“Wait and see,” the ______ said. (You can fill in the blank with teacher, doctor, therapist, adoption worker.) But regardless of who says it, it’s just plain wrong!

This point was driven home for me as I watched LuLu work through a computer-based program that tests her on some academic basics in math and language. LuLu is currently working slightly behind grade level in math, but further behind in language. In the last two years her language abilities, including speech, reading, auditory processing, etc., have been tested and retested. And regardless of who... more

An exciting story in HealthDay News by Krisha McCoy on Monday, June 25, 2007 caught my eye immediately. Scientists have actually found a way to reverse the symptoms of autism and mental retardation. Ok, it was only in mice, but isn’t that usually the first step. It didn’t even involve any radical surgery, just inhibiting a certain enzyme.

The enzyme that was inhibited affects the number, size, and shape of the connections between neurons and the brain and... more

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is offering an Autism on the Seas cruise for autistic children and their families. The cruise is booked through Alumni Cruises, who will provide autism specialists and special programming for the children. They’ve thought of everything including special dietary considerations. So those with gluten/casein free diets or other restrictions can easily be accommodated. And service dogs are welcomed as well!

They have planned activities... more

Research and Networking: Tell someone, tell everyone

Here’s a secret, when it comes to your special needs child, people want to help you.

Out there living in the new school district is someone who’s parenting a child with needs similar to your child’s. That person has already been through the hoops and knows the information you’re looking for. They have the right contacts and understand the local school system.

This person wants to help you find services and support for your child.

Why? Because at some point they were sitting in the same hot seat, wondering what to do and wishing someone would help them. That or they had help or information... more

Research and Networking: Finding local resources

Next do an online search for parent groups. See if there is a family or parent resource network in the area. If so give them a call.

If not, search for one that is in a nearby town. They’ll more than likely have information on who you should contact for your area.

Once you have the right groups, call and tell them about your child. Ask them specifically about schools in the area, other resource groups, and other parents parenting a child with needs similar to your own. Find out what they have to offer. Many times these groups offer support during IEP or 504 plan meetings.

If they offer that,... more

Research and Networking: Finding school information

Finding information about a school, its district boundaries and overall scores can be as easy as an internet search. Many school districts have their own web sites with helpful information. The ones I’ve looked at link to individual school sites as well. There was a multitude of information on school rules, dress code policy, bell schedules, after school clubs and extracurricular activities.

What there wasn’t much of was information on special education services. Of all the schools and districts I researched, only one listed its pride in meeting the needs of special kids and being pro-active on their behalf.... more

The things that don’t change

Your child’s entire world is going to change. Their town, school, friends, and house will all be different. However there are some things that won’t change.

Your child’s school records, assessments, diagnoses and need for special education will remain the same. You should have a copy of everything kept neatly in a binder and be able to provide copies as needed.

If you don’t have all the information, gather up what you can and start a binder. Also, call the school and ask for a copy of everything they have on file for your child. Do the same with the child’s doctors. (I will post at a later about keeping a binder for each... more

Moving with a special needs child is more complicated than moving with other school-aged children. Sure some of the challenges are the same. The kids will attend a new school and have new teachers. You’ll hope the kids make new friends easily and pray everyone will be settled soon with a minimum of turbulence.

With a special needs child you still think about all of those things, but there are extra layers of concern. Will your child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 plan transfer? Will you find a great school district that’s proactive and supportive for your child? Is there a specialized doctor in the new city that is as great as the one your child sees now? Are there support... more

The daughter of Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickinson committed suicide. The story states Nikki Bacharach had Asperger’s Syndrome.

“She quietly and peacefully committed suicide to escape the ravages to her brain brought on by Asperger’s,” the statement said. Full story

I never thought of Aspergers ravaging the brain. I have been told by Jay’s psychologist that many people with high-functioning autism have depression and are at high-risk for suicide.

To be incredibly open about it -- Jay already has suicide ideation.... more