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 →
Retard! Autistic Part II
By Lisa Ackerman Sadly, I thought the topic above would be a “one time” blog. Occasionally someone in the public eye says something they should not say or use words that deeply offend. Using the word “retard” happened again on Twitter. This occurrence was right after the third Presidential debate on October 22nd. Political commentator... Continue Reading →
Many children with autism have other health problems
By Lisa Ackerman Recently, a new study has announced: Many children with autism have other health problems. Source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/09/25/many-children-with-autism-have-other-health-problems-study-says I am thrilled to see this evidence finally reported. Parents living with autism have been sharing thousands of these stories with TACA every year. The hallmark of the autism diagnosis is the inability to communicate or... Continue Reading →
Stem Cell update: IN THE NEWS
By Lisa Ackerman Today, the 2012 Nobel Prize winning discovery goes to two scientists researching stem cells. Please read the news: http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-reprogrammed-cells-open-medical-window-150024485.html Some important information was cited in this groundbreaking news and award: While researchers have already applied the scientific breakthroughs of Britain's John Gurdon and Japan's Shinya Yamanaka to study how diseases develop, making... Continue Reading →
Keahi: Label him FANTASTIC!
By Lisa Ackerman TACA marvels at individuals who can overcome huge obstacles. We look to these individuals for inspiration and guidance while we live with autism and often worry about the kids’ future. Here is one family’s story in Hawaii about their beloved son Keahi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNu1kJ4nEto Keahi is taking amazing steps toward a bright future.... Continue Reading →
What do I tell the community about autism?
By Lisa Ackerman Autism is hard to describe to someone whose life has not been personally affected by it (i.e. their own child, sibling, niece, nephew, neighbor, best friend’s child, etc.) When to you talk to someone about autism that is directly “unaffected” they already have a vision in their mind. The most famous, of... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 