Order your Autism Awareness shirts now

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Order your Choose Blue shirts to support World Autism Awareness Month (April). Short-sleeve shirts are only $10 and long-sleeve shirts are $15. Join the Choose Blue campaign and order a blue shirt to wear during the month of April. Payment and order forms are due to Faith, Hope & Charity no later than Thursday, March 8th. The Choose Blue Shirts will be available for pick-up at Faith, Hope & Charity on Friday, March 30th.

"Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy" during World Autism Awareness Month in April. Storm Lake is Choosing Blue as part of Autism Speaks' Light It Up Blue campaign to educate people on the disorder. Autism Speaks is an organization whose mission is to change the future for all who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

For the second year, Faith, Hope & Charity has teamed up with the Riesenberg family, and Storm Lake Radio to promote for Autism Awareness in the community. Knowing how hard it is for an outsider to relate to Autism, as well the pain-staking process of finding information and treatment options, these groups want to make a difference in the community.

With the Autism rates on the rise (Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys, autismspeaks.org), more parents than ever will receive the news, "Your child has Autism." Through projects like Choose Blue, Light It Up Blue and the Iowa Walk Now for Autism Speaks, parents will have a support system and be able to easily identify the information and tools to raise a child with Autism.

By increasing awareness and highlighting resources provided within the community as well as by Autism Speaks, children affected by Autism (and their families) can receive the help they need sooner. With the support of the community and families, we can change the future ... Autism does not have to be a silent disease. Please join Faith, Hope & Charity, the Riesenberg family, and Storm Lake Radio as they Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy during the month of April.

On April 20th, FHC will host an Autism Awareness Walk with a blue balloon release to kick it off at 5:15 p.m. Families, friends and other supporters are invited to come to Faith, Hope & Charity to walk around our campus to promote Autism Awareness. Following the conclusion of the walk (6 p.m.), participants are encouraged to head to Lake Avenue Lounge (downtown Storm Lake) for a fundraising meal (starting at 6 p.m.) -- complete with live entertainment.

For more resources please visit faithhopeandcharity.org, autismspeaks.org, or lightitupblue.org. And, for more information on Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy plans contact Stephanie Beck at Faith, Hope & Charity at 712-732-5127, ext. 102 or stephanie@faithhopeandcharity.org.

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Order your Autism Awareness shirts now

Autism groups in China lack support

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The country's fledgling autism organisations are short of professional staff and government support, a survey released yesterday shows.

More than half of the autism organisations, or rehabilitation centres, covered in the survey in South China were founded by parents of autistic children, and they raised 75 per cent of their initial funding on their own, according to the Shenzhen Autism Society and One Foundation charity, which co-organised the survey.

About 91 per cent of the operating costs of these groups are paid by the families of autism sufferers, the report said.

The report is part of a larger national report to be released on April 2, which is 5th World Autism Awareness Day.

The national report, the first of its kind in China, is based on 2,092 questionnaires completed by 56 autism organisations, 988 parents of autistic patients, 510 employees of autism organisations and 538 community organisers. Two-thirds of the questionnaires were submitted from South China.

Liao Yanhui, the secretary-general of the Shenzhen Autism Society, said: "Autism treatment in China faces many difficulties, but there is no statistical support in this field. So we started systematic research in 2009 with financial support from One Foundation."

She said the survey found that many autism organisations lack government support, professional teachers and therapists. The groups have called for increasing social awareness and support.

The survey also found there is a huge imbalance in resources. Some organisations have more than 100 teachers, while some have only three staff.

Most teachers in such organisations have less than five years of experience in this sector. Many of them do not hold a bachelor's or higher degree in special education.

They have meagre incomes as well - between 2,000 yuan (US$320) and 3,000 yuan a month - with few training opportunities or chances for promotion. Many autism organisations have high staff turnover, according to the report.

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Autism groups in China lack support

Autism groups lack staff, funding

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The country's fledgling autism organizations are short of professional staff and government support, a survey released on Sunday shows.

More than half of the autism organizations, or rehabilitation centers, covered in the survey in South China were founded by parents of autistic children, and they raised 75 percent of their initial funding on their own, according to the Shenzhen Autism Society and One Foundation charity, which co-organized the survey.

About 91 percent of the operating costs of these groups are paid by the families of autism sufferers, the report said.

The report is part of a larger national report to be released on April 2, which is 5th World Autism Awareness Day.

The national report, the first of its kind in China, is based on 2,092 questionnaires completed by 56 autism organizations, 988 parents of autistic patients, 510 employees of autism organizations and 538 community organizers. Two-thirds of the questionnaires were submitted from South China.

