tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74269623923008831582024-02-06T23:32:32.867-05:00National Autism Association NAA New York Metro ChapterThis chapter was created to serve families, caregivers, and educators affected by Autism; to educate and empower individuals affected by Autism; and help them reach their full potential.NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-70524828066332176982013-11-05T23:34:00.000-05:002013-11-06T10:42:37.641-05:00New Post by Our President - She Sauna'd!Our President, Kim Mack Rosenberg, had the opportunity recently to try out the full-spectrum saunas made by <a href="http://www.sunlighten.com/">Sunlighten</a>, a sponsor of our national parent, the National Autism Association. She blogged about it at her <a href="http://embracingwellness.blogspot.com/2013/11/full-spectrum-saunas-from-sunlighten.html">own blog</a> - check it out! Look for information about
Sunlighten at the <a href="http://www.cvent.com/events/2013-national-autism-conference/event-summary-d73e16fb5c2e4d7da4d1e8fa072dd315.aspx">NAA Conference</a> next week in St. Pete's Beach, Florida. The Conference is a great place to learn news on treatment options and other important information for those with autism. Saunas are one option to help people detox and the full-spectrum saunas offer some unique benefits. As an NAA sponsor, Sunlighten has special deals for NAA members too! For those in the NY area, the <a href="http://www.beachbum.com/home/" target="_blank">Beach Bum Tanning</a> locations
in Chelsea, Forest Hills and Saddle Brook now have Sunlighten's full
spectrum saunas that anyone 18+ can enjoy. Kim shares her personal experience as well as information on the potential benefits of full-spectrum saunas for people with autism and generally for those looking to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-65724317359836332322013-01-31T22:01:00.000-05:002013-01-31T22:01:19.716-05:00NAA New York Metro Chapter Sponsors a Training Session for NYPD Officers <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By Khalid Rehman, MD, Chairperson of the NAA NY Metro Advocacy Committee </div>
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For the first time in our 5 year history, NAA NY Metro has connected
with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to help train police officers in
Autism Recognition and Response. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6c0uzcctrki0MKIHETPUFj5I1Z7YRVdWTSjhtscWM6yjI7_uhX-_CXAXCiOnjQs5LKmLIbkk88eO6jgzHmxG7FU-PFBor5w2keO-L2PZCKbsuqrx1t6IxVBO3frCvicBheVQXW_7Y4E/s1600/DSC04703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6c0uzcctrki0MKIHETPUFj5I1Z7YRVdWTSjhtscWM6yjI7_uhX-_CXAXCiOnjQs5LKmLIbkk88eO6jgzHmxG7FU-PFBor5w2keO-L2PZCKbsuqrx1t6IxVBO3frCvicBheVQXW_7Y4E/s200/DSC04703.JPG" width="200" /></a>Thanks to your generous donations, the training session - which
was organized and paid for by the NAA NY Metro Chapter -was held on 25 January
2013 at the NYPD Academy. The audience included more than 300 police sergeants
(command level officers) who will in turn train the rank & file police
officers in every precinct of New York City. The attendees were provided with
videos (DVD) and written material to be used in training the police officers. This
was a successful culmination of an effort started by us few years ago. </div>
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As the number of individuals on the autism spectrum continues
to rise, the likelihood that any one of them will encounter contact with law
enforcement officials has increased. In a study published in 1993, it was
reported that the people with autism (as well as those with developmental
disabilities) were approximately seven times more likely to come in contact
with police than the general public. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH-H3CyII24cvhytkuHLn57_3c86JeYoghrCKQEBA-_kqVEKzgmw2lP-XK3ZFu7Twvpx3PFHmlARxFnW2xq1LEj0z7h8I1HJX8tB6siuvYCgspalXTmomSq8ow0Hy943CXdjuucP2N2A/s1600/DSC04709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH-H3CyII24cvhytkuHLn57_3c86JeYoghrCKQEBA-_kqVEKzgmw2lP-XK3ZFu7Twvpx3PFHmlARxFnW2xq1LEj0z7h8I1HJX8tB6siuvYCgspalXTmomSq8ow0Hy943CXdjuucP2N2A/s200/DSC04709.JPG" width="200" /></a>Since many individuals on the spectrum have difficulty
obeying commands, making eye contact, are often non-verbal, resist being
touched or man-handled and have other sensory and behavioral issues, it creates
a challenge for the law enforcement officials to handle them. If the police officers
and other first responders know how to recognize someone with autism and how to
handle them, their job can be easier and safe. </div>
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The training was conducted by Dennis Debbaudt, an
internationally recognized specialist in this field. Mr. Debbaudt, the father
of a young man with autism, runs the Autism Risk & Safety Management
Company. He is an author and public speaker and has conducted training of the
first responders all over the United States, as well as in other countries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taught the attendees how to recognize
someone with autism and made them aware of physical, emotional and cognitive issues
that many people with autism face. With the use of videos, slides and his own
body language, he taught them how to interview, investigate and apprehend (if
necessary) in a safe and effective way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also talked about wandering and effective
search and rescue efforts. </div>
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The NYPD also has developed its own video on autism, which
was also shown at the training session. This video is available to the
commanding officers for training purpose. It was also interesting to note that
by show of hands, at least 15-20% of the audience indicated that they know of
someone with autism among their family, friends or neighborhood. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR42lNOZ_JQRYWmazjRsMMddQg9nG6YGo1VeGiCZuK7jPcKKKgSOIll4Qopc_7-fisYXqG0lW9xpuIZZf8BtPyQdYckVBSoUJ_J8xj3EqAKxpPSte9l7i12KFSEDOdxU3MLtH0o0Ysy8/s1600/DSC04702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR42lNOZ_JQRYWmazjRsMMddQg9nG6YGo1VeGiCZuK7jPcKKKgSOIll4Qopc_7-fisYXqG0lW9xpuIZZf8BtPyQdYckVBSoUJ_J8xj3EqAKxpPSte9l7i12KFSEDOdxU3MLtH0o0Ysy8/s200/DSC04702.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
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The NY Metro Chapter is planning to enhance this experience of
the NYPD officers by organizing a community day on 2 April 2013, the National
and World Wide Autism Awareness day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are working with NYPD and its Community Affairs Division to host individuals
with autism and their families at their respective police precincts on that day.
This will allow the individuals on the spectrum to see and meet police officers
in uniform while at the same time provide opportunity for the officers to get
to know these individuals in their community. </div>
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The NY Metro Chapter is also considering asking the police
academy to make this educational material a permanent part of the curriculum of
the police cadets and also to sponsor such a training session every few years. </div>
</div>
NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-21162180909901107512013-01-09T19:38:00.002-05:002013-01-09T19:40:11.891-05:00My Interview with Louise Weadock of WeeZee, The World of "Yes, I Can"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh_ZQADfZxi6Rd9TmPGVhGJwE4AT_q9ltL_UKJUnCoKsUZ-2ZL48x1m7g8JayJbVuBQCUeScFfFzloi6xaVhGly5fuG741yy97WKj08Syj9DalOjhxEgsKr4Zw1zDKOn7f8tlECp9j1M/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh_ZQADfZxi6Rd9TmPGVhGJwE4AT_q9ltL_UKJUnCoKsUZ-2ZL48x1m7g8JayJbVuBQCUeScFfFzloi6xaVhGly5fuG741yy97WKj08Syj9DalOjhxEgsKr4Zw1zDKOn7f8tlECp9j1M/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parents of young children with autism are often looking for
ways to get their kids moving more. So many children on the autism spectrum
don’t get enough physical activity, but it can also be challenging for parents
to find appropriate physical activities that are sensitive to their children’s
various sensory needs or that help integrate the senses of children with
sensory integration disorder (SID).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As many of our families know from
experience, children on the autism spectrum often have sensory integration
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, many typically
developing children also have sensory issues – ranging from mild to very
severe. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Particularly for families living in or near Chappaqua, NY –
or those looking for a fun day out of the city – there is a new option for
sensory appropriate fun and physical activity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWQW3mZjvtAYS70LRU_PUmOYKHpRspI-h1-oDEiwXdYtme9nwO3d4pwMRit1VA19o-jWDjrgvwYTNzqsQY2l44FawQvt1Qdny3Vz4VarE8vR3BulmdtUm8mKp3e5j2BqIxC30ESQTdec/s1600/louise-headshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWQW3mZjvtAYS70LRU_PUmOYKHpRspI-h1-oDEiwXdYtme9nwO3d4pwMRit1VA19o-jWDjrgvwYTNzqsQY2l44FawQvt1Qdny3Vz4VarE8vR3BulmdtUm8mKp3e5j2BqIxC30ESQTdec/s200/louise-headshot.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with <a href="http://weezeeworld.com/team.html#">Louise </a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://weezeeworld.com/team.html#">Weadock</a>, the Founder & CEO of <a href="http://weezeeworld.com/">WeeZee,the World of “Yes, I Can,”</a> an 18,000 square foot health/fitness facility for
children ages 12 months to 12 years and their families which opened in mid-2012
in Chappaqua, to learn more about her unique program and how she developed
WeeZee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NAA NYM is always excited to
share new information with families and to give families a chance to see if a
program might be a good fit for them and so I am excited to share what Louise
and I chatted about right before the holidays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At WeeZee, Louise and
her staff offer a unique opportunity to families for play that incorporates
learning, sensory sensitivity, and safety management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared with me that children, both
typical and special needs, participating at WeeZee are seeing improvements in
social skills, athletic coordination and academics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, while children with sensory issues
in particular may benefit from the environment at WeeZee, typical children,
including siblings can come enjoy the fun as well – creating an experience that
siblings can share and in which they can relate with one another while just
having fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding those experiences
can be a difficult for families of children with autism or other challenges –
creating such an environment is another added bonus of WeeZee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WeeZee is Louise’s
brainchild and she drew upon decades of personal and professional experience
concerning the sensory needs of children in developing the facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a registered Child Psychiatric Nurse,
graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the owner of a
well-established nursing and healthcare services company also located in
Chappaqua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to her own
knowledge and research, Louise worked with other professionals to help
determine what “worked” and what didn’t in developing a facility for children
to integrate their senses, to be active, and to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With personal
experiences as well, she recognizes how important sensory integration is to
children – both typical and special needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We discussed that if a child’s sensory needs go unmet, a child may be
prevented from meeting his full potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As she told me, if a child’s senses are not working well, she cannot
store and appropriately apply the information that she is taking in from her
environment, let alone to generalize that information to other environments and
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a parent of a child with
sensory issues, her words rang true to me – meeting my son’s various sensory
needs is very important to his academic and social/emotional progress and even
he is recognizing those needs and working to self-regulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise also recognizes the importance of
physical activity for all children as well as the basic, though often
forgotten, fact that kids need to have fun and just be kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WeeZee was designed to address all these
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often even very young
children today are sedentary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t
think creatively as much as they should and they don’t move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lose muscle tone and flexibility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WeeZee fills a niche
largely unmet for today’s young children, especially children with sensory
integration issues. WeeZee is not a therapeutic center and it is not meant to
replace occupational therapy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
it offers a supportive fun environment that is complementary to therapeutic
work done elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGyeUr1oAoikBjSaIO4pKy0JQPODwdlKJxCC3EOHBx873D8kIoEnzJo4aQTrS9bNfX72lzF0w2wZBlWHOgG3v1zhwQ42btQW4I1vIMYpkD55QgyaXd94T5vN5c9vACLG_NQGZJ7f99RQ/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGyeUr1oAoikBjSaIO4pKy0JQPODwdlKJxCC3EOHBx873D8kIoEnzJo4aQTrS9bNfX72lzF0w2wZBlWHOgG3v1zhwQ42btQW4I1vIMYpkD55QgyaXd94T5vN5c9vACLG_NQGZJ7f99RQ/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WeeZee is a fun
spacious facility with room for children to move around while receiving the
benefits of a sensory-friendly environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Equipment and spaces are coded (color and symbol, helpful for even the
youngest visitors!) for different senses:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://weezeeworld.com/ourworld.html">touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing, and self</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For gym members (which now comprise
approximately 300 children – about half of whom are children with IEPs), WeeZee
staff members develop an individualized sensory circuit of activities – sort of
like circuit training but not just on a physical level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff works with the parents to develop a
sensory profile of each child, including using an objective sensory assessment
as part of the profile, and then match equipment/exercises with the child’s
sensory needs and physical abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>WeeZee staff seeks to balance challenging children in areas needing
support as well as gaining cooperation and furthering self-confidence in areas
in which the children have strengths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Children can try out different pieces of equipment to see what they
prefer, further fine-tuning their personalized circuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, children move at a pace that is
comfortable for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WeeZee recognizes
that children with autism and SID may need time to adapt to the new environment
and new equipment and are sensitive to those needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WeeZee Staff is screened
and well trained (taught about behavior management, neurophysical principles
and other relevant areas).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise
challenges the WeeZee staff to share ideas and think outside the box to
continue to improve WeeZee and children’s experiences there but she says that a
really special thing that each employee must bring to working with children at
WeeZee is that you “have to have a heart to begin with.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff is made up primarily of college
graduates with group experience working with children and interests in fields
such as healthcare, social work and education. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In addition to
memberships, WeeZee also offers afterschool programs, birthday parties, classes
