jay Nolan – Journey to Solutions 2003
Friday November 14 – 16, 2003 – Pasadena Conference Center
Location: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena 91101
Hear about the most current information and research on autism spectrum disorder. Topics include: Floortime, Behavior, High School Academics, Super Sensory Workshop, Strategies for Successful Inclusion, Visual Strategies to Enhance Language and Promote Early Literacy, Communication Techniques & Therapies, Role of Medication for ASD and much more.
Speakers include: Sean Barron, Margaret Bauman MD, Teresa Bolick Ph.D., Brenda Bursch Ph.D., Cure Autism Now, Anne Donnellan Ph.D., Barbara Doyle M.S., Gail Gillingham M.S., Esther Hess Ph.D., Paula Kluth Ph.D., Lisa Lewis Ph.D., Rajarshi ‘Tito’ & Soma Mukhopadhay, Jerry Newport, Jamie Ruppmann, Jeffrey Sell Esq., Rosemary White O.T.R., Pamela Wolfeberg Ph.D..
Invited Organizations: California Institute of Technology, National Alliance for Autism Research, MIND Institute, National institute of Mental Health, Nation Center on Birth Defects & Developmental Disabilities. Hosted by the Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc.
For more information (818) 242-9108 or email conference@jaynolan.org
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MAJOR Autism Conference announced for Southern California by CASD.
Location: Santa Monica – February 20-22, 2004
Watch web site for speaker list: http://www.casdweb.org/index.htm
If you have questions or would like more information, please email the director at kazuko@grandecom.net.
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7) SOCIAL EVENTS
South Coast Plaza FREE Carousel rides!
Attention all TACA members! Diane Gallant has worked diligently with South Coast Plaza management 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
date is: Saturday, 9/20/2003
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. Come join us for some free fun!!
NO NEED TO RSVP! JUST COME AND PLAY!!
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL
GAME
With Project SEA & Miracle League!!
Angels vs. Texas Rangers! SEPTEMBER 27, 2003 –
10:00am tailgate party starts
1:00pm game starts
Tickets Just $12 (this will sell out!)
Please note, proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Orange, CA. Free parking and private tailgate party at 10:00am starts across the street from the CATCH RESTAURANT, 1929 South State College in Anaheim.
For more information contact: Steel Morris 714-731-2512
Deadline for tickets: September 22nd – Reminder, THEY WILL SELL OUT!
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8) AVAILABLE THERAPISTS
Available Tuesday & Thursday afternoons only:
Meghan Lewis
MeghanMLewis@aol.com
949-413-2674
And -
Nancie Truong, 714-315-7400, Nancie_Truong@hotmail.com
Note: Please call therapists and interview them directly. This is just a listing for parents as a resource, not an endorsement.
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9) Gluten Free / Casein Free (GFCF) Cooking Class at Bloomingdales!:
Based on the requests from TACA surveys, a beginner level GFCF Cooking class will be held on September 13th at the Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island location in Newport Beach.
Important note: THIS MEETING AT BLOOMINGDALE’S IS IN LIEU OF A REGULAR TACA COSTA MESA MEETING AT THE VINEYARD NEWPORT CHURCH!
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2003
Time: 2:30 – 5:00pm
Location: Bloomingdale’s HOME STORE in Newport Beach at Fashion Island
The Home Store is located on the THIRD FLOOR above the ATRIUM COURT!
It is best to park near Hard Rock Café and enter off the Atrium Court glass doors.
Speaker: Lisa Ackerman
Reservations: YOU MUST RSVP to attend the class!
Details: The presentation will be a beginning Gluten-Free/Casein-Free (GFCF) cooking class. It is estimated over 85% of children affected with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other learning disorders greatly benefit from an organic, clean, GFCF diet. This course will provide an overview on why to do the GFCF diet and how to get started. We will be preparing GFCF foods to appease the appetites of children, so be prepared to eat like a kid! Handouts will be available for free off the internet site: www.talkaboutcuringautism.org or available in binder form for a suggested donation of $10.00 each. Binders will include recipes for the day, all recommended recipes, how to get started, food shopping lists and much more! Donations for supplies are appreciated, but not required for attendance.
Note: RESERVATIONS are required for the class. To reserve your spot, please email tacanow@cox.net – please indicate if you would like to purchase a binder
Recipes will include the following: infamous meat puffs (these are finger-sized meat loafs for kids) a GFCF/egg free/yeast free bread, a tasty muffin, traditional chocolate chip cookies, and a chicken finger to die for, along with some meal planning ideas around allergies.
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10) Personal Note:
We had a nice two weeks off from the world with Jeff. Lauren stayed at home getting acclimated in her new apartment and getting ready for her junior year at UCI (she is such an amazing person let alone our daughter!)
Our travels took us to Lake Tahoe to visit my dad for the first time in about four years (since Jeff’s diagnosis). It was a great trip. Lots to do – we fished, we boated, we hiked, we swam – we slept! It was fun and great to get away. Jeff did well on our travels. Jeff was most intrigued with fishing, calling them “Nemo,” and he told us to put them back in the water. We did! (I prefer to eat my protein that comes from neatly packed Styrofoam clear packages! No fish cleaning and cooking for me!)
Two great items for long car rides include: Portable DVD Player for less than $300, and a cooler that is a portable freezer that plugs into your car lighters – under $50. The over eight-hour drive was very do-able with these two amazing items! (I got both at Wal-Mart!)
It is good to be home and we are ready for school to start. How about you?
Hugs, thanks and be safe
-
Lisa A Jeff's mom
Web Page for the TACA GROUP: www.talkaboutcuringautism.org - check it out!
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA’s.
TACA does not engage in lobbying or other political activities.
P.S. TACA e-news is now at 751 families