Over a decade ago we invited some new friends from the autism community into our home, with no idea that TACA would be born from that single decision. Our world had been rocked by autism and we were starving for friends who understood our “deer in headlights” gaze.  We also wanted to share what little... Continue Reading →

[Gil has been complaining about his complicated life; Grandma wanders into the room] Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Gil: Oh? Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! Gil: What a great story (dripping with sarcasm) Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know,... Continue Reading →

Autism is a tough thing to get warm and fuzzy about.  Don’t get me wrong, I love and adore all of our kids, especially the one named Jeff who calls me Mom.  It is the added challenges, medical issues, and struggles they face everyday that I have a hard time with.  I truly wish their... Continue Reading →

An important new study, "Genetic Heritability and Shared Environmental Factors among Twin Pairs with Autism” was released on July 4th in the Archives of General Psychiatry.  It reports findings that support what SO many TACA parents have long suspected – almost “known” in our guts.  In a nutshell, the findings suggest that autism is triggered... Continue Reading →

Dear Lisa of 1999, It’s been one year since Jeff was diagnosed and you are still really frustrated. So far several doctors have told you to place Jeff in an institution.  Jeff is only three years old.  You know he has a ton of issues and is really sick, but an institution?!  It feels like... Continue Reading →

The word summer produces two strong emotions in most households: elation for the kids; anxiety for the parents!  Don’t get me wrong – I love long, sunny days (especially in Southern California) and the promise of all those fun times we now have a little more time to squeeze into our busy lives. But it... Continue Reading →

My dearest TACA friends - It’s PICNIC time again, my favorite TACA event of the year!!  TACA is happy to announce the 8th annual family picnic Sunday, June 12th at Camp James (next to Wild Rivers) in Irvine, California.  This fun-filled day is designed specifically for kids affected by autism, and their families and friends.... Continue Reading →

Late May is school awards season here in Southern California, so Monday found me sitting in my son’s school auditorium.  The highest honor at his middle school is an award called the Head of Schools. It is given every year and the student’s identity is not revealed until their name is announced at the ceremony. ... Continue Reading →

Most of my pals reminisce fondly about that time in their life when they were wishing for a baby – planning for their little bundle of joy, the ecstasy when they first heard the words “pregnant,” the total awe when they met their child for the first time.  The miracle of birth is something so... Continue Reading →