and other activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In part to try to
establish more formal data about the kinds of play activities that WeeZee
offers, they have also launched a nonprofit called <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sensory Bullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Sensory
Bullets will aim to provide r<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">esearch grants,
to provide training and education to families, caregivers and professionals
working with children with ASD and SID, to provide academic, service or program
scholarships to IEP students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Thanks to Louise for a great interview!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Kim Mack Rosenberg </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-22561901101875971862012-09-26T16:00:00.001-04:002012-09-26T16:43:18.654-04:00Small Victories by Lena Rivkin, MFA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZG0r0PWjbHRumedW4FL_5Si09tU5CgdUGppkIUI-LxH7wSDo3EBpAdagZ6hIkJWCKOYOVkHcYeBcsd2NB2m37yewIm1V4Ascz0urmiTfyzG-7PO1Vuxf_zYnz_fNoSFAvApm8UnjCGA/s1600/phillip+working.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZG0r0PWjbHRumedW4FL_5Si09tU5CgdUGppkIUI-LxH7wSDo3EBpAdagZ6hIkJWCKOYOVkHcYeBcsd2NB2m37yewIm1V4Ascz0urmiTfyzG-7PO1Vuxf_zYnz_fNoSFAvApm8UnjCGA/s200/phillip+working.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NAA NY Metro is pleased to bring you "Small Victories," another piece by Lena Rivkin, sister to Phillip, an adult with autism. In "Small Victories" Lena shares the healing power of art and shares with us some of the wonderful, supportive people surrounding Phillip. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKJcGaCZmHAOptVgLuUrbpsTTHZBCmj99DZM3ibwhPZLpG6xm8g2E7Q9BdWCwcbh5f9-Jwx97NKUGQTk_hykQTJTfODWAQ7US1OY1GxxAa7ZpzLUbihxL_zy7wzSYrIfInzx64F51dIg/s1600/Neon+man.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKJcGaCZmHAOptVgLuUrbpsTTHZBCmj99DZM3ibwhPZLpG6xm8g2E7Q9BdWCwcbh5f9-Jwx97NKUGQTk_hykQTJTfODWAQ7US1OY1GxxAa7ZpzLUbihxL_zy7wzSYrIfInzx64F51dIg/s200/Neon+man.JPG" width="150" /></a>“Phillip made that!” I proudly exclaimed. Then I instantly
wondered who exactly I had become. A friend had come over with her 5-month-old
baby. After we cooed over her baby’s latest accomplishments, I suddenly pointed
to a neon pink, incredibly long legged creation with green ears, round black
eyes and a glittering necktie, taped to my refrigerator door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I instantly worried aloud if I had just
sounded too parental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend reassured
me. “You’re not just Phillip’s sister. You’re his parent as well. So why not be
proud of his accomplishments!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s
right. I am proud. As an adult with severe autism, my brother Phillip doesn’t
use words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks with his art.</div>
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My brother and I were equally lucky in different ways to
have an artist for a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
our mother did, she did with creativity and her own personal flair. Termed
severely retarded at the age of three, my parents were told to expect nothing
of Phillip, advised to put him in a mental hospital and to move on with their
lives. Even though Phillip was born long before autism was considered common,
my parents instinctively saw their son as more than just a dire diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they did just the opposite. </div>
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My mother and father were very involved and dedicated
parents. They fully immersed him in their fun and busy lives. They were proud
of everything he accomplished. After I was born, my parents skillfully raised
me to know that my older brother was special and he was my family. </div>
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And throughout our childhoods, as entwined and yet indelibly
different as they were, our common language was creativity. I grew up to be an
artist and an art educator. Phillip grew up to be his best self, free to
explore his creative voice in a secure and nurturing community. Every one of
Phillip’s personal victories, however small, has been lauded and loved.</div>
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As Phillip grew, our parents not only were actively shaping
Phillip’s life, they were also advocates for him and other children with
special needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came time for our
parents to seek additional outside help for Phillip they were lucky to discover
New Horizons, a school and group home in North Hills, California, where Phillip
could live his adult life with the utmost care and attention. </div>
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Far from being content with just that, our parents sought
creative ways to raise funds and awareness for New Horizons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They vibrantly applied their creativity and
volunteering spirits to help New Horizons in any way they could. They were
uncommon parents for their time. </div>
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New Horizons has been instrumental in Phillip’s adult
victories. Due to his excellently performed job of crossing out every day on
the calendar at New Horizons, we made sure he had plenty of colored pencils to
fulfill what became an obsession. My family also learned he adored receiving
mail so we made an extra effort to send him postcards, it didn’t matter where
from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my parents passed away, I
kept up the postcard sending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently,
I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends who send Phillip
postcards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bierta, who lives in Japan,
sent him a large box of teas and chocolates for the holidays last year as well
as postcards from all her travels. Terry and Lee Gopadze inundated Phillip with
postcards from their trip to Maui last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>None of these people have even met Phillip, but they richly contribute
to his life.</div>
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Since art was always my passion. I received my MFA and
became an exhibiting artist and art professor at a local college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years ago a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>staff member at Phillip’s school helped Phillip discover his “MFA”. A
teacher whose name I wish I knew taught Phillip how to needlepoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly was the biggest creative victory in
Phillip’s life. Phillip became a devoted needle-pointer over night. </div>
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Drawing upon her deeply creative instincts, my mother
started designing and coloring Phillip’s needlepoint canvasses. Phillip’s
fingers eagerly responded to our mother’s graphic designs and vibrant color
choices. When our mother passed away six years ago, I took over the design and
coloring of his canvasses. And now, nearly 20 years and around 100 needlepoints
later, our collaborative creations have deepened and enriched our relationship,
far beyond words. We also bake cupcakes together. </div>
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Phillip now also attends a wonderfully nurturing school,
Tierra del Sol Foundation in Sunland, California. Through the art programs at
Tierra del Sol, Phillip’s art has been exhibited and he actually received a
commission for one of his paintings. So he is a working artist as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having my brother enveloped in two thriving
environments where he can communicate with his hands and mind is one of the
best victories of his life.</div>
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Recently, Gail Peters, the development officer at Tierra del
Sol told me a story I never knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years
ago a staff member sent my father a photo of Phillip smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father was stunned, because he had never
seen Phillip smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote a note to
Gail thanking her for his son’s smile, which in turn made him smile in a way he
had never smiled. </div>
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On the weekends, Ardith Green, a creative and devoted New
Horizons staff member regularly brings in craft-making projects for Phillip and
his housemates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our mother would have
loved Ardith for her take-charge spirit and her artistic impulses on behalf of
the clients at New Horizons.</div>
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On my most recent visit with Phillip, I was instantly
charmed by the witty, long-limbed neon pink man on display in the living room.
When Ardith exclaimed that Phillip had made it, I was delighted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The neon pink man gave me a thrilling insight
into what else lurks inside my brother’s imagination.</div>
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My parents aren’t around to enjoy what Phillip has recently
created, but I’m sure they’d be exceedingly proud of everything he’s done. And
they would joyfully display his creations for all the world to see. When I
taped the pink man to my refrigerator, I honored my parents and their son, and
furthered their belief that it is far better to celebrate what people can
accomplish instead of mourning the milestones they may never meet.</div>
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Small victories are still victories.</div>
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Lena Rivkin, M.F.A., is an artist and graphologist living in
Los Angeles.</div>
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NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-32640735332917148252012-09-17T15:12:00.000-04:002012-09-18T11:46:59.117-04:00Learn About and Join NAA NYM's Free Sibling Support Group<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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NOTE: Dr. Selma Miller is the moderator of our sibling support group. Below she shares her personal story and the successes of our first series of sibling support group sessions last winter/spring. We hope that if your ASD child has a typical sibling ages 8-13, that you consider having them attend our new series of support group, meeting twice a month, starting October 3. Visit <a href="http://naanyc.org/events/sib_support_group_fall2012.pdf">NAA NYM's website</a> for more details. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Siblings and the NAA
NYM Sibling Support Group</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">By Dr. Selma Miller</span></b></div>
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I am the younger sibling of an adult sister, now in her
mid-80s, with autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many years ago, my
sister was diagnosed as mentally retarded, and it was only years later that she
received an autism diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
experiences both as Frances’s sister and as a mental health professional, I
have found very little information that addresses the effect on “typical”
siblings of growing up in a family that includes a child with developmental or physical
challenges. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a great deal of
literature describes the effect on the entire family of having a person with an
illness, psychological or physical. Just a few weeks ago, the New York Times
had a feature article in the Science section on the strains of being a
caretaker. Although the article focused on being the elderly partner of a
person with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it also addressed the strain of all
illnesses on caretakers and families in general.</div>
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And just as the literature focuses on families and
caretakers, support groups are plentiful for adult caretakers but few groups
exist for typical children in the home of a child with a disability. This focus
may exist because adults who live with or care for family members with physical
or developmental challenges are so overwhelmed that they have little time left
to address the needs of other children and are grateful for fact that these
children have no apparent pressing needs. The needs of the typical child are frequently
compatible with the needs of the family. Some healthy children become overachievers
to make up for their sibling’s challenges, others become surrogate parents and
take on parental responsibilities. Still others become defensive and feel they
have a responsibility to defend their sibling. Regardless of the role they
take, their need for help may not be obvious and thus they do not command the attention
either in the literature or in supportive groups. </div>
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In 1974 I wrote my doctoral dissertation, “Sibling
Relationships in Families with a Retarded Child.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was unaware of the lack of resources, but knew
that I was interested in finding out more about other families like mine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up, I had not known any other families
with developmentally disabled children and was reluctant to ask my mother too
many questions for fear I would upset her. I had been told that my sister
Frances was a normal baby and only started to change when she was about two
years old. It seemed natural to want to be a “big” girl and do things for
myself, in fact I felt proud when I could do things Frances could not. All that
changed, however, when my parents became old and more responsibility shifted to
me. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t really have anyone to talk to. I realized only
those who had had similar experiences could understand my challenges as the
sibling of a developmentally disabled child. It was at that time that I learned
the importance of having a “group.” The AHRC had helped me with my
dissertation, and through them I met Kathryn, Marilyn and Bonnie. We got together
and formed a sibling group. Little by little this group of four has grown and
today consists of a thriving 30 registrants. They are now accepted by the AHRC
and take trips and go to camp together. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The value of this experience for me many years ago and the
apparent lack of other similar groups, inspired me to approach the New York
Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association with the idea of forming such
a group for children. When the announcement was sent out to NAA NYM’s mailing
list, the response was immediate. People signed up to have their children –
ages 8-13 – come to our group on a monthly basis from February through July 2012.
It was now necessary to find a place where the group could meet. We were
fortunate to obtain space with “<a href="http://www.emergeandsee.net/">Emerge and See</a>,” an educational center serving
children on the autism spectrum and their families. They were extremely
welcoming, set aside a cabinet, and arranged one of several rooms in an appropriate
way for the group to gather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We started slow, so that the children felt comfortable in
sharing their feelings, which they eventually did. The first week we each told
a bit about ourselves, and our families. Nothing specific - things that we liked
to do in spare time, our favorite T.V. programs, and things that we did as a
family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the fourth week, many
different feelings emerged. There were opportunities to learn more about the
implications of their siblings’ special needs. <span style="color: black;">The
themes that came up in my group in 1974 are the same themes children in our NAA
NYM group expressed, almost 40 years later. </span>One constant theme
reiterated by several of the program participants was the lack of a sibling to
play with, another recurring concern for some children was the sense of
embarrassment when their sibling acted up in public places.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As one child said, she is embarrassed when her family goes
shopping and her sibling starts having a fit and making inappropriate noises.
