PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
March 2010        

Hi and Welcome to the March 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter”. 
Inside this edition you will find:

1. Mad March – Only a Few Days left …

2. Hot Topic of Discussion – Jenny McCarthy

3. In the News – Autism and Toxins

4. Prominent People Linked with ASD – Author, Sue Rubin
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1. Mad March – Only a Few Days left …

First up a quick note to let you know that if you haven’t tried the $1 “Mad March Hare” Trial Subscription to The Parenting Aspergers Community you need to do so soon.

The offer ends on Wednesday so if You Want to Access Over $297 of Exclusive Aspergers Resources for Just 1 Measly Dollar then Don’t Delay and Go Straight to http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/432.cfm NOW!

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2. Hot Topic of Discussion -  What has Jenny McCarthy Done for Autism?

Before 2005, Jenny McCarthy was a beautiful and well-known actress/comedian.  After 2005, Jenny McCarthy became a celebrity spokesperson for her son, who was diagnosed with Autism at age two. 

Jenny’s stances on vaccines and possible cures for Autism have made her a very controversial figure.  Many people have tried to discredit her, but if you look closely, you will see that Jenny McCarthy is a mother trying to do the best for her child with Autism, and all she wants is to share her experiences with other families affected by this condition.  To read more about Jenny McCarthy and her thoughts on Autism, visit this link:

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/02/25/the-autism-debate-whos-afraid-of-jenny-mccarthy/
*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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3.  In the News -   Is Autism Caused by Toxins?

As the world watches, new cases of Autism are diagnosed at alarming rates.  At one time, very few people would stand and voice their concerns regarding toxins as a contributor to the rise of Autism.  At one point in time, Autism was seen as a reflection on cold, unfeeling parents. Thankfully, times are changing and it is becoming obvious that there are many factors that come together to cause Autism.

Everyone, from frightened parents to alarmed politicians to cautious medical professionals, is beginning to research and question the possibility of a toxin-Autism connection.  You can find more details in the following article:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/02/25/do-toxins-cause-autism/
*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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4. Prominent People Linked with ASD -  Author Sue Rubin

As a small child, Sue Rubin was believed to be severely autistic as well as severely learning disabled.  She was non-verbal, unable to express herself in any way.  As a young teenager, Sue was introduced to a form of communication called facilitated communication, a form of typed communication.  Using facilitated communication, Sue was finally able to speak for herself and prove that she was actually very intelligent. 

Sue graduated high school, went to college, and became a published author, a sought-after speaker, and even the subject of a documentary.  Because she is able to explain what it is like to live with Autism, Sue is very popular at Autism and Special Education conventions.  You can learn more about this amazing woman by clicking the following links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Rubin

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/presents/shows/autism.world/notebooks/sue/notebook.html

http://www.sue-rubin.org/

http://www.caica.org/Autism%20is%20a%20world.htm

*The person mentioned above may or may not have Asperger’s Syndrome.
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I hope this month’s newsletter has intrigued you and provided new and useful information.

The next edition of the newsletter is due in April 2010.
      
And as always … please send in any inspirational stories, any questions that you would like our team of experts to answer, any topics that you wish to be discussed, and news stories that you want to share VIA THE BLOG.

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

Hi and welcome to this week’s blog post which is a great article about The Education System by Matthew Readman (a talented young writer who has Aspergers).

Before you read it just a reminder that from now until the end of March I am running a “Mad March Hare” Special offer for people to join The Parenting Aspergers Community (you can access the site and all it’s benefits for just $1 for  a 10 day Trial) …

To learn more go to http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/432.cfm

Now here’s the article by Matthew Readman -

This article is on our education system.   I do not understand how our school system works.   I have been told that every child has the right to an education.   I believe in this fully.  What I do not understand is why some children are treated differently than others.   This year I started in a new school for enrichment studies.   Almost everyone in my class has an Individual Evaluation Plan (IEP).  This is a piece of paper you sit down with your parents and teachers to explain the problems you have and how your needs and difficulties are suppose to handled in the classroom.  i.e.   I need a safe place to go so I can calm down when I am angry.    What gets me real mad is we have a student in our class who yells and disrespects the teacher.  This student is thrown out of class almost every day.  Does this upset me YES!!!!   I guess you can say one of my “needs” is to follow orders, and it gets me mad when this child disrupts the class all the time.  

As you would have guessed this kid and I are arch enemies.  We believe in total opposite things.  I believe you listen to the teacher, do your work and be quiet, as for him, the complete opposite.  This kid also has a violence problem.  When he gets mad he hits people.  He has hit me quite a few times, and after the 5th time I finally hit him back.   But who gets in trouble me!!!!  Why, because I should have known better not to hit, because the kid who hit me has a “violent problem”.

This is what I don’t understand when does one child’s disability more important than someone else’s?

