OT: I normally wouldn't post this...

[amaron]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

[Don]

You're not from NoCal are you? For some reason that seems to have the highest percentage of Autistic children in the country, especially in the suburbs of Sacramento.
I added my vote.

[artist4perry]

Best wishes. My son has a mild version of Autism, and ADD. It is frustrating to get him help in school because he can "seem" normal most of the time. He struggles to make friends and grades. But every child with learning disorders deserves the best education and help that can be provided. We understand the frustrations that go with even a mild version. I am also a teacher, and work with autistic students of varying degrees. My heart goes out to your family and my vote as well. Hope you get the help you need.

[Voyager]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Amaron,

I have researched a lot about Autism because my 13-year-old daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a lighter form of Autism. We are lucky because she is very high functioning and seems to be outgrowing some of the symptoms.

How old are your children?

[amaron]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Amaron,

I have researched a lot about Autism because my 13-year-old daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a lighter form of Autism. We are lucky because she is very high functioning and seems to be outgrowing some of the symptoms.

How old are your children?

My kids are 4 and 3. One has full on Autism, the other is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.

My wife has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers and I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.

[Michigan Girl]

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

No Bother!!

[Voyager]

Best wishes. My son has a mild version of Autism, and ADD. It is frustrating to get him help in school because he can "seem" normal most of the time. He struggles to make friends and grades. But every child with learning disorders deserves the best education and help that can be provided. We understand the frustrations that go with even a mild version. I am also a teacher, and work with autistic students of varying degrees. My heart goes out to your family and my vote as well. Hope you get the help you need.

Does he have Asperger's Syndrome? My daughter has that. How old is he?

My daughter (age 13) has a lot of difficulty making friends in person, but she has a lot of Internet friends her age. She has become very good at graphic design and web design. She creates MySpace layouts and has her own website. We monitor her computer activity, but it seems to be one of the few things that calm her down and allow her to have a social life.

[Voyager]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Amaron,

I have researched a lot about Autism because my 13-year-old daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a lighter form of Autism. We are lucky because she is very high functioning and seems to be outgrowing some of the symptoms.

How old are your children?

My kids are 4 and 3. One has full on Autism, the other is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.

My wife has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers and I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid too.

None of the experts seem to agree about what the cause of Autism is, but the more I have researched it (four years now) I have become convinced that it is due to food allergies. Bacteria from allergic foods gets into the gut and starts eating away at the stomach lining, which causes what is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Then the toxins from food get into the bloodstream due to the stomach lining becoming porous and cause the symptoms of Autism. I have read about how diet changes can improve the symptoms. I would recommend having your kids tested for food allergies, and then stay away from the foods they are allergic to. Or you can simply follow one of the many online diets that are recommended for Autistic people. Here's an article that explains how diet can affect Autism: http://www.autismweb.com/diet.htm

Most of our food these days is very complex. It contains all sorts of colors, preservatives, additives, and even enriched with synthetic vitamins. Even our "fresh foods" could be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, antibiotics, or acid rain. These compounds have only been introduced to the human diet over the past several hundred years. The human race evolved for millions of years without any of these substances in the diet.

I can relate with your plight. Finding a support group of parents with kids who have Autism can be a really life saver.

[cheekymonkey]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Amaron,

I have researched a lot about Autism because my 13-year-old daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a lighter form of Autism. We are lucky because she is very high functioning and seems to be outgrowing some of the symptoms.

How old are your children?

My kids are 4 and 3. One has full on Autism, the other is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.

My wife has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers and I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid too.

None of the experts seem to agree about what the cause of Autism is, but the more I have researched it (four years now) I have become convinced that it is due to food allergies. Bacteria from allergic foods gets into the gut and starts eating away at the stomach lining, which causes what is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Then the toxins from food get into the bloodstream due to the stomach lining becoming porous and cause the symptoms of Autism. I have read about how diet changes can improve the symptoms. I would recommend having your kids tested for food allergies, and then stay away from the foods they are allergic to. Or you can simply follow one of the many online diets that are recommended for Autistic people. Here's an article that explains how diet can affect Autism: http://www.autismweb.com/diet.htm

Most of our food these days is very complex. It contains all sorts of colors, preservatives, additives, and even enriched with synthetic vitamins. Even our "fresh foods" could be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, antibiotics, or acid rain. These compounds have only been introduced to the human diet over the past several hundred years. The human race evolved for millions of years without any of these substances in the diet.

