Welcome To Autismnotes!! Please introduce yourself!

[Jen]

Welcome to the Autismnotes forum. We're glad you are here! My name is Jen and my husband, Eric, and I are the founders and moderaters here. Our purpose in creating this site is to create a place where the WHOLE Autism Spectrum Disorder community (family, professional, person on the spectrum) can exchange ideas and information as well as give support. We are geared more towards the "high functioning autism/asperger syndrome" part of the spectrum, but all are welcome here.
We do ask that you observe a few common courtesies so that we can keep things what are often referred to as 'family friendly.' Please show respect in all posts, no 'flaming' or 'bashing.' We are all travelling along a similar path and need each other along the way. Links in your posts to pertinent information or in your signature to a personal/autism related business website are fine. Please do not use the forum for purposes not related to ASD.

By way of brief introduction, Eric and I live with our 4 children in southeastern Indiana- right outside Louisville,KY. Our oldest son, Cam, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) in 2nd grade- shortly after our youngest son (Jordan- almost 2 at the time) was diagnosed with autism.  Cam is now a freshman honors student while Jordan is in full inclusion 3rd grade. I'll save the rest for other posts.

Please take a moment and tell us what brought you here! We hope to hear from you often!!!

[LaurylOT]

Hey Jen,
Happy Easter. I had a few moments so I re-registered.  As for introductions, my name is Lauryl and I am an occupational therapist with a private practice located in Louisville, KY.  For more information please contact me by email or check out our website @ www.meaingfulplay2.com
Thanks
Lauryl

[Jen]

Great to have you back, Lauryl!!!!!

[jill]

good to see your site back.  congratulations,  you are indeed a blessing to your children as well as to so many others.
jill carey

[Mshellpol]

My name is Michelle from Missouri. My husband and I have 3 kids. My 7 year old daughter has always been afraid of crowds and new people, had routines to different activities, and little "quirks". We have always just said those were here ways and accepted them no matter how aggrevating they were. I watched "The View" before Easter. They were doing a show on Autism. Lightbulbs and red flags were going off big time with me when a couple of the parents were talking about their children having Asperger's Syndrome. My daughter was doing, and had been doing, the same things since she was 2! I went to the library and checked out books, went online and read articles and articles. I am certain this is what my child has so I made an appointment for an evaluation.
A good friend and I just sat and cried yesterday, but I am acctually relieved to think that my child wasn't just trying to get on my last nerve...she was doing this stuff because she couldn't help it.

Michelle

[Jen]

Michelle,
Welcome! Your story is one we hear alot- an article or story sets off red flags. It was actually like that with our oldest son's asperger diagnosis. And you are right, it can be such a relief to know there is something driving behaviors. I have found huge comfort in having a diagnosis so I had some idea where to go and what to do from there. I hear of alot of parents who don't want a 'label' on their child, but I've found it is such a help, I just refuse to let them be pigeonholed or limited by the diagnosis. I've got to run, but we can chat more- for now, know we are glad you are here!!!

[Gracie]

Hello, out there!!  My name is Gracie and I am the mother of 3 boys diagnosed with ASD.  I am also married to an undiagnosed Aspie.  My husband's sister has Aspergers and her 2 children are diagnosed with ASDs.  I have founded an AUtism resource and advocacy center called Spectrum in the area that we live in.  I believe that my boys-well, my family is wonderful just the way that it is.  I don't cry that my children are going to be different for the rest of their lives.  I teach them to be the best they can be, and we attend many hours of therapy weekly.  I am glad to be a part of this community!

[Jen]

Gracie-
Welcome! We are so glad you are here! I love your perspective on your family, we feel the same way. That's one of the main reasons we started this forum/site.
Looking forward to getting to know you better!

[Jeanine]

Hi Jen et al,
Thanks for your post. Seems like Mother's Day is a good day to register.  Okay, so to introduce myself... I'm Jeanine in No. California, mother of two boys, Jer who has autism is 12, (wow, how old was he when we started posting on the SID list?) and Jordan who is 16 and well, a great kid who never got an official ASD diagnosis but struggles with mild aspie qualities. This is a great school year for his little brother, so I have lot's of time to focus on all of Jordan's planning/organizational skill deficits, and painfully dibilitating social awkwardness. He does have a growing following of girls, though. (eeek)
A couple of websites that I would like to share... First, I live in a rather "service underserved" community in the bay area, so another mother and I started the California chapter of the National Autism Association. But we have very different philosophies, from NAA (Promoting education and services, rather than the their focus on fighting the gov about causes.)  so we're in the process of doing something more independent. True, we are a California organization but our website includes valuable info on many autism related topics.  www.freewebs.com/calnaa
The other website is Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk and Safety Management.  I cannot recommend this enough. From protecting kids who may tend to wander, to educating law enforcement and first responders about even high functioning individuals who may not respond appropriately, Dennis's information is so valuable.  At my urging, one of our local LEA's along with our school dsitrict's safety officers were treated to a training by Dennis last month. He also presents to parents.  He is an incredible resource and a very nice guy. Check him out. www.autismriskmanagement.com
Okay, that's my mother's day soap box. Glad to see autism notes is spam free and thriving. More later!
Jeanine in Ca

[Kristi Sakai]

First let me say thank you to Jen and Eric for creating this wonderful website! They have faced many obstacles along the way, but have continued to ultimately persevere. Let's support them by spreading the word so we can create the kind of online community they are so willingly dedicating their lives to build.

