More Autism stuff...

I WAS political today. I voted! I have NEVER missed a chance to vote. I am now 45, and am very proud of that!

we do the political thing everyday, from trying to work with councils to get parking for the mums at the early intervention centres to trying to increase funding. The day to day pressures can be overwhelming as someone before me said, it can be heartbreaking to think of what challenges our babies will face, but we take one day at a time and we do what we can and get what help we can.
I found the conflicting information on line to be overwhelming and depressing at times but then so were some books I read, we have now chosen therapies but are always on the look out for anything else that might work. Thank you for the links, I'm going to see if Time here (Australia) is running the same stories

thanks ali! i bookmark all the sites you always list and go and check them out in full. i couldnt believe how much info there was at savethechildren.org and generation rescue. i'm still going through it all and so thankful for having all this information to help me with my girl, Abbi. thank you again for sharing info & best wishes/prayers to you and simon!!
~Kristin

Love this blog, I have that book, read it cover to cover, most excellent!

Ali, thank you for being diligent! You inspire me to keep trudging through this no matter the obstacles with differing opinions, the red tape of the school system, the headaches with the insurance companies, etc. I will definitely get the book and write my congressman. You're the best. Michelle T. (mom to Jaron)

Well I've just picked up the morning paper to read all about our Budget that was announced on TV last night here in The LAND DOWN UNDER....I'm off to read it in fine detail.........tax cuts.....some......not a lot for health and education though!
No relief either for the HUge petrol high prices......and what's in it for the family!
I'm off to see...........
Lyn

Thank you for all you are posting. Although I do not have any loved ones with autism, I have some one who has schizophrenia. I am looking for all the info I can find about the politics of mental health care in the US.
There is a new book out, for any one who is interested called, Crazy by Pete Earley. He is an investigative journalist who came face to face with the state of mental health care when his some became ill. He found, as many of us already know, that many times the way our country chooses to treat those with chronic serious mental illness is to put them in jail/prison.
You and others who post ways you are increasing awareness regarding autism provide encouragement and ideas for those of us advocating for the mentally ill.

I forgot to add that I just love that picture of Simon. Reminds me so much of when my boys were little and on the floor watching TV. Sweet memories.

There is a small article in the back of People Magazine that talks about kids who have autism and how they feel about it. All of the kids interviewed said they wouldn't give it up if they could because they all felt that it makes them feel unique and an "individual" separate from the other kids. They all shared unique characteristics, like loud noises and having to learn to make small talk. There are also some links in the magazine to websites that talk more about this topic, through the kids eyes. Sorry I don't have the links.

love you....enough said!
corinnexxx

Ali, you blow me away. Not only are you an incredibly talented artist and writer, but you are also involved in every way you can with causes important to your heart. You give so much to others through your teaching, your writing, your blog, and your activism. If you ever have a day of self doubt, always think about this---you are one of the people who makes a difference.

my youngest is a former 24 week preemie (4 months early). he is now 4 and altho we have no formal autism diagnosis, we deal with so many sensory integration dysfunction issues with him I am at the info gathering stage of this as I try to read and study anything I can get my hands on just to better understand his needs and his sensory issues. Like his preemie days, it is paying off as we see baby steps forward and we as always celebrate the normal.
Today I am doing something political. I am appearing before the state assembly in Cali for the March of Dimes as a preemie parent.
Love you art and your work in scrapbooks and now as I am reading your blog I can see why I am drawn to your work.

bravo to you for being so involved!
that is quite an undertaking.

Ali,
This is my first post on your site but I must admit that I am totally addicted to your blog! You are SO talented!! I wanted to post some information that is going on in Tennessee about Autism in hopes that if anyone else from Tennessee reads your blog they will see this. I work with an organization called the Tennessee Disability Coalition, www.tndisability.org, and we are currently working on a bill called the "Autism Equity Act" SB 2719, HB 2744. This bill would force insurance companies to pay for OT, ST, PT and behavoiral threapies for children with Autism (as of right now they do not). The bill passed the Senate-YEAH!, and is now in the House Finance Committees. We want folks to be calling their legislators! For more info, they can go to http://www.tndisability.org/, or
http://www.autismmidtenn.org/Speak_Out_for_Autism_Equity
Thanks!
Courtney from Tennessee

Ali,
I just took a break from writing progress reports on my kiddo's with autism. as a music therapist who works with lots of kids with autism, i try to stay active in the autism world and up to date of information. thanks for the info and the links...I will check out the book and your links to the congressional bill.
Also, I am loving my autism shirt and recieved lots of comments the day I wore it to work.
Thanks again!
Erin

Ali, Love your BLOG--just found it... thanks for that!! Your little Simon is gorgeous! :) I am also an "Ali"....I'm a nurse here in Nova Scotia, Canada and we have a little boy (Noah, just turned 4) with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is the sweetest kid ever, #4 of 4!! The book you are talking about is indeed awesome. We use its suggestions daily. Noah is involved in a pilot programme using Pivotal Response Treatment (developed at the University of California @ Santa Barbara.) We are seeing improvements and collateral gains in many areas, as the language develops. It can all be overwhelming as you know.... Enjoy the book and the scrappin'-- I call it my Stress Management! Thanks again for the great BLOG.

reading this book right now too - i agree that it is a good one!
and it is true that there is a wealth of information out there - it can definitely be overwhelming!
one step at a time right?

Thanks for the valuable info Ali.

Hi Ali,
I love your site. Thank you so much for helping make people aware of autism. I have a son who is now 8 years old with autism spectrum, along with 2 nephews. They are amazing kids.
I own a Lss in Gilbert Az and we are doing a fundraiser the 3rd week in July. I would love to chat with you about it. Please contact me if you would have any interest.
Again thanks for the links. Im definatley checking them out.
Michelle

I read this book last summer.......WONDERFUL book. I have referred to it many time since then. Always enjoy your inspirational posts.