A Voice 4 Autism

Melissa Winters, The Puzzling Piece and The iPad Challenge

2011-06-10T20:14:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of Meeting Melissa at Autism One. She is very nice and truly just wants to helps others. I don't think she realized when she started "The Puzzling Piece" how quickly it would grow! Melissa has a child with autism herself, and she not only donates a portion of the proceeds for each item sold to one of four autism charities, but once a "challenger" sells 60 items, she sends the child an iPad. She recently added 2 new pieces to the challenger collection. If you are interested in purchasing an item, click the paypal button below and choose! You can help Jackson win a free iPad!

Finally......a True Depiction of Autism in the Media??

2011-04-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

A six part series will be starting on PBS April 18 - 26 as the previous anchor of Newshour, Robert McNeil takes a true look into autism, and how it affects the whole family. He has a personal experience, as his 6 year old grandson has autism. In watching the video, I wanted to cry. But it seems that maybe FINALLY the media will show a TRUE depiction of autism, it's causes and how it affects the whole family. At least I hope it's a true depiction......this video certainly is......

Monday, April 18          An introduction to Nick and autism as a whole body experience: MacNeil brings viewers along on a visit with his daughter and grandson Nick in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to see how autism affects the whole family, including his 10-year-old sister, Neely. Nick experiences autism not just as a disorder in brain development but also as physical ailments affecting the whole body.
Tuesday, April 19         Autism Prevalence: Why are the numbers of children with autism increasing? At the UC DAVIS MIND Institute in Sacramento, California, MacNeil sees the wide range of different behaviors that comprise the autism spectrum. Anthropologist Richard Grinker argues that the rising numbers of children with autism is explained because conditions previously given other names, like mental retardation, are now included in the autism spectrum. Scientist Irva Hertz-Picciotto says the wider definition only partly explains the increased prevalence, pointing instead to a variety of environmental factors.
Wednesday, April 20    Autism Causes: The rise in autism numbers has caused a surge in research to find the causes. For the latest thinking, Robert MacNeil speaks with four leading researchers: Dr. Gerald Fischbach of the Simons Foundation, Dr. David Amaral of the MIND Institute, Dr. Martha Herbert of Harvard University and Dr. Craig Newschaffer of Drexel University.
Thursday, April 21        Autism Treatment: Although children with autism see doctors periodically, they go to school everyday. It is the school system that bears most of the burden of treating children with autism because treatment means education. MacNeil visits two schools in New York – a public school in the Bronx teaching 700 children with autism and a charter school created in Manhattan as a model of possibilities in educating children with autism. With only 30 students, it can use one-on-one teacher/student ratios employing intensive Applied Behavioral Analysis – the gold standard treatment for autism.
Monday, April 25          Adults with Autism: Although federal law mandates educational services for children with autism, there are virtually no services when they become adults. MacNeil profiles Zachary Hamrick in Mahwah, New Jersey, about to turn 21. As his family contemplates the uncertain future now facing hundreds of thousands of young people like him, his parents ask themselves, "What will happen when we die?"
Tuesday, April 26         Autism Policy: The NewsHour series ends with a discussion of the public policy issues raised in the series, including the enormous discrepancy in the quality and availability of services for children and future adults in what the federal committee that determines research priorities for autism now calls a "national health emergency" with a panel of experts including: Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Catherine Lord, Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Ilene Lainer, Executive Director of the New York Center for Autism – a private advocacy group, and John Shestack, a Hollywood producer and the co-founder of “Cure Autism Now” a former advocacy group.

World Autism Day occurs 1 day a year! For us, Autism is EVERY DAY!

2011-04-04T21:09:00.000-04:00

I have read a lot in the last few days about Autism Awareness. Lots of warrior moms bantering it out as to whether promoting autism awareness is "celebrating" autism. If you haven't noticed, we autism parents are quite opinionated. I even posted "Happy Autism Awareness Day" on my Facebook and a fellow mom said "really? Happy?" DUH! No, not happy.....in that blog post I had even commented on how much I hated autism.....but I love my son very much. However, I do want to make people more aware....for many reasons. On the other side of the coin, we need MORE than awareness....we need ACTION! We are losing a generation of children and no one (ie: our government), seems too alarmed....and it's disturbing. Children are dying, families are being torn apart...MOTHERS ARE KILLING THEIR CHILDREN! In an effort to continue to make you more aware......just remember....we live with Autism Everyday.....