When people stare at them she doesn’t know what to do. Others shared their
experiences. Another child in the group was curious as to whether I had ever experienced
this behavior with Frances and asked what I did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said that yes, I had experienced similar embarrassing
moments over the years. As I got older I learned to smile and walk away. I learned
that people are frightened when they see unusual behavior, but it still bothers
me that they look at me as if I should be able to do something about the
outburst - or at least that is what I imagine they are thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The goal of this group is for children to know other kids
out there who have many of the same struggles and to learn ways in which they
handle the different situations they face.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each child has a different story and a different experience,
but often knowing that there are some similar challenges involved and that they
are not alone, helps make each day a little easier and a little less lonely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my hope that other organizations will follow NAA NYM
and start similar sibling groups. When children learn that they not alone,
regardless of the challenges they face, they can grow up with a better sense of
who they are and what they want for themselves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
</div>
NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-21659795329957192642012-04-04T17:39:00.003-04:002012-04-04T17:42:52.575-04:00The National Autism Association NY Metro at NASQAQ Opening Bell 2012The NAA New York Metro Chapter was invited to ring the opening bell. Kim Mac Rosenberg spoke about Autism Awareness Month.<br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UQa2TIftGi0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-15763265623809241832012-03-11T20:30:00.006-04:002012-03-11T21:00:37.054-04:00Living On Purpose by Lena Rivkin<style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style><span style="font-weight: bold;">Readers, we are excited to post what we hope will be the first in a long line of posts from Lena Rivkin. Lena is the sibling of an adult brother with autism. She provides a wonderful perspective on autism past the early years where many of us now find ourselves. Thank you Lena for this insightful essay!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifATWz488CaYkSc2nBXz9WyNtZcdtnGYGeE5AXXvwAGDpBUmxyjbRPh4VqFXXz0dPH38-OTURu1XYPXWzUw7Ky8gMf2EPnbk9L7gmI8eGviIyXZLLLOF0D5s4bsixBHK3X26_qbChcnz4/s1600/Phillip+%2526+Lena.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifATWz488CaYkSc2nBXz9WyNtZcdtnGYGeE5AXXvwAGDpBUmxyjbRPh4VqFXXz0dPH38-OTURu1XYPXWzUw7Ky8gMf2EPnbk9L7gmI8eGviIyXZLLLOF0D5s4bsixBHK3X26_qbChcnz4/s320/Phillip+%2526+Lena.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718806234665201170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Lena and Phillip</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br style="font-family: georgia;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" >I never know when to stop saying Happy New Year. I strive to hold onto the feeling of renewal, hope and fresh starts that the New Year provides.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But holidays quickly recede into the rear view mirror, since the business of living demands our full and present attention, until the next round of designated pre-programmed holiday landmarks sneak up on us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of course we all endeavor to live as if every day were a holiday or the first day of the rest of our lives, but that eventually becomes exhausting- usually around mid-January.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >However, for those of us with special needs children or siblings, we consistently struggle with how to make the every day more meaningful and resonant for them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My brother, Phillip, is a severely autistic adult and lives in a group home administered by New Horizons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel a certain amount of self-imposed pressure to make each visit with my brother intently unique: for his wellbeing, his development, to bring some joy into his quiet little world.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >This year I’m resolving to invent cost effective yet special monthly ‘holidays’ for Phillip. And I believe this is an idea we can all build upon and re-invent with our particular families in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each family has a favorite activity- whether our monthly ‘holiday’ is organized around a favorite sport or place to go, making food, music or art together; it is within all of us to find creative ways to make family time together vivid, fun and commemorative.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >In my brother’s home we celebrate everyone’s birthday, even if it’s staff or a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This creates a loving and fun-filled family-style environment where any seemingly ordinary day is special to someone and worthy of attention.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And exposing our special needs family member to variety, to change and the world outside them is as important for them as it is for us. New Horizons places a special emphasis on frequent group outings, which many of the clients anticipate with glee. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >As a child I would veer from being overly protective of my brother to being embarrassed by him. Once, when our parents took us to a restaurant Phillip casually helped himself to another diner’s French fries while we were walking to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was ten and figured that since he loved French fries he was welcome to them, no matter whom they belonged to. Our parents had a great sense of humor about Phillip but I was seven and wanted to crawl under the table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We both have grown up in our own ways- I’m no longer concerned about what the world thinks of my brother and he no longer helps himself to other people’s meals! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >I know it’s crucial to take Phillip out into the community. Society needs to be exposed to every kind of person. We all need to swim together among our differences and commonalities.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hopefully bringing Phillip and his friends from New Horizons out shopping will promote education and understanding as to how other families cope with life’s challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our special needs siblings and children have guided us to open our hearts to people with disabilities- and out in the world, Phillip sweetly wins the hearts and minds of people who once eyed him with apprehension. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >One of the myths of individuals with special needs is that there is a lack of emotional sensitivity and limited interest in the outside world as compared to higher functioning people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When someone does not communicate verbally or with socially acceptable body language, it is easy to dismiss this person as being unworthy of our attention.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Besides, we are all deeply consumed with making our lives tick like Swiss clocks; it’s increasingly difficult to make time we just don’t have for those of us with complicated needs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" >A thoughtful and insightful friend recently asked if I shared information about my life with Phillip.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was stunned to consider the notion of my brother wanting to know about my life. I’ve usually been so consumed with caring for him, that the one person who has known me longer than anyone living- has a severely limited knowledge of me … because it never occurred to me that the details of my life would matter to him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" >On my next visit I was taking Phillip to get his haircut. Phillip truly loves going anywhere but he especially loves getting his haircut because Catalina, his stylist, dotes on him and has one of his needlepoints framed on the wall of her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Dominican Salon</i>. It’s very moving to see people take time for Phillip and for them to create meaningful moments for him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Catalina is one of these people.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" >In the car ride over I knew Phillip was excited because he was humming. I decided to talk to him the way I would talk to a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I casually chatted to Phillip about my latest art project. As I was talking, my brother stopped humming, looked me straight in the eye and held my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could tell he was paying attention to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was a deeply teachable moment... for me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Believing that my life is as important to my brother as his life is to me is one of the light bulb moments that make regular, ordinary days anything but.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;font-size:100%;" >The bar has been raised. Here’s to a new year of discovering what tiny gestures can contribute meaning and love to our deeply special families.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Having a monthly celebratory goal can keep the feeling of a new year with new hopes alive longer than the resolutions that dissolve somewhere around January 15<sup>th</sup>.<br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:85%;" > </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:85%;" >Lena Rivkin, M.F.A., is an artist and graphologist living in Los Angeles.</span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-16461580992478208312012-01-30T13:19:00.005-05:002012-01-30T14:16:47.372-05:00Top Ten Ways to Maximize Reimbursements for Autism Therapies by Jodi Bouer, Esq.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cnnoJ6VVhp1OaiO0SAQHze-BAIlYAN_O9XYpBe61mMvGKfs_KR0IU5MA8-tHvQF4G8NePrTgsDyhVQA_7CChG1wE_7M2g8zOjHNhbnuWezbtKwjc5h4JN_G9NBsxWN5wZoaFnhEkqxw/s1600/Jodi+Bouer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cnnoJ6VVhp1OaiO0SAQHze-BAIlYAN_O9XYpBe61mMvGKfs_KR0IU5MA8-tHvQF4G8NePrTgsDyhVQA_7CChG1wE_7M2g8zOjHNhbnuWezbtKwjc5h4JN_G9NBsxWN5wZoaFnhEkqxw/s320/Jodi+Bouer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703495370739080066" border="0" /></a><br />Jodi Bouer, Esq. has a practice in Princeton, NJ dedicated to obtaining medical insurance reimbursement and coverage for autism related therapies and treatments. She spoke to our group on Thursday, January 26th at the Rebecca School.<br /><br />Here is her top 10 list:<br />1. Get copy of your policy - the 150 pager, not the summary HR gives you!<br />2. Read it! (oy!)<br />3. Don't believe anything the insurance company says - check your policy<br />4. Know which law applies - which state law applies<br />5. Make claims on a timely basis<br />6. Support your claim - proper documents<br />7. Make your appeals timely and per the insurance contract (the policy)<br />8. Use the right codes<br />9. Make sure your providers are qualified - have the right licenses, degrees, etc.<br />10. Be organized and relentless - we autism warriors are all relentless!!!<br /><br />Here is a link to her full Power Point presentation. <a title="View Bouer Law Top Ten Ways to Maximize Reimbursements for Autism Therapy on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/79876347/Bouer-Law-Top-Ten-Ways-to-Maximize-Reimbursements-for-Autism-Therapy" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Bouer Law Top Ten Ways to Maximize Reimbursements for Autism Therapy</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/79876347/content?start_page=1&view_mode=slideshow&access_key=key-1nuqyomqzlozrxtm3tk9" ratio="1.2938689217759" id="doc_46639" frameborder="0" height="true" scrolling="no" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />Lots of good information here!NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-53625145814818766702011-12-08T11:14:00.019-05:002011-12-08T14:14:32.001-05:00NAA-NY Metro Holiday Party - Honoring Our Friends and Supporters and Having Fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt6DMevDCUVahOkTjSLYxdYuxRzCBoQ5yP_FbxxdwuQVDhcn3mkRkXYULhyphenhyphensw68Vl2zvxucjj9mjagZ-0hkwGEdcXewg26L3PnNxxw4u2n9KOGbdtJQk1E-z3KxIIJ6J5BrzFx40ExOY/s1600/the+spread.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt6DMevDCUVahOkTjSLYxdYuxRzCBoQ5yP_FbxxdwuQVDhcn3mkRkXYULhyphenhyphensw68Vl2zvxucjj9mjagZ-0hkwGEdcXewg26L3PnNxxw4u2n9KOGbdtJQk1E-z3KxIIJ6J5BrzFx40ExOY/s200/the+spread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683810634440365874" border="0" /></a><span style="">Last night the <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">NA</a></span><span style=""><a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">A - New York Metro Chapter</a> hos</span><span style="">ted our annual holiday party.<span style=""> </span>I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by all!<span style=""> </span>The party is an opportunity for us to bring together the many people who</span><span style="">, in so many ways,</span><span style=""> have helped NAA NY Metro throughout the year. <span style=""> </span>I wish that the party could have lasted all night so that I could have had more time to chat with everyone!<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAbV71sGbrY7HOM5M2WoHflOps6c3bV2Lg7-QT0rA3nAXs-Zc3Tykwtr78if4DrORWYtDM0-J0a4p0Luzr3PzFDTqiA_7G5MLMz5-7OWZvqJ6HOAhiCT21QW6cYwAQcemyBOyVjjibTI/s1600/Arthur+Mary+Renee+Dara.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAbV71sGbrY7HOM5M2WoHflOps6c3bV2Lg7-QT0rA3nAXs-Zc3Tykwtr78if4DrORWYtDM0-J0a4p0Luzr3PzFDTqiA_7G5MLMz5-7OWZvqJ6HOAhiCT21QW6cYwAQcemyBOyVjjibTI/s200/Arthur+Mary+Renee+Dara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683800190165177970" border="0" /></a><span style="">A very special thanks to our friends and supporters whose dedication to our Chapter made 2011 a great year. We look forward to more great things in 2012!</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">As the Dalai Lama says, “When you practice gratefulness there is a sense of respect toward others.”<span style=""> </span>In that </span><span style="">spirit, I am so grateful for all those who work so hard to make NAA - NY Metro</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMxCooMZmgGwAPUQTTMiXF4jC_t3FEOaeEWtWL6ZbtFSkd-Ww3a5xYD4fgMDgTaVc9Chtr0QPhCMMcE4we887Psv3qgcf8Dnudt9hiuwGMRxdpy6pEzg2afMfwJTUcnD8PYP2CMuFIUA/s1600/lisa+and+the+gilmores.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMxCooMZmgGwAPUQTTMiXF4jC_t3FEOaeEWtWL6ZbtFSkd-Ww3a5xYD4fgMDgTaVc9Chtr0QPhCMMcE4we887Psv3qgcf8Dnudt9hiuwGMRxdpy6pEzg2afMfwJTUcnD8PYP2CMuFIUA/s200/lisa+and+the+gilmores.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683800423217330546" border="0" /></a><span style=""> the success that it is and I respect and appreciate the time</span><span style="">, energy, creativity, and giving of self that so many undertake to help this cause.<span style=""> </span>This chapter would not be what it is without each of you – NAA-NYM is a true team effort.