Newsletter

September 2001 Vol. 5 # 9

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The newsletter's intrepid, 9-year-old undercover reporter, Joe, attended a five-night session at Camp Red Leaf in Ingleside last month. Joe enjoyed air conditioned cabins, a huge pool for daily swimming, a lake for additional submersions, craft cabins, and lotsa out- doorsy kid stuff. Red Leaf provided a counselor for every two or three kids. The counselors, pert young college women, stayed in the cabins with the kids to keep a handle on things. Joe, in his own words, reported during his post-camp interrogation that "I went to camp" . When asked what he did there he thought for a moment before responding "I was at camp". Asked if he would go back another time, Joe enthusiastically nodded in the affirmative. So, if that is recommendation enough for you, contact Camp Red Leaf and ask to be put on the mailing list for a brochure when next year's sign-up time approaches. The age requirement is 9 and up, and (with luck) next year there will still be monies to cover the fees of first-time campers. Contact JCYS Camp Red Leaf at 847/740-5010, web addie is www.jcys.org

Do you have access to Exceptional Parent magazine, either at a therapist's office or via subscription? If you do, look this month for mention of The Mothers From Hell 2, especially Beth Randall, who may well have a piece from the Brimstone Bulletin reprinted therein. We at MFH2 have not yet seen the issue, so don't know how much of a mention there will be. But just thought I'd let 'ya know.

Thanks to all of this month's contributing Newsletter Moms and Dads! Anybody with news to share, deadline is more or less the third Monday, monthly, for the next issue.
 

To subscribe to this snailmail version of AutismNews donate $15 for 12 issues, checks made out to "JFS". Extra donations to help send complimentary copies to other first-time readers appreciated.

This is not written for profit - then it would seem like WORK!!!!
 

All contents herein copyright 2001 by the Newsletter Mom. Freedom to recopy and share information fully granted as long as you credit the Autism Newsletter. Typos quite likely as I am just dog-gone lazy about proofreading.

Contents for September:

• Multiple Meetings
• Conferences - Workshops
• Technical Assistance Project
• Rett Syndrome Dinner Dance
• Wakefield Cruise
• ASI Golf Outing
• Family TIES Network
• Chez  Foundation Golf
• Rigatoni Rock and Ride
• Giant Steps Dinner
• New Interactive Computer Program
• Governor Ryan signs SB 1395, Vaccine Law
• Cure Autism Now Announces New Environmental Influences on Autism Initiative

All are opportunities to network/vent/commiserate with your fellow parents unless a speaker is mentioned. All data current as of 8/26
 

September 4, Skokie 7:00pm

This month we will learn about Sensory Integration with the combination of Speech and Occupational Therapy from Sarah Kozak, M.A., CCC and Amy Zier, M.S., OTR/L of Children's Therapy and Resource Center in Libertyville. North Suburban ASI chapter meets at Skokie Village Hall ,5127 W. Oakton , Lower Level - Community Room. Michael: 847/541-9969 or email [email protected]
 

September 7, Romeoville 6:30pm

Parent support group meets once again at R.C. Hill Elementary School, 616 Dalhart Ave. Miki:815/886-0080
 

September 8, O'Fallon, 10:00am - noon

Autism Society of Southern Illinois meets the first Saturday of each month (second Saturday if a holiday weekends) at the O'Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza. Call 618/682-3783 or email [email protected] for info.
 

September 8 , Rockford 9:30 - 11:30am

The Northwest Illinois Autism Support Group will discuss Legislative/Advocacy this month. Come learn how to speak up, write letters - make your voice HEARD on behalf of your kid! Come to Children's Development Center, 650 N. Main.. Note that from now on you need to register in advance (by August 8) to attend this meeting and to reserve free on-site kidkare. Call Patty Hobbs: 815/965-6745
 

September 9, Wheaton

Advocacy 200 is having a picnic instead of a regular meeting this month. Boy Scouts will be on hand to watch and entertain the kids. Contact Brian: 630/690-6385 or 630/462-1980 for more details about this group; Joni at 630/462-9742 for more details about the picnic.
 

