By Dr. Bob Sears- TACA Physician Advisor With the upcoming proposed changes in the DSM - 5 diagnostic criteria for autism, many parents are worried that their child may no longer qualify for much-needed services. One 2009 study published in Pediatrics (1) revealed that almost 40% of children who were previously diagnosed with autism improved so... Continue Reading →
Who’s in Charge Here?
On a Saturday in April 2001 almost 60 parents gathered in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and backyard at a home. They were all looking for answers to help their children with autism. To date, this was our 6th parent meeting in that home. I held my breath. I looked around. People were finding... Continue Reading →
Holding on to Hope…By Guest Blogger Linda Betzold
Correction: It has come to our attention that the wrong blog article was posted on 2/1/12. Our apologies to Linda for the mix up. Holding on to Hope... By Linda Betzold I like hope. It is my nature to hope. In the face of almost anything, I am looking for hope. In my fourteen-year autism... Continue Reading →
Diagnostic Criteria Changes: What Your Family Needs To Know
Coming up in May 2013, proposed changes to the DSM diagnostic criteria will greatly affected the lives of families living with autism. Over the last week, the media has picked up with this story in a big way.In the 12 years history of TACA I have never heard of a family excited about an autism... Continue Reading →
Hope by the Numbers…
If you missed this great article in the last printed newsletter, check it out here. Since 2006, TACA has provided medical scholarships to families living with autism. These scholarships help families pay for physician-prescribed services, and include stop gap medical treatments, independent assessments, and other necessary crisis funding. The stories we hear from scholarship recipients... Continue Reading →
Personal Note from TACA Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman
2011 is a wrap and as usual it feels like another year went by in the blink of an eye. It’s only in reflection that I am reminded that what feels like a blink now wasn’t. TACA was a whirlwind of activity all year; helping families, building relationships, and expanding our community. This could not... Continue Reading →
Autism and the Holidays…
Guest Blog By Holly Bortfeld I am a single parent of two teenagers with ASD. I live 3000 miles from everyone I grew up with, and my family. My ex lives 1000 miles away and has no contact with our children. I live hours away from friends. I live here because autism services are tremendous,... Continue Reading →
Living Healthy: Navigating Food Allergies
Persistent exposure to allergens in the environment and/ or food can make anyone feel miserable! Based on new research and parent feedback, we know diet AND ALLERGIES greatly affect how children with autism on they behave, sleep and learn. Parents living with a child affected by autism have much to consider in the world of... Continue Reading →
WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?
CHANGE THE WORLD! Two years ago my husband Glen helped launch a pet project, the TACA Autism Youth Ambassadors (AYA). Spending time with these inspirational young leaders has since become one of our favorite things to do. I have had the great fortune to speak at several club meetings. The Youth Ambassadors bring such positive... Continue Reading →
Staying in the Game…
Autism is a big giant life size “whack-a-mole” game. It is the most frustrating and rewarding game – at the same time– with one difference: it offers tremendous pay off opportunities with our most precious assets. It is worth all the effort put in – especially by our hard working kids. It can be extremely... Continue Reading →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 