Diagnosing autism before age 3


Posted by Matt McAlear on April 8th, 2008

Lisa Tate’s recent blog wondered about the myth that children can’t be diagnosed with autism before age three. In the past, doctors were hesitant to diagnose autism in children less than 2 years of age, mostly because of the relatively limited amount of research showing stability of such early diagnoses. Doctors were more likely to provide a Pervasive …Read More » »

Increase autism awareness: Act for Autism


Posted by Beth Finke on April 2nd, 2008

Easter Seals is taking advantage of Autism Awareness Month to make sure people are aware that … autism is treatable. Seems like such a simple concept, doesn’t it? But it’s surprising how many people are, well … unaware.

It’s true: autism is treatable! Just ask my friend Barbara Gaither. You might recognize Barbara’s name — she’s posted a few blogs here …Read More » »

Health insurance for people with autism


Posted by Bob Glowacki on March 11th, 2008

Most states do not require private insurance companies to cover even essential autism treatments and services. Nationwide, few private insurance companies or other employee benefit plans cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other behavioral therapies. In fact, many insurance companies designate autism as a diagnostic exclusion, meaning that no autism-specific services are covered.

There are 16 states that …Read More » »

Larry King keeps autism in the news


Posted by Lisa Tate on March 10th, 2008

Autism is receiving a lot of attention –- here at Easter Seals, in the press, in the legislature –- it’s everywhere. Shows like last Thursday’s Larry King Live pay a lot of attention to “cause and cure.” If that helps inform and educate people about this increasingly prevalent disorder, I guess I have …Read More » »

P.L.A.Y. in Wisconsin


Posted by Bob Glowacki on March 4th, 2008

Many of you have heard of Dr. Richard Solomon. Dr. Solomon is a board certified developmental pediatrician who specializes in autism. He has over 15 years experience working with families and children with autism. Currently, he has a clinic in Ann Arbor, Mich. where he provides diagnostic services and intervention through his specialized program called The …Read More » »

Autism Spokesperson Network


Posted by Beth Finke on February 20th, 2008

I spent so much time in yesterday’s post bragging about blogging blind — and about the blogging session my colleagues and I will present at tomorrow’s Easter Seals Autism Spokesperson Network meeting — I neglected to explain exactly what the Easter Seals Autism Spokesperson Network is.

So, enough of the self-adulation …Read More » »

Bright future ahead for autism therapeutic school


Posted by Maurice Snell on February 11th, 2008

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far. 2008 is a year with many major events imminent at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. That’s where I work.

One major event that is scheduled to happen this year is the opening of the Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago’s …Read More » »

Book review: Nancy Wiseman’s “Could It Be Autism?”


Posted by Beth Finke on January 22nd, 2008

When it comes to treating autism, the earlier the intervention the better. That’s why I like Nancy D. Wiseman’s Could It Be Autism?: A Parent’s Guide to the …Read More » »

Hang ten: surf therapy for children with autism


Posted by Beth Finke on January 16th, 2008

I live in Chicago. I don’t know a whole lot about surfing. When I saw a blog about a surf therapy program for children with autism, I wasn’t sure if it was a joke or not.

So I asked an expert.

Dr. Patricia Wright lived in Hawaii …Read More » »

Book review: Roy Richard Grinker’s “Unstrange Minds”


Posted by Ellen Harrington-Kane on July 17th, 2007

Recently I read the book Unstrange Minds:  Remapping the World of Autism by Roy Richard Grinker. Mr. Grinker has a daughter with autism. In this book he skillfully combines the story of his family’s journey through autism with comparisons of autism awareness, …Read More » »