Resources & Support
Posts tagged Resources
Review: PBS Documentary The Vaccine War
May 10th
Nearly a year and a half ago my son was diagnosed with autism. Upon hearing the news, nearly every family member and friend would offer their support, and immediately follow up with a conversation about vaccines. (Coincidentally, the same week I told most of my family members about Patton, Jenny McCarthy happened to make an appearance on Oprah with her son, the vaccine topic was VERY fresh in everyone’s mind. )
I’m predicting I am not alone in this experience. It seems most people who have not know someone affected by autism have very little knowledge on the subject, and what they do know seems to be anti-vaccine related. PBS/Frontline was right on target by titling their documentary “The Vaccine War”. Vaccine’s are a hot-blooded issue, with vocal opponents and supporters fighting it out on talk shows, internet videos, and news outlets. Jenny McCarthy being the most well known and outspoken opponent of vaccines has plead her side of the case in the media, and has also authored or coauthored 3 books on the matter. Pro vaccine supporters lack a public figure to voice their opinion, however the Center for Disease Control, and other medical organizations and establishments, are firmly pro vaccines.
“The Vaccine War” does an excellent job in detailing the effectiveness, safety, and risks of vaccinations. Footage is shown of children who have been hospitalized for vaccine preventable diseases, and the clips are very heartbreaking. Most of these diseases are nearly eradicated, but due to an increase in people refusing vaccines, the diseases have begun to surface again. Parents who choose not to vaccinate seem to have little concern that their children could possibly contract any of the vaccine preventable diseases.
I feel both sides were given a fair chance to discuss their stance. Given that the physician (Dr. Andrew Wakefield) who originated the studies into autism/vaccine correlation (specifically the MMR vaccine), has had all of his studies discredited, I don’t feel the anti-vaccine group needed to be given any more opportunity to state their beliefs over scientific evidence. I feel the film is worthwhile viewing for any person who is questioning vaccinations, however I am anxious to see the debate put to rest. The cause of autism is still a big mystery, and it is time to focus research, money, and energy in other directions.
Further review reading (both pro and anti vaccine articles):
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/04/the_vaccine_war_a_review.php
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-0427-vaccine-20100427,0,4863388.story
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-mccarthy/ifrontlineis-the-vaccine_b_555785.html
http://daisymayfattypants.blogspot.com/2010/04/jennifer-margulis-poster-parent-for-me.html
Parent’s Toolbox Class
Feb 23rd
There will be a Free Parent’s Toolbox Class offered tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 23) for parents of a disabled child. ”Parenting & Supporting Parents With a Disabled Child” will be taught by Debbie Justice from 7-8 pm at the Washington County Children’s Justice Center located at 463 E. 500 S.
If you need child care services in order to attend this meeting, call the Family Support Center 674-5133 to prearrange care.
Please come if you can!
Meeting Tomorrow, Book Review, M-CHAT ASD Screening
Jan 20th
Support Group Meeting!
Just to remind everyone, our Support Group is at it’s new, and hopefully consistent location. The meeting will be at the Old Hospital on 400 E (Floodstreet) 600 S, on the bottom level, across from the cafe/cafeteria. This will allow us to have things like food and drink, and allow us to have our meeting without interruption or re-scheduling.
Google Maps Link to the location (if you haven’t ever been there!)
Book: More Than Words
We have a new book to recommend and review. It is called “More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” and is by Fern Sussman. We have a short review that comes to us from Lindsay Downs, one of the Speech-Language Pathologists at DRMC Pediatric Rehabilitation:
More Than Words is the most helpful and comprehensive parent guidebook on Autism I have seen. It explains first how to determine what stage of communication your child is functioning, and then the rest of the book gives specific instruction on how work with your child at that particular stage. The book focuses on interaction in general, non-verbal communication, and verbal communication. Instructions are very specific, give real-life scenarios, and include many illustrations. The approach is very naturalistic and child-centered, which makes it easy to incorporate into daily living and routines. As a speech-language pathologist, I find myself frequently photocopying many sections to give to families as part of their home speech therapy programs. I would encourage families of children with autism to buy this book; it is worth every penny.
