Friday, April 30, 2010
Children in the grip of Autism
Clip of the day:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6901860/
Excerpt from story:
But, as many experts point out, autism is not simply "quirkiness" or an unusual personality trait, but a serious disorder capable of destroying families and children's futures. Like others with the condition, Adam's progress has been hard-won.
His struggles are increasingly shared by many across the United States as rates of autism continue to skyrocket. Some experts estimate that as many as 1 in 166 children born today will be diagnosed with an autistic disorder. Autism is now the second most commonly diagnosed serious developmental disability in children after mental retardation.
While the causes for the dramatic rise in cases over the past decade are the subject of much debate, one thing is certain: early diagnosis is crucial. By being aware of key symptoms to watch for, parents can help spot the disorder and, if necessary, ensure their child begins treatment.
“One of the factors in a good [autism] prognosis is early intervention,” says Dr. Sally Ozonoff, associate professor of psychiatry at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis. “It’s been shown pretty clearly that starting an intervention at age 3 is better than 5, or starting intervention at 2 or potentially even earlier than that is better.”
But while most experts agree that beginning treatment for autism at an early age is important, the process of diagnosing children can be fraught with difficulty and makes the goal of early treatment sometimes easier said than done.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6901860/
Excerpt from story:
But, as many experts point out, autism is not simply "quirkiness" or an unusual personality trait, but a serious disorder capable of destroying families and children's futures. Like others with the condition, Adam's progress has been hard-won.
His struggles are increasingly shared by many across the United States as rates of autism continue to skyrocket. Some experts estimate that as many as 1 in 166 children born today will be diagnosed with an autistic disorder. Autism is now the second most commonly diagnosed serious developmental disability in children after mental retardation.
While the causes for the dramatic rise in cases over the past decade are the subject of much debate, one thing is certain: early diagnosis is crucial. By being aware of key symptoms to watch for, parents can help spot the disorder and, if necessary, ensure their child begins treatment.
“One of the factors in a good [autism] prognosis is early intervention,” says Dr. Sally Ozonoff, associate professor of psychiatry at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis. “It’s been shown pretty clearly that starting an intervention at age 3 is better than 5, or starting intervention at 2 or potentially even earlier than that is better.”
But while most experts agree that beginning treatment for autism at an early age is important, the process of diagnosing children can be fraught with difficulty and makes the goal of early treatment sometimes easier said than done.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Lincoln-Sudbury School Murder Trial Headed To Jury
It will be interesting to see the verdict of this case because it will set a precedent for murder trials with Autism as a factor.
Link:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/04/27/lincoln-sudbury-school-murder-trial-headed-to-jury/
Link:
http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/04/27/lincoln-sudbury-school-murder-trial-headed-to-jury/
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Follow the blog on Facebook
Find Joey's Hope on Facebook and click "Like."
In addition to posting information here, you can also get it in your FB newsfeed.
And please don't forget to join, TLC Needs To Do A Show About Autism.
Thank you!
In addition to posting information here, you can also get it in your FB newsfeed.
And please don't forget to join, TLC Needs To Do A Show About Autism.
Thank you!
Joey's Hope...Center?
Watching The Doctors the other day and learning about Stephanie's Day, founded by a father of a girl with Autism. It is not a center but a place for resources. They put on resource fairs and provide a fun day for children with Autism.
I've been thinking of what I could do in the future. I've long complained that there are no resources on the west side of Phoenix. I work for the farthest west center that provides behavioral therapy and they are located in central Phoenix!
Maybe I could open a center where parents can get therapy for less than $50-100 an hour, which is the going rate. Maybe I could start a foundation that provides the therapy for free, through donations, for families in need. Maybe it could be a center where kids can play and have social interaction without pressure.
I don't know...it's just a thought...one of the many that swirl around my head on a day-to-day basis.
I entered this 2nd Master's program with the intention of helping families who can't afford behavioral therapy and that will always be my goal.
I like working for BISTA and hope to do a lot more with them once I get my BCBA. Maybe I can somehow tie in the two?
I've been thinking of what I could do in the future. I've long complained that there are no resources on the west side of Phoenix. I work for the farthest west center that provides behavioral therapy and they are located in central Phoenix!
Maybe I could open a center where parents can get therapy for less than $50-100 an hour, which is the going rate. Maybe I could start a foundation that provides the therapy for free, through donations, for families in need. Maybe it could be a center where kids can play and have social interaction without pressure.
I don't know...it's just a thought...one of the many that swirl around my head on a day-to-day basis.
I entered this 2nd Master's program with the intention of helping families who can't afford behavioral therapy and that will always be my goal.