I can relate with your plight. Finding a support group of parents with kids who have Autism can be a really life saver.

This is never a bother or anything to joke about. You've got my vote and prayers, all of you.
Hugs

[Carla777]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

In my country happen the same thing, is is very unfair and for sure you have a valid feeling...you got my vote too..good luck..besos

[tj]

i don't know too much about it, but I saw this article the other day about an insurance company finally beginning to cover some things related to autism. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20081230_16_A9_OKLAHO798113

I hope that more begin to do this.

[artist4perry]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Also you can insist on the schools accomidations. Check into your rights. Schools have to try and assist you as much as possible. As they become an adult, my husband works in a program where they provide care in the daytime to families with special needs members. They pick them up in the morning and care for them all day. They plan outings and recreational things to do. They also teach life skills to higher functioning individuals. See what your area has to offer. You may have rescorces you are unaware of. Check with the schools and local departments.

[Lula]

it is outrageous that insurance companies do not, at the very least, cover doctor recommended services! it frightens me that the need to include elementary and secondary schools in the need for change where behavior support is needed. where do you live? there are laws, both federal and state prohibiting physical restraint, seclusion, etc... in CA it is the hughes bill- http://www2.csusm.edu/thousand/501hughesbill.html and of course IDEA on the fed level http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home

i have been teaching middle school students with special needs for 5 years. i am an advocate and take treatment of the population i serve very seriously. if i can offer any insight or something please feel free to pm me. and now i'll go add my vote!

[Blueskies]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

That certainly is not much to ask. I wish you success in your efforts.

[amaron]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Also you can insist on the schools accomidations. Check into your rights. Schools have to try and assist you as much as possible. As they become an adult, my husband works in a program where they provide care in the daytime to families with special needs members. They pick them up in the morning and care for them all day. They plan outings and recreational things to do. They also teach life skills to higher functioning individuals. See what your area has to offer. You may have rescorces you are unaware of. Check with the schools and local departments.

Believe me, we're getting all we can. Since the diagnoses we've gotten an advocate and have learned every little thing we can.

If you don't have money for Due Process, the schools can go tell you to stick it up your ass. They have to us, and have told us flat out to take them to court.

We're going to be moving out of CT within two months because of the piss poor services they offer.

[artist4perry]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Also you can insist on the schools accomidations. Check into your rights. Schools have to try and assist you as much as possible. As they become an adult, my husband works in a program where they provide care in the daytime to families with special needs members. They pick them up in the morning and care for them all day. They plan outings and recreational things to do. They also teach life skills to higher functioning individuals. See what your area has to offer. You may have rescorces you are unaware of. Check with the schools and local departments.

Believe me, we're getting all we can. Since the diagnoses we've gotten an advocate and have learned every little thing we can.

If you don't have money for Due Process, the schools can go tell you to stick it up your ass. They have to us, and have told us flat out to take them to court.

We're going to be moving out of CT within two months because of the piss poor services they offer.

Sorry, I know they do that with my son because he either is "fine", or they want to put him into special Ed. His autism is mild. But that does not mean he is "fine" by any stretch of the imagination. I am sorry. I know here things suck, but I was hoping for more in your state.

[tj]

but I think it's a worthwhile cause.

Both of my kids have been diagnosed with Autism. It's a drain on the mind and wallet and insurance companies do not even cover the minimal amount recommended by doctors.

I don't want anything from anyone here but a vote.

My wife has set up a page here for anyone who cares to read about what we're asking for.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/autism_advancement_act

Thanks, and sorry to bother you.

Also you can insist on the schools accomidations. Check into your rights. Schools have to try and assist you as much as possible. As they become an adult, my husband works in a program where they provide care in the daytime to families with special needs members. They pick them up in the morning and care for them all day. They plan outings and recreational things to do. They also teach life skills to higher functioning individuals. See what your area has to offer. You may have rescorces you are unaware of. Check with the schools and local departments.

