By Lisa Ackerman In October 2013, Disneyland, Disney World and other Disney parks announced a major change in the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that was available for individuals living with disabilities including those with autism. We wrote about the upcoming changes on this blog (1.) Since these changes, we have reached out to different Disney... Continue Reading →
United we stand, divided we fall
By guest blogger: Ali Hoffman – TACA Volunteer Maryland The autism community is the most divided community in the world. Some say it’s a disability, some say it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity, and most say - that’s not my (child’s) autism. What one group does to support families is viewed as offensive to another... Continue Reading →
First National Housing Survey Results
By Lisa Ackerman On November 13, 2013 Autism Speaks released their National Housing Survey Results. Ten thousand families and some individuals living with autism responded to the survey. The goal was to find more about the needs for individuals living with autism – what happens when these children become adults? One urgent finding: "84% of... Continue Reading →
Our Two Pound Miracles
More from TACA Family stories! They say autism is a marathon, not a sprint, and I have to say I agree with that sentiment. Our marathon began in 2006 with the arrival of my identical twin sons, born at 26 weeks. Three weeks later we received a call in the middle of the night that... Continue Reading →
In the news: Johnson & Johnson fined over $2 billion dollars for false advertising drug benefits
By Lisa Ackerman On November 4, 2013 Johnson and Johnson was fined $2.2 billion in one of the largest health care related settlements (1.) Here is what the press had to say: The penalties announced Monday involve fines and forfeiture to the federal government and several states. The settlement involves the schizophrenia drugs Risperdal and... Continue Reading →
Retard! Autistic Part 5
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 →
Missing Genes, Environment, or Both: How Genetic and Environmental Factors Can Interplay to Cause Autism
Guest blogger & TACA Physician Advisory: Dr. Richard Frye A recent study published in the October 2013 issue of The American Journal of Human Genetics reports to have identified a family of genes that not working as they should in children with autism1. This genetic study examined detailed changes in the genetic code in 811... Continue Reading →
Overcoming a diagnosis of autism
By Lisa AckermanTwo remarkable videos were created this month by young women who have overcome their autism diagnosis. Their families are so proud of them. I am deeply inspired by their stories, their willingness to share and desire to help others.Leya and Savine are both incredible. There are more kids who were once diagnosed with... Continue Reading →
IACC included in federal government shutdown
By Lisa Ackerman UPDATED OCTOBER 23, 2013 IACC Strategic Plan Update Workshop Due to the recent government closure, this workshop has been rescheduled. The new date/location is as follows: Friday, November 15, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern National Institutes of Health 1 Center Drive, Wilson Hall Bethesda, Maryland 20892 Map and Directions http://iacc.hhs.gov/events/index.shtml POST... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 