Dear Lisa of 1999, It’s been one year since Jeff was diagnosed and you are still really frustrated. So far several doctors have told you to place Jeff in an institution.  Jeff is only three years old.  You know he has a ton of issues and is really sick, but an institution?!  It feels like... Continue Reading →

The word summer produces two strong emotions in most households: elation for the kids; anxiety for the parents!  Don’t get me wrong – I love long, sunny days (especially in Southern California) and the promise of all those fun times we now have a little more time to squeeze into our busy lives. But it... Continue Reading →

My dearest TACA friends - It’s PICNIC time again, my favorite TACA event of the year!!  TACA is happy to announce the 8th annual family picnic Sunday, June 12th at Camp James (next to Wild Rivers) in Irvine, California.  This fun-filled day is designed specifically for kids affected by autism, and their families and friends.... Continue Reading →

Late May is school awards season here in Southern California, so Monday found me sitting in my son’s school auditorium.  The highest honor at his middle school is an award called the Head of Schools. It is given every year and the student’s identity is not revealed until their name is announced at the ceremony. ... Continue Reading →

Most of my pals reminisce fondly about that time in their life when they were wishing for a baby – planning for their little bundle of joy, the ecstasy when they first heard the words “pregnant,” the total awe when they met their child for the first time.  The miracle of birth is something so... Continue Reading →

As the 2011 autism awareness month came to a close – a major TV series took center stage. The PBS Autism Now series has been a wonderful and monumental effort on the state of autism.  It is a raw, real and insightful look into the autism epidemic.  The series portrays many current views into the... Continue Reading →

For several years, my sister has been peddling American Idol like a drug dealer.  Her friend hooks her up with tickets for rehearsals and show tapings, so she constantly starts our phone calls with “I have free tickets and you are going.”  For 6 years, my answer has been the same “I’m too busy with... Continue Reading →

10 Ways YOU can help a family living with autism By Lisa Ackerman (Start today by forwarding this blog with a personal note: “Your family is important to me. How can I help you?”)   Children’s activities sure can keep you on the go!  Like other moms, I spend countless hours each week driving my... Continue Reading →

I am a glass half full person, always the eternal optimist. You can tell from the name of the organization I founded - Talk About Curing Autism.  But my optimism was put to the test back in 2006 when I handled a series of help calls that rattled my soul. That morning I spoke to... Continue Reading →