September 10, Palatine 7:00pm

GFCF diet group this month will meets at the Whole Foods Store in Palatine to hear from Betsy Prohaska.. For more info about this group contact Kelly at : [email protected] (preferred) or call 847/639-2858.
 

September 10, Chicago 6:00pm

Parent support group of Illinois Masonic probably meets at The Pediatric Development Center, 3040 N. Wilton, 2nd fl. Once again I was unable to connect with Val to confirm this. Kidkare is available IF you RSVP ASAP. Val: 773/296-5854.
 

September 11, Galena 6:30pm

Galena Parent Advocates meets monthly; this month's special topic and speakers have booted it to the Conferences-Workshops section of the newsletter.
 

September 11, Peoria 6:30-8:00pm

Parent support group will meet at Faith Missionary Church, 1825 S. Airport Rd. in Bartonville (close to Peoria). Tonight Alyson Beytien, assistant project director of Illinois Autism/Pdd : Training and Technical Assistance Project. Alyson has been given the job of coordinating and/or creating more effective parent training. She will present what the training teams are available for and then listening to our input about what we feel they need to do. This is your chance to speak out. Alyson is the parent to THREE children in the ASD spectrum…..

Lauri 309/697-3300 or [email protected]
 
 
 

September 11, Chicago 6:00pm

The ASI Metropolitan Chicago Chapter usually meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Easter Seal Therapeutic Day School, ITT campus, 3424 S. State St. I could NOT reach Grace to confirm this month's meeting so please try and call her yourself before you go. Grace: 773-233-4716.
 

September 11, Villa Park 7:00pm

Parent support group meets at DuPage Easter Seals . Limited on-site free kidkare if you rsvp asap - please call Sharon Pike at 630/620-4433.
 

September 13, Gurnee 7:00pm

Come to the Warren Township Center (Southwest Corner of Washington and Almond Rds.) to discuss the start of the school year and any parent concerns, in addition to the usual networking and camaraderie. Note this group now meets the second Thursday of the month. Eric: 847/543-4502.
 

September 15, Chicago 10:00am - 1:00pm

Chicago South Side ASI chapter meets at the Hayes Park District Building, 2936 West 85th St. A knowledgeable attorney will be on hand this month to discuss Estate Planning for our special needs kidlets..Wanda: 815/469-5870
 

September 16, North Riverside 2-4:00pm

Asperger/High-Functioning Autism Support Group has a new home a few miles south of the old location. Come to the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. Des Plaines, to hear parent/attorney Jennifer Bollero discuss Your Rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Note too that the group now meets at 2pm. Debbie: 708/383-1209
 

September 18, Bolingbrook 7:00pm

Legislative Action will be discussed at this meeting of the Far West Suburban ASI Chapter. Learn how to write a letter that can influence your elected official. Make 'em listen!Come to the Bolingbrook Medical Center (630/226-8100 for directions ONLY; 630/969-1094 for support group info.)
 

September 18, Flossmoor 7:00pm

Chicago South Suburban ASI Chapter meets at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchinson. Marie: 708/206-0379.
 

September 20, Plainfield 6:30pm

Support group to meet at Lakewood Falls Elementary School, 14050 S. Budler Rd. Lupe: [email protected] or call 815/293-0529. Date may change, so call first.
 

September 24, Geneva 7:30pm

Parent support group meets at the Chronicle Building, 1000 Randall Road. Beth Hoorelbek, Music Therapist, will discuss how Music Therapy can facilitate child development. For more info check the CTS website; www.commtx.com or call Shelley Swanson:630/208-8880
 

September 25, Schaumburg 7:30pm

Northwest Suburban ASI Chapter meets at the Township of Schaumburg Meeting Hall, 25 Illinois Blvd., in Hoffman Estates. Randee : 847/884-9194.
 

