Please go to the East Valley Autism Network (EVAN) facebook page for current information

Due to outrageous demand for facebook, not blog posts, follow the link below for current information and happenings regarding EVAN:


East Valley Autism Network, EVAN, facebook page

Hello! Welcome to another year of support and making connections in the autism world.  For the 2013-2014 school year, we will once again be meeting at the Mi Amigo's Mexican Grill at 1264 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204 (on the southwestern corner of Gilbert Rd. and Southern Ave., just north of the U.S. 60 freeway).  EVAN meets the 4th Tuesday of the month. Please note that we now be meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our meetings resume Tuesday, August 27th.  Please join us!

 

Here is a Google map link:

 

Mi Amigo's Mexican Grill in Mesa

 

Hello! We took the feedback of our members and chose a larger location! We have two permanent changes to our meetings:

First, we have moved to the 4th Tuesday of the month permanently to accommodate school board meeting schedules. We will still be meeting from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Second, our new larger meeting location will be Mi Amigo's Mexican Grill at the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa, 1264 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204 (480) 892-6822. 

 

We will be in the banquet room on the right. The room is very large, and is just perfect for breaking up into groups for special topics or mingling and networking with other parents. It is located just north of the US-60 Freeway.

 

Here is a Google maplink:

Mi Amigo's Mexican Grill in Mesa

Hello! Welcome to another year of autism support and connecting with other families.

Here is an update on East Valley Autism Network (EVAN):

EVAN is co-facilitated by Holly Reycraft, Katie Wride, and Melissa Van Hook. In an effort to keep our meetings of a consistent quality and avoid repetition of topics too frequently, we are going to provide EVAN support meetings every other month. 

Please don't be concerned about a lack of community support!! As many of our families are aware, Autism Biomedical Connections (ABC) is another support group formed by three EVAN moms, Jennifer Frandsen, Melissa Loresto, and Heidi Bonaroti. Both Jennifer and Melissa are nurses, and Heidi is an Occupational Therapist. These women are fantastic and a wonderful source of information! ABC will hold their meetings on alternating months from EVAN. Both support groups will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

There is never a charge for EVAN or ABC meetings, unless there is a special event in lieu of a regular meeting. We will let you know ahead of time about such an event.




Visit ABC's website http://abcaz.synthasite.com/

I guess we still have some work to do....

I have a good friend who is a special education teacher in an autism classroom.  She works at a school district here in the Valley.  Recently, she shared something with me that just had me shaking my head.  An aide came in to her classroom with a child in tow; the child was one of her students with autism.  The aide looked at her and asked, "Do you know where the artistic class is?"  My friend was horrified.  She looked at the aide, pointed out the door to the ART classroom down the hall, and said, "The art class is THAT way."  The aide shakes her head and replies, "NO, the ARTISTIC class," to which my friend replies, "Yes, I just told you, the ARTISTIC class is down the hall." My friend the teacher is losing her patience.  She and the clueless aide go through this ridiculous "Who's on First?" conversation (think old school: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello)  for another minute or so. Before my friend imparts serious physical harm on the clueless aide, she gently takes the child by the hand, turns to the aide and tells her, "Go figure out where you are supposed to be.  Get out of my room!"

This is an aide working with students in special education.  Hmm...is something wrong with this picture?  If the people that are being paid to work one-on-one with our children do not even know the proper name for their diagnoses, is there really a chance this type of employee will have the proper training to do the job?  No, I didn't think so, either.  It is very frustrating, indeed.

To the aides and teachers that strive to understand our children and do a terrific job, THANK YOU!! To the aides and teachers like this particular clueless aide mentioned above, could you get some proper training...um, please...??

Always try to keep your sense of humor about you (particularly if you have lost your wits)....



Welcome Back!

Yikes! It's that time of year again: the start of school.  Are you ready for those IEP meetings. meet the teacher night, and more?  Relax. We are all in this together.  EVAN is finished with summer break, and geared up for another year of great meetings.  Please join us Tuesday, August 17th, at 7:00 p.m. for our first parent meeting of the school year.  We will be meeting at the same place as last year: Holly's home, located at 2140 S. 141st St., Gilbert, 85295 (west of Lindsay Road, just south of the ball fields nest to South Valley Junior High School).  Hope to see you there!

ATTENTION: YOUR ATTENDANCE IS VITAL!

