By Dr. Elizabeth Mumper – TACA Physician Advisory Board Member Emerging research over the past several decades has identified that some combinations of genetic and environmental factors, depending on timing, might create a “perfect storm” for the development of autism. This retrospective clinical study looks at a cohort in the general pediatrics practice of... 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 →
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans
By Moira Giammatteo Family Scholarship Program and Parent Mentor Program Manager When you think that you have things under control that is when something hits the fan. Five years ago we had three seizure events in our house. Vico had three grand mal seizures at age 11. One resulting in a nice scar on the... Continue Reading →
Autism Speaks 2nd Annual National Conference
By Lisa Ackerman About 2 1/2 weeks ago, TACA's application to exhibit at the 2nd Annual National Autism Speaks conference was approved. I was excited and arranged travel to go. The conference had approximately 350 total in attendance at the Hilton in Columbus Ohio. The effort took place over two days. The attendees were made... Continue Reading →
Retard! Autistic – Part 3
By Lisa Ackerman Sadly, I thought the topic above would be a “one time” blog (1.) Occasionally, someone in the public eye says something that can deeply offend others. Using the word “retard” happened again in a song. Rappers J. Cole and Drake released a new song, so here we go again with the words “autistic”... Continue Reading →
Overcoming Autism – From My Child to the Community at Large
By Guest Blogger: Eyal Aronoff When my daughter Leya was two and a half, Dr. Ira Lott of UCI diagnosed her with autism. She was non-verbal, had extreme food selectivity, did not complain about pain, would cry for no reason (sometimes for hours), could not follow simple three step instructions, and was unable to animate... Continue Reading →
¡Sí, su hijo/a con autismo puede mejorar!
By Mari Nalbandian Spanish Outreach Coordinator Hace cuatro años que establecimos el programa de ayuda en español de TACA. Notamos que muchas familias Hispanas estaban interesadas en ayudar a sus familiares, pero no había suficiente información en español para que ellos pudieran entender más sobre esta condición para poder ayudar a sus hijos más efectivamente. ... Continue Reading →
Reminder: Everyone needs a break!
By Lisa Ackerman Taking a break is something I RARELY do. I am always plugged-in answering calls, emails and writing. (As of this publishing, I still need to finish 4 articles and 6 blogs - not to mention my JOB needs me to focus on 58 things too!) Well, for the next two weeks, I... Continue Reading →
Do you have a sick child with an autism diagnosis?
Action Alert Provided by Safe Minds Editors Note: Lisa Ackerman ACTION ALERT! Let the IACC and AAP know how sick your autistic child is/was, and about their unmet medical needs. SafeMinds believes that the lack of appropriate medical treatment for individuals with autism is a violation of basic human rights. Together we can improve... Continue Reading →
Where did the name “TACA” come from?
By Lisa Ackerman When the very first TACA meeting was held in my living room in Huntington Beach, California almost 13 years ago, I had no idea where it would lead my family (1.) The early days of our son’s diagnosis were frustrating. We spent countless hours researching, reading, talking – wasn’t there a better... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 