September 25, Elmhurst 6:45pm

The parent support groups meeting at the Center for Speech and Language Disorders, 195 W. Spangler, suite B. this month will learn about Social Language Group Therapy from center staff members. Evelyn: 630/530-8551, ext. 108
 

September 27, Oak Lawn 7:00pm

Parent support group meets at Hope Children Hospital, sw corner 93rd & Kostner. Call Jean for more info: 708/229-0653.
 

Park Ridge

Parent-2-Parent for Special Students usually meets at the Maine Twp. Admin. Bldg. , 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge. the first Monday of the month. Alas, I could NOT reach Eva to see if the group is meeting on Labor Day or another day so you yourself will have to call to find out IF this group is meeting and, if so, WHEN . Call (847) 699-1223, email: [email protected]

Hoffman Estates

Parents of daughters with Rett Syndrome can contact Paul at 847/310-8876, email: [email protected]. or go to : www.RettIllinois.org for more info about this group that will only sporadically have meetings. Next meeting 10/20.
 

Freeport

Networking For Families as of my "going to press" was still looking for a new home. If you need info about this group or have an idea where they could meet call Nancy: 815/235-7553.

She and other area parents are rarin' to go!
 

Algonquin

Parent support group that was meeting at Northwest Pediatric Therapy, 1320 Chase St. is on hold until further notice.
 

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NOTE - StarNet workshops give priority to parents living within their region. If there is a workshop you wish to attend but it is not in your region - let your local StarNet folks know you'd like them to replicate it in your region.

September 11, Galena

Galena Parent Advocates welcomes all area parents of special needs kids to their monthly meetings, this month to be held at the DeSoto House Hotel, 230 S. Main St. (locale changes each month.) This month the group will learn about The Complaint Process, with confirmed speakers Dr. Christopher Kouch and Ms. Deb Kunz of ISBE (speakers from Family Ties and other organizations probable but still pending as I went to press.) Please preregister for this meeting by contacting Lynn at 815/777-2976; email [email protected] or check out her website: GalenaParentAdvocates.com
 

September 12, Naperville

"IAAMR 2001 Annual Conference - Avenues to Success"

O.K., this conference is not designed for us parents, but some of the workshops in the multi page brochure I have look interesting: "Give Me Five! Inclusive Social Skills Groups for Children and Adolescents"; "The Healthcare Surrogate Act, Guardianship and Consent Issues" (well, these kids are going to be grown-up some day. How and what kind of guardianship is needed if our child can not live independently?). Best of all, (I am biased!) will be the presentation of keynote speaker Beth Randall, President of Mothers From Hell 2!!! Interested? Contact the Illinois Chapter of The American Association on Mental Retardation at 708/863-3803, ext. 316 (ask for Jim).
 

September 14, Dixon

"Legal and Future Care Planning for Your Relative with a Developmental Disability"

Theresa Varnet, M.S.W., J.D. and parent of an adult with a disability offers this workshop frequently throughout the year. She is good - and we all need to attend at least once while our kidlets are still minors. Sponsored by the Arc of Illinois, so buzz them for more info at 708/206-1930.

September 14 - 15, Normal

"You Can Make a Difference"

All the StarNets are sponsoring this day of family-focused workshops that will address topics including Transitions; Writing Effective IEPs; Sibling Issues, and more. For more info call your local StarNet office:

(Use these numbers too to obtain info on the October 10 Madelyn Swift workshop listed on the next page).
 

September 17, Glen Ellyn

"ABC's and 1,2,3's of Autism: What is It? Where Do I Start? How Do I Plan?"

Peg Mazeika leads this introductory workshop that explores the basic learning characteristics of children with autism. The use of positive planning and instructional strategies will be emphasized, along with environmental and social supports. This is a StarNet II workshop so pester the good folks at 847/803-3565 for more details.
 