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Last night we did not get the chance to personally honor all our speakers and others who collaborated with us this past year and want to acknowledge each of you here.<span style=""> </span>It humbles me that each of you gives so much of yourself to help our organization.<span style=""> </span>I cannot thank you enough.<span style=""> </span>Our 2011 luminaries attending last night included:</span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://naanyc.blogspot.com/2010/03/tax-deductions-for-parents-with-special.html"><span style="">Mark Berger</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.scaredofsarahplay.com/"><span style="">Laura Brienza</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.totallifecenter.com/"><span style="">Peta Cohen</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.specialneedsfamilyplanning.com/ecard.cfm?ID=239331"><span style="">Stuart Flaum</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a href="http://autismactionnetwork.org/welcome.html">John Gilmore</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vaccineepidemic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=3"><span style="">Mary Holland </span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://specialplaydate.com/"><span style="">Jane Hsu </span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nefha.com/"><span style="">Darin Ingels</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.autismgi.com/"><span style="">Arthur Krigsman </span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://ihealthnow.org/"><span style="">Nancy O’Hara</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a href="http://watchmegrownyc.com/">Shirael Pollack</a><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.susanlroberts.com/"><span style="">Susan Roberts</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jayme-lewin-rich/32/117/892">Jayme Lewin Rich</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.clarkdodgewealth.com/about/michael_sanders.html"><span style="">Michael Sanders </span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.kensiri.com/"><span style="">Ken Siri</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a href="http://www.drtobingpuente.com/">Lauren Tobing-P</a></span><span style=""><a href="http://www.drtobingpuente.com/">uente </a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a href="http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/board.php">Katie Wright</a><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">A special thanks to Jill Hopler of <a href="http://www.yourpersonalfoodie.com/">Your Personal Foodie </a>for the amazing spread (and to Board Member <a href="http://www.whattofeedyourkids.com/">Kirstin Boncher</a> too!) – the food was incredible.<span style=""> </span>Thanks too to <a href="http://www.katzglutenfree.com/">Katz </a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBBle7Uu_q6jtsne0lX_Iv-JEYhOWasslAZmK_slYQaWzFEIoA53upo7YIvkAc1t1Q5MAalqrAQ0bkx7lDVT_ADrD5fSjaXVPE-4gSlUC4bfazv_dHlVRsf1fX_62C3U-H1qKJrWR1MY/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBBle7Uu_q6jtsne0lX_Iv-JEYhOWasslAZmK_slYQaWzFEIoA53upo7YIvkAc1t1Q5MAalqrAQ0bkx7lDVT_ADrD5fSjaXVPE-4gSlUC4bfazv_dHlVRsf1fX_62C3U-H1qKJrWR1MY/s200/IMG_4349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683818616784188738" border="0" /></a><span style=""><a href="http://www.katzglutenfree.com/">Gluten Free</a> for their donation of yummy fruit pies and rugalech.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg7A-JqujLhfAtYm-cbYcoYGiavXU_MLYQcgOhYlL59uwzCI8HJUzqY0i5kqwO5K2hN1SDIPxXlvIJt9HtgZw7ImhM69lcfY25JFYxsIhFw9wZI3Xk1Lwze5JH-ucc9OyvHIJ2BVFVQs/s1600/2+amandas+alison+stuart.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg7A-JqujLhfAtYm-cbYcoYGiavXU_MLYQcgOhYlL59uwzCI8HJUzqY0i5kqwO5K2hN1SDIPxXlvIJt9HtgZw7ImhM69lcfY25JFYxsIhFw9wZI3Xk1Lwze5JH-ucc9OyvHIJ2BVFVQs/s200/2+amandas+alison+stuart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683800564181983970" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Thank you also to our many friends – both long-time fri</span><span style="">ends and new ones - who came last night to share and celeb</span><span style="">rate with us.<span style=""> </span>We so appreciate each one of you and we look forward to many exciting new coll</span><span style="">aborations in 2012.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I particularly want to thank the Officers and Board Members for a fabulous 2011. Last night was a chance to loosen up and have fun – and for each of you it is well-deserved.<span style=""> </span>What a team - your dedication to NAA-NYM <span style=""> </span>is inspiring.<span style=""> </span>Thank you Peggy, Lisa, Sabeeha, Khalid, Stuart, Kirstin, Kathleen, Mary, Katie, Dara, Amy! Our committee members, volunteers and NAAvigators (parent mentors) are amazing – the work they do is critical to the success of NAA-NYM and, most importantly, to helping families and others whose lives have been touched by autism.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to our set up crew who made the room beautiful, set up the delicious buffet, and provided good company during the process <span style=""> </span>– Janice, Dara, Lisa, Mark, Jill, Kirstin, Selma - and our clean up crew - including balloon poppers Albert and Mark!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Last night we recognized our former President (and current Officer-at-Large) Sabeeha Rehman and our Advocacy Chair, Khalid Rehman, for their dedication to NAA NY Metro.<span style=""> </span>We have named a $1000 grant in their honor and Sabeeha and Khalid will direct us on how to apply the grant to further NAA NY Metro’s mission.<span style=""> </span>Here is a video clip of the presentation:</span><span style="font-size:14pt;"></span></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2ABZG0iWlFDIlXZcCTyiHZVcAo-V5kTPQJbMMvhNJUPY5kmjBSzKscUZ9Wut1etuf4TVn1C-V2i2oJm3ucA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!<br /><br />Kim Mack Rosenberg<br />President, NAA - New York Metro Chapter<br /></div></div>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-50503292564369053752011-10-18T21:19:00.006-04:002011-10-18T23:27:01.946-04:00October 5, 2011: Vaccine Epidemic Book Talk and Discussion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs0envo-VDDcee2pu5ba9ls5qbbxXRzwmb3Hmbt0QLveSlEFVIvIIOQQAnFu4Qtqdjzs4ceff1FXVV6D5Oj6Z2ThD5YKhZ7jhpOeZzWkIzl2ibApc172LXG56NnwYezm_a_nDUCZQPxU/s1600/NAA+2011+10+5+Mary+Holland.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs0envo-VDDcee2pu5ba9ls5qbbxXRzwmb3Hmbt0QLveSlEFVIvIIOQQAnFu4Qtqdjzs4ceff1FXVV6D5Oj6Z2ThD5YKhZ7jhpOeZzWkIzl2ibApc172LXG56NnwYezm_a_nDUCZQPxU/s200/NAA+2011+10+5+Mary+Holland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665009133812871602" border="0" /></a>On October 5, 2011, Mary Holland and Kim Mack Rosenberg, co-editor and contributing editor, respectively, of the book <a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vaccine Epidemic</i></a> presented a number of key points from the book on law, science and issues in the debate surrounding vaccine choice and led a lively discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>N. Chin, a parent who attended the <a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/"><i style="">Vaccine Epide</i></a><a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">mic</i></a> talk, contributed her impressions: <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" >I have continued to seek knowledge about root causes after my son regressed due to vaccines. The book <a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vaccine Epidemic</i></a> contains many revelations about how vaccine safety remains a low priority by those who manufacture vaccines and control immunization policy. I welcomed the opportunity to meet with like-minded parents and professionals for a book discuss</span><span style=";font-family:";" >ion on Oct 5.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:";" >I will focus on the open discussions following the presentations and the goal of knocking down this 'house of cards' as Mary described. She said it has to be through the legal system and as a human rights issue. Others that evening mentioned how results of objective studies will change opinion.</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:";" >I have to agree with Mary about affecting change through the legal system. Unless these studies receive air time equivalent to what teens see on MTV with HPV/Gardisil ads, or parents see in Parenting magazine, it is indeed extremely difficult to combat long-held beliefs that vaccines are as natural as “mother's milk.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is clear that Big Pharma can outspend us and squash th</span><span style=";font-family:";" >e most logical and compelling of studies.</span><br /></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvxlTmtEm7FkiyurCJHffTNM1k01PP5GEuMAir5o4rH438G2e5CEfWTCu0DEUgfsoF-WydJTRjvyYXlunbd3t6KtI3DlBVkjZ6Ss-eK9EavPS7M_hpzJpmR8oFAEQZk_c2I83pd8MyBU/s1600/NAA+2011+10+5+Kim.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvxlTmtEm7FkiyurCJHffTNM1k01PP5GEuMAir5o4rH438G2e5CEfWTCu0DEUgfsoF-WydJTRjvyYXlunbd3t6KtI3DlBVkjZ6Ss-eK9EavPS7M_hpzJpmR8oFAEQZk_c2I83pd8MyBU/s200/NAA+2011+10+5+Kim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665009135983065234" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:";" >We need to help find legal avenues and budget to knock down this house of cards.<br />One way is to support the Center for Personal Rights. They mentioned organizing with civil rights organizations as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I plan to see if a couple of my contacts in DC can offer ideas. If we take the time to check our contacts and make some phone calls, we may just get there.<br /><br />I wish to end on a hopeful note.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" >In the book, there is a letter by Dr. Francis Moore, who was a very prominent surgeon at Harvard Medical School. If someone as mainstream as Dr. Moore can be convinced of ill-conceived policy, then I remain hopeful that human reason will prevail.</span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-57025016644458150002011-10-13T13:10:00.009-04:002011-10-18T21:54:23.860-04:00Evaluation, Education and Treatment for Your ASD ChildOn Thursday, October 6, 2011, Staten Island parents and professionals were fortunate to hear from a trio of experts on navigating the complex world of helping your child with ASD get the treatments, education and services they need. <a href="http://www.totalkidsny.com/devped.html">Dr. Mark Freilich</a>, a developmental pediatrician, <a href="http://nyspecialneeds.com/about">Sarah Birnbaum</a> of <a href="http://nyspecialneeds.com/">NY Special Needs Support</a>, a parent advocate and special education advisor, and <a href="http://www.geribrewster.com/">Geri Brewster, RD, MPH, CDN</a>, a nutritionist specializing in treating children with autism and related disorders, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcZtJvkgj_lzKgdhR6_NQDVB-3sEFVQxOoVQ5wqa5xz5-Kk8zUaCSx93ICQBRTHD6pNCjciY_8OdPPDsRzAq9e-3L69RK8zS-blg_2Xy2C2EKJz_Y8Rtm7nkleet_zrr4palWnH91ZEI/s1600/NAA+2011+10+6+Just+Dxd.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcZtJvkgj_lzKgdhR6_NQDVB-3sEFVQxOoVQ5wqa5xz5-Kk8zUaCSx93ICQBRTHD6pNCjciY_8OdPPDsRzAq9e-3L69RK8zS-blg_2Xy2C2EKJz_Y8Rtm7nkleet_zrr4palWnH91ZEI/s200/NAA+2011+10+6+Just+Dxd.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665015287636931154" border="0" /></a>joined forces to present a comprehensive overview of options to consider for your child.<br /><br />Many parents in attendance had never encountered a developmental pediatrician and Dr. Freilich explained the important role a developmental pediatrician can play in determining the appropriate types and amounts of therapies, the appropriate type of school program and the appropriate medical and biomedical interventions for your child. A developmental pediatrician can help form and/or work with the multi-disciplinary "team" of professionals your child likely will need. In his practice, Dr. Freilich observes the child in relevant settings (school, home, therapists, play group etc.) to get a holistic picture of a child, since children may be very different in different situations or with different people. This helps him to formulate a comprehensive assessment and series of recommendations that are child-specific.<br /><br />Sarah addressed finding an appropriate placement for your child and the right to FAPE, a "free and appropriate public education." She addressed parents' rights both with respect to public and private school education options and discussed educational choices parents have to make - including where to live and where to send their children to school and, if private school is the appropriate placement for a child, funding issues. She also discussed parents' due process rights. Like Dr. Freilich, she reiterated that what is appropriate is different for each child and that you, as a parent, perhaps with the help of an advocate or lawyer, are the best person to fight for what your child needs. Sarah's explanation of parents' rights - especially the right to seek what your child needs, not merely what is offered, regardless of whether or not it is appropriate for your child, was an important and empowering take home message for parents.<br /><br />Geri discussed the importance of a solid nutritional foundation to development and to education. A solid nutritional program can make a child feel better, can improve behavior and attention, and for some children even improve the core symptoms of autism -- therefore making the child more available for learning. She discussed that many children benefit from a gluten-free, casein-free (and often soy-free) diet. Parents likely will see changes most rapidly in removing casein, which leaves the system in a matter of weeks. Gluten takes many months to clear and parents must be patient while trying the gluten free diet before determining if the diet is helping their child. She also discussed that there are many other diets that may be appropriate for specific children and that, based on a child's needs, supplements may also prove beneficial. She noted that an excellent first step - even for those who may not need or be able to follow a special diet - is to clean up the diet, remove junk food and artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners, eat whole foods (not processed) and choose organic when possible, eat grass-fed and grass-finished meats, which have a better nutritional profile, avoid products from animals given a regular diet of hormones/antibiotics.<br /><br />The trio of panelists provided important information and showed how medical/developmental, educational and nutritional/biomedical pieces of the puzzle work together synergistically to help improve children's outcomes.NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-9509115231995302892011-10-06T10:39:00.002-04:002011-10-06T10:44:57.789-04:00Dr. Theoharides on the Science & Treatment of Neuroinflammation<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"><span class="il">Dr</span>. Theoharis Theoharides presented two lectures to NAA NY Metro audiences - on September 8, 2011 at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan and on September 9, 2011 at the Westchester ARC - targeted to both parents and professionals. He discussed his research concerning neuroinflammation, mast cells and autism, and discussed a practical treatment option. The NYC and Westchester events were well attended and appreciated by all. The Westchester site also included a Webinar which was well received. There was a long Q&A period during which parents and professionals gained a deeper understanding of <span class="il">Dr</span>. <span class="il">Theo</span>harides’s work and contribution to autism.