Lindsay Downs, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
DRMC Pediatric Rehabilitation
Office: 435-251-2273
Front desk: 435-251-2250
We want to thank Lindsay for writing this up for us and recommending this book! I do have a copy of the book and will be bringing it to the Support Group meeting for people to see.
Early Intervention Autism Screening: M-CHAT
Lindsay also recommended we distribute the M-Chat (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). It is the best screening form for parents who are worried about autism in their children. It’s used for children 16-30 months.
The M-CHAT is not designed for people who already have a diagnosis, it is geared towards parents who have a suspicion and would like for some way to assess the situation with their child and consult a professional. It is a tool to help a parent who is concerned get pointed in the right direction.
Parents fill it out but then it is scored by a physician or other professional. It gives parents some specific behaviors to watch for and something concrete to take to a doctor to discuss their concerns. It may be downloaded for free at www.firstsigns.org, and we have posted it here to download from our site as well
Click Here to download the M-CHAT Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Checklist
Saturday Play Group at Tonaquint Park
I will also be at Tonaquint Park this Saturday from 12 to 1:30ish with my Autistic son, just playing and hanging out. This is just an informal gathering to let the kids play on the playground and maybe interact a little. I will also be bringing cupcakes from 25 Main if any of the kids want some (hopefully I don’t run out after a dozen).
For those who have never been there, Tonaquint Park is basically all the way south on Dixie Drive, OR all the way west on Hilton Drive. It’s where Hilton Drive curves up and turns into Dixie Drive. Here’s another Google Map if you want to see it.
Website Updates
I am still working on gathering more information and resources to put on the website. It’s a lot more work than I thought it would be and takes way more time than I thought it would. But, I am still doing it, it’s just slower than I had hoped.
I have added a page of all our Southern Utah Legislators so that if there is ever an issue or need to contact our local state representatives, we have easy access to their information.
I also am using the Google Calendar system to have our events and activities in. If you use Google Calendars, you can add our calendar (it’s public) and receive notices of the things coming up. The calendar will list our Southern Utah Autism events, but also any other events in the area related to Autism or disabilities in general. If you haven’t seen it, it’s on the Events link up in the menu.
I am also working on fixing the book list (which is broken) and adding more books. I had hoped that WordPress and Amazon would help me streamline this, but they aren’t being compatible right now, so this is something I’ll have to tackle over the weekend (since I want to have A LOT of books listed).
Email List
And lastly, if you haven’t singed up for the Email List, feel free to do so over on the right-hand column of the website. We will only email you announcements from this website, you won’t get any other spam or messages from anyone else. We only use it to announce our meetings and events, and keep parents informed of local news that effects the lives of Autistic kids and their families. So sign up today!
Start of a new year!
Jan 4th
Welcome to 2010 everyone! It was a busy holiday season, but we’re still here. Erik (the person writing this!) and his wife had a baby on the 16th of December, and with Christmas and New Years, it’s just been a overwhelming time. Plus, with our Autistic son not in school until tomorow, a new baby and our 4 year old home all day has had us have more than our hands full. But, things return to normal soon and we can continue to get Southern Utah Autism off the ground and going!
Next Support Group Meeting:
Everyone remember that our next meeting is on the 21st of January at 6:30pm, which is a Thursday. It will be in the DRMC South Campus on 400 East, on the bottom floor, across from the hospital cafeteria. We will be sending out a reminder email so everyone can plan and have babysitters and such.
Our plan is for this to be a consistent day, time, and place for the meetings. The 3rd Thursday of each month, at the “Old Hospital.” So if you can’t make it one month, you know that there will be more meetings coming up. Plus, this website will always have updates on additional meetings or other activities that are planned, so if you haven’t joined our email list let, fill out the little form on the right-hand side of the page and send us your email!
In The Learning Center news:
The Learning Center for Families has sent out their January Newsletter. They have some great news about additional funding and staff resources, it’s very exciting to see them getting support. Plus, it sounds like they have a new building in the works, so if you are not on their mailing list, click the link below to read their newsletter. We love TLC and hope to really be able to help people find them and take advantage of all the WONDERFUL services they offer!