****September 17, Tinley Park

From Both Sides Now: "How to Teach Social Understanding" & "Gray's Guide to Bullying"

Carol Gray, the creator of Social Stories, is coming to town with this most helpful workshop! Call Naomi Law at 708/524-3030 and ask if there is still room. If so, send your name, address, phone #, and whether or not you live in west Cook County, along with a check made out to Oak Park Schools (if needed) to Beth Merrell, District 97, Oak Park Schools, 970 W. Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 by September 7. The fee for this all-day event (free to parents living in west Cook County) is $105 for family members, $75 for Aspies, $120 for professionals. Or check www.FutureHorizons-autism.com And for goodness sake if you can do so join the AutismNews list! I posted this info (which missed the deadline for inclusion in the August newsletter) once I got it last month.
 

September 21, Downers Grove

"The IEP Process - What's It All About, Really?"

Staff from Everyone is Welcome will present this first of eight in a series of workshops designed to make parents more effective members of their child's IEP team. One goal of this first workshop is to enable you to discern the difference between a measurable and specific IEP and and IEP that is neither. For more info about this workshop series contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630/584-0970, [email protected].
 

September 21, LaGrange

"Supporting and Educating Students with Asperger's Syndrome / High Functioning Autism"

Cathy Pratt tackles the problem of "challenging behaviors" and will discuss positive behavior supports and the role of functional assessment in behaviors and strategies for teaching alternative appropriate behaviors. This useful workshop comes from the folks at StarNet II, and they await your call at 847/803-3565 to ask for more information.
 

September 21 & 22, Matteson

"How Does Your Engine Run? The Alert Program for Self-Regulation"

Sherry Shellenberger & Mary Sue Williams present this two-day workshop, sponsored by TherapyWorks, Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M.. The number for TherapyWork(ask for Ron) is 505/897-3478. Or - check out their website: www.alertprogram.com for more info and a registration form.

****September 25 & 26, Chicago

"Recognizing and Supporting People with Autism/PDD"

Barbara Doyle offers this two-day training session which could be useful to parents not yet self-educated about autism; also it would be good for new teachers and staff who probably learned very little about autism in college. For more info call UIC Community Education at 312/413-1535. Note this will also be offered in Oct. and Nov. at other locations.
 

****September 25, Arlington Heights

Special Education Advisory Council of Dist. 59 presents Richard Lavoie. Known for his educational videos----"How difficult can this be? the F.A.T. city workshop" or " Last one picked.......First one picked on....Social implications of the learning disabled child." Richard is an internationally recognized educator, consultant, author and frequent television guest, known for his humor, passion and commitment in creating effective instructional environments for addressing the educational needs of students with learning challenges. Don't miss this chance to hear Richard Lavoie present his powerful message!!

Workshop #1: 3:30-5:30pm (geared toward teachers, but parents are welcome to attend) :

Forest View Educational Center

2121 Goebbert Rd.

Arlington Heights, IL
 

Workshop #2: 7:30-9:30pm (geared towards parents, but anyone is welcome to attend):

Radisson Hotel

Corner of Arlington Heights Rd. and Algonquin Rd.

Arlington Heights, IL

Questions please contact Dist. 59 Admin Center 847/593-4300
 

September 27-28, Kansas City, MO

"Midwest Autism/Asperger's Super Conference"

Temple Grandin is the keynote speaker at this regional conference, which will also feature Eustacia Cutler - (Temple's MOTHER) on what it was like raising Temple back in the "refrigerator mother" bad old days; Betsey Brunk on music therapy; Christy Magnusen on "Succeeding in the Least Restrictive Environment", and more. Call 800/489-0727 to register or to obtain more info. You can also go to www.FutureHorizons-autism.com
 

****October 5, Elk Grove Village

"Autism and the Role of the Social Worker"

To be held at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center starting at 8:00am. For more info contact the Autism Society of Illinois at 630/691-1270, [email protected]
 

****October 5,6,7 - San Diego, California

DAN! 2001 Defeat Autism Now! Conference

This conference will feature a parent forum with Karen Seroussi, Mary Megson, Andrew Wakefield, and others; Practitioner Training Sessions to clue other medical professionals in as to how and why to utilize the DAN! protocol; and general sessions for parents and professionals with speakers including William Walsh, Ph.D.; Paul Shattock, Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., Andrew Wakefield, M.D., and more (including of course Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.!!) For more info (ask for the 18-page conference flyer) call 609/921-3717 or email [email protected]
 

