Since my twin sons were premature and relatively low birth weights, 4 pounds 1 ounce and 4 pounds 11 ounces I was quite intrigued by the recent article that I noticed on Autism Speaks website.

As advances in medicine and discoveries in health sciences have lead to increased survival of infants born prior to 33 gestational weeks, there is a greater interest in understanding the later health and development of these children as they develop. This year, multiple studies reported findings of increased risk of autism in cohorts of infants born prior to 33 weeks or with very low birth weight (less than 3 lbs, 5 ounces). Researchers studied cohorts from across the globe and screened for multiple behavioral outcomes from age 4-14 years of age, including ADHD, autism, conduct disorders, phobias, cognitive delays and emotional problems. These findings expand and complement previous reports using cross sectional designs that have identified low birth weight and gestational age as risk factors for autism1.

Here is a link to the article and the references for the data:–>http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science_news/prematurity_as_risk_factor.php

I came across an article with reference to the passing of an autism insurance bill in West Virginia.

It would be great if more states, and the United States would do the same.

It is something that would benefit many families.

Please take a look at the article snippet below and the following link as well.

by Jared Hunt
Daily Mail Capitol Reporter
Advertiser

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Kanawha County Delegate Mark Hunt was saying “thank you” a lot to his fellow lawmakers Saturday night.

For the past six years, Hunt, a Democrat, has been pushing legislation aimed at easing the burden on families with autistic children.

That’s included proposing tax credits for autism treatments as well as mandating insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder.

But in each of those years, the state Senate and House of Delegates were unable to reach agreement on the measures, drawing criticism from Hunt.

But in the waning hours of the legislative session Saturday, the House unanimously approved an amended a version of House Bill 2693, which requires the Public Employees Insurance Agency, Children’s Health Insurance Program and most private insurers to cover autism treatment beginning July 1, 2011.

Here is a link to the excellent story–> http://www.dailymail.com/News/statehouse/201103130272

Here is a video of the water fall, it was quite nice to see. I had heard about it for years and now we actually go to go and see it. The kids liked it. If you come out to Las Vegas for a trip, it is worth seeing.

Here is a nice video from our excursion to Red Rock Canyon. It is a video of the creek.
My wife and I and our 3 kids decided to go out and get some fresh air and exercise.

This weekend We went to the Red Rock Canyon, Near Las Vegas for a hike. I went to Highschool, with Katie who works there. She is their educational coordinator. It is a nice place to visit with your kids and friends.

I was looking for information to share with regards to autism and technology, and found this interesting article from the United Kingdom.

It was written by–>By Nancy Churnin – Reporter
nchurnin@dallasnews.com

The quest to understand autism and help those who have been diagnosed with it has spawned inspiring creativity. In England, researchers have created a robot, that they’ve named Kaspar,that plays with kids with autism. Consider the way that kids without autism learn emotional lessons from their dolls. This interactive robot gives kids with autism, who have trouble reading emotions, an extra boost by smiling, frowning and saying, “Hello, my name is Kaspar. Let’s play together.” He laughs when his sides or feet or touched,hides his face with his hands and cries out “Ouch. This hurts” when he’s slapped too hard. One mom reported that her autistic daughter is “a lot more affectionate with her friends now and will even initiate the embrace.”

Here is a link to the article–>http://dallaslifeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/03/kaspar-the-friendly-robot-help.html

I recently read an interesting article from the Wall Street journal with regards to life with an autistic child. I have 3 so I know all about it.

My dreams and expectations changed radically when my child was diagnosed with Autism. From that moment, and for the next decade, every thought in my head, urge in my heart and pulse in my body was redirected to helping him. When your child is diagnosed as on the Spectrum, you’re told that much can improve, but most profoundly before the age of 5. My son was already three. So the clock was ticking, the meter was running, and I had a choice to make; pursue my needs, or save his life. So I put away the screenplay I was writing, abandoned the film collective I was trying to form, and forgot any notion of going back to a traditional job. In their place, I organized a line of behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, auditory training technologies, and casein-free diets. And thanked God each day that I had the resources so I could.

