Autismville

• Autism: Mail Call

  Number of comments: 0
  I'm passing this information along from my Rhema's Hope blogger, autism mom, hero, friend, Jeneil.
  
  The autism community is a tight, crazy, wonderful group of diverse human beings. Our kids are affected in many different ways. We fight with each other. We celebrate the hard-fought victories. [...]
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  Posted: December 11, 2009, 9:41am EST
  by Judith U.

• Autism: One Forest -- Many Paths: Why the Asperger Parent Falls Silent

  Number of comments: 21
  My friend Christine wrote this and I begged her to let me share it. Read it ... really.
  
  ****
  
  Frank was a no-nonsense archetypal North Jersey Italian guy. I took to him pretty quickly because the accent and the attitude were pretty reminiscent of my mother’s family. [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 12:51pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• I Just Couldn't See It

  Number of comments: 5
  I just couldn’t see it.
  
  As I lay on the examining table, dreading the jab of the amnio needle, out of the corner of my eye I saw Andy jump for joy. The tech looked up and smiled at him …
  
  “Looks like we’ve [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 1:07pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism Insurance Coverage: It's Time for Congress to Listen

  Number of comments: 9
  If you want to make the world a better place
  Take a look at yourself and then make a change
  ~Michael Jackson
  
  There are moments in life, realizations that occur, that just can't be shaken. One of those unshakable moments for me was the day I stood in my' [...]
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  Posted: July 08, 2009, 8:10am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Hope for the Dreaded Haircut

  Number of comments: 15
  It's no secret that I'm a fan of Autism Speaks Family Services' efforts. The first thing you'll find when you visit my blog is a link to their 100 Day Kit, which is an amazing resource for families who have just received that mind-boggling autism diagnosis. They also award [...]
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  Posted: May 30, 2009, 3:38pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Yes We CAN

  Number of comments: 13
  I was driving in the rain, both kids napping in the back seat, heads tilted, mouths curled in parallel fashion. I smiled to myself.
  
  Such beautiful babies.
  
  The cell rang and "the babies" both simultaneously startled. (Okay, the babies are 8 and 5, but I’ll always think of [...]
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  Posted: April 26, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism Awareness Sibling Style

  Number of comments: 22
  Amy brought me this letter today, asking if we could mail it to the President. I thought it was worth sharing.
  
  She's eight, but she has a lot on her mind, that one...
  
  ******
  
  Dear Barack Obama,
  
  When you said the thing about the Special' [...]
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  Posted: April 11, 2009, 10:17am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: April is the Sweetest Month

  Number of comments: 4
  The sun is shining.
  
  The snow is melting.
  
  And hope springs eternal....
  
  Time to flip the page on the calendar...
  
  Happy Autism Awareness Month!
  
  YouTube
  
  [...]
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  Posted: March 31, 2009, 11:03am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Sticks and Stones and Presidential Punchlines

  Number of comments: 18
  "We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."
  [...]
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  Posted: March 20, 2009, 8:44am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Ladies and Gentlemen ... Your Next American Idol!

  Number of comments: 10
  Simon Cowell, eat your heart out...
  
  [...]
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  Posted: March 11, 2009, 12:47pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Beautiful Dreamers

  Number of comments: 7
  For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it.
  For everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it.
  For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’
  See you at the finish line.
  ~Christopher Reeve
  
  The White House Blog included an entry today that brought tears to my eyes:
  
  [...]
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  Posted: March 09, 2009, 5:42pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: It Actually is a Wonderful Life

  Number of comments: 22
  I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.
  ~Dickens
  
  It’s a sunny, crisp, December Sunday, perfect for relaxing on the sofa with a cup of steaming coffee.
  
  Ah, peace.
  
  For me, not to be.
  
  Instead, I’m feeling stressed. Behind.
  [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2008, 5:10pm EST
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Simple Gifts

  Number of comments: 10
  When true simplicity is gain'd,
  To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
  
  
  
  To turn, turn will be our delight,
  Till by turning, turning we come round right.
  
  I hope today, and every day, you find a reason to dance.[...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2008, 2:11pm EST
  by Judith U.

• Diagnosis: Hope

  Number of comments: 9
  When Jack was diagnosed with autism three years ago, our pediatrician prescribed speech and occupational therapy. She also prescribed applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. I walked out of her office fully anticipating wait lists and lots of appointments.
  