October 10 -12, Springfield

"Sharing A Vision: Expanding the Possibilities"

7th Annual Illinois Collaborative Early Childhood Conference. For a multi-page brochure listing all the workshops, and info on registering, call Susan Ferry at 217/824-4776 or email [email protected]
 

October 10, Springfield

"A Day with Madelyn Swift"

Madelyn Swift, M.Ed., will discuss aspects of Discipline in the Classroom (including what works, and why), and Dealing with Angry People: How to be Heard without Shouting (h'mmmm, learn some tactic here before that next IEP!). All the StarNet Regions are co-sponsoring this workshop, seating limited to 20 folks per region so call your local region (phone numbers on page 2) today! Folks attending the "Sharing a Vision" conference listed next please note this workshop with Madelyn Swift requires a separate registration!
 

October 12, Downers Grove

"What Now & Do I Need an Adult Services Broker?"

Second in the series from the good folks at Everyone is Welcome, this workshop addresses the problem of what to do after school is over; what is and is not available for adults with disabilities in Illinois; and how to begin planning for your child's future now. For more info about this workshop series contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630/584-0970, [email protected].
 

****October 13, Collinsville

The Autism Society of Southern Illinois is sponsoring a conference to be held at the Gateway Center. I do not yet have any other details. If you live down thataway contact ASOSI via email at [email protected] or call 618/632-3783.
 

October 19, Downers Grove

"Evaluations - How to Interpret and Effectively Use Testing"

Third in the EIW series, this all-day workshop will cover the different tests schools use as part of a case study, how to interpret the reports and scores, and how to effectively use this testing in preparing your child's education plan. For more info about this workshop series contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630/584-0970, [email protected].
 

October 23, Matteson

"Social Stories"

Nan Negri will present this workshop for StarNet Region VI. More info to be available shortly; registration does not begin until mid-August. If you are not on the StarNet VI mailing list call 708/342-5370 for more info.
 

****October 23 & 24, Mt. Vernon

"Recognizing and Supporting People with Autism/PDD"

Barbara Doyle again offers this two-day training session which could be useful to parents not yet self-educated about autism; also it would be good for new teachers and staff who probably learned very little about autism in college. For more info call UIC Community Education at 312/413-1535. Note this will also be offered in Sept. and Nov. at other locations.
 

October 26, Oakbrook Terrace

"Effective Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Schools"

Cathy Pratt, Ph.D. is the keynote speaker for the 17th annual conference of the Center for Speech and Language Disorders. Conference brochures to be mailed in August - call 630/530-8551 to be sure they have your address!
 
 

****November 2, Lisle

Autism Society of Illinois 24th Annual Conference

Ronald B. Leaf, Ph.D.will speak on the topic of Basic Applied Behavior Analysis in the Treatment of Autism.

Dr. Leaf, a licensed psychologist who has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of autism, as long worked with Dr. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA, where after achieving his doctorate he served as Clinic Supervisor, Research Psychologist, Interim Director of the Autism Project, and Lecturer. Dr. Leaf was extensively involved in several research investigations, contributed to the Me Book and is a co-author of the Me Book Videotapes, a series of instructional tapes for teaching children with autism. He is now the Executive Director of Behavior Therapy and Learning Center, a mental health agency that consults with parents, care-providers, and school personnel. Dr. Leaf is a Co-Director of Autism Partnership. He is also the co-author of A Work in Progress, a recently published book on Behavioral Treatment. In other words, he knows his stuff and this will be the "don't miss" conference of the year! Kudos to ASI for getting this presenter for us!

If you are already a member of ASI do know that the conference brochure will be mailed to you; if not a member, contact ASI to request membership information.