Hello,

Tomorrow evening (Tuesday, June 8th, at 7:oo p.m.) at the Gilbert Public Schools board meeting, the school board will be voting to approve, alter, or reject the Senate Task Force Recommendations on Best Practices in Special Education and Behavior Management. In case you are unfamiliar with this Task Force, it is about seclusion and restraint on special needs children in the school setting. Holly Reycraft, one of the co-founders and co-facilitators of EVAN, is a member of the Task Force and helped create the recommendations. Holly has worked with a number of families around the valley, but particularly in GPS, whose children have been secluded, restrained, and harmed by the lack of training and bad practices surrounding these issues in school districts. The final Report with the task force recommendations has been attached.



If you are not a GPS family, this still applies to you and everybody in this state with a special needs child. Find out if and when your school board has held or will hold this public meeting: it is required by law. If they have not scheduled it, inform them and apply heavy pressure to hold a public board meeting and APPROVE the task force recommendations.



The recommendations are on BEST PRACTICES. It recommends, among many other things: prohibiting certain holds (prone restraint); when and only when restraint and seclusion should be used; types of training; behavior management training; guidelines of notifying parents; debriefing the staff and more. This is the task force created by Senator Huppenthal, EVAN and a few others to come up with best practices to protect our children and the staff. Many school districts have zero common sense when it comes to seclusion and restraint--and especially autism. The injuries, deaths, and problems nationwide are shocking. Unfortunately, this Senate Bill (SB 1197) has no teeth: even if districts vote to adopt all recommendations, there are no consequences from the state if they violate them. (However, please note that they would be violating their own policies if they adopt the recommendations and then go against them; this would give families some leverage with their school board, etc.)

 BTW, all school districts in the state (charter schools included) must hold a public board meeting to vote to  approve/amend/reject the task for recommendations by June 30, 2010. Large showings at board meetings will give board members a clue that this is a serious issue--in EVERY district. We need to pass a bill with penalties for violating best practices, etc. This will be a fight because every district will resist. Too bad. Sorry Tom Horne refused to do ANYTHING about this issue. He doesn't give a crap--never did, never will (remember that when you are choosing the next Attorney General this fall...). Hopefully, Senator Huppenthal will do a better job. GO TO THE BOARD MEETING, PLEASE, TO SHOW THE BOARD YOU WANT THEM TO ADOPT THE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS. THANKS!  WE CANNOT DO THIS BY OURSELVES: IF WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR CHILD, HELP US TO MAKE THINGS BETTER.

Here are some links to recent Arizona Republic Articles you might find interesting (EMILY GERSEMA, YOU ROCK OUR WORLD!!):
Mom alleges Gilbert school abused autistic daughter, 5
Diagnosis of Gilbert boy's autism pits doctors vs. schools  (not seclusion and restraint, but check it out)
Gilbert couple requests new restraint policy for autistic children
Changes to Gilbert special ed worry parents, expert (again, not seclusion and restraint, but check it out)

Did you know EVAN is an affiliate of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix?

Complimentary Breakfast Fundraiser for Autism Research, Treatment and Services

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 7:30-9 a.m.
Phoenix Convention Center

Goal

To inform the community about exciting research, treatment, and services for children and adults with autism, Asperger’s, and related disorders, and to raise money to support the activities of those groups.

Free Registration

Though the cost of the event is complimentary, please consider registering as a Table Captain, and invite family, friends and co-workers to join you at your personal table(s).

Agenda

•7:00 - Registration and continental breakfast
•7:30 - Welcome
•7:40 - Research Update – New information on the causes of autism and how to treat it.
•8:00 - Treatment Update – New information on treatment and services.
•8:20 - Support Update – Information from many groups about their new and existing services.
•8:50 - Closing comments and pledges
•9:00 - End

Register here or call (480) 940-1093


Can’t Attend? Consider a Donation

If you can't attend the Autism Breakfast Fundraiser, consider a donation to the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Donate here.

Don't Miss your Chance to Attend an Excellent Autism Conference! We'll be there; we hope you will, too!

Did you see the HBO movie on Temple Grandin? Come hear the mother of Temple Grandin speak in person at this conference, plus so much more...



11th Annual Autism Society of Greater Phoenix Autism/Asperger's Conference
March 26-27, 2010 · Phoenix,
New Location -- at the New Phoenix Convention Center March 26-27, 2010



Friday Keynote:
No More Meltdowns: Handling Challenging Behaviors and Teaching Social Skills - Jed Baker, Ph.D.

Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, a private organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He also directs social skills training for Millburn Public Schools in New Jersey. His work has also been featured on ABC World News, Nightline, the CBS Early Show, and the Discovery Health Channel. He is an award winning author of five books:


*Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome and Social Communication       Problems

*Preparing for Life: The Complete Handbook for the Transition to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

*The Social Skills Picture Book

*The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond

*No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior



Saturday Keynote:
Raising Temple Grandin: Personal and Historical Reflections - Eustacia Cutler

Eustacia Cutler is the author of "A Thorn in My Pocket" which describes the challenges raising a child with autism. She has written school lessons for major TV networks, researched and scripted the TV documentary THE DISQUIETED (on autism), researched and contributed script to THE INNOCENTS, a documentary prize winning first on retardation. She has three other children and five grandsons.


Other Conference Highlights:

-Successfully Mainstreaming Children with Autism - Sheri Bowes, MOT, OTR/L

-Floortime and Play Strategies - Lori Lichte-Brill Psy.D.

-Sensory Integration - Heidi Bonaroti, OTR/L

-Overview of Biomedical Treatments for Autism - James B. Adams, Ph.D.

-Our New Location -- at the New Phoenix Convention Center March 26-27, 2010



Go to http://www.phxautism.org/ for more conference Information



We hope you will consider attending the conference. You can download a brochure to register by mail or visit our website for more details or register online. Financial aid available for families who make under $50,000/yr. Call 480-831-2047 for more info.

Check Out Our New EVAN Blog!

Hello! I have made some recent changes to the EVAN blog...yes, I am aware that the old site was lame and inconvenient to navigate.  Hopefully, users will find the changes useful (are there still any blog visitors out there?? oops-my bad if you have all disappeared!!).  If you have any suggestions for the site or requests of what you would like to see added or changed, please feel free to contact me and let me know.

Updates you might be find relevant!

Like all of you with a child on the spectrum (or two), Holly, Katie, and I have been insanely busy and would like to let you know what we are up to these days.  First, EVAN meetings are still the 3rd Tuesday of every month, unless otherwise noted; check out the "EVAN Meetings" page.

 EVAN is still a close affiliate of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix (AS of GP), formerly known as Autism Society of America Greater Phoenix Chapter (ASA-GPC).  This is the Autism Society chapter Dr. Jim Adams presides over (you may also know him from his research with and for our children at  ASU Autism/Asperger’s Research Program).  Katie and I both sit on the board of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.  AS of GP has really done a lot more in the past year for our families, including monthly Sensory Friendly Films, multiple workshops and conferences, monthly support meetings, and the Parent Mentors Program.  One of the parent mentors just happens to be Katie; click here if you would like more information.

EVAN has multiple long-reaching goals, particularly in the areas of education and legislation   including but not limited to the seclusion and restraint issue, and  better training (or maybe the first training!) for school personnel working with our children on the spectrum.  The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix shares our goals.  We will work together to make drastic improvements for all of our families.  As EVAN, we also work with multiple agencies and other support organizations throughout the state to implement necessary changes in our community.  The parents and families in our world have really stepped up when we have asked for help, and we are forever grateful for their effort. We all discovered we are so much more powerful when we work together!

Finally, Holly has begun her own business, Counseling, Consulting, and Social Skills Services, specializing in counseling, consulting, and providing social skills groups to children and teens who are struggling with social, emotional, or developmental challenges.  Check out her website here!

Thank's for checking us out...hope to see you at an EVAN meeting soon.

Melissa Van Hook

Hello! It has been a while since I posted. Has anybody else been a little distracted by the budget cuts and what they mean to our children? Yeah...I thought so. Thank you to all of the amazing warriors out there emailing, faxing, calling, and showing up at the legislature to advocate for the preservation of critical services. I am so grateful I am not a legislator right now; they have some terribly difficult decisions in front of them.