Liao Yanhui, the secretary-general of the Shenzhen Autism Society, said: "Autism treatment in China faces many difficulties, but there is no statistical support in this field. So we started systematic research in 2009 with financial support from One Foundation."

Wang Ming instructs an autistic 3-year-old in Lanzhou, Gansu province. Wang must repeat the same word as many as 1,000 times before the child can pronounce it. [Cao Zhizheng / for China Daily]

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Autism groups lack staff, funding

Lexington psychiatrist writes book on parenting kids with autism

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Lexington resident Dr. Blaise Aguirre has seen firsthand the impact an autism spectrum diagnosis can have, not just on the child but on the childs family.

An expert in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy, Aguirre is the medical director of 3East at McLean Hospital in Belmont and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University. His recent book, Parenting Your Child with Autism: Practical Solutions, Strategies, and Advice for Helping Your Family, which he co-wrote with M. Anjali Sastry, PhD, serves as a guidebook for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Aguirre spoke with the Lexington Minuteman about his new book and the rise in autism diagnoses in children.

What is your book about?

Many parents learn that their child has autism at a time when life is hectic for even the most typical of families. We asked ourselves the question: How can parents educate themselves about what the diagnosis means, navigate the medical and educational systems, and deal with difficult decisions about what to do and what not to do? How do they come to terms with the implications for their families while advocating for their child? This is the book that answers those questions. It is recognizing the parent as central to the process, that parents can become the experts of their particular situation, and that a parent who can take care of themselves is going to be a more effective parent.

Why did you want to write a book for parents?

Parents of children with autism report high levels of stress, but theres evidence that they rebound in the years that follow an initial diagnosis. Our advice to families acknowledges that the way forward may be difficult and that it can also get better. If our book helps people get there any faster, well have reached our goal.

We want to equip caregivers by giving them the tools to choose the right treatments and educational approaches for their child. We want to draw on science and the study of mindfulness, combining parent-tested tips with systematic approaches to making decisions amid limited information and insufficient resources. This is in contrast to what can at times be a reactive, headline-driven approach to parenting.

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Lexington psychiatrist writes book on parenting kids with autism

Minnesota Twins may add extra autism section games in 2013

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Sunday, July 29, will be Autism Awareness Day at Target Field, with 250 fans watching the series finale against the Indians from a dedicated section in left field. It has been an annual event for the Twins since 2004, but team president Dave St. Peter said it may grow to a handful of games as early as next season.

"As an organization there hasn't been anything decided, but it's definitely a consideration for the future," St. Peter said. "We'll certainly look at the possibility this offseason."

The event is designed to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, a set of brain-based disorders that affect a person's behavior, as well as social and communications skills. It also is an opportunity for people with ASD, their families and friends to enjoy a game in a supportive environment.

"Once people realize we have this going on, they're more apt to bring their kids to a game, whereas in the past they may have felt isolated and lonely," said Brad Trahan, executive director for RT Autism Awareness Foundation in Rochester, Minn., which promotes the Twins event each year. "Now we're all together with parents and caregivers."

That social engagement is important for ASD families, who often get out only rarely because of social or economic issues, Trahan said. His foundation, named after his son, Reece, is petitioning Major League Baseball to add an autism awareness weekend to the schedule similar to those dedicated to raising awareness for breast and prostate

The New York Mets announced in June they are thinking of creating a permanent "quiet" autism section. Because many on the autism spectrum can be overwhelmed by even everyday stimuli, the section would drastically lower the volume on the PA announcements, and cut out music and cheerleading. St. Peter said he is familiar with the Mets' plan, and the Twins could do something similar.

"We are able to modify the PA system speakers for certain sections; we can turn them down or off," he said. "It would mainly be the sound piece we focus on. Our challenge is to get out in front of it -- identify the section and the game so that we can deliver on that experience while allowing others to enjoy a typical game-day experience. We've been able to do that with our peanut-free sections. It's on our list of things to consider."

Trahan expects 250 to sit in the autism section on Sunday, 230 of whom got their tickets through the foundation. Tickets were $19, but an anonymous donor bought the last 41 and donated them to ASD families.

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Minnesota Twins may add extra autism section games in 2013

The Case for Autism Coverage

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With autism affecting one in 88 children, companies and lawmakers are stepping up efforts to see that treatments are covered by health benefits.

By JONATHAN BERR, who has written for national media outlets for more than 15 years.