Autism Society of Illinois

2200 S. Main Street, Suite 317, Lombard, IL 60148-5366

630-691-1270 - Fax 630-932-5620

www.autismillinois.org
 

****November 7 & 8, Staved Rock (Utica)

"Recognizing and Supporting People with Autism/PDD"

Barbara Doyle yet again offers this two-day training session which could be useful to parents not yet self-educated about autism; also it would be good for new teachers and staff who probably learned very little about autism in college. For more info call UIC Community Education at 312/413-1535. Note this is repeat of what was offered in Sept. and Oct. at other locations.
 

****November 9, 10, 11 - Tysons Corner, Virginia

(Washington D.C. area

"Autism and Disorders of Relating and Communicating - Breaking New Ground in Clinical Care"

A whole slew of folks (Greenspan, Brazelton, Teitelbaum, Carbone, Chez, Merzenich, etc.) will present on topics as varied as Verbal Behavior Therapy to Sensory and Pain Thresholds to Neuropharmacological Treatments to GI Tract, Immunizations and Autoimmunity. Oh, why not make a quick phone call and ask for your own copy of the conference flyer - it is as big as one of my newsletters. 301/656-2667.
 

****November 13 & 14, Chicago area

2-Day Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Trainings

Andrew S. Bondy, Ph.D. and Jo-Anne Matteo, M.S.CCC/SLP will lead this PECS training workshop sponsored by Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. Details were still being confirmed as I type this, so I may have more info next month. Or, you can contact good folks at Pyramid and ask to be sent a brochure when available. They are at 888/732-7462, email [email protected]. Website is www.pecs.com

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The Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project is collaborating with Little Friends, Inc. to provide training to parents in the areas of self help communication, recreation leisure and community. This training will be offered at Little Friends Krejci Academy in Naperville and at their training center, which is located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Carol Stream Illinois. The training will focus on increasing parents' skill levels for working with their children with a goal of keeping children with autism in their communities.
 

Trainers include: Patti Boheme, Mary Crissman, and Carol Paske.
 

This training is offered several times per year to parent participants. The training is free of charge to the participants. However, parents will be responsible for obtaining and paying for their lodging if travel is required.
 

For parents who are unable to travel to these training locations, a one-half day Parent Workshops may also be available in your area. Interested parents should contact Kathy Gould, Project Director, Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project, 708-354-5730 or e-mail her at:

The series below is designed to assist parents to teach their child with autism/PDD or other communication disorders through the use of structured, visual systems and environmental supports:

September 11, Carol Stream

"Introduction to Autism and Visual Strategies for Children with Autism and Other Communication Disorders"

The Adolescent and Young Adult (14-21 years) with Autism/PDD

Discrete Trial for Games/Recreation/Leisure

Introduction to Autism and Visual Strategies for Children with Autism and other Communication Disorders

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Events

The Rett Syndrome Association will be having its 13th Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction at Drury Lane in Oak Brook on September 9. They will have a new raffle, with a chance for participants to win some big monetary prizes, this year. For more info contact Anthony Izzo at 847/253-6045 or Barry Minerof at 773/762-2000.
 

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Mark your calenders for a fun evening, cruising the water's of Lake Michigan off Chicago's scenic shore on Chicago's First Lady. 120 folks will enjoy dinner and dance to live jazz while raising funds to help support further research by Dr. Andrew Wakefield. All this to happen Tuesday, September 4 - extend that Labor Day weekend! Ticket price $225 per person - only 120 seats will be sold! For more information, or to offer to help, please contact Betsy Prohaska at 847/854-6039.

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The date for the ASI Golf Outing will be September 25, 2001 and it will be at the Seven Bridges Golf Course in Woodridge. Gale Sayers returns as celebrity guest for this annual event, along with other surprise sports figures. Event begins with registration and lunch from 11:30am - 12:30pm, followed by a shotgun scramble at 1:00pm. There will also be a Silent Auction, Cocktails, and Buffet Dinner in the evening, so come and make a day of it for ASI! Volunteers will be needed. The ASI office at 630/691-1270 can give you more information. They will be looking for financial sponsors and volunteers to help with the day of the event. Plans are well underway already and this should bring in a lot of money for the organization.