  What I didn't anticipate was the blatant discrimination we were destined' [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2008, 10:47am EST
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Howl-o-ween

  Number of comments: 23
  Okay. So it didn't go so well this year ...
  
  

  Click HERE to see more. (Heed my warning. This is not for the faint of heart...)
  
  How were your little ghosts and goblins? Did you medicate yourself with fun size candy' [...]

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  Posted: October 31, 2008, 10:21pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Um .. Excuse Me ... Come Again?

  Number of comments: 17
  “This kid is moving…”
  
  Those were the words Jack’s neuropsychologist, Dr. C, said over and over today at our annual feedback session. (He has just finished up a round of extensive evaluations on Jack…Our IEP meeting is in a couple of weeks.)
  
  I kept waiting for him to [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2008, 7:53pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: October Surprise

  Number of comments: 7
  Saturday morning on the couch in my pajamas. I’m sipping coffee and enjoying the luxury of a weekend that has no appointments, events or obligations. I hope to get some work done, laptop cradled on my flannel-laden knees, running Jack to the potty every forty minutes.
  
  Pee. Flush. Cookie. [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2008, 10:31am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Jacket Weather

  Number of comments: 9
  There was a chill in the air as Jack darted past me through the open front door. Our sweet neighbor kids from next door wanted to play with Amy. As I grabbed Daisy, our crazy golden retriever’s collar and simultaneously negotiated play time, Jack saw his opening.
  
  In a [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2008, 8:27am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: His Sister's Keeper

  Number of comments: 11
  All of the people around us they say
  Can they be that close
  Just let me state for the record
  We're giving love in a family dose
  
  ~Sister Sledge
  
  Andy shot the Superdad glare across the room at me the other night. A shiver went down my spine.' [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2008, 6:07pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: In Case You Wondered About My Feelings On Insurance Coverage

  Number of comments: 6
  In case you are wondering what I've been up to lately, check out this front page article from the Boston Globe.
  
  To help in autism insurance reform efforts, please visit Autism Votes and sign up to receive updates. Then ask everyone you know to do the same.' [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2008, 9:33am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Political Perspective

  Number of comments: 8
  Some day we'll walk in the rays of the beautiful sun
  Some day when the world is much brighter
  ~The Five Stairsteps
  
  It’s funny how the four-year election cycle can truly churn the way one views the political landscape. Four years ago when I was contemplating whether to vote' [...]
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  Posted: September 06, 2008, 9:58am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Fit For A Cause

  Number of comments: 8
  The October/November issue of Fitness Magazine features a wonderful article about 16 real women who are changing the world...
  
  Hint: If you look hard enough, you just might recognize a certain forty-something autism mama.
  
  Now go lace up your [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2008, 10:34pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Beaches

  Number of comments: 5
  Three years ago this month, Andy and I snuck away for a few days in Aruba. We hadn’t been away together a-l-o-n-e since Amy was tiny, so when we had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Aruba, we jumped.
  
  We purchased the trip from a friend whose [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2008, 2:54pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Is It Just Me?

  Number of comments: 9
  Amy has a friend over today. It's her second playdate this week.
  
  And I worry.
  
  I checked in on Amy and friend this morning, just to make sure they were safe and happy.
  
  And Amy was busy making a list.
  
  Playdate Friend watched. Concerned Mom (me)' [...]
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  Posted: August 26, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Transitions

  Number of comments: 3
  Nothing endures but change
  ~Heraclitus
  
  I first read the words written above in Coach Tim George’s history class circa 1980. Even though he was a coach, he had the reputation of being one of the toughest teachers in school. My freshman heart thumped as I watched him stroll into [...]
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  Posted: August 23, 2008, 7:54am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Shameless

  Number of comments: 11
  Is it a bad that Jack is running around in his sister's old Hello Kitty underwear while my in-laws are here visiting from out of state?
  
  The potty training is going well, but it's been a two-accident day and I'm fresh out of clean boxers with the gender-appropriate dinosaur' [...]
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  Posted: August 18, 2008, 5:53pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: "Simple Jack's" Response to Tropic Thunder

  Number of comments: 13
  You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube ...
  ~Amy Ursitti
  
  I mulled the proper response to the whole "Tropic Thunder" controversy over and over in my Autism Mommy head this morning as I drove Jack to school.
  
