By Lisa Ackerman This is the third year in a row the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced new autism rates right before April (1), a month that has been designated as autism awareness month. For years, TACA likes awareness but appreciates ACTION hence why we call this effort #AutismActionApril. As I have mentioned... Continue Reading →
New study: Environmental Toxicity is a Primary Factor in Autism, Not Just Genetics
By Dr Bob Sears A decade ago, many researchers believed that autism was primarily a genetic disorder, and a large amount of funding was spent searching for answers in that direction. Some even believed it was ALL in the genes. The genetics of autism are interesting, but what’s more important is to understand WHY the... Continue Reading →
Functional Medicine goes mainstream
By Lisa Ackerman You cannot go a day without a healthcare story being featured in the news. The Affordable Care Act, chronic health issues and access to health care have grown into one of the largest issues in American households. In the autism community, we are aware of these issues all too well. For decades,... Continue Reading →
DSM-5, the fall out begins
By Holly Bortfeld TACA has been reporting on the potential effects that the proposed DSM-5 changes, which eliminated PDD, PDD-NOS, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative disorder and others, from the DSM since 20111. Now, we see the first tangible proof2 that the new diagnostic criteria will reduce the number of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder... Continue Reading →
So Autism Is Even MORE Common Than Last Year. Who Cares?
By Dr Bob Sears I was really hoping that my latest blog would be entitled “Finally, Someone Cares About the Autism Epidemic!” But alas, it is not to be. The word “epidemic” is being reserved for the hundred or so cases of measles we see in the U.S. each year (no fatalities), or the very... Continue Reading →
Rest in Peace Avonte
By Lisa Ackerman For months we have been watching and waiting receive a positive outcome for Avonte Oquendo. Avonte was last seen on October 4, 2013 when he left his school. He was non verbal and diagnosed with autism. Sadly, remains found this past week were identified to be Avonte’s. His remains were found 11... 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 →
Goodbye 2013, HELLO 2014
By Lisa Ackerman It’s the end of another year (didn’t I just write this?), GOODBYE 2013! Hello 2014! As usual, TACA was a whirlwind of activity all year; helping families, educating about autism and treatments, and expanding our community. This could not have happened without the INCREDIBLE people dedicated to the TACA mission. Thank you... Continue Reading →
Celebrating ACCOMPLISHMENTS
By Lisa Ackerman Last year we had a great thought: let’s share what our kids living with autism ACCOMPLISHED that year. We hear all about the major efforts living with autism but how about accomplishments to hopefully inspire others and to enjoy our achievements together. Our kids work so hard overcoming obstacles. Let's share those... 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 →
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 