April is Autism Awareness Month - What is "Awareness" anyway?

2011-04-02T08:06:00.000-04:00

I suppose the answer to this question will be different for all of us. For some it will be merely acknowledging autism or saying "I have a friend who has a child with autism." Others will walk in walks, run in marathons, donate money, etc. But truly being aware in my eyes is having love and compassion for these children. When a child is having a behavior, try to understand where that behavior is coming from. Behavior is communication. We may not understand why that behavior is occurring, but there is a reason behind. Try to teach your children to have compassion for these kids, to help educate those who don't know or understand what autism is. I have seen so many children have pure compassion for Jack, and it is a wonderful thing. In a world where there is an "awareness" month for just about everything (not that that's a BAD thing.......) we can sometimes become desensitized to the causes. Just remember that autism is insidious: it affects every nook and cranny of every person's life in that family. I will never claim to like autism, as a matter of fact I HATE it! But I love someone with autism and that has changed my life, and for that I am a better person.

How Isn't this Entire Incident a Travesty?

2011-03-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

The autism community has been a buzz since a Detroit mom had barricaded herself into her home with her 13 year old daughter, after refusing to continue (under the advice of her doctor) her daughter on Risperdal. You can read the article here. Granted, there was a shot fired inside her home and no one is condoning that behavior.....but if you read the facts....this mother was protecting her daughter. Now, this child does not have autism....but it does say that her behavior changed after a vaccine. This child is now in the hands of Child Protective Services even though there are several family members that can care for her. The reason the autism community has been a buzz is because I think many of us moms could see ourselves in this position, and would go to any length to protect our children. Once again, our "system" seemingly works against us. While there are mothers out there smoking crack and truly endangering their children the system chooses to go after a mom who is trying to help her daughter. In case you haven't seen "the buzz" on Risperdal lately, you can read that here. I have heard of moms getting CPS called on them because their child is on a special diet and school calls and says that they are depriving the child of food. So....in essence, they want to take the child away for not shoving Kool Aid and Gold Fish down the childs throat. This stuff really happens, and it is a true violation of our civil rights. I hope that this mother's civil right to make decisions for her own daughter's health is restored.

The Fine Line Between Acceptance and Denial

2011-03-24T08:13:00.000-04:00

I am sure I have been accused of being in both acceptance and denial....as have many of you at times in your journey with autism. It is very easy to judge each other as we parents chat about our children who are all so different; along with the situations that we face in schools, at home, in stores, restaurants, and churches. It seems we can't win for losing. You see, if we accept our child's limitations it seems as though we've thrown our hands in the air and given up. If we don't take no for an answer then we are in denial that our child has "limitations." There is a fine line between the two and unfortunately that makes for much controversy and judgment even within our own community. How do we find the balance of knowing and doing what is best for our children but not wearing the blinders of denial?

Help Give Jo a Voice

2011-03-21T21:27:00.001-04:00

Joselyn Johns is a spunky little 5 year old girl who is non verbal. Her mom works very hard to give Jo everything she needs. Being a single parent of a child with special needs is especially demanding and financially difficult. I am hoping to pull together for this little girl and raise enough money so that we can get her an iPad so that she can use it to communicate her needs and wants. I know that times are tough, and maybe many of you have recently donated to efforts in Japan or elsewhere. Even if it's $2.00, every bit helps. Click the link below to help give Jo a voice! If you do not have a paypal account or credit card, but would like to make a donation, email me at kldett@roadrunner.com.

Normal

2011-03-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

So as I look at people's pictures that they upload to facebook, I would be lying if I said I wasn't envious. Yes, it is one of the deadly sins.....and maybe envious isn't the right word, but I'm not sure what is. I see the pictures of birthday parties and play dates and I want it. I want it more than you could ever know. I just want our lives to to be normal. Now, I realize that even though the pictures look nice and everyone is having fun...it doesn't mean that all is well and that their life is "normal." What IS normal anyway, right? I am very thankful for what God has given me, and I love my family very much. But I so badly want to go to the grocery store without fear of a meltdown. I want to hear my children argue...yes....that is normal....right? I want to get in the car on a whim without thinking about whether he my son can handle it. I want to go to restaurants and let him order off of the kiddie menu. THAT is what I mean when I say I want normal. I realize my life may never be that way, but a girl can dream can't she?

