By Lisa Ackerman I promised to keep this topic going as people were cruel in using the words retard or autistic in a derogatory matter. This list now includes companies. Sadly, the TACA blog has featured this topic four times before (1.) Sephora has launched a new lipstick brand with celebrity Kat Von D (2.)... Continue Reading →
Drugs aren’t always the answer
By Lisa Ackerman A new study has revealed a shocking fact: nearly two-thirds of kids diagnosed with autism are on medications (1.) This report nearly took my breath away. Here is what they also said: Despite limited evidence supporting the practice, researchers say nearly two-thirds of children with autism are taking at least one psychotropic... Continue Reading →
Halloween doesn’t have to be scary
By Lisa Ackerman TACA is pleased to offer a new article on Halloween, safe candy choices, non-candy choices and ways to prepare for Halloween. Also included are printable "trick or treat" cards to help create additional autism awareness and help our non verbal friends. Preparing for Halloween doesn't have to be scary! Find helpful tips... Continue Reading →
What trick can your kid with autism do?
By Lisa Ackerman Many who are not affected by autism are curious about it. They should be, a once rare condition now affecting 1 in every 88 children (1.) Over the years, I have been asked many interesting questions: What is autism? Why is autism on the rise? Can my kid catch it? The hardest... Continue Reading →
Changes at the Happiest Place on Earth?
By Lisa Ackerman A few things can get TACA families really upset. The one that is making many families EXTREMELY upset: changes to Disneyland Parks Guest Assistance Card Program for individuals with disabilities. The Disneyland Parks Guest Assistance Card Program allows certain guests access to shorter lines based on their disability. For many families living... Continue Reading →
Can a two year old be a good witness?
By Lisa Ackerman I often try to explain some of my points with an analogy. Here is what’s in my mind today: Imagine there are two cars with two families traveling down the road. Circumstances occur and there is a horrible crash. Only one person survives. The police rush to the scene to understand what... Continue Reading →
I’m a TACA kid
Our kids are heroes. This picture needs little introduction. Just admiration.
IACC July 2013 Meeting Recap
By Lisa Ackerman The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting happened on July 9, 2013 while I was on vacation. It has taken me too many weeks to catch up and listen to almost 8 hours of this meeting. My sincere apologies for the time it has taken to comment about this important effort held... Continue Reading →
Retard! Autistic Part 4
By Lisa Ackerman A Facebook post, a Twitter feed, an unoriginal remark to a friend with the words retard or autistic is something that occurs far too often. Sadly, the TACA blog has covered this topic many times (1.) I don’t ever want to have to write these words on a title again. Recently, a... Continue Reading →
Autism Speaks 2nd Annual National Conference – Part 2
By Lisa Ackerman The 2nd Annual National Autism Speaks conference took place July 26-27, 2013 (1.) I wrote about it briefly on this blog (2.) The good news, this conference had several bright spots including; Dr. Sue Swedo, Dr. Alesso Fasano, Dr. Margaret Bauman and Dr. Paul Carbone. Their focus on testing and treatment co-morbid... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 