Employees at The Autism Society, a small non-profit dedicated to raising public awareness about the condition, are offered a wide array of benefits -- except, ironically coverage for autism.

"It's amazing," said Scott Badesch, the society's president and COO, who is lobbying state officials to change the law.

Maryland is behind the times. One in 88 children suffer from autism. Around 30 states have passed laws requiring companies to offer coverage for autism and services such as speech, occupational and behavioral therapies. These laws don't apply in general to large companies whose health insurance plans are self-funded. But even in those cases, there is progress as more of them are helping to cover the costs of these treatments.

"I am pleasantly surprised at the rapid growth of the number of companies that are offering autism benefits," said Lori Unub, vice president for state government affairs at Autism Speaks, adding that a German firm was basing its decision on where to locate its U.S. operations on whether a particular state required autism insurance coverage. "I actually cannot keep up with all the emails that I get. ?It is still the tip of the iceberg."

IBM, Capital One and Ohio State University are among employers that assist workers in paying for scientifically recognized autism treatments and therapies. IBM, the world's largest provider of computer services, offers a program to cover costs outside the scope of the company's health insurance plan. It has a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000, according to the Armonk, N.Y.-based company. In addition, IBM provides LifeWorks, which offers around-the-clock personal phone support from trained disability consultants.

Capital One, the sixth-largest U.S. commercial lender by deposits, offers autism benefits because the company believes that it's the right thing to do, said Eric Gutierrez, vice president of HR benefits.

The McLean, Va.-based company offers coverage for applied behavioral analysis -- a common autism treatment that has been shown to be effective -- along with speech, occupational and physical therapy. It also funds and supports a program for autistic adults so they can experience what it's like to work in a Fortune 500 company.

"These types of benefits are definitely having a positive impact on hiring and retention," Guitierrez said. "We have several stories of associates whose decision to join our company were influenced by our great benefits, including the autism benefits. This is a tremendous retention tool for the associates using these benefits, as most would not be able to afford these services on their own. Many associates, even those without children with autism, have told us that the autism program speaks volumes for our values as an organization."

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The Case for Autism Coverage

Foods for children with autism

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As a certified holistic health counselor and a mother, Ive had my share of experience helping children with disabilities. Over the next three weeks, I will be featuring three disabilities that are increasingly prevalent: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor at FoxNews.com, has asked that I offer suggestions on diets to support children with these special needs. We will be taking a look at brain physiology, common physical symptoms, nourishing foods and foods to avoid.

First up this week is ASD. The most recent statistics indicate approximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S are on the spectrum.

Autistic manifestations usually begin to appear between the first and second year of life and include delays or abnormalities in language and complex behavior, social interactions, repetitive behavior or unusual interests and preoccupations. According to The Autism Society there is no single cause of autism and most cases involve a combination of genetic risk factors, environmental factors and very early brain development.

Studies published by Autism Speaks show that a set of biochemical pathways (methylation, transsulfration and sulfation) tend to function sub-optimally for those with autism. These pathways are involved in detoxification, heavy metal elimination, digestion, immune function and gut integrity.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation are very common for those on the spectrum. These include diarrhea, constipation, bloating and GI pain.

Gut inflammation is typically caused by food sensitivities and an overabundance of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Impaired digestion causes nutrient deficiencies and impaired cellular function, which manifests as poor brain function and immune system deficiencies. When food is not broken down properly, as is the case with food sensitivities, it leads to foggy thinking, insensitivity to pain, withdrawal and irritability.

The most common culprits of food sensitivities are gluten, casein and soy. Other common physical symptoms are frequent infections, trouble sleeping, non-localized pain/inflammation and brain fog. These symptoms are typical of yeast overgrowth and excessive toxins.

There is a clear connection between the brain and the gut. Supporting the physical symptoms through diet will increase overall health and should reduce the severity of symptoms.

In order to heal the gut, it is important to eat a diet rich in foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (fatty fish such as salmon and sardines), flax seeds and walnuts to reduce any existing gut inflammation.

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Foods for children with autism

Utah autism solution continues to frustrate parents

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(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) Six-year-old Logan Hilton, who is autistic, plays on his parents' bed while watching a kid's video, Friday July 27, 2012. Logan's mother, Michelle Hilton, qualifies for a new pilot program to treat Logan. The problem is she needs to contribute $6,000 to fully benefit.

Health Families must pay $6,000 per year toward treatment.

The adorable little boy wearing the backpack is 6 years old, but Logan Hilton cant hold a conversation and doesnt understand how to make friends.