RESULTS!

2011-03-18T23:04:00.000-04:00

So happy to thank all that donated to Tammy's bathroom fund! I know she is so very thankful and promises to send us pics! We raised $1050 in less than a week! So happy for you Tammy!

HELP A FELLOW PARENT! TAMMY McNAIR!

2011-03-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

For those of you that know Tammy, she had entered a contest to have her bathroom remodeled that was in great disrepair. We were sorry to see that she did not win, but want to help her. Click the link below and donate any amount to help her out! That's how we autism parents roll!

Her entry:
Posting this picture was is very embarassing. :0( Short bio is as follows....We moved here in 2005 as Hurricane Katrina survivors. Four short months later my youngest was diagnosed with Autism.
To say finances are tight would be putting it mildly. Most all "extra" money goes into special foods and supplements. And as my son is showing signs of improvement, it is worth every penny. That being said, there is never money left over for house repairs. And if any room in my home needed repaired, it would be this bathroom! The tub has been scrubbed and is stained. The tub surround is crumbling and mildewed. I am not even sure what it is made of. The faucets leak and I can not get to the washers as the faucets are so old. I wish I could have posted more pictures to show different angles. (not only does it look bad but my youngest is allergic to mold and this room causes him to go into sneezing fits.)
The bathroom is small. The tub you see takes up half the room.

PLEASE SPECIFY IN YOUR DONATION THAT IT iS FOR TAMMY!

Worth Watching......

2011-03-13T09:17:00.001-04:00

A Tsunami of our Own

2011-03-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

Sad news today of the Earth Quake that sparked a 40' Tsunami in Japan. Thoughts an prayers are with them. As I think of the damage that lies behind, I can't help but parallel it to autism. After reading 2 articles this morning about pending cuts in services in various states and existing programs that are flooded with incoming individuals, I can't help but think of the Tsunami that lies ahead. We have all heard the numbers......1:150, now 1:110.......1:64 boys.....etc. As devastating as these numbers are, I don't think we've seen anything yet. The question I have been asking is what is going to happen to these children when they turn 18? This is the tsunami that is going to hit our country. God knows Medicaid and Social Security may not even exist by then. How are parents going to care for these children and their growing needs? Especially the ones that can't live at home, which is many parents fear as they age and their child gets older/stronger. They have got to get to the bottom of what is happening to our children. What is happening to this generation of children (primarily boys?) In no way can this strictly be attributed to better diagnosis or genetics alone. The numbers just don't add up. In one of those articles it said that the average cost to care for an autistic individual throughout their lifespan is $3.2 million! YIKES! If our government doesn't start addressing the earthquake that is going on right now, the tsunami to come will wipe us out.

PROM!!

2011-03-09T22:43:00.000-05:00

As I struggled to think of something to write about tonight, I got my email and this was there from the Autism Society. It made me cry. I do not yet have a child of this age, and haven't had to think about prom for my son yet. But what an opportunity for those who may not otherwise get to experience a prom. We all take things for granted.....even those of us who have kids with autism. I am so thankful for those who give of themselves for our children.........

We are sending this out for our friends at the Autism MODEL School.
The Starry Night Prom is open to any area student ages 15 and 21. Student may come from any school and have any disability.
Date: Saturday March 26, 2011
Time: 1:00-5:00 pm
Location: Club Hype
1703 Tollgate Road
Maumee, Ohio
Cost: Tickets will be available for sale at $7.00 each starting on 3/8/11. Contact Becky or Jeana at 419-897-4400.
 Guest tickets can also be purchased at the school for $7.00 each.
 There will be a limit of 2 guests per student due to potential overcrowding at the event.
 Parents are welcome to attend as guests of their children.
 Due to the overwhelming response of MODEL staff, they are not in need of any more chaperones for the event. Parents will be provided a place to unobtrusively watch their child from the balcony.
Amenities:
 Food and drinks will be provided for the prom attendees and guests thanks to Club Hype and Leadership Toledo.
 Pictures for the yearbook will be taken during the prom. Your child’s picture will only be taken if you signed a permission slip at the beginning of the school year. Parents will be provided time to take pictures with their child.
Activities:
 Quiet room area for any student who needs it.
 Movies will be shown in a separate room for students would like to take advantage of this area.
 A Wii video game will be set up in another room.
 There will be a balloon artist, magician, and a singer performing during the prom. Times for these events will be announced.
Dress:
 Girls will be offered a scheduled time before the prom to come to the prom venue and get their hair and makeup done for free. You will be contacted by phone as to your child’s scheduled time.
 Some parents expressed interest in the clothing acquired from the dress drive. You will be contacted by phone if MODEL finds suitable attire for your child to wear.
Please share the news of this exciting event with any high school student you know with a disability.