  I didn't want my [...]
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  Posted: August 13, 2008, 11:52am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism and PottyTraining: The Long Awaited Update

  Number of comments: 8
  It's hard to believe that this
  
  
  
  
  
  
  was seven months ago.
  
  Talk about progress! Jack is wearing big boy underwear all day, every day. Now if we can just get him to master this ...
  
  
  
  I'll report [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2008, 5:02pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: You Just Get Numb

  Number of comments: 11
  Take another shot of courage
  Wonder why the right words never come
  ~The Eagles
  
  So we’re back. And everyone I run into asks the same question. How was it? Did you learn anything at Koegel?
  
  Before I answer, I feel the need to qualify a bit. The Koegel [...]
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  Posted: August 09, 2008, 4:24pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Amanda and Jenny: Meet Melanie

  Number of comments: 6
  Back from vacation and there's so much to say. It was nice to escape, but I'm happy to be back home. In addition to washing 5,000 loads of dirty laundry, I've got a great deal of catch-up blogging to do.
  
  Think I'll start slow. Pace myself....
  
  As [...]
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  Posted: August 06, 2008, 8:38pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Until Then

  Number of comments: 3
  We are flying to California tomorrow for a combo week of relaxation and parent training at the Koegel Autism Institute at UC Santa Barbara. It was almost two years ago that I put our family on the wait list for this program, so I'm excited that our number' [...]
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  Posted: July 26, 2008, 8:41am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: I Like Dreamin'

  Number of comments: 10
  I woke up the other morning feeling all warm and fuzzy.
  
  Relieved…
  
  I’d been hanging out with my friend Timmy. Russert.
  
  He was there with me, smiling, cajoling, in my dream. It warmed my heart to see him happy and okay. We laughed and talked [...]
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  Posted: July 23, 2008, 9:13pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: Jesus Take the Wheel

  Number of comments: 6
  Head under water,
  And they tell me to breathe easy for a while.
  The breathing gets harder, even I know that.
  ~ Sara Bareilles
  
  You know, you have varicose veins.
  
  Your hair is too dark and red.
  
  It’s amazing how a person with such delicate wrist-bones could [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2008, 11:47am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: The Wonder Years

  Number of comments: 8
  Jack’s toe is black and blue. I discovered it this morning when I was getting him dressed for school.
  
  What happened? It looks awful…
  
  I wonder…
  
  And I wonder what he thinks when Amy talks to him about going to camp with her one day. He [...]
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  Posted: July 15, 2008, 10:50am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: The FInal Word on Pennsylvania HB 1150

  Number of comments: 1
  Governer Rendell made it official yesterday, signing HB 1150 into law at a ceremony held at the Vista School. (See news coverage here.)
  
  Considering the fact that the Wall Street Journal has a lively discussion going on about how autism impacts families financially, the timing couldn't be' [...]
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  Posted: July 10, 2008, 10:38am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: The Father Factor

  Number of comments: 1
  I’m multi-tasking this morning, listening in on the IACC workgroup conference call while having my piano tuned.
  
  Bob, the piano dude, arrived an hour or so ago. I went through my usual spiel about my beautiful piano.
  
  Twenty-five years old. Kawai. Nope. Not a baby grand. [...]
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  Posted: July 08, 2008, 12:54pm EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism Advocacy at the Federal Level: Let Them Hear Your Voice

  Number of comments: 1
  What: The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
  
  When: July 2008
  
  Where: A Phone or Computer Near You
  
  Why You Should Care: This committee decides where all the federal autism-related funding (you'll remember all the Combating Autism Act dollars we fought about/over/for) is spent.
  
  Unfortunately, for [...]
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  Posted: July 06, 2008, 9:16am EDT
  by Judith U.

• Autism: And This is What Makes America Great

  Number of comments: 1
  

  Happy Independence Day!

  [...]
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  Posted: July 04, 2008, 10:16am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: The Downward Spiral of Down Time

  Number of comments: 3
  My virtual friend Katharine from Mama's Alright wrote about fear this week and it couldn't have come at a time that was more apropos for yours truly.
  