Click to download: TLC January Newsletter
More News: The Division of Services for People with Disabilities has sent out a news announcement, summarized as:
Public Input Meeting – St. George, Utah
Friday, January 15th, 2010 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
IF YOU ARE RECEIVING SERVICES FROM DSPD?
IF YOU ARE WAITING TO RECEIVE SERVICES FROM DSPD?
IF YOU MIGHT APPLY FOR DSPD SERVICES IN THE FUTURE?
IF YOU SUPPORT AND INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY?
THIS MEETING IS FOR YOU!
PRESENTER: ALAN ORMSBY, Director of the Division of Services for People with
Disabilities (DSPD)
This presentation will be a unique opportunity for you to meet with the Director of DSPD. Participants will learn about and discuss the changes within DSPD and how those changes have or will impact families across Utah. Time for questions and answers will be set aside at the end of the presentation. The presentation will be from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location:
Washington County School District
121 West Tabernacle
St. George UT 84770
Board Room – Main Administration Building
See attached flyer: If you have questions or would like additional information concerning this meeting call Lori Giovannoni (801) 538-4182 or email Lori at lgiovann@utah.gov. Their website is located at http://www.dspd.utah.gov/
Click the link to download their flyer Big Changes at DSPD
Note from Southern Utah Autism: If you can attend this meeting, PLEASE DO. Meetings like this are historically under-attended, and we need to show the administrators and directors of services out there that WE EXIST and are very concerned about our disabled loved ones. I will be sending out an reminder email for this, so check your inbox soon!
Family To Family Network Activities
Dec 11th
As some of you know, in the past, the Family to Family Network has had some fun activities for children with disabilities and their families. Dana Ross and Marcee Edwards have done a wonderful job. However, now it is someone else’s turn. If you would be interested in being the Chair or Co-Chair, please contact Marcee Edwards and she will get you more information. Her email is mattnmarcee@q.com.
Introduction, Southern Utah Autism Welcome!
Nov 12th
Welcome to the temporary blog for Southern Utah Autism. We will be gathering information and constructing a permanent website, but in the meantime this blog will serve as a place for people to get the information we do have on support group dates and times, and meeting locations.
But, for those who have gotten the first email, I wanted to let everyone know that we are working on this website and will have information and updates soon. In the meantime, you can email erik@southernutahautism.com if you have any comments or questions at this time.
Our first meeting was on Tuesday November 10th at the St. George library, and it was a great turnout. There were 12 people who showed up, and there was alot of enthusiasm for getting this group going. We will be planning our next meeting soon and have all the details right here on this blog, so bookmark us or send an email and we will keep you notified.
Some of the goals of Southern Utah Autism and this website will be:
- Updated, current news for the support group and how to attend and participate.
- Information regarding any events in the Southern Utah area regarding Autism support, meetings, workshops, and/or any other educational resources.
- Parent to Parent resources, playgroup and/or playdate setup and information, information on Autism friendly babysitters or childcare, voluntary parent connections and resources.
- Gathering and making available as much information as possible on local (and statewide, Salt Lake City) services for autistic children. This will include competent and Autism friendly doctors, pediatricians, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and any other service providers.
- Information and resources on local facilities who provide services, like The Learning Center for Families, the local School District Special Education preschool, and any other places that have services or support to offer Autistic children.
- Information and links to medical and insurance resources for Autistic children, or children diagnosed with a PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder). We hope to include some overviews and instructions on the qualifications for things like Medicaid or CHIP, or how to find resources to help pay for services and treatments.
- Autism friendly businesses like dentists, hair-cutters, counselors, any any other of those types of places where a business can help cater to the basic everyday needs of an Autistic child.
- Website links and online resources to local and state agencies and facilities that can be helpful to Autistic children, as well as the people to talk to and contact at each place.
We will need your help gathering all this information, so through the support group, email, and this website, we hope to contact all those interested and start pooling our information and resources, and hopefully create a supportive and informative community for parents who have Autistic children.
If you are reading this, thank you so much for just being willing to be a part of trying to help families and parents of Autistic children in Southern Utah, and we hope to be able to turn this website into a great, comprehensive resources for everyone who has Autism in their lives.