The Friends we Keep, Make and Lose

2011-03-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

How many things have changed in your life since your child was diagnosed with autism? Just a few? How about just about everything? Yeah, us too...including friendships.

We will always have those good friends that even when we don't talk or see each other for 6 months, you get together and it's like you haven't missed a beat. Even though they may not deal with autism or really know or understand what you go through, they offer help when they can and support you. Yes, sometimes conversation is difficult because as your kids get older, the differences become greater....but you have a fundamental connection with these friends and you know you can lean on them. These are the friends we keep.

I have also made some wonderful friends because of autism. Women who I know I can count on....no matter what. These are the mom's who can relate to what you are going through, they pick you up when you are down (because they've been there too), they hope with you, and share in your joy when that small but important milestone is reached (because they know how hard your child had to work to get there.) These friends don't get upset when you don't call for 3 weeks, because they understand how crazy your life is. These are the friends we make.

How many "pre autism" friends do you still have? All of them? Or, have some fallen by the way side? Not that you're not friends with them.....but your lives are just different now. It's just so hard to relate to soccer games and play dates when all you do is therapy and social group. They stop calling because they don't know what to say, or worse.....don't want to be around your child. It's sad that the differences between our kids have such a big impact on our friendships, but many time this is the case. These, are the friends we lose.

Autism has taught me many things......and one of them is who my friends are. I don't need hundreds of them.....just a few good ones!

Hospital Visits: Dealing with Autism in the Hospital Setting

2011-03-06T08:30:00.002-05:00

Going to the hospital whether it is for a planned minor surgery or a trip to the ER for a broken bone, can be a very scary prospect for you and your child with autism. Walking into a hospital even for a blood draw can turn ugly in a matter of minutes. What makes or breaks the visit is the professionals that are dealing with the child.

We have had both good and bad experiences in the area the that we live in. It does not take long to recognize in dealing with some of these professionals, whether it is a doctor or a lab tech, that many of them are not properly trained in dealing with individuals with autism. The deer in the headlights look from the receptionist when you say "my child has autism and this could get loud, is there a more private room we can wait in?" Or the look of bewilderment from the nurse when your child begins to melt down from fear. How about the ER doctor that argues with you when he tells you he wants to give your child Tylenol, and you say no, "I prefer ibuprofen.....Tylenol depletes glutathione?" (my personal favorite!) We have had good experiences as well. Like the time Jack went for his umpteenth set of PE tubes, and they actually brought a woman in whose job is to deal with special needs kids in these situations, and she actually brought PECS cards with her to explain what he could expect. NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! It was a wonderful experience.

We as parents need to communicate with these medical "professionals" (sorry, in some cases I use that term very loosely) and teach them how to deal with our children. Call area hospitals and give them feedback about your experience and make suggestions if you have a bad experience. If you have a scheduled visit, call ahead and maybe schedule a time for your child to visit the facility ahead of time to cut down on fear and anxiety. Remind them that we are the parents, and we know whats best for our children. Lastly, do not let any medical professional push something on your child that you feel is not right. Whether it be a medication or a flu shot in the ER. You are your child's advocate and it is your right to refuse something that you don't feel is appropriate for your child.

