AUTISM SPEAKS AND DANCING WITH THE STARS

Dancing With The Stars - About the Vote - ABC.com
Make sure you check out Dancing With the Stars tonight on ABC at 8:00 pm. Then vote for Toni Braxton in support of Autism Speaks. Do your part and vote for Toni.

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILMS COMING TO THEATRES THIS WEEKEND

Autism Society of America: Email - Sensory Friendly Films Coming to New Theatres This Weekend
Don't Miss Beverly Hills Chihuahua this weekend.

PROFANITY IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A CHILD'S VOCABULARY

Great article to help change your children's behavior before it becomes habitual.
“F--- You, Mom!” How to Stop Your Child from Cursing in Your Home"

CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMEN

NAMI | Current Status of Federal Mental Illness Insurance Parity Legislation
With only 1 week left it is crucial to get information to your congressmen to vote on the parity bill to require plans to cover mental illness and substance abuse treatment on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses.

SUPPORT THE MILITARY FAMILY AUTISM EQUALITY ACT

Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference.

“The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insurance companies in the private sector, an important step toward getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appropriate, medically necessary care they need.”

As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care.

The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.

We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act.

Sincerely,
The Autism Society of America

GULF COAST FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM

Gmail - Resources for Gulf Coast Families Affected by Autism - acunniff4852@gmail.com

AUTISM TREATMENT NETWORK RECEIVES $12 MILLION GRANT

Gmail - e-Speaks: Autism Treatment Network Receives $12 Million Grant; 100 Day Kit Now Available in Spanish; Autism Speaks Debuts Community Pages - acunniff4852@gmail.com

UPDATES FOR NEW RESOURCES FROM ASA

Autism Society of America: Research and Programs

Autism Speaks Awards

e-Speaks || July 25, 2008
Autism Speaks Awards More than $4.5 Million in Basic and Clinical Grants
Autism Speaks has awarded 24 new grants in the fields of basic and clinical research dedicated to autism. Two types of grants were awarded: two-year Pilot grants that explore newer, particularly innovative lines of research, and three-year Basic and Clinical grants that build on more established research. The funded projects take a variety of approaches toward revealing the underlying biology and causes of autism. Read more about the newly funded grants here and see the complete list of Pilot and BASIC AND CLINICAL GRANTS

Olympian Joins Tacoma's 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism
850 participants raised over $76,000 at the 4th annual Tacoma Walk Now for Autism, which took place at Cheney Stadium. Walkers were treated to an inspirational speech by local Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach. Read more and view photos here. Join us at one of our Walks across the United States, Canada or in the United Kingdom; find your local event here.


La. Governor Signs Autism Insurance Bill into Law
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, into law on July 2. The bill had passed the legislature unanimously in June. The new law requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in patients under age seventeen. Covered treatments include: habilitative care, rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. Benefits are capped at $36,000 per year and $144,000 over the lifetime. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2009. For more information, visit HERE.


Family Services Committee Requests Grant Proposals
Autism Speaks is once again seeking proposals to fund projects that will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Proposals for these family services grants are sought in the following areas: Recreation/Community Activities; Education; Equipment/Support Technology; or Young Adult/Adult Services. Educators, trainers and services providers who work with individuals with autism are invited to apply. Applications are due by September 26, 2008 11:59 p.m. (EST). Since the inception of Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grant program in December 2007, over $1 million has been awarded to 50 community programs across the nation. Read more.


Stars, Families Enjoy "Over the Top" Circus Performance
Neil Patrick Harris Autism Speaks and Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus teamed up on July 16 to welcome celebrities, families affected by autism and the general public to the opening night performance of the "Over the Top" show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, which promoted autism awareness while raising funds for Autism Speaks. Read more and see photos here.


"Autism: The Musical" Nominated for Five Emmy Awards
"Autism: The Musical," which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special; outstanding directing for nonfiction programming; outstanding cinematography for nonfiction programming; outstanding picture editing for nonfiction programming; and outstanding sound editing for nonfiction programming (single or multi-camera). The documentary tells the story of five children, their families and one acting coach as they heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Purchase "Autism: The Musical" on DVD here.


In Their Own Words: The Crucial String
In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a mother recounts her 15-year-old son with autism's upbringing, comparing it to beautifully playing an instrument that is missing a crucial string. Read more.
DONATE NOW/CONTACT US

THIS IS TO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE!

For those of you trying to reach your Senator or Representative's Office about Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010), expect delays. If you cannot reach them leave a message with an aid and they will take down your information and get back to you. I did find that the aids will not be able to tell you which side of the fence your Representatives are on, but our only objective is to let them know how we feel and ask them to support our views.

WE ARE ALL ANGRY!

We should all be aware of this and pay close attention to how we can make the changes necessary. Please watch the whole thing.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL

DIAGNOSING BIPOLAR DISORDER
Diagnosis
When to Call a Professional
A manic episode is a serious problem requiring immediate treatment. However, a person in a manic episode may not be aware that he or she is sick. Some people with this illness may have to be brought to a hospital, even when they don't want to go. Many patients are grateful later when they learn that they were pushed to get the treatment they needed.