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"I'm Chris Wasik and I am the parent trainer with Family TIES Network in Springfield. Under a grant by ISBE I go all over the State training parents on IDEA, 504, Inclusion, Conflict..just about anything.  I am the "Parent from Hell" if you asked my community. After losing a level I, I filed level II, won and then took them through a four year federal lawsuit and won. I have a 22 year old son with significant disabilities and can relate on many levels.

If you'd like me to send along a packet of information..let me know. [Folks with support groups] let me know if you could use a speaker anytime and I'd be happy to come up...all expenses paid through the grant."

[email protected]
 

(Also note the Lifespan Project, another example of your tax dollars at work, is a statewide resource and referral for all ages with developmental disabilities. Call 800/588-7002 for more info.)

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"I thought that you might all be interested in a new interactive program which my husband and I have developed called The Great Action Adventure. It contains over 140 full-motion videos of verbs, a play area that you can customize and 6 different customizable quizzes. The quizzes systematically teach receptive verbs, receptive nouns, noun sight words, verb sight words, verb tenses and sign language. You control which items are taught, how your child is reinforced, prompted, etc. In all of the quizzes items are introduced at your child's pace. If your child begins to have difficulty, items on the screen are reduced and prompts are introduced. Just like our Picture This... CD, all of the verbs and signs are filmed against a plain white background to reduce distractions.

Please visit our website at http://www.silverliningmm.com for a lot more information and sample screen shots."
 

I did go and look at this at their website and it is bright and professional-looking. Could be a great tool for folks who do not already have an ABA program running that already covers the same material with much lower-tech flashcards and a live therapist at a table top. My gut initial reaction to this verb-teaching program is that it just sticks a layer of technology between a therapist and the child. Which is about the last thing many of our kids need. I really like the photocards you can print out and use from this company - I just question the need to make a person-to-person learning experience into a person-to-computer experience.
JFS, ever opinionated.

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Gov. Ryan signed into law SB 1305, which removes the Department of Children and Family Services' regulation of medical neglect for parents who choose to delay vaccination, fail or refuse to vaccinate their children based on medical or religious exemptions. As determined in the House floor debate, SB 1305's legislative intent, also, includes families who delay or refuse vaccination for their children's developmental problems, e.g., Down Syndrome or minor illnesses [hey, and also autism!].
 

With SB 1305, doctors are free to advocate different vaccination schedules than recommended by medical societies for developmental issues or minor illnesses without writing a medical exemption. According to Barbara Alexander Mullarkey, IVAC spokeswoman, "SB 1305 relieves parents' anxiety of DCFS' threat of medical neglect for failure to vaccinate."
 

Gov. Ryan vetoed SB 1304, which would limit conflict of interest between Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC) members and vaccine manufacturers (see below). The governor received letters in July from individual IAC members upset with the legislature's intent to limit membership in the committee to individuals not having financial ties to pharmaceutical companies. Vetoing the bill, he ignored the endorsement of the Illinois House and Senate, which voted unanimously in the bill's favor. We hope the bill's sponsors will bring the bill back in the fall veto session where a 2/3's majority vote will override the governor's veto.

For more information, including the entire press release, contact:

Illinois Vaccine Awareness Coalition (IVAC)

P.O. Box 946
Oak Park, IL 60303
www.vaccineawareness.org
Barbara Alexander Mullarkey: 708-848-0116
Mary Gorski: 708-442-5915

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Six New Research Awards to be funded:

1. Comparison of ethylmercury developmental neurotoxic properties with an established model of methylmercury developmental neurotoxicity

2. Double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study of DMSA and lipoic acid for the treatment of children with regressive autism

3. A comparative study evaluating the dose-responsiveness effects of methylmercury and thimerosal on select nervous, immune and enzyme parameters

4. Evaluation of chelation effect on children with autism

5. Role of cytokines in developmental neurotoxicit

6. Effect of mercury on apoptosis of neuronal cells
 

These particular grants were made possible by a generous contribution from Sallie and Tom Bernard, and are the result of an RFP distributed to the scientific community to examine the possible metabolic, molecular, genetic or other response to mercury as it relates to autism.

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