Here is a link to the fine article–>http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/03/12/sxsw-2011-a-film-of-ones-own/

I was referred by Kim Stagliano, who has been very helpful as to superb advice as to how to get my organization and website up and running. I really appreciate her guidance. She is an amazing writer and an inspiration as far as advocating for autism. Here website is–>www.kimstagliago.com

She told me about www.usofautism.com

They are an incredible organization who are making a huge effort on the part of autistic people and their families. They recently made a movie about autistic people and their families and all they have done to be supportive.

Please take a look at the following press release and the clip after that.

THE UNITED STATES OF AUTISM’ MOVIE ANNOUNCES TRAILER RELEASE DATE AND PARTNERSHIP WITH HIT MUSICIAN GRAHAM COLTON

Film was shot by The Tommy Foundation

The Tommy Foundation announced today an April 2nd release for the trailer to its upcoming film, The United States of Autism. The trailer release, which coincides with World Autism Day, will be available to the public on the film’s website [http://www.usofautism.com], YouTube and several other online media outlets.

The preview features a musical track from hit musician Graham Colton [http://www.grahamcolton.com/] off of his new CD Pacific Coast Eyes, scheduled to be released on April 5th. Graham is most widely known for his hit song “Best Days” which was featured on American Idol and Kyle XY.

The United States of Autism” weaves the tale of a broad spectrum of American life in all its faiths, disparities, colors, and cultures – and the story of one man’s 11,000 mile in 40 day journey across the American landscape to find answers for his family and son. What he learns along the way changes not only his life forever, but the lives of those he meets. It’s a story about the best days that still lie ahead for our nation, the families, and the People who give America its heart.

Led by with Director Richard Everts, the film’s crew of The Tommy Foundation traveled an amazing 10,970 miles filming interviews with 20 families in just 40 days. All interviews were conducted and recorded in the families’ first languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic and Chinese – all sharing one dream, a better future.

Visitors can access the film’s website [http://www.usofautism.com] in order to find detailed information about the film and the crew, as well as a daily blog of the film’s production and facts about Autism.

In addition, Pepsi released a commercial on YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NAUlyie5zE] in support of the film. The Tommy Foundation received a $50,000 grant to shoot the film via The Pepsi Refresh Project.

About The Tommy Foundation

Founded in 2005 by parents of a child on the autism spectrum, The Tommy Foundation [http://www.tommyland.org] is an emerging voice for the autism movement that has garnered numerous awards including the Lancaster Red Rose award. Today, the Foundation provides direct assistance to families, as well as trainings to hundreds of students, professionals, PhD candidates and doctors to date.

Richard Everts is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Technology and Communications for the Tommy Foundation, an award winning non-profit that works with families affected by autism in the Northeast. Certified in hypnosis, METT FACE recognition, Final Cut Pro and visual FX, a MENSA member, and father of a child on the spectrum, he brings a broad range of experiences and insights to the movie. Rich received his B.A. in Philosophy at Franklin & Marshall College.

For press interviews please contact Executive Producer Dan Sokola –>dan@usofautism.com

Here is a promotional video on the film—>

By the way, yes I truly do want to make a difference. I feel that one can either live their life in the mundane or go the extra mile and make a huge difference in the lives of others, that is my goal!!!

I recently was told by the fine folks at Tannersdad to take a look at AACF. It is a very positive and supportive organization that is going a long way towards making a difference for autistic people and their families.

AACF, Inc.’s Story

Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.™ was founded by musician and author Michael Buckholtz, who is diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome and OCD. He and his family experienced the financial disaster of coping with autism. In 1992 the family agreed, through much investigation, that Michael, his brothers and father, all had varying levels of autism. It wasn’t until Michael’s nephew was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome that he decided to create a non-profit dedicated to assisting families financially. Michael Buckholtz’ desire to ensure that poor families and individuals coping with autism get a level playing field financially, comes largely because of seeing his own family struggle to make ends meet. He knew that other families were experiencing the same thing. Together with his family and close friends, Michael founded AACF, Inc.

Here is a link to their website–>http://www.aacfinc.org/about2.html