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial"><span class="il">Dr</span>. <span class="il">Theoharides</span> described how children with autism often present with auto-antibodies against brain proteins, gastrointestinal problems, “allergies” and fatigue, implying a neuro-immuno-endocrine problem. His recent research has shown that mast cells (immune cells typically known for causing allergic reactions and which serve as “sensors” of environmental cell damage) can be activated by environmental, infectious and stress triggers that lead to disruption of the gut-blood-brain barriers. </span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial">He also discussed how one mast cell trigger, neurotensin, was shown to be elevated in the serum of young children with autism. Mast cell activation during pregnancy or prenatally, in response to allergic or non-immune triggers, could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit neuro toxic molecules to enter the brain, and result in brain inflammation. Through his research, <span class="il">Dr</span>. Theoharides has shown that the natural flavonoids, Quercetin and Luteolin (found in the supplement <a href="http://algonot.com/neuroprotek.php" title="http://algonot.com/neuroprotek.php" target="_blank">NeuroProtek</a>) can block these processes. <br /><br />With so many children on the spectrum struggling with neuroinflammation, it is helpful to understand both the science behind the causes of neuroinflammation and the treatment options. <br /></span></span>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-19689392090524527202011-10-04T07:34:00.003-04:002011-10-06T17:21:23.333-04:00Dr. Andrew Levinson Brings Hope and Healing to FamiliesOn September 21, 2011 Dr. Andrew Levinson (pictured at left with NAA NYM Program Committee Co-Chair Dara Berger and President/Program Committee Co-Chair Kim Mack Rosenbe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4KMLK2kIRR2kC_1vGKelQLH_pb8knoHKAP8jwJVfXimJHEwWJhA1V4Lkpf-S4Fr6j83nt5qnFLs5waCpW0_8NDi3Mm1POJ7jAl14AKoS5s2X4iamxhBzGzkbyazZoh8O3EMPEvUMK_I/s1600/levinson+event+photo+09+21+11.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4KMLK2kIRR2kC_1vGKelQLH_pb8knoHKAP8jwJVfXimJHEwWJhA1V4Lkpf-S4Fr6j83nt5qnFLs5waCpW0_8NDi3Mm1POJ7jAl14AKoS5s2X4iamxhBzGzkbyazZoh8O3EMPEvUMK_I/s200/levinson+event+photo+09+21+11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659598993148076546" border="0" /></a>rg), presented to parents and professionals about his holistic approach to treating not only children with autism but the entire family. He blended biomedical treatment information with insightful, spiritual guidance in a unique approach. He first discussed that children with ASD have many physical ailments including: immune dysfunction, brain inflammation toxicity, metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, and gastrointestinal pathology. As a result they are sensitive to many things including change, environmental stimuli, environmental toxins. He mentioned the need to be aware of contmination of municipal water supplies, fish, other foods (including stevia); electro-smog. He spoke knowledgeably about many different biomedical treatment protocols and how different protocols can help children but the most unique aspect of his presentation was the focus on family wellness. <br /><br />First, on a very practical level, he said that parents should have an honest talk with their doctors about what they can afford to spend on treatment, reminding parents that they need money to live on and to spend on other family members. By being honest, you enable your doctor to devise the best protocol for your budget. You need a team approach and a doctor you can trust. <br /><br />He spoke about the harm that stress can cause physically and emotionally in a family and how it impacts all family members. Therefore, you need to find ways to alleviate stress. If you are less physically well, you have less energy available to direct toward healing ("You cannot pour from an empty pitcher"). He also reminded parents that ignoring other members of the household is not healthy. Positive family dynamics are important for a better outcome. He encouraged people to find something that enjoy doing - especially something physical, creative or meditative - reminding us that "you have to be a human being" and that children model our behavior so we have to show them healthy behaviors.<br /><br />He also encouraged parent to seek help from a trusted source if they are struggling. He quoted: "It is only in darkness, that light can be mistaken for nothing else." He encouraged those who have a spiritual belief system to have faith and to pray and reminded us that, for everyone (whether they have a spiritual belief system or not), joy and positive intention can be very powerful. The mind is a powerful tool in healing. He stated that we have to be willing to remove ourselves as an obstacle to healing and see ourselves as instrumental in the change we desire to see. He quoted Yogi Bajan, "Worrying is praying for what you don't want." He closed with these words: "The world is what you make of it but the future is what you imagine it to be" (Yogi M.D.).NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-86181338578568049022011-10-04T00:01:00.008-04:002011-10-06T17:23:02.305-04:00Playdates for Children with Special Needs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsas24VFic-eCQeKCPHDP3rKBaEERb_FIEH9BZnkyY-9q_G7HuA1yQOLO2wPNXFGYFnm7juA2zmUfaJgLtSAh8DnFixKA_JYw5GfDOI6hfOWSMOw-TcpXHrDjjqYktIzIuAltzmL-0LnI/s1600/Jane+Hsu+and+Janice+Bloch.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsas24VFic-eCQeKCPHDP3rKBaEERb_FIEH9BZnkyY-9q_G7HuA1yQOLO2wPNXFGYFnm7juA2zmUfaJgLtSAh8DnFixKA_JYw5GfDOI6hfOWSMOw-TcpXHrDjjqYktIzIuAltzmL-0LnI/s200/Jane+Hsu+and+Janice+Bloch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659486494619040914" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On September 27</span><sup style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">th</sup><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, the New York Metro chapter of the National Autism Association organized a talk for parents on Special Playdate, an online service founded by Jane Hsu, and how to successfully develop playdates for your special needs child.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ms. Hsu, who holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from New York University, recognized a gap in services that made it easier for parents of children with special needs to organize playdates and decided to utilize the Internet as a networking tool. Special Playdate was founded on the belief that every child needs friends and that, with the right preparation and facilitation, successful playdates can help children with special needs make friends. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii54UCoo59Npfihl9RuqtnBu3abLMDXzgs4yVzVIwHxQ7XLkMQjM83sQf15Qic6L3ytw6BjAxHFTEys7_KH493uZndq9rmF13gTFTtuCqKaUhQJ33mBd8zvjTc6tsG9XvAdKmJtkz7NRQ/s1600/P1010748.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii54UCoo59Npfihl9RuqtnBu3abLMDXzgs4yVzVIwHxQ7XLkMQjM83sQf15Qic6L3ytw6BjAxHFTEys7_KH493uZndq9rmF13gTFTtuCqKaUhQJ33mBd8zvjTc6tsG9XvAdKmJtkz7NRQ/s200/P1010748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659484367160072738" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first step in using the service is to create a profile about your child that will be used to match him or her with other children in the area. Parents can create a free profile on <a href="http://www.specialplaydate.com/">www.SpecialPlaydate.com</a> and at no cost can have Special Playdate’s website make potential matches for your child. Within New York City, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>either the website can make your “matches” or you can retain Ms. Hsu or one of the trained therapists on her team to help match children based on their strengths, limitations and interests, among other parameters. A member of the Special Playdate team can also help prepare your child for meeting his or her new friend and facilitate during the actual playdate to ensure the greatest chance of success. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In New York alone, an estimated 1000 profiles have been created for children ranging in age from 3 years to 16 years. The website also has a special area devoted to siblings of children with special needs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the presentation, Jane shared tips on how to plan and facilitate a playdate, how to make contact with a new parent and how to prepare your own child. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She recognizes that things that come naturally to typically developing children require planning, explanation, and facilitation to many children with special needs and has tips to make a playdate successful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One point she stressed repeatedly was that parents need to be honest with each other so that each parent has realistic expectations of the playdate and of what each considers a successful playdate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She answered parents questions in a lively Q&A session.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">For more information, go to <a href="http://www.specialplaydate.com/">www.SpecialPlaydate.com</a> or e-mail <span style="text-decoration: underline;">info@specialplaydate.com<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">(pictured: Jane Hsu of Special Playdate and NAA NY Metro Programming Committee Member Janice Bloch Roth)</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-85894580543958733882011-09-21T10:17:00.004-04:002011-09-21T10:24:50.889-04:00Peta Cohen: Systemic and Metabolic Vicious Cycles: A Biomedical Approach to Identifying and Treating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdqNAlZlqNOkrVu1Ec5797-4Wch_p-Y7-ydbvysjlUEMMFRYcwqFJSi0MTVBPT0q7iyJUb3yBG9P1prep96PSBVFO9boqGXXNlcZD3Ye89zvck8X50ba31LCG467TxB6t71WX2EPrWRY/s1600/peta+cohen.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdqNAlZlqNOkrVu1Ec5797-4Wch_p-Y7-ydbvysjlUEMMFRYcwqFJSi0MTVBPT0q7iyJUb3yBG9P1prep96PSBVFO9boqGXXNlcZD3Ye89zvck8X50ba31LCG467TxB6t71WX2EPrWRY/s200/peta+cohen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654818497980803938" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:";" ><a href="http://www.totallifecenter.com/aboutpeta.html">Peta Cohen, M.S., R.D.</a>, a Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Specialist, is joining NAA – NY Metro for presentations in <b style="">Westchester</b> and <b style="">Manhattan</b> (at the Rebecca School) to discuss an important, complex, and often overlooked issue in people on the autism spectrum – problems in systemic and metabolic functions.<span style=""> </span>Her presentation will review the underlying systems and metabolic problems familiar to many individuals on the autism spectrum. Not only will she will explain their dynamic relationships, she also will provide a framework for assessing and treating these problems.<span style=""> </span>Join us for an evening of learning about these complex issues in an understandable way and learn how you can help someone you know who may be presenting with these issues.</span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Tuesday, October 25<sup>th</sup> from 6PM – 8:30PM</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><a href="http://www.rebeccaschool.org/content/home.php"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >The Rebecca School</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >40 East 30th St., 5th Floor Gym</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >New York, NY<span style=""> </span>10016</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >6:00pm – 6:30pm: Networking</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >6:30pm – 8:30pm:<span style=""> </span>Presentation and Q&A</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><i><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >AND</span></i></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Monday, November 21<sup>st</sup> from 7PM – 9:30PM</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center (<a href="http://www.westchesterarc.org/">Westchester ARC</a>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >265 Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >1<sup>st</sup> Floor Conference Room</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Hawthorne, NY<span style=""> </span>10532</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >No RSVP required for either event</span></i><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ></span><span style=";font-family:";" >Peta Cohen, M.S., R.D., is a Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Specialist and the founder of the <a href="http://www.totallifecenter.com/home.html"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Total Life Center</span></strong></a>, an Integrative Wellness Center located in downtown Englewood, New Jersey. Peta received her Masters in Clinical Nutrition from New York University in 1996 and has since aggressively pursued extensive ongoing education in the field of Functional and Molecular Medicine, with an emphasis on developmental and behavioral disorders and the complex adult patient.<br /><br />Peta has 15 years of clinical experience successfully treating complex and chronic health issues and has been a Defeat Autism Now practitioner since 1998. While Peta’s innovative approach to healing serious health issues can be applied to help patients with any health condition, Peta has made helping <strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Children with Special Needs</span></strong> and the complex adult patient a particular focus of her practice. Peta has amassed a considerable expertise in this area, developing highly effective <strong><span style=";font-family:";" >proprietary protocols</span></strong> for these individuals and their families.<br /><br />Peta practices a <b style=""> </b><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Biomedical approach</span></strong> to healing based on the principals of <strong><span style=";font-family:";" >Functional Medicine</span></strong>, developing individualized treatment plans that address the root causes of illness based on the unique biochemistry of each individual. Physicians often refer their most challenging cases to Peta when a traditional approach is unsuccessful.<br /><br />Peta is frequently invited to share her expertise at leading global conferences and seminars, such as: <a href="http://www.ariconference.com/index.html">Defeat Autism Now/Autism Research Institute Conferences</a>, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), The Lyme Autism Association, The American Holistic Medical Association, The Compounding Pharmacy Association, The Maternal Mother and Child Organization of Pascack Valley Hospital (New Jersey).<br /><br />Ms. Cohen has also broadcast a multi-episode on-line seminar for “<a href="http://www.autismone.org/content/autismone-radio"><strong><span style=";font-family:";" >AutismOne-Radio</span></strong></a>” on the topic of Nutrition and Metabolic Issues relating to Autism and other Developmental/Behavioral Disorders.