Sensory Awareness 

When Dr. Maple asked that I define 'sensory awareness', I could no longer see, hear, smell, touch, or taste through my own lenses.  I mean all humans all have 'sensory awareness,' but mine is colored by my son.

Children on the autism spectrum may have sensory processing issues and oral motor challenges which show up in rigidity, intolerance, and negative behavior.  Learning about ways to diffuse these issues can help alleviate stress and frustration, and improve the quality of life for the whole family.

Integrated Physical Systems 

Sometimes when trying to put together what happened to explain the cause of something like physical pain, it's not easy, especially when we can account for all the usual stuff that happened this week like lunch and nap-time.

Scientific evidence suggests that the gastrointestinal system of individuals with autism functions differently from what is considered the norm.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has published their consensus that children with autism spectrum disorders can benefit from the adaptation of general pediatric guidelines for the diagnostic evaluation of abdominal pain, chronic constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.  Chronic conditions of this nature may be red flags for autism spectrum disorders.  In this section we will support continuing research in this area and provide relevant nutrition education, products and services that will benefit the whole family.

Dr. Doron D. Kahana MD, FAAP, CPNS Pediatric, http://www.kahanamd.com

Watch Dr. Kahana's presentation “Food & Inflammation, Fertilizing the Weeds”, April 16, 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ6sEQvcQeg

"Dietary Guidelines" - There are 3 additional reasons you should care about what you eat....read more 

Mai Narasaki-Jara, MS, ATRIC, Adapted Aquatics Director / Lecturer
The Center of Achievement through Adapted Physical Activity
The Dept. of Kinesiology, CSU Northridge,  (818)677-5710, Mai.narasaki@csun.edu

The Center of Achievement Website
http://www.csun.edu/hhd/kin/capd.html

Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute
http://www.atri.org/Articles_of_Interest.htm

Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org

Dr. Michael Chez, Director of Pediatric Neurology at the Sutter Neuroscience Institute, Sacramento, CA   "We don't offer the support services to families to keep them from seeking out the desperate measures," Chez said. "Those are some of the things that we can do a better job on in the future."  Mom.me: Beware of autism 'cure' claims  Read more...

Intervention & Behavior Modification 

Suddenly everyone around us was focused on us.  Each of them seemed to have a similar look and almost a scowl of judgment on me for my inability to gain control of the situation.  What situation?  This is life for me.

Parenting is a skill that doesn't necessarily come naturally.  All parents find that there are times when any 'innate instincts' that they might possess are tested.  In this section it's our intention to connect parents with ideas and resources when they find themselves 'at the end of their rope.'

Autism Education

It's a learning experience, like on the job training, connecting the dots from head to toe. Teach me how to fish, and everyone will thrive.

In addition to providing access to 'no-cost' professional consultations, in this section our experts provide current research-based, best-practice and new scientific discoveries about proactive preventive care for children who have special needs.

Creative Solutions to Everyday Problems 

When it comes to having my own time, it's usually in the bathroom with last year's Sunset Living magazine.  With this limited space and time, somehow  I must find a way to rejuvenate myself like having a power nap.

Since children with autism have both unique digestive patterns, nutritional requirements, as well as particularly specific ideas about what foods they will and will not eat, caregivers and teachers of these children must be creative in what is put into their lunch boxes, and what is prepared for meals at home.  In this section it's our goal to create an environment of shared ideas and options to win the food battles!

Social Networking

Who's in my network?  Who am I social with?  Who socializes like me and my family? 

Parents of children with autism often feel isolated and alone.  As the number of children diagnosed with autism increases, so does the number of books and various on-line networking sites where parents are speaking out, and sharing experiences.  Many of these resources point to the belief that while autism may present major challenges - in many ways it is also a gift.  What can you share with another parent in this section?

Advocacy

It's me, it's you, it's who we are and how we want to have our children and our families recognized in the mainstream of  life.  Dare to stand with me, and know that we are as strong as we choose to be.  Shout with me.

Schools are committed both ethically and legally to provide a free, appropriate public education to every child in the least restrictive environment.  The books and resources in this section will help parents find people, agencies and other resources that will help them understand Special Education Law and learn ways to make sure their own child is receiving an appropriate education within the public school system.