I like working for BISTA and hope to do a lot more with them once I get my BCBA. Maybe I can somehow tie in the two?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Autism on The Doctors today
I wanted to watch this show because Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh (PhD, BCBA-D), founder of CARD, was going to be on. I didn't realize how important this woman was until this week with this show and also getting the Cutting Edge Therapies for Autism book and seeing a chapter written by her (and one of my ABA professors from ASU).
Here are some notes from the show:
-The statistics now say 1 in 100 children are on the Spectrum. That comes out to 13 million families.
-Spectrum goes like this: *Typical//Asperger's//PDD-NOS//Autism*
-A functional MRI will show the difference between a typical brain and an autistic brain. The autistic brain has no function in the Amygdala, which is linked to emotions and agression.
-American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an 18 month and 24 month screen for Autism.
-Early intervention counts. The earlier the better!!
-Research shows progress with social interaction can be made with early intervention (5 year study at University of WA). Treatments can and should begin at 18 months of age.
-"Brains can heal" with aggressive treatment."
-6 warning signs: 1) little or no eye contact; 2) no smiling back or playing peek-a-boo; 3) delayed speech, no responding to name; 4) no pretend play; 5) don't point to things they want; and 6) regression.
-Trust your gut!!!
-For your insurance to cover it, it must be "evidence-based" therapy, like ABA. Currently, 17 states are offering insurance coverage.
-Organizations featured: HollyRod Foundation (offers funding for services) and Stephanie's Day (offers services from respite to legal advocates).
-The average family spends $50k a year for Autism services.
-ABA is the most common type of Autism therapy.
-Also talked about music therapy, equestrian therapy, hyperbaric chambers.
-Dr. Granpeesheh, "ABA works." Also, dietary change, medical, sensory integration all work in combination with each other.
-It's important to grieve. Don't feel alone.
-IPhone app for Autistic kids: Proloquo2go, helps kids communicate.
-Brain scans are being used to diagnose Autism. It's called magnetoencepholography(MEG).
-There is potential for a blood test to test for Autism in the future.
-Multiple studies show a common genetic abnormality; the gene identified affects the ability for nerve cells to communicate with each other.
-Books recommended; "Not My Boy," by Rodney Peete; "My Brother Charlie," Ryan Peete; "The Everyday Advocate," Areva Martin. Plus, check out the CDC's "Learn the Signs: Act Early."
-Don't be afraid to ask for a 2nd opinion or to ask to see a specialist AND always be an advocate for your child!
Here are some notes from the show:
-The statistics now say 1 in 100 children are on the Spectrum. That comes out to 13 million families.
-Spectrum goes like this: *Typical//Asperger's//PDD-NOS//Autism*
-A functional MRI will show the difference between a typical brain and an autistic brain. The autistic brain has no function in the Amygdala, which is linked to emotions and agression.
-American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an 18 month and 24 month screen for Autism.
-Early intervention counts. The earlier the better!!
-Research shows progress with social interaction can be made with early intervention (5 year study at University of WA). Treatments can and should begin at 18 months of age.
-"Brains can heal" with aggressive treatment."
-6 warning signs: 1) little or no eye contact; 2) no smiling back or playing peek-a-boo; 3) delayed speech, no responding to name; 4) no pretend play; 5) don't point to things they want; and 6) regression.
-Trust your gut!!!
-For your insurance to cover it, it must be "evidence-based" therapy, like ABA. Currently, 17 states are offering insurance coverage.
-Organizations featured: HollyRod Foundation (offers funding for services) and Stephanie's Day (offers services from respite to legal advocates).
-The average family spends $50k a year for Autism services.
-ABA is the most common type of Autism therapy.
-Also talked about music therapy, equestrian therapy, hyperbaric chambers.
-Dr. Granpeesheh, "ABA works." Also, dietary change, medical, sensory integration all work in combination with each other.
-It's important to grieve. Don't feel alone.
-IPhone app for Autistic kids: Proloquo2go, helps kids communicate.
-Brain scans are being used to diagnose Autism. It's called magnetoencepholography(MEG).
-There is potential for a blood test to test for Autism in the future.
-Multiple studies show a common genetic abnormality; the gene identified affects the ability for nerve cells to communicate with each other.
-Books recommended; "Not My Boy," by Rodney Peete; "My Brother Charlie," Ryan Peete; "The Everyday Advocate," Areva Martin. Plus, check out the CDC's "Learn the Signs: Act Early."
-Don't be afraid to ask for a 2nd opinion or to ask to see a specialist AND always be an advocate for your child!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)