</span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-9144218828182810072011-08-29T11:28:00.010-04:002011-10-13T13:10:29.899-04:00Join NAA NY Metro in Westchester and in Manhattan For a Presentation By Integrative Neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Join Us For Two Presentations by</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD</span> </span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphJmFq68_Rw2S3p8fyQeVH4jkDOWIKJrBiWOiaBHRAdCH2T9qHLNO1CmBjO3d69FiwrVaosMeY9YGtsWn7e6Wo4uZwfIDySSC9e59tjdyuVLRGBoUC2PSqzM0eeKXbxznNnzY6By699A/s1600/maya+shetreat+Klein.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphJmFq68_Rw2S3p8fyQeVH4jkDOWIKJrBiWOiaBHRAdCH2T9qHLNO1CmBjO3d69FiwrVaosMeY9YGtsWn7e6Wo4uZwfIDySSC9e59tjdyuVLRGBoUC2PSqzM0eeKXbxznNnzY6By699A/s200/maya+shetreat+Klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646300750537918130" border="0" /></a><br /> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; 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mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#3333FF;" >Treating Complex Neurological Disorders With Herbal Medicine</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#3333FF;" ><br /></span></b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;" >Thursday, October 27, 2011</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /><span style="color:black;">7:00 pm - 9:00 pm<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:black;" >Seizures affect many children on the autism spectrum, with many more showing abnormal activity on EEG. A number of these children do not respond to medication or cannot tolerate side effects. For thousands of years, practitioners have used herbal medicine to effectively treat seizure disorder. Now scientific evidence is finally catching up with long-known traditional knowledge. This session will cover the unique benefits of herbs for seizures and their healing mechanisms.</span><span style="font-family: Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:black;" >Location:</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /><span style="color:black;">The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center (Westchester ARC)</span><br /><span style="color:black;">265 Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A)</span><br /><span style="color:black;">1st Floor Conference Room</span><br /><span style="color:black;">Hawthorne, NY 10532</span><br /><span style="color:black;">[no fee and no RSVP required]</span><br /><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:#3366FF;">AND</span></b><br /><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="color:black;">In collaboration with Beth Israel's Division of Developmental Pediatrics</span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:#3333FF;" ><br />The Use of Botanical Medicine for Neurological Disorders:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#3333FF;" >A Review of Tradition and Evidence<br /><br /></span></b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:black;" >Thursday, November 10, 2011</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /><span style="color:black;">6:30pm-8:30pm</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Times New Roman"font-family:";" >What can be done for the population of children with complex neurological disorders who (1) have issues that cannot be treated with medications, (2) are refractory to medications, or (3) cannot tolerate problematic side effects? For thousands of years, practitioners have used botanical medicine to effectively treat neurological disorders gently. Scientific evidence has been catching up with long-known traditional knowledge, This session will outline the paradigm of treating with herbs, and will address benefits and mechanisms of some key botanicals used for seizures and other neurological disorders.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /><span style="color:black;">Location:</span></span><span style=" font-family:Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;" >Beth Israel Medical Center</span><span style="font-family:Times; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:black;" >10 Union Square East, 2nd Floor Conference Center</span><span style="font-family:Times;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:black;" >New York, NY</span><span style="font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Times;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";" >[no fee; RSVP to Stacey Purro, LCSW <a href="mailto:LCSWspurro@chpnet.org"> spurro@chpnet.org</a>]</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";" ><br /><b><span style="color:black;">Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD</span></b><span style="color:black;">, is an integrative pediatric neurologist who is board certified in adult and child neurology as well as pediatrics. She has gained international recognition by successfully treating thousands of children with intractable neurological and psychiatric issues using diet, herbs, and other therapies in her New York practice. Dr. Shetreat-Klein also lectures extensively and teaches integrative neurology as faculty at several New York academic institutions as well as the University of Arizona's integrative medicine program. For more information, please see </span><a href="http://www.brainmending.com/"><span style="color:black;">www.brainmending.com</span></a><span style="color:black;">.</span></span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-74821031650325671942011-08-22T12:27:00.009-04:002011-08-22T14:08:37.512-04:00Tues., August 23, 2011 - Watch An Exciting New Program on Vaccines & Autism<h3 class="entry-header"> <a href="http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/">HDNet World Report</a> Investigates Vaccines and Autism
<br /></h3> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">Tomorrow Night, August 23, 2011, on <a href="http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/">HDNet World Report</a>, an exciting segment will air on "Vaccines and Autism: Mixed Signals." This segment features authors of<a href="http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1681&context=pelr"> "Unanswered Questions From the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: A Review of Compensated Cases of Vaccine-Induced Brain Injury"</a> (published in the Winter 2011 issue of <a href="http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/pelr/">The Pace Environmental Law Review</a>), board members of the <a href="http://www.ebcala.org/">Elizabeth Birt Center For Autism Law & Advocacy</a>, and autism parents. Watch the preview below! </span><strong>
<br /></strong></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>The program will air at 9pm Eastern time, 8pm Central, 7pm Mountain, and 6pm Pacific and again 3 hours later in each time zone. It also will air Saturday morning (Aug. 27) at 11AM Eastern, 10 Central, 9 Mountain, 8 Pacific.</strong></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">If you're in New York City and would like to watch among friends, come to</span> <strong><a href="http://amityhallnyc.com/" target="_blank">Amity Hall</a></strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">, 80 West 3rd St.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> (between Thompson & Sullivan)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> in Greenwich Village, right next to NYU Law School for the 9PM Tuesday viewing</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >.</span></p> HDNet World Report - Vaccines and Autism: Mixed Signals
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<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JrajYmVki9Q" allowfullscreen="" width="360" frameborder="0" height="222"></iframe>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If the video above doesn't run, here's a<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> </span></span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" href="http://blip.tv/hdnet-world-report/vaccines-and-autism-mixed-signals-5479546">sneak preview</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> of the report.</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How can you watch "Vaccines & Autism: Mixed Signals"?</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have a hi def TV:</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HDNet TV is on DirecTV, Dish Network, Comcast Cable, AT&T Cable, and many smaller cable systems around the country. To find the channel number, go to <a href="http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/"> http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/</a> and scroll down to "HDNet channel finder." To search in a TV’s online guide, look for "HDNet" or "HDN."</span>
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you don't have hi def TV and/or your cable company does not carry HDNet:</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By Wednesday morning (Aug. 24), you can download the program from the iTunes Store for only $1.99. </span>
<br /><ol style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>Go to <a href="http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/" target="_blank">http://www.hd.net/programs/hdnet-world-report/</a>, scroll down and click on “World Report available on iTunes.”</li><li>If you never have used the iTunes Store, you will be prompted to fill out a one-time-only credit card page; otherwise, you will be taken directly to a listing of recent episodes.</li><li>The most recent episode will be either at the top or bottom of the list.
<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please consider writing to World Report after the show airs to share your thoughts: at</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ageofautism.com/2011/08/viewer@hd.net" target="_blank"> viewer@hd.net</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and visit their</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/HDNetWorldReport"> Facebook Page</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> to comment as well.</span>
<br />NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-86486851535996579792011-08-17T00:16:00.010-04:002011-08-17T00:47:15.826-04:00Special Playdates for Your Special Needs Child <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-priority:4; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;} p.FreeFormA, li.FreeFormA, div.FreeFormA {mso-style-name:"Free Form A"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" > </span><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Have you faced challenges trying to arrange <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">playdates</span> for your child with special needs?</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >Do you want to help your child establish new friendships, but don't know where to start?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >"<a href="http://www.specialplaydate.com">Special Playdate</a>" is here to help!
<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";">Join <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NAA</span> NY Metro</a> from 7PM to 9PM
<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";">on</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";">Tuesday, September 27, 2011</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";">408 E. 79<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> St. (between 1st and York Aves.)</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="">2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> Floor</span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="">New York, New York</span></p><p face="times new roman" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="FreeFormA">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="Times New Roman";">Among the biggest everyday challenges faced by special needs parents is something that parents of typical children may take for granted - the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">playdate</span>. How do you find the right peer for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">playdate</span>? how do you facilitate the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">playdate</span> - what is too much and what is too little? How do you communicate with the other child's parent?</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVusx6OMz2_coYbqIV7pX6v0AN3nXaTu-i2CM_ej1LC4nrhp28VZX3BrHXPsR02JnIhKpmvbaoDZRDLxgGi12tztEitU7dbVZo3X9FLbPJ7YqRs7XtJSmvmfYIOl4Aq3EATpT1J0t2w8/s1600/specialplaydate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVusx6OMz2_coYbqIV7pX6v0AN3nXaTu-i2CM_ej1LC4nrhp28VZX3BrHXPsR02JnIhKpmvbaoDZRDLxgGi12tztEitU7dbVZo3X9FLbPJ7YqRs7XtJSmvmfYIOl4Aq3EATpT1J0t2w8/s200/specialplaydate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641677863207004562" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times new roman;font-family:";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Thanks to Jane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hsu</span>, there is now help and guidance. Jane, a special education teacher in the NYC public schools, founded <a href="http://www.specialplaydate.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">SpecialPlaydate</span>.com</a> in 2010. On September 27, she will offer advice and practical tips to help make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">playdates</span> more successful and will discuss how Special <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Playdate</span> can help if you need extra support and guidance.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >Special <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Playdate</span> offers a FREE and EASY way to get started in arranging successful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">playdates</span> for your special needs child. It’s an online service connecting parents with other parents seeking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">playdate</span> opportunities for their children with special needs. Members are able to securely search for appropriate peers in their local communities and can also use the private message system to connect with other parents, before scheduling a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">playdate</span> or revealing personal information. Special <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Playdate's</span> expert clinicians also strive to offer you ongoing benefits</span><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-size:100%;" > - </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >from weekly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">playdate</span> tips to ongoing workshops and social skills-building programs. Let Special <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Playdate</span> be that first step towards creating a lasting friendship for your child.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi- Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Jane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hsu</span> received her MA Degree in Education from New York University in 2006 and has worked in Special Education for the past 5 years. During this time, she became acutely aware of how difficult it is for children with special needs to make friends, establish rapport with other children, and develop appropriate social and communication skills. Finding no good solutions to this problem, she decided in 2008 to save up her money to begin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">SpecialPlaydate</span>.com, an online matching service to help parents nationwide to find nearby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">playdates</span> for their special-needs child.
