By Holly Bortfeld For 16 years, I’ve watched government agencies say nothing useful and do nothing to help my kids. For as long, I’ve seen autism orgs fight a regimented system who doesn’t care, for money they don’t want to spend on a diagnosis that no one can agree on the cause, treatment,... Continue Reading →
Hindsight and the evolution of ASD treatment and recovery
By Holly Bortfeld I went to the IACC meeting in Washington DC on April 8, 2014 (1) to testify in front of the committee about my family’s autism journey. I took my son with me, as I am a single parent and have never had respite care. Standing over 6 feet tall, my... Continue Reading →
If the IACC’s Strategic Plans were IEPs, would they be in non-compliance?
TACA Action Alert If the IACC's Strategic Plans were IEPs, would they be in non-compliance? By Guest blogger: Carolyn Gammicchia As the New Year approaches and many of us are spending time over the holidays with family and friends, we often think about the achievements our children have made over the past year and in... Continue Reading →
Autism in Minneapolis: 1 in 48
By Lisa Ackerman An important new study from the University of Minnesota has been published regarding the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) population in Minneapolis. The results: ASD overall rate: 1 in 48. Another major finding is in the Somali population autism rates are 1 in 32. Here is how the study got underway: In October... Continue Reading →
Autism research funding and redundancy in spending
By Lisa Ackerman A new analysis of government funding has revealed important findings showing there has been duplication of research funding. One report specifically addresses the spending of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC – 1.) I found this a bit ironic – isn’t that what a coordinating committee does, monitor spending of funds? Here... Continue Reading →
United we stand, divided we fall
By guest blogger: Ali Hoffman – TACA Volunteer Maryland The autism community is the most divided community in the world. Some say it’s a disability, some say it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity, and most say - that’s not my (child’s) autism. What one group does to support families is viewed as offensive to another... Continue Reading →
IACC July 2013 Meeting Recap
By Lisa Ackerman The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting happened on July 9, 2013 while I was on vacation. It has taken me too many weeks to catch up and listen to almost 8 hours of this meeting. My sincere apologies for the time it has taken to comment about this important effort held... 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 →
1 in 88 or 1 in 50: Which Autism Rate will Prevail?
By Lisa Ackerman The rate of autism continues to change; it has skyrocketed. When TACA began as a foundation almost 13 years ago, incidence rate was 1 in every 1,000 children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revealed a parent survey update to this rate: Today, 1 in every 50 U.S. school-aged... 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 