THANK YOU TO THOSE LEGISLATORS THAT ARE FIGHTING FOR OUR CHILDREN!! Thank you, especially, to Senators John Huppenthal, Russell Pearce, Thayer Verschoor, Carolyn Allen, Jim Waring, and Chuck Gray; Representatives John Kavanagh, Kyrsten Sinema, John McComish, and Robert Meza; and to staffers at the Capitol-- Victor Riches, Chief of Staff to the AZ House of Representatives, Wendy Baldo, Chief of Staff to the AZ Senate, and Melissa Taylor, Senior Policy Advisor. These are individuals who truly care about the children of Arizona, and have fought especially hard for those with autism. Drop them a note to say thanks (in all your free time, of course). I know we are all busy, but this is something positive you can do! Legislators (and these wonderful staffers) remember when people express gratitude for their hard work on our behalf; it can make a difference of just how much they are willing to fight when they are put against the wall.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: On another note, the next EVAN meeting will be Tuesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m.in Gilbert. (Email if you need directions.) It was moved to the last Tuesday of the month, only for March, due to spring break. Our guest speaker will be Renaldo Fowler, Senior Staff Advocate for the Arizona Center for Disability Law. Renaldo will be speaking about advocating for your child's special education needs in the school system, and answering your questions. I know you must have a few--I certainly do. I hope to see you there!

Got a Problem Hearing About "Politics"?

I am climbing on my soapbox...ahem: I tried to keep my mouth shut, seriously, but I am afraid my head is going to explode if I don't express my thoughts. I understand that not everybody is interested in politics; I didn't used to be, until I realized how relevant it is to my life...and I have a voice...and that I have no right to complain if I am not going to make a difference or at least support those who are trying to change those issues that directly affect me. People will never entirely agree on politics. Thank heavens for that--it would be a really boring evening around the dinner table! What, you don't discuss politics in your home, or at least over meals? We certainly do in our home, from time to time; we want our children to realize they have not only a right to voice their opinion, but also a responsibility to act on those issues they feel strongly about. I try to practice what I preach. If you know me personally, then you know it is hard for me not to take action on something about which I express passion.

Here is what makes me want to pull out my hair: People complain, at length, about their frustrations with the system--lack of insurance coverage, DDD services or lack thereof, major problems with their school districts, on and on. I can relate to their frustration (I have 2 boys on the autism spectrum; that means I have 2 dogs in the fight...). The simple fact is that any major changes that must occur are going to involve politics. The bigger the issue and the more people it impacts, typically the more politics it involves. Remember Steven's Law, the most comprehensive insurance legislation in the United States? It is still fresh in my mind, as the Governor signed it into law just last March, effective July of 2009. Holy french fries, Batman! How do these people think Steven's Law was passed? There was a small group of autism moms that lived down at the Capitol for months. All we did was strategize and deal with legislators (that would be the politicians!). It simply does not get any more "political" than that. Period. The ironic thing is that just about every one of these moms will not benefit from the legislation. We did it because it was absolutely necessary and it was the right thing to do. As I am sure the majority of our readers are aware, this was a huge grass roots effort. We worked hard to get our parents to pay attention and take action. Our legislative effort truly succeeded because of all the autism families and their friends that were willing to get involved: they showed up at hearings and at the candlelight vigil; they wrote letters and emails to the legislators; they made phone calls and paid visits to their legislators; several even came out and walked legislators' districts on the weekends when we asked for their help.

This was truly an amazing, remarkable process. Everybody was important. Families made this happen. Now, take it a step further, please. Our autism community garnered some serious respect because of Steven's Law. Legislators had never seen anything like this before. Don't believe me? Call your legislator personally and ask. Is there anything else that needs to be repaired or changed for our children and the community? Gee, does anyone have any issues with the public education system? School district? Department of Education? Struggling with your therapy services? Lack thereof? Would you like to see things drastically improve? For the love of Pete, make the connection: it will take more "politics" to make these monumental changes in the system. Don't think it can be done? Well, we did it with insurance. This is a fact: every year when the “Arizona Capitol Times” publishes their "Most Powerful List" every year- top of the list, listed higher than the Speaker of the House or Governor's Chief of Staff, is "insurance industry". Wow, ruminate on that for a moment. If only one thing is taken away from my long post, make it this: Get involved. Stay involved. If "involved" merely means being supportive of those of us putting ourselves on the line for this community, then please be involved. If you can do more, we welcome you with open arms and will support you in your effort. If there are any parties objecting to our use of "politics" to get things accomplished, think twice about benefiting from our efforts, even if only for a second. After you have given it some thought, thank your lucky stars somebody was willing to talk "politics" and be on the front lines for you and your family. This truly is an amazing community. We are capable of making even greater changes within our state for our autism community. Let's stand united and support one another in our efforts to make Arizona better for all of our families. If you can't do this, then please, stand back and get out of the way for those of us willing to do the work. Thank you to those families that have given their undying support for our efforts. I am getting off my soapbox now....