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<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:times new roman;" class="FreeFormA"><span style="mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >While majoring in Public and Community Service as an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts, Jane worked at the League School of Boston, a residential program for adolescent males with autistic spectrum disorders. She also worked at the Day Development & Transition Center in Cambridge, a nonprofit organization offering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">pre</span>-vocational training to people with developmental disabilities. After graduation, Jane worked as a Vocational Resource Specialist at Work Opportunities Unlimited, an employment and training organization helping people with disabilities to find jobs. She also worked as a Bilingual Chinese/English Employment Specialist and Career Counselor the Jewish Vocational Service Center for Careers and Lifelong Learning in Boston. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Jane immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of four. She presently works as a Special Education Teacher in Chinatown and lives in New York City.</span> </p> <span style="font-size:100%;">
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<br />NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-28888036408588045632011-08-16T23:43:00.009-04:002011-09-21T09:11:31.628-04:00"Just Diagnosed - What's Next?"<div style="text-align: center;">On Thursday, October 6, 2011, from 7PM to 9PM<br /><br />NAA NY Metro Presents<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Just Diagnosed: What's Next?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Perspectives from a Developmental Pediatrician, Nutritionist,<br />and Educational Consultant</span><br /><br /><a href="http://pathfamilycenter.com/">PATH Family Center</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1779 Richmond Avenue 3rd Floor</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Staten Island, New York</span><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-priority:4; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;} p {mso-style-priority:99; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.il {mso-style-name:il; mso-style-unhide:no;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">For parents of children newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum or those who may feel feel they have "hit a wall" in their child's treatment plan, <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">NAA NY Metro</a> is pleased to bring together a panel offering a multidisciplinary perspective on treatment options.</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Our panel includes Dr. Mark Freilich, a developmental pediatrician, Geri Brewster, a nutritionist who treats children with autism and related disorders through nutritional, biomedical and related interventions; and Sarah Birnbaum, an educational advisor with expertise in the special education system in New York City, therapists, agencies, and related services.<br /></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> Dr. Mark Freilich will discuss the role of the Developmental Pediatrician in navigating the Autism Super Highway. <span style=""> </span>He will address diagnostic evaluation/monitoring/case management following initial diagnosis, looking holistically at all aspects of a child’s (and family’s) journey.</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Geri Brewster will discuss the first steps parents may take in nutritional/biomedical/dietary interventions.<span style=""> </span>Often parents read about these interventions and wonder if they might help their child. Parents should consider a child’s past history of infection or sensory sensitivities and food selectivity as part of the whole picture of their child now emerging with a “formal diagnosis” and consider professional guidance in understanding the interconnectedness of food, nutrients and development, as well as the practical way to implement lifestyle changes to achieve their child’s optimal wellness.<br /></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sarah Birnbaum will address navigating the system, learning a new language and how to conduct yourself when interacting with all the new people in your life, managing your child's therapy schedule and new demands, understanding what your child is entitled to and how to make sure you get it for them, coming up with workable strategies for your life, and - most crucially - coping with all the emotions involved so that they don't get in your way when you're making decisions about your child's therapy and educational future. </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Dr. Mark <span class="il">Freilich</span> </b><em><span style="font-style: normal;">is a developmental pediatrician and founder/medical director of TOTAL KIDS DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRIC RESOURCES. <span style="">TOTAL KIDS</span></span></em><i style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></i><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">provides a holistic, dynamic and integrated approach to evaluation and management of children with differences and variations in development and learning. The <span style="">TOTAL KIDS<b> </b></span>approach takes into account every child’s and family’s unique and individual areas of strengths and needs. The <span style="">TOTAL KIDS<b> </b></span>approach is not limited to an office based evaluation. It involves observation in venues where the child actually functions on a day to day basis.</span></em><i style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></i><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Dr. </span></em><span class="il"><span style="">Freilich</span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> lives in New York City with his wife and two teenage children.</span></em></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="font-size:12pt;">Geri Brewster, RD, MPH, CDN</span></b><span style="font-size:12pt;"> is a certified dietitian-nutritionist with a Master’s in Public Health. She is a member of Dietitians in Functional Medicine and is a Defeat Autism Now practitioner.</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">She received her BS in Human Nutrition and Foods from Virginia Tech and her MPH at New York Medical College. She has advanced areas of study with the Institute of Functional Medicine. <span style=""> </span>Geri has worked with children with developmental disabilities and autism for over 25 years, addressing complex nutritional needs. Her practice is maintained in NYC and Mt. Kisco, New York. She is the former Director of Nutrition at the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in NYC and currently assists families in the implementation of the Modified Atkins Diet for seizure control. <span style=""> </span>Geri speaks frequently on a local and national level on the subjects of children’s health and nutritional needs. <span style=""> </span>She is a contributor to a number of publications and has been quoted in numerous newspaper and magazine articles as well as featured on numerous radio and TV appearances discussing health topics. She hosts a monthly radio show on AutismOne radio on the energetics of food and healing, and nutritional and dietary therapies.</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /></span></span></p> <p face="times new roman" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The parent of a child with special needs, <b style="">Sarah Birnbaum</b> has amassed a wealth of knowledge in dealing with New York City's unique subculture of therapists, agencies, schools, and governmental bodies. She turned her experience into a consultancy helping families navigate the maze of services and educational options here. She helps parents understand what services are available, guides them to schools that can best support their children's needs, gives advice on the application process, coaches them on working with their school districts, and helps them to become powerful advocates. But most importantly, she offers them support in coping with the complicated emotions that accompany the journey of parenting and educating an exceptional child.</span></span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-57241654842492288822011-08-16T22:57:00.019-04:002011-09-03T17:25:23.311-04:00Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides: Lectures for Parents & Professionals on Exciting Research Findings and Novel Treatment<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">NAA NY Metro Chapter Invites You to a Special Event with
<br /></span></span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides
<br /></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">At TWO Locations </span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">NYC & Westchester</span></span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><em>(Webinar available for Westchester Meeting)</em></strong></span></span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><b>Thursday, September 8<sup>th</sup> from 6:30PM- 8:30PM,</b> as part of <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">NAA NY Metro</a>’s Collaboration with the Beth Israel Division of Developmental Pediatrics:</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">Neurotensin and Extracellular Mitochondrial DNA </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)">as Potenial Biomarkers and Novel Treatment
<br /></span>Beth Israel Medical Center</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">10 Union Square East</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">2<sup>nd</sup> Floor Conference Center</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">New York, NY 10003</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><i><span style="font-family:arial;">Please RSVP to Stacey Purro, LCSW at </span><a href="mailto:spurro@chpnet.org"><span style="font-family:arial;">spurro@chpnet.org</span></a></i></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><b><i>AND</i></b></span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:arial;">Friday, September 9<sup>th</sup> from 7PM - 9:30PM</span></b></p>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,255)"><span style="font-family:arial;">Neuro-Inflammation and Disruption of the Gut Blood Brain Barriers:
<br />The Benefits of Natural Flavonoids
<br /></span></span></div>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-family:arial;">In our <b><i>new </i></b>Westchester meeting location:</span></div>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center (Westchester ARC)</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">265 Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) </span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">1<sup>st</sup> Floor Conference Room</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Hawthorne, NY 10532</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><i><span style="font-family:arial;">No RSVP Required</span></i></p>
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<br /><p style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Webinar Available too! Can't make the meeting in person, please register for the Webinar here: </strong></span><a href="https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/779987062"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6666;">click here</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong> - Webinar seats are limited.</strong></span>
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<br /><p style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" class="MsoNormal" face="times new roman"><a href="http://mastcellmaster.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dr. Theoharides</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> will present a lecture targeted to both parents and professionals. He will present, in a way accessible to scientists and non-scientists, his research concerning neuro-inflammation, mast cells and autism, and discuss a practical treatment option. Dr. Theoharides’ research sheds new light on symptoms common to many children with autism.</span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dr. Theoharides’ recent research has focused on the area of neuro-inflammation and his research results open the way for promising treatment for those with autism. Children with autism often present with auto-antibodies against brain proteins, gastrointestinal problems, “allergies” and fatigue, implying a neuro-immuno-endocrine problem. Dr. Theoharides’ recent research has shown that mast cells (immune cells typically known for causing allergic reactions and which serve as “sensors” of environmental cell damage) can be activated by environmental, infectious and stress triggers that lead to disruption of the gut-blood-brain barriers. </span></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">In his research, one mast cell trigger, neurotensin, was shown to be elevated in the serum of young children with autism. Mast cell activation during pregnancy or prenatally, in response to allergic or non-immune triggers, could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit neuro toxic molecules to enter the brain, and result in brain inflammation. Dr. Theoharides’ research also has shown that neurotensin induces release of extracellular mitochondrial DNA that could act as “autoimmune” triggers, divert energy from brain growth, and induce an inflammatory state. Through his research, Dr. Theoharides has shown that the natural flavonoids, Quercetin and Luteolin (found in the supplement </span><a title="http://algonot.com/neuroprotek.php" href="http://algonot.com/neuroprotek.php"><span style="font-family:arial;">NeuroProtek</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">) can block these processes.
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" class="MsoNormal" face="times new roman"><a href="http://sackler.tufts.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/PhD-Programs/Faculty-Research-Pages/Theoharis-Theoharides.aspx"><b><span style="font-family:arial;">Theoharis C. Theoharides, MS, PhD, MD, FAAAAI</span></b></a><a href="http://sackler.tufts.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/PhD-Programs/Faculty-Research-Pages/Theoharis-Theoharides.aspx"><span style="font-family:arial;"> is Director of Molecular Immuno-pharmacology & Drug Discovery Lab, Professor of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine at Tufts University</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. He trained at Yale University and has over </span><a href="http://www.algonot.com/cv/Tctfullcv-June-11-2011.pdf"><span style="font-family:arial;">290 publications</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. He has shown that mast cells secrete inflammatory mediators that disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers, thus playing a critical role in brain inflammation and autism. Dr. Theoharides extends his expertise beyond theory into practical options for patients with diseases that have defied treatment to date.</span></p>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-7968294016944680022011-08-16T22:30:00.009-04:002011-09-27T07:31:05.196-04:00Vaccine Epidemic - The Book: With Louise Kuo Habakus, Mary Holland, and Kim Mack Rosenberg<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-priority:4; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;</style><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Confused by Conflicting Information about Vaccine Safety and Efficacy?</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Unsure of Your Rights?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:130%;" >Looking For Straight Answers?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLWDNawULFKbXmyLi_dsjnAvi3HJXse1ENY5u7Zzrl_XhfR_XHg1II0C_UosPEE5mDPbPSqDR4TGTRZnaOWyopt2cXhCeZM021-QwtEnOByuNki9S-eaeBllSLk4dFmeTfMNDxmCNeRY/s1600/Vaccine+Epidemic+final+front+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLWDNawULFKbXmyLi_dsjnAvi3HJXse1ENY5u7Zzrl_XhfR_XHg1II0C_UosPEE5mDPbPSqDR4TGTRZnaOWyopt2cXhCeZM021-QwtEnOByuNki9S-eaeBllSLk4dFmeTfMNDxmCNeRY/s200/Vaccine+Epidemic+final+front+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641647749199747250" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Join Editors Louise Kuo Habakus and Mary Holland, and Contributing Editor Kim Mack Rosenberg, for an eye-opening discussion based on their groundbreaking book, <a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/"><i>V</i></a><i><a href="http://www.vaccineepidemic.com/">accine Epidemic</a></i>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-size:100%;" >This enlightening evening will build the case for vaccination choice as a fundamental human right. Come to learn critical information to help you make an informed decision concerning vaccination. Bring your questions!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >Wednesday, October 5, 2011</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >7pm – 9pm</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" >408 East 79<sup>th</sup> St. (Screening Room)</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >New York, New York</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >(between First and York Avenues)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style=" text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"">Vaccine Epidemic</span></i></span><span style=";font-size:130%;" > - The Book</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Rising above the rhetoric, this presentation is neither anti-vaccine nor pro-vaccine. It is pro-vaccine safety and pro-informed consent. The presenters will address the tough questions that parents are asking about vaccination and will discuss vaccine safety and efficacy issues – and share with the audience important and often ignored data on these issues. Next, the presentation will focus on the relevant law and the rights of individuals to refuse vaccination. The presentation will close with a summary of <i>Vaccine Epidemic</i> and a discussion of important topics in this critical and ongoing debate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Louise Kuo Habakus</b> is the executive director and a co-founder of the <a href="http://www.centerforpersonalrights.org/">Center for Personal Ri</a></span><a href="http://www.centerforpersonalrights.org/"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECt8t2qNrxtd55c1MBz0ZvOkPbD3X09OX7sULEoOiycBlKdYD6coA16CDJKuNACOD9HRrmPtL922g_FZLCYNpffKqlkbLDJA5MolL3GQseelY8JZ67FBselfni_3fZzGTuhn595FnDWc/s200/habakusbio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641649882007212370" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.centerforpersonalrights.org/"><span style="font-size:100%;">g</span><span style="font-size:100%;">hts</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She was a managing director for Putnam Investments, a corporate vice president for Prudential Financial, and a consultant with Bain & Company.