By Lisa Ackerman Watching a perfectly healthy child regress into the world of autism and failing health can do things to really mess with your mind. It's a front row seat I would never wish on anyone. Imagine you have a child, everything seems great, and suddenly things change. This child gets sick, really sick. ... Continue Reading →
Mom out of ORDER
By guest blogger: Melody Benbow It's every mother’s worst nightmare, but it's an absolute fear of an autism mom- Mom being out of order. It happened to me two years ago. I fell down a few stairs while carrying a load of laundry. I was in a rush to get that load going before I... Continue Reading →
The ugliest word & problem: BULLYING
by Lisa Ackerman We receive hundreds of reports each year from families living with autism on the issue of bullying. News reports about its incidence keep rising: Bullying takes a toll on autism (1.) To address this concern, TACA's on staff attorney Summer Stech has continued her advocacy series to help educate families more about... Continue Reading →
It’s about the words: “Outgrow Autism”
By Lisa Ackerman After reading dozens of national headlines, instead of being hopeful I am offended (1.) I will explain why: Individuals with autism typically need many hours if not hundreds or thousands of hours of therapy - many different kinds based on unique needs. An enormous amount of time and energy is also spent... Continue Reading →
FRAGILE (FRA-GEE-LAY): It must be Italian!
By Holly Bortfeld When we put our house on the market 9 years ago, we had professional cleaners and painters come in and do their thing. We had already moved out of state for better services so the place was bare, just carpets and walls. It was still a crime scene. The relator held an... Continue Reading →
Farewell 2012. Welcome 2013!
by Lisa Ackerman It’s the end of another year, 2012 is almost in the history books! It’s only in reflection that I am reminded that what feels like a blink now, wasn’t. As usual, TACA was a whirlwind of activity all year; helping families, building relationships, and expanding our community. This could not have happened... Continue Reading →
Real Stories. Real Hope.
You haven't experienced joy until you have seen the TACA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/talkaboutcuringautism) or FLICKR Page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/talkaboutcuringautism/sets/72157632301247683/ . We asked families what they are celebrating in progress for their ASD child in 2012 last night at 4pm and over 140 photos and motivational stories were sent in. And more keep coming! I LOVE THIS! This... Continue Reading →
Parents with children on the spectrum are not allowed to get sick or die
By Lisa Ackerman I know, a pretty harsh title for a blog. But I wish I could write something as important as this and POOF make it a true statement. You may be asking: what made me go to this topic? It is a simple answer - a story on TV is mirroring emails and... Continue Reading →
Tell Congress. Share YOUR autism story.
By Lisa Ackerman Even though the DC Autism hearing occurred last week in congress there is still a chance to have your voice heard. You can submit your testimony to be part of the public record. You have until December 6, 2012 by 5pm EST to submit your testimony. Please email the testimony to:... Continue Reading →
Urgent Diagnostic Changes to Autism: what parents need to know
By Lisa Ackerman I am deeply saddened to see the new DSM 5 criteria for how autism spectrum disorders will be diagnosed. TACA has been alerting families, pushing for parent feedback and revisions to these new criteria since December 2011. Please read how this will affect your lives http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/dsm-v-goes-forward-major-shift-in-diagnostic-criteria-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-approved/ Even Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus from... Continue Reading →
