Who should pay for the treatment of Autism? Who decides where the money is spent? Schools, parents or insurance companies?

Well, I'm not sure.  In essence, in the US, taxpayer’s money goes to the Federal and State governments and, in turn, is used to fund programs that provide services to our children.

Or it is supposed to anyway.

While working with a parent yesterday, I became quite frustrated (internally) upon realizing this person was absolutely against any dietary or biomedical interventions.

What frustrated me was her unwillingness to educate herself about these treatments; not the fact that she would choose to not implement them, as treatment of autism is a very personal decision.

Finding people that understand is literally priceless.  The only thing I love more than contributing to this site is receiving and reading comments from fellow members of the epilepsyMoms community, so thanks for your comments and please keep them coming!

After I read comments or emails from other parents, I am usually reminded of a few things...

I'm reminded that I'm not the only one in the world doing 'this' - as in parenting a child, in my case children, with special and exceptional needs.

It's the beginning of our third week as home-schoolers and I'm tired.  My son, Ian, is too.  Everyday during our home-school program, my son and I exercise or are physically active for at least two hours (I have found muscles in my thighs I never knew were there).

The idea of beginning a gluten free diet can be overwhelming.  I must admit my oldest child became gluten and casein free after being diagnosed with several food allergies, not because I chose to use this diet as a treatment for autism.

Feeling isolated or alone can be devastating to your advocacy efforts.  Intentional or not, many professionals utilize the strategy of 'isolation' to buy themselves time to ensure they act in the best interest of the entity they represent...Not the best interest of your child.

In my last posting I discussed the tactic of role-reversal being used to deter parents and advocates.  Today I want to chat about two other strategies you may encounter: Refusal and Rigidity.

Here are some common examples of Refusal and Rigidity at work:

Professional  (from school, agency, organization, etc.)says to parent or advocate...

Since so many entities use similar strategies and tactics against parent advocates, I've decided to try and point them out to you, in the same way they were exemplified to me.  Today's lesson: Role Reversal

I must point out school districts are the easiest example of an entity that employs these repressive, but effective, techniques to deter parents and advocates. However, as your child ages out of school or into the community, you will find organizations, businesses, councils and other venues also use these tactics.

Have you ever been asked...

So often we focus all our attention and energy on supporting our child diagnosed with autism - and rightfully so!  However, it's so important to realize and understand autism affects the entire family. 

Every person will have their own reaction, emotions and challenges related to a child being diagnosed with autism. It's no secret that families need support.  I think what often goes overlooked is that each person will need individual support depending upon their role in your child's life. 

While I've always known it's important to use a child's interest as a foundation for teaching, I was amazed this morning as I watched this theory being put into practice.

Today was the first day of home-schooling my 12 year old son with autism.  I was secretly worried that he would protest and refuse any activity I presented.  Boy was I wrong!