GPS Board Endorsements--Make Your Voice Heard!

It is time to send in those mail-in ballots! If you are a traditional kind of voter (you know, the patriotic citizen that enjoys the actual feel of the voting booth), remember to visit the polls on Tuesday, November 4th. Either way, make sure your voice is heard! Just in case anybody is wondering, we are endorsing three candidates for our local Gilbert Public School Board (there are three seats open and four candidates running). Holly, Katie, and I have spent a considerable amount of time speaking to each of these three ladies; we are highly confident they will listen to the needs of the special education community and do a fine job representing the interest of all students in GPS. Please vote for EJ Anderson, Helen Hollands--incumbent and current GPS Board President, and Adelaida Severson.

Click on EJ's picture and bio, above, and it will pop up in a window that makes it readable. EJ came to our August EVAN meeting and answered questions from our members.

Just a reminder: Adelaida will be stopping by our next EVAN meeting, Tuesday, October 21, 7 pm, at my home in Gilbert, to answer any questions you may have about her and her views on education. Kathryn Cummard, Head of the Autism Demonstration Team for GPS, will be our main guest speaker.

Renata Gives Her 2 Cents

Remember when I said I would welcome comments and other political information? Well, yippee-skippy! Someone has taken me up on the offer! I promised I would post it on the main page if the reader wanted me to, and that is exactly what I am doing. Thanks, Renata, for putting in your 2 cents.

Good Morning Melissa-
I know we belong to different political parties, and I read the blog. I had trouble commenting on it, so I'll add my 2 cents here. I read the following on Obama's website- it states the issues, what their plans and ideas are, and then asks the public for ideas.

* His short video on disabilities mentions Michelle's father's MS and the impact, and mentions Autism twice.
*Along w/ increasing funding and awareness, he wants a national re-screening for all 2 yr. olds to increase early detection especially for ASD.
*In Illinois, he sponsored legislation that became law to create ASD Diagnosis Educ. Program to promote evidence-based practices and offered educational opportunities at all levels from doctors to day-care workers to language therapists.
*Supported efforts to build Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research
* He co-sponsored a measure that would expand federal funding for ASD life-long services
* They want to establish a position-Federal ASD Co-ordinator to be sure there is collaboration between agencies and families, and to ensure funds are spent in a way that prioritizes results.
*Goals to facilitate dialogue between federal agancies, resources, school districts, first responders and community members

They also want to establish a Civilian Assistance Corps calling on volunteers w/ expertise that could be deployed to areas of the US in times of crisis and natural disasters.

The website also answers any questions about his Christianity,etc..

I know family bonds, life experiences, religion, economic status, etc. all shape our political views--just wanted to add my 2 cents-Renata

Okay, so some people do not think Sarah Palin rocks--at least one person took the time to tell me so (thanks, thegoodguy). Specifically addressing the special needs issue: I recognize that as far as having a child with a disability (or however you want to put it), Palin is a newbie, wet-behind-the-ears, still-doesn't-know-what-she-is-in-for, and oh so much more. My enthusiasm for her appearance on the national political scene, as far as disabilities go, has nothing to do with her party affiliation. Simply put, this is the first time, ever, that I have heard somebody in a high profile position address something relevant to my child. If nothing comes of Palin's bid for Vice President, she has brought a whole lot of attention to the special needs community. As for my excitement, I am the mom of two boys with autism; to me, her lack of experience in this arena (right now today), both as a parent and a politician, is irrelevant. People must first be aware of our community and our issues before any improvements can be made. She has made the world sit up and take notice of families with differently-abled children. I wonder how many other high level politicians have had seriously disabled family members, but kept them out of the public eye? Palin has put her family out front, for better or worse. Her running mate is married to a former special education teacher. Cindy McCain has also done some terrific things as an advocate for the human race that have nothing to do with her former teaching career. My point is, these things have nothing to do with your choice of political party. It is simply that a spotlight, nationally, has finally been projected on our families. If the Republicans win this election, we will have a different perspective, in regards to our families, in the White House. If the Democrats win, there is still pressure to pay attention to the special needs population: Pandora has been released from her box, and there is no way for her to be shoved back inside and locked up.

