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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