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The Costs of Raising a Teenage Son with Autism
Researchers at the Children’s Institute, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the University of Rochester, NY, studied the connection between autism and the hemorrhage of cash a family endures when one of their own has the condition. “It’s a disorder that seems to have an impact on...
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Understanding Unintentional Injury for Children with ASD
Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, however certain skills acquired during the school year can be lost if they are not practiced consistently over the course of the entire year. One of the first things parents should identify, are IEP goals targeted by school staff to be maintained over...
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Considerations When Selecting a Summer Camp
Selecting a camp for a child is often a difficult task, but it becomes even more arduous when your child has a learning and/or social concern. There are so many items to explore, so many questions to ask—with no clear path through the wilderness! However, you may find this task easier if you...
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Dear Self
A few weeks ago I read an issue of People Magazine that featured one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and her newly-diagnosed autistic son. The headline bleated something like, “Jersey Housewife Fights to Save Her Son!” When I read this, I felt a surge of outrage. Save? Save? After a...
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Alpine Learning Group’s Parent Training Program: Be Your Child’s Best Teacher!
Why should parents receive training? More and more children are being diagnosed with autism before their third birthdays. Providing early, intensive, behavioral intervention at the point of diagnosis is beneficial to achieve the best possible outcomes for children with autism. Given that the amount...
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Special Needs Family Planning – Tips for Families with Special Needs
What is the sign of a good decision?® It’s creating a life care plan for a special needs child.. A gift of cash from grandma, grandpa or anyone else could end up costing special needs families thousands of dollars in lost government funding and services – benefits that are critical in helping...
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Vital Services to Promote Child and Family Resilience
It is common knowledge that having a child with ASD has an impact on the family, and the family has a profound impact on the developing child. Why then are there so few services to support families as they deal with the cumulative challenges they face managing child behavior, family relationships,...
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Tips to Promote Caregiver Emotional and Physical Health
Autism is oftentimes confusing, unpredictable and hard to manage. As parents and caregivers you are required to traverse the highs and lows of the autism diagnosis. From the outset of parental/caregiver concern to the day your loved one receives the diagnoses on the autism spectrum and everyday...
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Autism Parent Support Groups – A Successful Model Providing Information and Support
Families often lack information about the autism diagnosis such as what to expect, treatment options, and how to access services. Support groups serve two main functions. They provide families and caregivers with much needed information on a variety of topics related to autism spectrum disorders...
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Emergencies Happen – You Must Plan Ahead
At the time of this article’s publication, many of us will have been affected by Hurricane Irene. In light of this weather emergency we can look at this event and learn some valuable lessons. For those of us raising children with autism, high functioning autism or Asperger’s the challenges...