Why do teachers and principals allow so such misconduct in the school over one child?  What about the rights of all the other children with IEP’s.  Basically it comes down to in my mind is a school will attend to the needs of children who are violent (bullies), before a child who actually needs coaching.   My mom always says “a squeaky wheel always gets heard” Does this mean you have to be a total jerk in class so you can get the teachers full attention?

I know for a fact that my IEP and other students in our class are not being met.  We are put in the back burner to this child.   So what options do we have?   If we complain I think our teacher will have nervous breakdown.    She is getting close because she cannot control this child.  Write a letter to the principal?  We did this and explained that this child is ruining our learning environment.  Again, the principal states very clearly every child has a right to an education.  What I am hoping is if my readers can maybe give us some other suggestions how kids can fight the school system on their own without getting parents involved.  We want to fight this on our own. Please add any comments or ideas on the blog.

Another great article by Matthew …

If you want to read more by him then I would strongly suggest that you take advantage of the “Mad March hare Special Offer” to join The Parenting Aspergers Community as Matthew regularly writes for the site.

To Join Now for just $1 (which gives you 10 days Trial Access) go to http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/432.cfm

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

Aspergers and Siblings is the topic for this week’s article on the blog.

But before that just a quick bit of information – I am traveling to Manchester (in the North of England for those who don’t know!) tomorrow to visit family for a couple of days.

So if I am a bit slow responding to emails in the next few days I apologize upfront – I am not sure what internet access I will have. Anyway that aside here’s this week’s article –

Question

How can I balance it so that I spend enough time with my son with Aspergers and his siblings?

Answer

Every mother struggles to create balance in her life.  Work, household chores, spouse, and children all compete for a woman’s attention.  A child with Asperger’s Syndrome will demand attention.  Other people and areas of life will fall to the wayside as the mother struggles to meet the needs of that child.

It is possible to accomplish the goal of a balanced home life.  It will take planning and dedication, skills you already exercise every day as a mother.  Here are some areas that you can work on.

*    Do your homework.  Find books that will help you deal with tough issues and give you guidance on how to improve the relationships within your home.   The book, “Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families” by Sandra L. Harris, Ph.D. will be helpful to increase understanding of sibling relationships affected by Autism.  Books like this one can help you develop strategies that will benefit all of your children.

*    Schedule time with each child.  One-on-one time is invaluable for building your children’s self-confidence.  Plan regular alone time with each of your children.  Encourage each child to talk about things that happen with their siblings.  Be open and honest about Asperger’s Syndrome.  These outings are the perfect time to answer questions the siblings may have about your child with Asperger’s.

*    Make time for work and for play.  Household chores should be shared by all.  It is important for all of your children that you keep your child with Asperger’s involved.  He needs to learn these important life skills and his siblings need to experience a home of fairness.  On the other hand, make sure you schedule plenty of structured and free playtime.  Your children need to play together.  Your typical children will learn the value of tolerance while your child with Asperger’s will learn those important social skills.

*    Make therapy a family project.  It can actually be fun.  Spreading the work among several people will make it easier to stick to a therapy plan.  It will teach your children about teamwork, social skills, and what it means to be part of a family.

Finally, be an involved parent.  Support all of your children at school and at home.  Get in the floor with them to play, watch movies, or just hang out.  Talk about everything.  Know what’s going on in their lives, show interest in their friends, and recognize their hobbies and special interests.  Make every minute count for all of your children.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel

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http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/433.cfm
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PARENTING AUTISM & ASPERGER’S NEWSLETTER
VOLUME     
February 2010        

Welcome to the February 2010 edition of “The Parenting Autism & Asperger’s Newsletter

Inside this edition you will find:

1. Hot Topic of Discussion – The Financial Burden of Autism

2. In the News – Cable Television Movie Biopic of Temple Grandin

3. Prominent People Linked with ASD – American author Temple Grandin, PhD

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1. Hot Topic of Discussion -  Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Financial Burden of Treatments

Families who are dealing with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome will tell you that healthcare reform is desperately needed in America.  In most states there are no or very little regulations on healthcare coverage for Autism treatments.  For years the burden has been placed on local school districts to offer expensive treatments.  The problem with this is that there is no way the school district budget can handle the costs of these treatments in the appropriate quantity or quality needed and deserved.

For those families who can afford private treatments, they are usually available.  However, at thousands of dollars per month, per child, even those with resources in the upper class range are hard-pressed to continue such expense over the course of a child’s lifetime.

Thankfully, changes are being made in the coverage and availability of Autism treatments in the United States.  Programs are available that may help families with the financial burden.  This article highlights a few of these options.

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/01/25/dealing-with-the-financial-burden-of-autism/ 

*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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2.  In the News -   Major Cable Television Station Airs Autism Biopic

Every once in a great while, a film maker with delve into the area of Autism spectrum disorders and come out with a realistic movie character.  Not since the movie
Rain Man has a film gotten as much attention as the upcoming made-for-cable biopic about the life of Temple Grandin.  Dr. Grandin was diagnosed with Autism as a child, and went on to earn her PhD.  