  First some confession:
  
  I have a need for sameness.
  
  I dislike disruption of my routine.
  
  I don't do [...]
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  Posted: July 03, 2008, 9:36am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: America's Got David Millitello

  Number of comments: 7
  Okay, I admit it...
  
  This 42 year-old, hormonal, overly-sentimental autism mama completely lost it when she heard David sing. I sniffed and snorted all over my Life is Good t-shirt...
  
  
  
  
  
  Beautiful boy, thanks for sharing your talent...
  
  Life really is so good...[...]
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  Posted: July 02, 2008, 9:23am EDT
  by Judith

• The History of Autism (My Amended Version)

  Number of comments: 9
  The Washington Post reports some key dates in autism history today.
  
  1943: Based on a study of 11 socially withdrawn children, child psychiatrist Leo Kanner identifies autism as "lack of affective contact, fascination with objects, desire for sameness and non-communicative language before 30 [...]
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  Posted: July 01, 2008, 7:27am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: Down to the Wire on Pennsylvania HB 1150

  Number of comments: 3
  Looks like it's all going to work out just fine ...
  
  HB 1150 Is Approved by the Pennsylvania House
  
  (Harrisburg, PA - July 2, 2008) Last night, House Bill 1150, the autism insurance reform bill, was passed by the Pennsylvania House with at vote of 203-0. The bill [...]
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  Posted: June 29, 2008, 12:10pm EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: What to do?

  Number of comments: 7
  Another incident involving a child with autism being removed from a public location hit the news this morning.
  
  According to ABC’s Good Morning America:
  
  An American Eagle flight about to take off from the Raleigh-Durham, N.C., airport was turned back to its gate on Monday to [...]
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  Posted: June 25, 2008, 11:20am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: Sometimes it Really does Take a Village ... and a Little Nudge

  Number of comments: 0
  I glanced at the Caller ID when the phone rang. It was 8:30-ish and I was attempting to answer some aging e-mails as Amy lingered, waiting for me to help her wash her hair. The call was from a friend down the street.
  
  “What’s up?” I answered….
  
  Sweet [...]
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  Posted: June 24, 2008, 8:05pm EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: Monday Morning Advocacy

  Number of comments: 0
  Check out the packed-out hearing room at the Texas Senate Committee on Education’s Public Hearing regarding Special Education. You can watch the live webcast here. If you can’t watch it live, it will be available via archive here.
  
  It’s time for [...]
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  Posted: June 23, 2008, 11:42am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: Educating our Educators

  Number of comments: 3
  Here in Massachusetts there is currently legislation under consideration that would require special education teachers to be trained in the use of augmentative and alternative communication.
  
  S 278 states ….that all special education and regular education teachers who apply for Massachusetts Educator certification or re-certification on [...]
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  Posted: June 20, 2008, 11:07am EDT
  by Judith

• The Way I Want to Remember Russert

  Number of comments: 1
  Greatness is always built on this foundation: the ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man
  ~Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz
  
  
  
  I miss you already Tim. [...]
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  Posted: June 16, 2008, 4:44pm EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: Attention Texas Readers

  Number of comments: 0
  It's time for your voices to be heard!
  
  ******
  
  SENATE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
  
  COMMITTEE: Education
  
  TIME & DATE: 9:00 AM, Monday, June 23, 2008
  
  PLACE: E1.028 (Hearing Room)
  
  CHAIR: Senator Florence Shapiro
  
  The committee will hear invited and public testimony [...]
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  Posted: June 16, 2008, 11:22am EDT
  by Judith

• Autism: For Miguel

  Number of comments: 3
  Miguel needs your prayers…
  
  And so does his mom. (She is probably cringing as she reads this, but even superwoman has her limits.)
  
  Please send some love their way today. Read more about this beautiful boy here.
  
  You need to [...]
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  Posted: June 16, 2008, 10:45am EDT
  by Judith

• Should Medical Insurance Cover Autism?

  Number of comments: 4
  Many states are debating measures to force insurance companies to help cover autism therapy. This morning, TODAY’s Natalie Morales talked to NBC’s chief medical editor, Dr. Nancy Snyderman. You can view this informative segment regarding this crucial issue HERE.
  
  You can also participate [...]
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  Posted: June 12, 2008, 11:44am EDT
  by Judith