Whatever Works

2011-03-05T08:47:00.014-05:00

Obviously I've been at this autism thing now for a few years. In the beginning, they don't give you much to go on. "There is no cure, ABA is the most effective treatment, can't promise you he or she will talk" blah, blah, blah. I have learned in my journey that you have to forge your own path. Each child is so different. It seems that people in the "autism world" only believe in and recommend what they know. For some it's ABA (applied behavior analysis). ABA is great, but it's not the end all be all. What about Discreet Trial Training or Floortime? They are all great, and different kids will respond differently to each one. Maybe a mixture of a little bit of everything is what works for your child. But we parents and the "autism professionals" can be so biased as to what has worked for our child or other children. The same is true for biomedical treatments. Some parents, that's all they do......other throw in some speech, OT, social group, etc. That is what is so difficult about this thing called autism. There is no clear cut path. You are the one that knows your child best. You don't have to listen to the "autism professionals" if you feel like something isn't working for your child. Maybe it's time to try something new. As long as is will not hurt your child in any way....what do you have to lose? If it weren't for parents scouring for answers, our kids wouldn't make any progress. Be your child's advocate, and don't be afraid to do "whatever works" for him or her.

Acoustics for Autism: NW Ohio Organization Benefits Area Families

2011-03-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

Acoustics for Autism is this weekend! Below is a link to an interview with Nicole Khoury, Executive Director of Project iAm. If you you are looking for something fun to do, and want to benefit a good cause head on up to the Village Idiot on Sunday for some music and great prizes. Project iAm has directly benefited our son Jackson. Thank you Project iAm!

http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/talk_back/FOX-Toledo-Talk-Back-March-3--Acoustics-for-Autism-March-6

http://acousticsforautism.com/

http://aboutprojectiam.com/

Working Mom’s of Children with Autism: Juggling it all

2011-03-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

Just having a child with autism is a full time job and overwhelming in and of itself. So, those of you who don't work.....I am in NO WAY downplaying your job! But for working moms, it can be even more challenging.

I stayed home with my kids until about three years ago. The thought of going back to work was crushing at the time, but let’s face it. Autism is expensive, and insurance is necessary! So, I was very blessed to get a job with flexibility and that allows me to work my schedule (most of the time) around that of my kids. But it is still crazy busy, every day of the week! For me, it is helpful as well, to at least through the day have my mind on other things. We eat, breath and sleep (well…..sometimes we sleep…..lol) autism. When I am working, my mind is focused on something else, which for me is a good thing. I think we never feel like we can do enough. Here are some ideas that may help you busy working moms be a little more organized and save some time throughout the school/work week.

MAKE LISTS!

Grocery lists so that you don’t have to make 4 trips to the store in a week!

List and prioritize things that need to be done every week

Create a dinner menu – this will help you with your grocery list and hopefully stave off trying to decide what to make at the last minute

Cook ahead – especially for those of you dealing with special diets, this can be a life saver. On Sunday I make a large batch of GF/CF pancakes or waffles and put them in the freezer. They can be warmed and served on the spot. Same with many other dishes.

Make lunches the night before (I am SO guilty of not doing this……but I have great intentions!) Mornings are crazy and if you are like me and want to sleep until the very last second get kids lunches ready the night before. One less thing to do in the morning!

Create a monthly calendar – go to almost any store and purchase a large marker/erase calendar. This will allow you to visualize your week at a glance. You can schedule all of your therapies, work appointments, Dr. Appointments, etc. so that nothing gets missed and you are not blindsided with forgetting something.

Keeping the house clean during the week is a challenge at our house. Give kids chores, and assign a task to a certain day so that you are not spending your entire weekend cleaning. Monday = 1 load of laundry, Tuesday = clean the bathrooms, Wednesday = dust, Thursday = evening off, Friday = more laundry, etc…

Like I said…..I’m no expert……just flying by the seat of my pants! If you have any suggestions as to how to better juggle the load…..leave a comment!

Time to count the blessings!

2011-03-02T20:15:00.000-05:00

After a 4 week period of regressive behavior from Jack, a not so great work week, and news of friends with very sick parents and children......I feel the need to count my blessings. Jack has done a complete turn around with 1 dose of immunoglobulin. He has had a great week and great reports from school! We are all healthy (at the moment...lol)...and IT WILL BE SPRING SOON! YAY! Although our life is not "typical" whose really is?? Sometimes you just have to take a step back when all seems wrong in your life and look at the things that are right. Although autism has altered our life drastically, it has also taught me some invaluable lessons. Thank you God for the blessings!

Autism & Wandering

2011-03-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am sure you heard the story of Nadia Bloom last year in the news. She wandered away from her yard into the woods and was missing for days. Unlike most children with autism who go wandering, her story had a happy ending. She was found alive, thank God.