Believe me, we're getting all we can. Since the diagnoses we've gotten an advocate and have learned every little thing we can.

If you don't have money for Due Process, the schools can go tell you to stick it up your ass. They have to us, and have told us flat out to take them to court.

We're going to be moving out of CT within two months because of the piss poor services they offer.

I am sorry that your choices are to move out of state or sue the school district just because the school system won't cooperate. I am the last person who advocates filing lawsuits, but I believe that this is what the court systems are really for - getting due process.

With as many attorneys as there are out there, I would think someone would listen to your story and take the case. If the first one won't, ask for a referral to some who will. Often, they will do it on contingency and the only expense you are out is your time as they recover their fee from any judgment.

A former boss of mine sued the company we used to work for and lost on a technical issue, not the merit of the case. Even though he lost, his attorney took the case assuming they would win and the attorney would get about 1/3 of the judgment. It didn't cost my boss the attorney fee to fight it, but cost the company more than $2 million to fight it. They will think twice before fighting something like it again.

[tammy]

I feel for you...we have a 7 yr old with classic autism (non-verbal, still in diapers)...not only do you have to deal with the exhausting daily struggles of her care & difficulties (she's a loud screecher & probably has ADHD since she is into everything all the time & never learns to stop) you have to deal with all the other stuff with services/schools etc. Fortunately we do live in a state that covers therapies but still nothing comes easy. We had to put her on Medi-cal 'cuz our insurance doesn't cover such things as anethesia (sp?) for her dental work - we found that out too late after getting the huge bill.
As for the cause of Autism - they still don't know, but it seems from the studies they have done that it has to do with a gene (our girl was adopted from overseas so who knows), but I still wonder about all the vaccines (she was re-vaccinated after coming here at 11 mos. old on the advice of our doctor).

[SteveForever]

I feel for you...we have a 7 yr old with classic autism (non-verbal, still in diapers)...not only do you have to deal with the exhausting daily struggles of her care & difficulties (she's a loud screecher & probably has ADHD since she is into everything all the time & never learns to stop) you have to deal with all the other stuff with services/schools etc. Fortunately we do live in a state that covers therapies but still nothing comes easy. We had to put her on Medi-cal 'cuz our insurance doesn't cover such things as anethesia (sp?) for her dental work - we found that out too late after getting the huge bill.
As for the cause of Autism - they still don't know, but it seems from the studies they have done that it has to do with a gene (our girl was adopted from overseas so who knows), but I still wonder about all the vaccines (she was re-vaccinated after coming here at 11 mos. old on the advice of our doctor).

You are a hero...I don't know how you get thru it but God Bless you...is there anyway you can slip out for some time
to yourself? I hope you don't take this all on by yourself...

[tammy]

I feel for you...we have a 7 yr old with classic autism (non-verbal, still in diapers)...not only do you have to deal with the exhausting daily struggles of her care & difficulties (she's a loud screecher & probably has ADHD since she is into everything all the time & never learns to stop) you have to deal with all the other stuff with services/schools etc. Fortunately we do live in a state that covers therapies but still nothing comes easy. We had to put her on Medi-cal 'cuz our insurance doesn't cover such things as anethesia (sp?) for her dental work - we found that out too late after getting the huge bill.
As for the cause of Autism - they still don't know, but it seems from the studies they have done that it has to do with a gene (our girl was adopted from overseas so who knows), but I still wonder about all the vaccines (she was re-vaccinated after coming here at 11 mos. old on the advice of our doctor).

You are a hero...I don't know how you get thru it but God Bless you...is there anyway you can slip out for some time
to yourself? I hope you don't take this all on by yourself...

Actually I do take it all on by myself as we don't have help or family nearby...but, this past week we finally seem to have gotten a decent respite person for 2 hrs a day M-F so I can take my other child out to play dates, etc. I hope this one works out as the other times we tried the people were not responsible or reliable. I'm not a hero, it's just how life turned out, but it is hard both mentally & physically...honestly, I don't know how these families can do it for so many years...I'm getting older and she's getting bigger & bigger.