Election update: As you are all undoubtedly aware, there are 3 seats up for re-election on the Gilbert Public Schools Board in November. Many of you attended our August EVAN meeting and had the opportunity to meet one of the candidates, EJ Anderson, and ask her questions relevant to our community. Adelaida Severson, another school board candidate, is coming to our October EVAN meeting, and is pleased to answer your questions about herself and her position on school board issues. Katie, Holly, and I have spent a reasonable amount of time with both candidates hearing their philosophies, and are proud to support both of them in pursuing 2 out of the 3 open seats on the board. Please check out the section on the right hand side of the blog titled,"Politics Relevant to YOU," and find the links for both Adelaida and EJ. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE express to every Gilbert voter you know that the autism community supports these fine women and NEEDS them on the board for all of our children in GPS. THANK YOU!!! AUTISM PARENTS ROCK!!

Have You Seen This? (Thanks Manoj!)

EVAN DISCLAIMER: We pass on information to stir up some curiousity and (always) discussion. Do your homework on all subjects--we do not claim anything we present to be fact (although it just might be), but merely a trail of bread crumbs for you to follow. Make up your own mind!!

Vaccine Makers Shielded from Autism Liability Lawsuit

An 11-year-old boy with autism and his family cannot proceed with their case against pharmaceutical companies after a judge ruled that federal law pre-empts state claims against companies if their vaccines are FDA-approved. Jared Wright, 11, of Texas, was given six vaccines during the first year-and-a-half of his life.Five of the vaccines contained the mercury-based preservative, thimerosal. Jared’s parents, Howard and Jacqueline Wright claim the mercury in the vaccines caused Jared’s autism.The vaccine makers named in the product liability lawsuit were Aventis Pasteur Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., and Wyeth. But Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Arnold L. New granted the companies summary judgment and wrote that the drug makers are shielded from liability by the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. 22(b) of the Vaccine Act expressly pre-empts claims of design defects or a failure to warn the public about a vaccine’s dangers. “Congress clearly intended when it enacted the Vaccine Act to exercise its constitutionally delegated authority to preempt all state design defect claims without case-by-case determination that the side effects are unavoidable,” New wrote. The 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act was created as a no-fault system by the federal government to provide recovery of damages to people hurt by vaccines and to reduce the potential financial liability of vaccine makers due to injury claims. The Wright’s attorney Marc P. Weingarten of Locks Law Firm, had argued that the drug companies were negligent because the public and doctors were kept in the dark about the use of mercury in vaccines. But Judge New ruled that violating the protection provided by the Vaccine Act might destabilize the supply of child vaccines. Weingarten said the case is “an extremely important issue to be heard by the courts of Pennsylvania” because of the federal pre-emption issues arising in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation in both state and federal jurisdictions. Proponents of vaccines argue that major studies have not found a link between the use of thimerosal and neurological injury. But scientists pointing to the case of Hannah Poling earlier this year, put the industry on notice that pre-existing conditions in children, such as mitochondrial disorder in Hannah, might result in autism after vaccinations. In March, Julie Gerberding, head of the CDC, appeared with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN and confirmed that vaccines can trigger autism in a subset of vulnerable children. That video is available via YouTube on the web site of Adventures in Autism. To overcome this federal safety blanket for drug makers, the plaintiff would have to show the pharmaceutical companies engaged in fraud or wrongfully withheld information from the FDA; or failed to exercise due care even though the manufacturer complied with federal laws and regulations. Ultimately, measures aimed at reducing the right to file liability lawsuits against drug and device makers is one tool of the tort reform movement.

Posted on InjuryBoard.com:
http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/Vaccine-Makers-Shielded-From-Autism-Liability-Lawsuit.aspx?googleid=247200

Sarah Palin ROCKS!!!!