As a parent of a child with autism, this is something that is always in the forefront of my mind. It is literally like having a 2 year old all of the time. Remember when your child was 2 and you couldn't take a shower if you were the only one home because you had to constantly keep your eyes on them? I have been doing that for almost eight years. Some of you have been doing it longer, I know. When we walk through a parking lot I have to keep my hand on him at all times for fear that he will dart in front of a car. You know the routine.

Last year at my daughter's birthday party we had probably 20 people around.....many adults. We were in the back yard cutting the cake and I walked into the house and asked another adult "have you seen Jack?" They said they thought he was out with me. Panic set it in. You go into mode: Running from the upstairs bedrooms, looking in closets, then down to the basement and in the garage and cars. People calling for him looking inside and out. I just about lost it. My neighbor just happened to call down to her house (3 houses down) to check with her kids to see if they had seen Jack. He was down there. Just walked into the house and no one thought anything of it (they all know and love Jack). But that fear is an awful one. One that I don't ever want to feel again! It can happen in an instant, even to the most attentive parents. Wandering is how many children with autism end up drowning.....in many cases within minutes. Below are some links to great resources that can help prevent wandering.

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit.php

http://www.awaare.org/

http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/articleItem.aspx?id=71

Autism on the Seas: Cruise Ship Caters to Autism Families

2011-03-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

Want to go on a family vacation but not sure what will accommodate your child with autism? Here is a cruise that caters specifically to families dealing with autism. Respite care available, activities for your children, special diet accommodations, etc. You can even make payments and have your vacation paid for before you go! We have not done this, but I am adding it to my bucket list. Anyone out there want to chime in? Experiences good, bad, or indifferent? Love to hear!

http://www.alumnicruises.org/Autism/Autism_Home.htm

Immune System Dysfunction and Autism

2011-03-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

There is no doubt in my mind that autism is very much connected to the immune system. I have seen it in my own child. When he is sick his symptoms are much more exacerbated. This is why food sensitivities and gut issues play a role for many autistic children. Another study pointing to the immune system.

http://www.thehindu.com/health/medicine-and-research/article1498701.ece?homepage=true

Kim Stagliano: "Fellow" Mother Warrior

2011-02-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.kimstagliano.com/

How one woman raises three daughters with autism, loses one at Disney World, stays married, has sex, bakes gluten-free, goes broke, and keeps her sense of humor.

Autism on Dr. Oz

2011-02-27T21:01:00.001-05:00

Did you see that they were talking about autism on Dr. Oz?" Many well meaning people asked me that in the few days following the show. But the reality of it all is that just like on most other shows and in the media....there was really nothing new discussed. One side says "vaccines play a role", the other side says "they don't." Then, you've got Autism Speaks that declines to comment. WHAT? Aren't they the biggest autism charity out there? HOW do you decline to comment? EVEN.....if it is something generic like "we need more research!" I just don't get it. What is Autism Speaks doing with all of this money that is being raised? What are they doing for families of children with Autism? Incidentally, early on they "merged" with CAN (Cure Autism Now). CAN was predominantly a "biomedical" charity focused on treatments and recovery. Boy, they got gobbled up and lost their vision, huh? Continuing the vaccine autism debate in the media is truly a moot point until they decide to do the only study that will really tell us if there is any kind of connection. A vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study. What are we waiting for? Or, is it that we don't really want the truth?

Judge not lest ye be judged: Faith and Autism

2011-02-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

Everyday things like attending a simple church service can be difficult for a family with a child with autism. When you go to church, you are expected to sit quietly and listen. Yeah, right! If we could get our kids to do this on a regular basis......many of our issues would be solved! Even in a church setting, it is difficult not to feel "judged" when your child is misbehaving or has to be dragged out of the service kicking and screaming. It's all fine and great when your child is 3, but a little more difficult when he or she is 10. There are some churches out there that offer a "special needs Sunday school." What a wonderful idea. There are many families out there who want to attend church, but don't have childcare or can't sit through a service without a meltdown. We know our kids have the capability to understand and learn about God, but it has to be taught in the right manner. Even church can leave families feeling isolated. If you belong to a church that has families with special needs children, suggest starting a program that will help families so that they too can attend church. What an outreach program, and news travels fast! .

Below are some articles in recent news about autism and religion/church.

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/19059069.html

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0304communion0304.html