If you observe manic symptoms in a person who is unaware of his or her condition, arrange a consultation with a health care provider. Treatment can prevent symptoms from accelerating, and can improve a person's progress and functioning over time.

A person with known bipolar disorder who exhibits symptoms of worsening depression should promptly contact his or her mental health provider.WHEN TO CALL A PRO

ODD PARENTS GROUP

ODD PARENTS GROUP


KIT KITTREDGE : AN AMERICAN GIRL

Be one of the first to see the best family film of the summer! Exclusive Engagements Start June 20th! In Theaters Everywhere July 2nd!

These exclusive advanced engagements will be held in New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, and Alpharetta GA. Receive a free children's t-shirt with every ticket purchased to advance screenings of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. American Express® Cardmember Exclusive: Use your American Express Card to purchase tickets to advance screenings of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl and receive an exclusive souvenir program! PICTURE HOUSE KIT

''Days of Our Lives" Autism Storyline"

"Days of Our Lives" and Autism Speaks Team Up for Autism Storyline
Award-winning daytime drama "Days of Our Lives" is launching a new storyline focusing on how the whole family is affected when a child is diagnosed with autism. The story will be based on the experiences of the series' head writer, Dena Higley, who has raised a child with autism. In the story, Dr. Lexie Carver (Renee Jones) and Commissioner Abe Carver (James Reynolds) are told their 3-year-old son, Theo, has autism. In developing the story, “Days of our Lives” has joined with Autism Speaks to help convey a message of hope and impart accurate and useful information

Read more
Busiest Spring Walk Weekend Raises Nearly $3.5 Million
Seven Walk Now for Autism events took place this past weekend from coast-to-coast and in Canada, where more than 42,500 participants raised nearly $3.5 million. Read more and view photos and video from the Bay Area, Greater Hartford, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pittsburgh, and Westchester/Fairfield Walks.

Louisiana Legislature Passes Autism Insurance

In a key victory for children with autism, on June 11, the Louisiana Senate unanimously passed a measure that would require insurance companies to cover evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, would cover Applied Behavior Analysis and other treatment costs of up to $36,000 per year with a lifetime cap of $144,000 for children under 17 with autism. The bill now goes to Governor Bobby Jindal for his signature. To learn more about House Bill 958 and to find out what you can do to help the bill become law, click here. To stay informed about autism insurance reform legislation in your home state, sign up for action alerts here.

Autism Speaks Announces Request for Applications Focused on International Autism Epidemiology
Autism Speaks recently announced a new funding mechanism for international records-based epidemiology research and is currently requesting applications. The purpose of this request for applications (RFA) is to lay the groundwork for autism prevalence studies of outside of the U.S., using methodology similar to that used by the CDC from which the current U.S. prevalence estimate of 1 in 150 children was ascertained. International epidemiology studies such as these can help generate clues about the potential causes, both genetic and environmental, that occur with different frequency in different populations around the world. Read more.

International Collaboration to Raise Awareness in Latin America and Caribbean Countries


J. Sisters Hosts "Day of Beauty" Benefit


Comedy Series "Comics Unleashed" to Fight Autism



Jewelry Industry Pledges $100,000 to Autism Speaks

In Their Own Words: A Father's Day Tribute


e-Speaks to Keep Bi-weekly Schedule Until September 5

During the summer, e-Speaks will be sent bi-weekly. The next edition of e-Speaks will be on June 27. e-Speaks will return to its regular schedule on Friday, September 5, 2008. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Senate Moves on Medicare Legislation

Next week the Senate is expected to take up legislation to make long overdue improvements to the Medicare program. A bipartisan package of reforms developed by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would add critical beneficiary protections to the Part D prescription drug benefit and require parity for cost sharing for outpatient mental health services.

Action Required
Advocates are strongly encouraged to contact their senators to urge them to support the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (S 3101). Remind your senators that S 3101 would:

* Address the discriminatory 50% cost sharing requirement for outpatient mental illness treatment, gradually lowering it to 20% as required for all other medical treatment,
* Amend the Medicare Part D benefit to ensure that prescription drug plan must maintain broad access on their formularies to medications to treat serious mental illness (including antipsychotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants),
* Restore coverage under Part D for benzodiazepines,
* Enact a series of reforms that would allow more low-income beneficiaries to qualify for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and thereby avoid the program’s “doughnut hole” coverage gap, and
* Expand the Medicare rural hospital FLEX program to authorize grants to increase access to mental illness treatment services for veterans in rural and frontier communities.

For further info CLICK HERE.

WHAT A GIFT!

If you need inspirati today to motivate you to blog for Autism, watch this movie to the very end. I promise you, you will find laughter and joy in it. Then do what the movie says "PASS IT ON" click to start.

WEIGH IN WITH YOUR OPINION!

Image via WikipediaThis is an interesting aspect. Not knowing enough about Autism leaves me wondering. Is this a new approach or has it been around awhile? Is it a solution? Weigh in with your opinion, please. The more we are educated the more support we can offer.

This being Autism Awareness month it would be great to have some Mom's or Dad's that are living with Autism weigh in on here. Leave your opinion or start a discussion.