A website designed to raise $12,000 for two years of Applied Behavior Analysis autism treatment for him explains that without help, "Logan would require constant costly care for the rest of his life."

Utahs two-year autism treatment pilot, which launched this year, is intended to help kids like Logan. His mom works for the Department of Corrections, and as the child of a public employee, he can now receive up to $30,000 worth of behavioral treatment each year.

The problem is that families covered by the Public Employees Health Program still need to contribute $6,000 annually to take advantage of the maximum state benefit.

"Im grateful for it, but at the same time its not enough," said his mom, Michelle Hilton. "They havent made it affordable enough."

The Eagle Mountain mom believes more families would have participated if the requirements paying 20 percent of the cost, and open only to children from age 2 to 6 had been more flexible.

Only 25 children are signed up for the 50 autism pilot slots in the PEHP portion.

"I think because of that age limit we dont capture all of the autistic kids in our population," said Toan Lam, the PEHP medical director.

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Utah autism solution continues to frustrate parents

Automated autism screening tool available on Autism Speaks website

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Public release date: 7-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jane E. Rubinstein jrubinstein@rubenstein.com 212-843-8287 Autism Speaks

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 7, 2012) Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the launch of an automated version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, or M-CHAT. The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months of age to assess their risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was developed by neuropsychologists Diana Robins, Ph.D. and Deborah Fein, Ph.D. and clinical psychologist Marianne Barton, Ph.D. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive autism screening at 18 and 24 months of age, and the M-CHAT is one of the AAP's recommended tools.

Dr. Robins worked closely with Autism Speaks' science staff and web team to ensure this online automated version of the M-CHAT is a useful tool that parents can use if they are concerned about their toddler's development and whether their child should be evaluated by a healthcare provider or developmental specialist. It is not intended to take the place of screening and diagnosis by a trained professional.

The M-CHAT's primary goal is to detect as many cases of ASD as possible. Therefore, a significant number of children whose results show increased risk for ASD will not be diagnosed with ASD after receiving a more comprehensive evaluation by a specialist. However, a high M-CHAT score suggests that a toddler is at risk for a range of developmental disorders and delays and, therefore, should receive further assessment and, when appropriate, the earliest possible intervention to improve outcomes.

The automated M-CHAT now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations. Parents can review, print and save the results to share with their child's doctor or other developmental specialist.

Autism Speaks urges parents to know the signs of autism, and offers information about treatments for ASD. The Autism Speaks video glossary offers a view of behaviors associated with autism and treatments often used in early intervention. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit and the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit were created specifically for newly diagnosed families to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child's diagnosis of autism or ASD/HFA and the Tools You Can Use webpage offers additional resources which can be downloaded for free. Families in need of personalized supports can reach out to the Autism Response Team which is specially trained to connect families with information, resources and opportunities. The ART can be reached at 888-288-4762 or en Espaol 888-772-9050 or via email at familyservices@autismspeaks.org.

###

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders autism spectrum disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

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Automated autism screening tool available on Autism Speaks website

NASCAR revs up autism-friendly event

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Yet families affected by autism are still often left feeling like they are not truly part of their communities. Some of that feeling of isolation comes from the fact that it can be challenging if not outright impossible for families like mine to take part in activities that most take for granted. Whether its going to a movie, heading out for a pancake breakfast, catching a baseball game, or attending a town barbecue, we often decide its ultimately not worth taking the risk that what should be a fun outing could turn into a fiasco.

Fortunately, there is a growing movement to develop events or modify existing ones that take the unique needs of people with autism into consideration and create marvelous experiences for them. Broadway theaters have started hosting special performances for families with autism, featuring toned-down lighting, sound, and special effects, as well as quiet rooms for kids who need some time away from the action. Movie theater chains host autism-only screenings, where parents dont have to worry if their child screams or otherwise acts out.

I am proud to be involved with a new effort that will hopefully inspire others to follow suit. Dover International Speedway, NASCAR, FedEx, and the national advocacy organization Autism Speaks are partnering to create the first autism-friendly NASCAR race experience for families. At this weekends FedEx 400, families with autism can attend the "Autism Speaks Day at the Races," which will feature prerace presentations on the latest autism research and services available to families. During the race, a "quiet zone" in the grandstand will allow parents to bring their kids to a sensory-friendly place to take in the action away from the crowd and noise.

Not every entertainment venue can accommodate families in this way, but it is important for organizations such as NASCAR, movie theater chains, restaurants, and others to know that doing so isnt just a good deed its also good business. Like all families, we "vote" with our wallets, spending our limited entertainment dollars where they will bring us the best experiences. Autism-friendly events are business-savvy, and they help develop communities that are inclusive and welcoming for all.

