Phoenix Autism & Parenting Writer

12/29/2012

http://ktar.com/22/1597802/Ariz-man-copes-with-autism-with-a-KISS

Marco Rivas Sotelo was 9 years old when he first saw a music video featuring the band KISS. - Phoenix News at KTAR.com

12/29/2012

We need more stories like this - they're out there, they just don't always get recognition! Here's a career success story for a young man with Asperger's.

http://blog.sfgate.com/lshumaker/2012/12/28/autism-and-employment-an-inspiring-success-story/

Autism and Employment: an inspiring success story

11/04/2009

Skateboard art auction to be held in Phoenix to raise funds for autism: this is a really cool and original event. There are nearly 200 artists involved and the decks will be on exhibit beginning November 6th when the bidding begins! Click on the link for more information.

Local and national artists were provided with blank skateboard decks to create one-of-a-kind skateboard art to raise funds for autism research. The program, All Decks on Hand features the work of nearly ...

10/20/2009

New study out: mercury level in children with autism is no higher than in other children. This refutes the theory that children with autism require costly and painful therapies (chellation) to remove mercury from the blood.

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported that findings from a recent study show mercury levels in the blood of children with autism are no higher than of children who are not autistic. The study, originally ...

10/20/2009

I couldn't find a full history of the MMR vaccine/autism debate. So I wrote one. There are a lot of good articles in my resource list at the bottom as well.

A study in the January 2008 Archives of General Psychiatry does not support the hypothesis that childhood exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccines, or TCVs, is linked to autism.

10/16/2009

Autism and Siblings - We have 3 boys, only one of which has autism. Our yougest son is getting to the age where we have to sit him down and explain what's going on with his brother, because he's beginning to realize something is different. The emotions of siblings can be very complicated. Is your other child/ren alternatively protective and angry? Jealous of the attention? Embarrassed? What are you thoughts?

10/11/2009

I started a series of articles today on terms associated with autism. There are a lot of them that get tossed around, and it gets confusing. In the spirit of the thing I decided to the first one on - get ready for this - autism!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend, and I'm so glad it's finally beginning to cool off here in Phoenix.

Autism is a disorder of the nervous system that affects connections in the brain.The nervous system involves the brain and the spine, as well as nerve cells or neurons that act as a communication system by sending electrical impulses throughout the body to the brain. ...

10/11/2009

I've posted links or contact numbers for all the elementary school districts in the greater Phoenix area. You can find them in the School district Special Education Department box along the right side of any of my articles on Examiner (you may have to scroll down a bit).

I knew nothing about having our son evaluated by the school district when he was 2 until another parent told me during a birthday party. Hopefully, this information will be helpful to someone.

One thing many parents of very young children do not know is that if you suspect your child may have autism, your local school district may be a great resource for support and services, even if your child ...

10/08/2009

Tips on Halloween treats for kids on gluten-free diets http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-23791-Phoenix-Autism--Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d8-Halloween-treats-for-kids-with-autism-on-a-glutenfree-diet

Many parents want their children to share in the Halloween traditions, such as enjoying treats. But it can be a real problem if your child is on a special diet, such as gluten-free. How can your child ...

10/08/2009

There are new findings in chromosomes possibly linked to autism, and here in Phoenix one company is tracing the differences in genomes to develop a blood test for autism. http://www.examiner.com/x-23791-Phoenix-Autism--Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d8-New-chromosome-differences-linked-to-autism

An international group of scientists have announced that their findings show activity of a specific gene is reduced in people with autism. This is a neural gene that has not previously been linked to autism. ...

10/07/2009

Why does the little thumbnail thingy not show up when I link? I'm still trying to figure out Facebook. Guess I should ask my son for help.

Here are some tips for trick or treating if your son or daughter has autism: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-23791-Phoenix-Autism--Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d7-Halloween-and-trick-or-treating-tips-for-a-

10/07/2009

I've started a series of Halloween articles. More to come. For today some info on the Phoenix Zoo's Boo at the Zoo on October 28th & 29th, and they have a new program this year on Halloween. http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-23791-Phoenix-Autism--Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d7-Boo-at-the-Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is having it’s 17th annual Boo at the Zoo Saturday and Sunday, October 28th and 29th. Activities are scheduled at specific times, so check the Phoenix Zoo website’s Boo at the ...