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Louise graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University, w</span><span style="font-size:100%;">here she also received a graduate degree in international policy studies.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In her advocacy work, Louise lectures and writes frequently and has appeared in numerous media outlets, including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">ABC World News Tonight</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Fox & Friends</i>, and th</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">New York Times</i>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Mary Holland</b> is a research scholar at NYU School of Law.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She has written and ed</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ited books</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFQaleOXZ4niTntZEa6n8_BsxRxE21t84MMkzr_Cy5KR0L09u7hJMltEs8vumugQ2HEoDMlqY8BAg8t3T7Oj4XKocTXcjlYCqSnzMlfVI6b4i57euX7IYXJkOKvWO58z2ACabiN-pceA/s1600/mary+headshot.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFQaleOXZ4niTntZEa6n8_BsxRxE21t84MMkzr_Cy5KR0L09u7hJMltEs8vumugQ2HEoDMlqY8BAg8t3T7Oj4XKocTXcjlYCqSnzMlfVI6b4i57euX7IYXJkOKvWO58z2ACabiN-pceA/s200/mary+headshot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641650784420956626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> and articles on human rights and law.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mary has clerked for a federal judge, worked at the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and at prominent U.S. law firms. She has testified before Congress, filed amicus briefs, and appeared on Court TV, Fox, CBS, and NBC.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mary is a co-founder and board member of the <a href="http://www.centerforpersonalrights.org/">C</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.centerforpersonalrights.org/">enter for Personal Rights</a> and a founder and the director of of the <a href="http://www.ebcala.org/">Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law & Advocacy (EBCALA)</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RG2d4woibTTjawhn8xN1n6vUUUajzRTvHe5XWAuBnWFM53OpAP2_V4Old0R1bXBkOTw0ulkp29NnGWyHiXx-9ejePGR2peEO7FP8wre7VnCmMqukKbslzmOv3RebXCuGxw7kYL6drpI/s1600/rosenbergbio.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RG2d4woibTTjawhn8xN1n6vUUUajzRTvHe5XWAuBnWFM53OpAP2_V4Old0R1bXBkOTw0ulkp29NnGWyHiXx-9ejePGR2peEO7FP8wre7VnCmMqukKbslzmOv3RebXCuGxw7kYL6drpI/s200/rosenbergbio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641650239706823730" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kim Mack Rosenberg</b> is a litigator at a prominent New York law firm, where her practice h</span><span style="font-size:100%;">as focused on, among other things, products liability.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Kim also has been honored by the Legal Aid Society of New York for her pro bono work.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She graduated from Carleton College and received her law degree f</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rom Case Western Reserve University </span><span style="font-size:100%;">School of Law.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In addition to being a co-founder and board member of the Center for Personal Rights, Kim is the current president of the <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">National Autism Association New York Metro Chapter</a> and a board member of the <a href="http://www.ebcala.org/">Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law & Advocacy (EBCALA)</a>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She has been featured on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Get Connected</i> on 106.7 Lite FM.</span></p></div>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-80998588148540294842011-08-16T16:26:00.010-04:002011-08-16T19:57:24.986-04:00Dr. Andrew Levinson: Reversing Autism: Walking the Path with Patience, Peace and Perseverance <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-priority:4; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSectio</style>
<br /><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Looking for New Ways to Help Your Child with Autism and Your Whole Family?</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Join <a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">NAA-NY Metro
<br /></a></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.naanyc.org/">
<br /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, September 21, 2011</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL8xzFxmIh1ws1-lVCESiQCRICyEaxJn7YDfcMZCfjTfW8B_TZo8CbJqmZAuOgs17mnykA7zH0M5a8XxRUIX18jI6yRsNyK0c8vLALhx1Yo51nsewHkXmLhyqNQK_pMk2qkBFLap-cjY/s1600/Andrew-Levinson-Headshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL8xzFxmIh1ws1-lVCESiQCRICyEaxJn7YDfcMZCfjTfW8B_TZo8CbJqmZAuOgs17mnykA7zH0M5a8XxRUIX18jI6yRsNyK0c8vLALhx1Yo51nsewHkXmLhyqNQK_pMk2qkBFLap-cjY/s200/Andrew-Levinson-Headshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641605733528399570" border="0" /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">For a Special Evening with<a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/andrew-levinson-yogi-md/">
<br /></a></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/andrew-levinson-yogi-md/"> Dr. Andrew Levinson</a></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Reversing Autism: Walking the Path with Patience, Peace and Perseverance</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Rebecca School</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">40 East 30<sup>th</sup> St.</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">New York, New York</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">6:00pm – 6:30pm: Networking</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">6:30pm – 8:30pm:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Presentation and Q&A</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Levinson’s unique presentation will cover the most current functional medical interventions for conditions affecting so many people with autism.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Among other things, he will take us through interventions addressing immune and endocrine dysregulation, detoxification, oxidative stress and inflammation difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In addition, he will address an area that is very important but frequently neglected – the health and well-being of the rest of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dr. Levinson will teach us coping strategies that the whole family can use!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/andrew-levinson-yogi-md/">
<br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/andrew-levinson-yogi-md/"><strong>Andrew Levinson, M.D.</strong></a> is an orthomolecular psychiatrist, functional physician, and yogi. His approach has been featured on the D<a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/events/">iscovery Health Channel and his work in autism has been the subject of several documentaries</a>. Dr. Levinson received his Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Miami, where he also completed his psychiatric residency. He has great acclaim for his ability to present complicated science in an extremely understandable format and is a f<a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/events/">requent presenter at national conferences and elsewhere</a>. Dr. Levinson is the founder of <a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/about/">Vitality Health & Wellness</a> in Miami Beach and sees patients in Manhattan in person and by telemedicine. More information about his work can be found at <a href="http://vitalitywellness.com/">www.vitalitywellness.com</a>.</p> NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-62873322497394722792011-08-13T10:28:00.007-04:002011-08-13T12:19:54.319-04:00Review of Scared of Sarah - A New Play About Autism<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4H-5cIUC2A9UmIb7r9TQIx-e1bYOhgj4rp93-Ot7adR5GSIdVrxj5sNhVTsKvDoG23gpbaJFx2p66EXrBcJVY_0w3Wm-J1kFj86AsWUmGuAArrQFTsfBvYlK3nQ6dzYnL5F7ruQg-iI/s1600/81.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4H-5cIUC2A9UmIb7r9TQIx-e1bYOhgj4rp93-Ot7adR5GSIdVrxj5sNhVTsKvDoG23gpbaJFx2p66EXrBcJVY_0w3Wm-J1kFj86AsWUmGuAArrQFTsfBvYlK3nQ6dzYnL5F7ruQg-iI/s200/81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640350787803414274" border="0" /></a>
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last night NAA NY Metro Chapter President Kim Mack Rosenberg and Vice-President/Treasurer Peggy Becker had the pleasure of attending opening night of <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://scaredofsarahplay.com/">Scared of Sarah</a>, a new play about autism (and much more). We were so happy to also catch up with one of our Facebook contest winners, Michele </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Iallonardi and her husband, Ralph.</span>
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<br /></div>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaeoDQNkVCw-DQemnlZhUdK9em8bGHqKBnXNnTjRhbK-wxD3D9Qpz1522o4wtR_rMGLOOblSsGSfdKqrFLH4Jamhi8IgktCmuT_34lGR_mMbIZF5kv1iPdG3K2uei_zhfSS6yhA3JgLE/s1600/naa+nym+08+12+11+peggy+michele+and+ralph.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaeoDQNkVCw-DQemnlZhUdK9em8bGHqKBnXNnTjRhbK-wxD3D9Qpz1522o4wtR_rMGLOOblSsGSfdKqrFLH4Jamhi8IgktCmuT_34lGR_mMbIZF5kv1iPdG3K2uei_zhfSS6yhA3JgLE/s200/naa+nym+08+12+11+peggy+michele+and+ralph.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640351219388961986" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(L-R: Peggy, Michele and Ralph)</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The cast, Carolyn Daucher, Nate Grams, and Brenna Palughi (as Sarah), did a terrific job in navigating the complex emotions of the play, written by Laura Brienza. The play makes you laugh and cry, as the characters confront issues not just about autism but also about marriage, children, siblings, parent</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">s, careers - life!</span>
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<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuBGqkG0_tNc9GTdXYnG_PX74qhcebcUSxlQh_HyD-Py1ZS68lIE-ktybZBBxndE0RRShaJyy_m8n3QyBqhoBfIwnYuByWoQWY0Y8M77jVX9WLj8Ipi2C17ti80uBFC7iGSD_Qdq4Hj0/s1600/naa+nym+08+12+11kim+and+laura.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuBGqkG0_tNc9GTdXYnG_PX74qhcebcUSxlQh_HyD-Py1ZS68lIE-ktybZBBxndE0RRShaJyy_m8n3QyBqhoBfIwnYuByWoQWY0Y8M77jVX9WLj8Ipi2C17ti80uBFC7iGSD_Qdq4Hj0/s200/naa+nym+08+12+11kim+and+laura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640351213057804962" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:85%;">(Laura Brienza and Kim)</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sarah is a complex character. She is an attractive woman who has just turned 30 as the play opens. She has autism and has a job as a conductor on New Jersey Transit. She appears "typical" in many respects, compounds the emotional, sensory and other challenges of autism she faces in the workplace and in her social and family life. Is Sarah like our children? Yes and no. We both noted some similarities and many differences between our children and the character of Sarah, but that is part of what makes autism so complex - no two people with autism are the same. We did not expect Sarah to be exactly like our children (who are different from each other too!). The play does a good job of balancing the complexities of autism - featuring a young woman who largely functions in society but might meltdown if the wrong brand of peanut butter is purchased. Is everyone with autism like that? No. But some are. <span style="font-style: italic;">Scared of Sarah</span> makes no attempt to speak for all people with autism. It is a snapshot of one character and the complexities of her life and the lives of those around her. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
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<br />There are still four more showings of <span style="font-style: italic;">Scared of Sarah</span> as part of FringeNYC If you can make the time to head to the Lower East Side over the next few days, do try to see the play.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> FYI, this is a play for grown ups and is not appropriate for young children. There is some strong and suggestive language.</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SATURDAY 8/13 @ 7:45</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SUNDAY 8/14 @ 12:00</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MON 8/15 @ 6:45</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WED 8/17 @ 7:45</span>
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<br /><a href="http://www.lamama.org/">La Mama First Floor Theatre</a>
<br />74A East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003
<br />F to 2nd Ave, 6 to Astor Pl/Bleeker St., N/R to 8th St.
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<br />Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door
<br /><a href="http://scaredofsarahplay.com/">www.scaredofsarahplay.com</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.fringenyc.org/">www.fringenyc.org</a></div>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-39452693675215666072011-08-13T04:58:00.008-04:002011-08-13T05:14:22.481-04:00The mutated SHANK3 gene, its effect on Neuronal Synapses and AutismThe following is an extract from an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine (July 14, 2011). The author is Martha Herbert MD, PhD of the Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is a research scientist with great interest in Autism. She has presented at the annual conference of the NY Metro Chapter in New York as well as the NAA annual conferences.
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<br />The neuron talk to each other and send signals from brain to other organs by releasing chemicals at their very ends. The exchange of these chemicals occurs at the synapses (the ends of the neurons). SHANK3 gene is known to facilitate such transactions. Research scientists have developed a clone of mice who are deficient in beta type of SHANK3 genes (SHANK3B-/-). These mice exhibit clinical and social behavior that is similar to autism in humans. The biopsies of the brains of these mice also show increased filaments (dendrites) of these neurons which looks like a jumble. The part of the brain called Striatum was larger in the SHANK3B-/- mice. This was thought to be compensatory on the part of the brain in an attempt to increase the synapses and communication that is defective due to the genetic mutation. It is known that the brains of humans with autism are larger and have excessive dendrites.
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<br />SHANK3 gene is also present in the gut and other tissues. SHANK3 gene has two other isoforms (alpha and gamma) and the level of activity of those isoforms may be related to the variability in cases of autism and may explain the improvement in clinical symptoms and social behavior that is sometimes seen after certian treatments and high fever. Dr. Herbert's article was published in:
<br />The New England Journal of Medicine. Vol: 365, Page 173. 14 July 2011
<br />http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcibr1104261
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<br />If you wish to read the full scientific article, please contcat me at <a href="mailto:klrehman@yahoo.com">klrehman@yahoo.com</a>
<br />Posted by Khalid Rehman MD, Chair Advocacy and Awareness Committee,
<br />National Auatim Association, New York Metro Chapter.
<br />NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426962392300883158.post-44225220877973497142011-08-03T20:20:00.004-04:002011-08-03T20:29:59.468-04:00Scared of Sarah - A New Play About Autism<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">JOIN US FOR THIS EXCITING NEW PLAY THAT<br />GRAPPLES WITH ISSUES OF </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">PARENTING A CHILD ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.</span><br /><br />ENTER ON OUR <a href="http://www.facebook.com/naa.ny.metro">FACEBOOK PAGE</a> TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE TICKETS!!! <br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQHdDjzJ2s3rxspkka47yyQoAG7j4o1TAKktgCz1S2xzUP2IMfOqlTq_T8fHqc-ouF01V34plPz7b3lQkFM9wfFdojwG-oldnRqVdd-WPrar3JBLdpk18FIfBC0xDim_qqvYeALV9C98/s1600/81.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQHdDjzJ2s3rxspkka47yyQoAG7j4o1TAKktgCz1S2xzUP2IMfOqlTq_T8fHqc-ouF01V34plPz7b3lQkFM9wfFdojwG-oldnRqVdd-WPrar3JBLdpk18FIfBC0xDim_qqvYeALV9C98/s320/81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636790089065943186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A new play by Laura Brienza<br />Directed by Reginald L. Douglas<br />Starring: Carolyn Daucher, Nate Grams, and Brenna Palughi*<br />*Appearing Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association<br /><br />developed at the Lark Play Development Center and the<br />Kennedy Center Page-to-Stage New Play Festival<br /><br />World Premiere in the New York International Fringe Festival<br /><br />Sarah's autistic. Lily's pregnant. Sam's scared. Could they handle a child like Sarah? When these two people make a third, the fear that sets in threatens to destroy their relationship.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">SCARED OF SARAH</span> investigates the challenges of parenting a child on the autism spectrum, the intricacies of personal relationships with those on the spectrum, and Generation Y's complicated love affair with selfishness.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FRIDAY 8/12 @ 5:00</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SATURDAY 8/13 @ 7:45</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SUNDAY 8/14 @ 12:00</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MON 8/15 @ 6:45</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WED 8/17 @ 7:45</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lamama.org">La Mama First Floor Theatre</a><br />74A East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003<br />F to 2nd Ave, 6 to Astor Pl/Bleeker St., N/R to 8th St.<br /><br />Tickets $15 in advance<br /><a href="http://scaredofsarahplay.com">www.scaredofsarahplay.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.fringenyc.org">www.fringenyc.org</a> </div>NAA-New New York Metro Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13692804900747486391noreply@blogger.com0