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NASCAR revs up autism-friendly event

Autism: It’s In The Eyes

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Theres a lot that can be learned about autism by focusing on the eye movements of those who have the developmental disorder, researchers say.

In a new study believed to be the largest of its kind, researchers observed children with and without autism watching movie scenes of kids in age-appropriate social situations.

What they found were striking differences in eye movement between typically developing children and those with autism. Whats more, the researchers noted significant variations depending on where a child with autism fell on the diagnostic spectrum.

The study published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry looked at 135 children, including 109 with autism, all around age 10.

Researchers found that when watching the movies, those with autism were more likely to fixate on bodies and inanimate objects rather than a persons eyes or face. Moreover, the degree to which a child focused on something other than a persons face correlated with the level of their disability.

These results help us tease apart some of the vast heterogeneity of the autism spectrum, said Katherine Rice of the University of Maryland, who worked on the study.

Further research could help establish a better understanding of the development of autism, the researchers said.

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Autism: It’s In The Eyes

What is autism? The Mayo Clinic provides some answers

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Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas of development -- social interaction, language and behavior. But because autism symptoms vary greatly, two children with the same diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills. In most cases, though, severe autism is marked by a complete inability to communicate or interact with other people.

Some children show signs of autism in early infancy. Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life but then suddenly become withdrawn, become aggressive or lose language skills they've already acquired. Each child with autism is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior.

Common symptoms:

Social skills: Fails to respond to his or her name, poor eye contact, seems not to hear you at times, resists cuddling and holding, appears unaware of others' feelings, seems to prefer playing alone.

Language: Starts talking after age 2, loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences, speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm -- may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech, can't start a conversation or keep one going, may repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them.

Behavior: Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping, develops specific routines or rituals and is disturbed by the slightest change of routine or ritual, constant movement, fascination by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, may be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain.

As they mature, some children with autism become more engaged with others and show less marked disturbances in behavior. Some, usually those with the least severe problems, eventually may lead normal or near-normal lives. Others, however, continue to have difficulty with language or social skills, and the adolescent years can mean a worsening of behavioral problems.

Most children with autism are slow to gain new knowledge or skills, and some have signs of lower than normal intelligence. Other children with autism have normal to high intelligence. These children learn quickly yet have trouble communicating, applying what they know in everyday life and adjusting in social situations. A small number of children with autism are "autistic savants" and have exceptional skills in a specific area, such as art, math or music.

See a doctor if your child:

* Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months.

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What is autism? The Mayo Clinic provides some answers

Autism in minority children often diagnosed later than in white kids, study says

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WASHINGTONEarly diagnosis is considered key for autism, but minority children tend to be diagnosed later than white children. Some new work is beginning to try to uncover why and to raise awareness of the warning signs so more parents know they can seek help even for a toddler.

"The biggest thing I want parents to know is we can do something about it to help your child," said Dr. Rebecca Landa, autism director at Baltimore's Kennedy Krieger Institute. Landa is exploring the barriers that different populations face in getting that help.

Her preliminary research suggests even when autism is diagnosed in toddlerhood, minority youngsters have more severe developmental delays than their white counterparts. She said cultural differences in how parents view developmental milestones, and how they interact with doctors, may play a role.

Consider: Tots tend to point before they talk, but pointing is rude in some cultures and may not be missed by a new parent, Landa said. Or maybe a mom is worried her son isn't talking but her grandmother says don't worry cousin Harry spoke late too, and he's fine. Or maybe a pediatrician dismissed the parents' concern, and they were taught not to question doctors.

It's possible to detect autism as early as 14 months of age, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that youngsters be screened for it starting at 18 months. While there's no cure, behavioral and other therapies are thought to work best when started very young.

Yet on average, U.S. children aren't diagnosed until they're about 4 years old, according to government statistics.

And troubling studies show that white kids may be diagnosed with autism as much as a year and a half earlier than black and other minority children, said University of Pennsylvania autism expert David Mandell, who led much of that work. Socioeconomics can play a role, if minority families have less access to health care or less education.

But Mandell said the full story is more complex. One of his own studies, for example, found that black children with autism were more likely than whites to get the wrong diagnosis during their first visit with a specialist.

Early warning signs

Dr. Rebecca Landa, autism director at Baltimore's Kennedy Krieger Institute, is developing videos that show typical and atypical behaviors. Among early warning signs:

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Autism in minority children often diagnosed later than in white kids, study says