By Lisa Ackerman I am deeply saddened to see the new DSM 5 criteria for how autism spectrum disorders will be diagnosed. TACA has been alerting families, pushing for parent feedback and revisions to these new criteria since December 2011. Please read how this will affect your lives http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/dsm-v-goes-forward-major-shift-in-diagnostic-criteria-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-approved/ Even Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus from... Continue Reading →
They do all the hard work
by Lisa Ackerman OC Family magazine featured 10 Orange County moms to be recognized in their top supermom November issue: http://www.ocfamily.com/t-Cover-Story-top-Orange-County-moms-supermoms-Nov-2012.aspx To be considered one of OC’s top ten moms is a real honor. I laugh thinking about the therapy time I have racked up for my kids or husband. Hopefully this wonderful award somewhat... Continue Reading →
AUTISM DC HEARING SUMMARY
By Lisa Ackerman It was a historical day in DC. There was a hearing on autism on November 29, 2012 with Congressmen Burton and Issa leading the way to answers and help for families living with autism. It has been over 10 years to have another hearing on autism. It is about time. You can... Continue Reading →
Autism Hearing in Congress November 29th: important action items for families
AUTISM HEARING IN CONGRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29th AT 2:00 PM RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING - ROOM 2154 By Lisa Ackerman First, I want to thank Safe Minds and Beth Clay for leading the way to call for a DC Autism Congressional Hearing. I wanted to make sure to let families know it is occurring... Continue Reading →
Happy Thanksgiving from TACA
By Lisa Ackerman Resources for families & the holidays: TACA recipe database https://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/recipes-database/ TACA Thanksgiving tips https://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/thanksgiving/ TACA Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/talkaboutcuringautism Autism and the holidays https://www.tacanow.org/blog/autism-and-the-holidays/ Note: This message went out earlier this week via TACA’s enewsletter. If you did not receive it please take a moment to JOIN TACA. It is free and only... Continue Reading →
Giving Tuesday – a new way to support TACA
By Lisa Ackerman What comes after Thanksgiving Thursday? Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Nonprofit organizations across the country hope- Giving Tuesday. Just as Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become cultural traditions in the United States, organizers hope the inaugural #GivingTuesday will become a national holiday- a holiday celebrating the joy of giving. What does it... Continue Reading →
Talking about it. Talk about autism.
By Lisa Ackerman Nothing is more difficult than seeing an undiagnosed, struggling child with autism and know you need to act to help that family. Well, I am wrong. The absolute worst is to know that something is not quite right with your beloved child and HEARING that from someone else. Either scenario hurts. In... Continue Reading →
Shh…. The Secret to Successful IEP Meetings: Part 2 – at the Meeting
Blog by Summer Stech, Esquire – TACA’s Legal Advocate TACAnowblog series: Legal Advocacy The school year is well underway and winter break is around the corner. By now you may have already had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting – or two or three – or maybe your child’s triennial or annual review is coming... Continue Reading →
Controversy: I believe in people diagnosed with autism
By Lisa Ackerman Ok, I admit it; this article may be counter to public opinion. This article may strike someone as “that is not possible.” Once you read the next sentence, you will understand the title of this blog: I believe in people diagnosed with autism. So call me controversial because I choose to believe... Continue Reading →
What the IACC must consider
By Lisa Ackerman The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) was formed from the Combating Autism Act (CAA) of 2006 with one mission in mind: Coordinate to find the cause and assist with initiatives that will help families living with autism. As you may notice, I have taken the liberty to summarize their mission statement. You... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 