So, what inspired me to begin the EVAN Blog was the lack of a venue to freely express my views about all things autism and for others to whole-heartedly agree--or not!- with my opinions. I love a spirited, intelligent debate ("intelligent" being a key word here). People do not have to agree with my views; on the contrary, things are often more interesting when we do not agree on every little thing. I find that I tend to learn the most when somebody brings a completely different point of view to the table. Sometimes, I discover that I had not considered all the information, and change my opinion on the subject. Other times, I don't change my mind, but learn a tremendous amount about the vast viewpoints within our community. However, I am the most intrigued (okay, annoyed...) when somebody's opinion really gets under my skin. What IS that all about? After I have taken a deep breath and a step back, I try to honestly consider what the other person is communicating to me. Even if I am never swayed to their side of the street, I almost always learn something new about myself and am forced to grow a little. Isn't that what life is all about, learning and stretching ourselves out of our comfort zones? Autism is a lot like that. What did you know about autism before it got dropped on your family like a cold bucket of water...in January...in your underwear...in Michigan? Maybe you knew a little, or maybe you knew a lot (consider yourself ahead of the game if you were in the latter crowd). I think most of us have a very steep learning curve at the beginning of this journey. If we are ever to make any real progress and do the best we can to help our children, we must stretch ourselves and get out of our comfort zones. I am certainly not in the same place now compared to when my first child was diagnosed over 9 years ago. I am certainly not the same person I was then, either (thanks for that, Kyle-man). I hope I am a lot better, stronger, and more compassionate. I hope never to live my life governed by fear, in any realm, but to rise to every challenge with grace and courage. Often, it is my family and friends that help me find these qualities within myself, and for that I am ever so grateful. On the "EVAN Street" in the autism community, you are always welcome: welcome to drop on by for a little support, a lot of laughter when you need it, and a place to express your opinions. I would love to hear what you are thinking these days, particularly in regards to politics and how it affects our little ASD corner of the world (it was originally why I started this blog...LOL). Want to hear what others have to say? Let me know! Post your comments on the blog, and I will happily move them to the main blog page for all to easily see, if you like. After all, they are public any way, but wouldn't it be ever so much fun to stir up some lively chatter if they are front and center? What are you waiting for? Sarah Palin is gonna rock your world, just wait and see.

Autism "Onstar"...?

In a recent conversation with a friend of mine, she expressed some serious frustration with her child's lack of progress, in spite of all the therapies they were utilizing. She was so tired of all things autism and how it had devoured every part of her life. Ready to dismiss her team and just learn to live with her child's severe autism, she called a team meeting. Instead of being judgemental and clearing out of her home in a huff, the team did a wonderful thing: they kindly told her that if she was "done" for a while, they would carry her, and be her strength. That is powerful. Shortly after that meeting, her child began to show some noticeable progress. Needless to say, she is tremendously grateful that her team understood what she was going through and refused to walk away from her and her family.

Support is crucial to our survival and well-being. It keeps us going when we don't have one more thing left within ourselves to give. Who hasn't heard stories from their friends about feeling unable to get out of bed, or being unable to stop crying, or feeling angry and hopeless about their child's autism and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they face? If you have never experienced this, count your lucky stars. I have certainly been there! It is a dark and lonely place to be. The one thing that has pulled me out of these wicked-mean spots is my support network--family, friends, and sometimes a random stranger that can relate to my experience. It is not our "weakness" that calls out for support, it is our "humanness," and certainly nothing to be ashamed about. As parents of special needs children, I think we are especially prone to doing it all, feeling that we have to be super-strong and super-human. We often feel that we cannot ask for help. In fact, I think for many of us, the thought that we could even seek support never crosses our mind. I would not hesitate to ask for help if my car broke down. If I was lost, I would stop and ask for directions (although I don't think this would occur to my darling husband...). Newsflash: if you are close to an "autism" breakdown, or if you find yourself lost on this often arduous journey, it is okay to reach out for support. While your peers in the autism community may not be as efficient as "Onstar," we are here for you! Reach out to us and those around you, and we will be your strength and carry you for a while. When you are feeling stronger, you can help us carry someone else for a while--pay it forward.

GJ Clarification on AZ Autism Support

Hello! A quick clarification regarding Gretchen's comment (thanks, Gretchen!) pertaining to Arizona Autism Support and ACT Today! Specifically, "The ACT Today website 'links' is not up to snuff right now!" I wasn't sure if Gretchen was referring to the links section on a) Arizona Autism Support, b)EVAN blog, or c)ACT Today! She clarified that she was referring to the links section on her ACT Today! website. Jessie and Jason Geroux, your site is awesome! I highly encourage people to check it out (click on "Arizona Autism Support" under our Related Links section on the right-hand side of this page, and it will take you directly to their home page). They have some wonderful resource links on their website, and it can save you some time cruising cyberspace.

EVAN is thrilled to partner with others in our autism community to achieve some common goals. Our foray into the political arena has demonstrated the power we have when we are united (yeah, yeah, I know you have heard about it...Steven's Law...Senator Verschoor's re-election...WOO-HOO!!!!!). Everything, big and small, that you do to contribute to your community makes an impact; I can't wait to see what we will accomplish next!