This movie tells the story of Dr. Grandin’s childhood struggles and how she went on to become world-renowned consultant and professor of animal sciences.

In connection with this movie, HBO has added a promo on their website, http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin  
along with interactive Autism support.  This is a huge step in the right direction for awareness of what it is like to live with an Autism spectrum disorder.
Read the full story here:

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/01/21/barnes-noble-hbo-team-to-publicize-autism-biopic-temple-grandin/

*People mentioned as having Asperger’s Syndrome may or may not have actually have been diagnosed with an ASD.

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3. Prominent People Linked with ASD -  Temple Grandin, PhD

In the spirit of Autism awareness, this month’s featured individual is Temple Grandin.  (You can read about the upcoming HBO movie about her life in the “In the News” section above.)

When a child is newly diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder, Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the most recommended resources available.  She has written many books about Autism and how it has affected her life, which offers parents and affected individuals alike hope and understanding. 

You can read more about Temple Grandin here:

http://www.templegrandin.com/
*The person mentioned above may or may not have Asperger’s Syndrome.
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I hope this month’s newsletter has intrigued you and provided new and useful information.

The next edition of the newsletter is due in March, 2010.
      
And as always … please send in any inspirational stories, any questions that you would like our team of experts to answer, any topics that you wish to be discussed, and news stories that you want to share VIA THE BLOG.

We will publish as many as we can.

Until next month………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel

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Articles posted this week at The Parenting Aspergers Community

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My son with Aspergers doesn’t want to eat at school. What can I do?

Eating problems are very common in children with Asperger’s Syndrome. There can be a variety of issues that cause a child to deny themselves food. Digestive problems, social discomfort, and behavioral problems are all real and possible concerns when it comes to the nutrition of the child with Asperger’s. Since your question specifically asks about eating at school, these problems are probably not the cause. If any of these issues were present, your son would show an aversion to eating at other times and not just at school. The likely cause of your son’s aversion is …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/430.cfm

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How can I get help with respite/child care for my child with Aspergers?

There’s no question about the love you feel for your child, but let’s face it. Caring for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome can get stressful, tiring, and lonely. When you find yourself avoiding social situations because you’re uncomfortable leaving your child, it’s time to find an alternative plan. You can’t spend 100% of your time caring for others without time to care for yourself. When preparing to take a plane trip, the flight crew reminds the passengers to apply their own oxygen masks before assisting others. In other words, you will be worthless unless you take care of yourself first …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/429.cfm

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Where can I find psychologists who have expertise in Asperger’s Syndrome?

Whether you are trying to get an evaluation for a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, or trying to build a support team for a child who has already been diagnosed with Asperger’s, it is necessary to include a good psychologist. A psychologist with experience in Autism spectrum or Asperger’s will be a vital member of your child’s medical team. Finding a specialist can be a bit difficult unless you know where to look …

To read the full article go to: -

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/428.cfm
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Hi there and welcome to this week’s blog article about Teenagers with Aspergers and Transition. Here it is …

Question

My child is a teenager with Asperger’s.  How do I transition him into adulthood?

Answer

No doubt that this is an exciting time in your home.  Your child with Asperger’s has reached the age of college and career.  Your hard work has paid off after years of special education, therapy and family support.  Congratulations on a job well done!

Now you get to move on to the next phase in life.  You’ve given your child a good strong foundation and you want to continue to help.  If you haven’t yet, researching adult Asperger’s is a good place to begin this transition.

As more kids are growing up under the Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis than ever before, the need for family and community resources are increasing.  If you search the Internet, you will find articles, books, videos, and support groups all geared directly to the Asperger’s adult.

The video “Asperger Syndrome:  Transition to College and Work” by Coulter Video is a good starting point.  This video delivers just what the title suggests practical help for the transition into adulthood.

Once you’ve researched and read up on the basics, find local resources for support and information applicable to your community.  Job skills classes, teen and/or adult Asperger’s support meetings, career counseling, and independent living options can all be found on the local level.  Tap into these sources to receive much needed planning assistance and support for both of you.

Encourage your child to pursue his dreams.  If college seems too overwhelming, suggest a local community college.  Your teen can live at home, fully supported by family, while obtaining a college degree.  Plus, the community college will have disability support services that can be used for additional assistance.

A vocational training school is another option to think about.  Close to home, these programs are geared towards adults looking for a career certificate.  Computer technology classes, welding, auto repair, and air-conditioning technology are common vocational school possibilities.  In less than two years, your teen could be certified in an area of interest that also pays well.

The opportunity to live at home and continue the education process will give your teen time to make choices and decisions regarding life skills.  All the research you do now can be utilized over the years while your teen achieves his post-high school goals, giving you both a better transition into the adult years.

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http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/members/428.cfm
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