I'm Kristi and I have three children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tom is 15, Kito is 12 and Kaede is 7, and have been married to Nobuo, who has Asperger Syndrome, for 16 years. Like Jen and Eric, we live with autism every day.

I'm currently working on an adolescent book and would love to receive input from anyone who has information to share, or concerns over their adolescent's and young adult's development. Primarily the focus will be on puberty and sexuality with a strong emphasis on "The Hidden Curriculum". Our goals include protecting our children as well as providing them with social skills so they can develop healthy relationships. You may direct any questions or comments to me directly here on privately to my email--however I encourage you to openly discuss these issues on the forum because many people can benefit from your wisdom--and also share your same concerns. This is one of the reasons Eric and Jen have provided this wonderful opportunity for us to build an online community--because we have more in common as human beings than we have differences. Sharing our experiences helps us not feel so alone in the world.

Take care and again, thank you Jen and Eric for your heartfelt and relentless dedication to serving families with autism. They are just regular folks with one exception--they have the biggest hearts in the world.

Kristi Sakai

[bmyles]

I am glad that Autismnotes is up and running! This is such a great resource for us all! Brenda Myles

[Jen]

Welcome, Kristi and Brenda!!!!! I'm so glad to see you here! You both bring so much knowledge and experience...our family is blessed to have you in our lives and we're so happy to have your wisdom here on the forum.

[JanJT]

Hi Jen and all!

My name is Jan Johnston-Tyler, and I have a 14-year-old son with Asperger Syndrome, diagnosed at at 4.

I have a newly-released book from AAPC -- The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome, a handbook for parents, practitioners, and teachers working with Aspies and other ASD/Learning Disordered kids. A very easy read, jam-packed with information. It's the book *I* wanted 10 years ago!! You can find it at Amazon.com. The second book, for high school kids and their parents, is under contract and I'm busily writing away.

I am also in private practice as a career and organizational counselor, working with ASD youth and adults to help them find their 'true calling', help them figure out what sort of jobs they would like, and how to go about getting those jobs. I train organizations about hidden disabilities and how to work with these individuals as well. You can visit my website at www.evolibri.com for more info.

I'll try to come visit from time to time -- Jen has set up a lovely site here, and I'm pleased to participate!

Jan

[donnaowens]

Hello Jen and all,

I am Donna Owens, the Family Services Administrator at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence. Thank you so much for providing a resource for families and professionals to share and consult with each other.  We are so much more powerful when we are connected to networks of individuals with common interests and concerns and varied experiences.  This is great work.

I am involved in providing information and support to parents and families throughout Ohio and am open to suggestions to everyone about strategies for meeting the needs of families.

I want to let you know about a new resource that OCALI has produced in conjunction with a task for of parents from Ohio.  See the notice below and check it out. Let me know what you think.

Donna Owens


NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WEB

OHIO’S PARENT GUIDE TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

The Ohio’s Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders in now available for download on the website of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).

The guide, written by Ohio parents, contains eight chapters providing an overview of critical information parents of children with autism spectrum disorders need to know. While Chapter 6 of this guide addresses Ohio-specific service agencies and organizations, the rest of the chapters are not Ohio specific.

The Ohio Parent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders includes the following information:

Chapter 1: What Is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
A definition of ASD with a list of characteristics and common warning signs in young children
Chapter 2: Screening and Diagnosis
An explanation of the difference between the medical diagnosis of ASD and the edu¬cational identification of autism
Chapter 3: Living with ASD
A review of common issues of daily life with practical tips for families
Chapter 4: Interventions
A review of therapies, program models, biomedical interventions, and individual strategies
Chapter 5: Accessing Educational Services
A guide to obtaining appropriate educational services
Chapter 6: Social Service Programs
A list of Ohio social service agencies and a review of the support they can provide
Chapter 7: Advocacy and Disability Awareness
A guide to help families become advocates who will influence services and supports for family members with ASD and influence public policy related to ASD
Chapter 8: Future Planning
A review of issues to consider as individuals with ASD grow to adulthood
References and Resources
A list of books, websites, and organizations that provide additional help and informa¬tion
Appendix A: Definition of Pervasive
Developmental Disorders
Full definition of pervasive developmental disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (IV-TR)
Appendix B: Useful Forms
Developmental Milestones, Family Health History, Emergency Medical, Emergency
Response Information for Individuals with a Disability, Parent Record-Keeping Worksheet, Child/Student Profile, Home-School Communication, IEPs, MFEs, Diag¬nostic Assessments

Appendix C: Navigating Rough Waters
Steps parents can take when they disagree with educators on their child’s program
Appendix D: Letter to Request a Multi-Factored Evaluation.
Appendix E: Process for Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services

Feel free to download this guide and disseminate it to the families you serve. Also feel free to forward this notice

The Parent Guide can be downloaded chapter by chapter or in its complete form.
 at http://www.ocali.org/family/fs_res_guide.php

[Jen]

Hey, Jan and Donna!
Welcome to AutismNotes.com!!! we're so glad to have you- you both add a wealth of information. Please feel free to post anytime- especially to let us know of the cool things you are involved with.
Jen