The Missing Piece

Don't Miss Autism One This year

2011-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today some terrific news was announced from Autism One!

A Gift from Our Family to Your Family

FREE Registration to the

AutismOne/Generation Rescue 2011

CONFERENCE

The Largest and Most Comprehensive International Autism Conference is now FREE

Keynote Address Jenny McCarthy & Byron Katie

150 Autism Experts
5 Jam-Packed Days of Presentations
6+ Specialized Content Tracks
May 25 – 29, 2011, The Westin Hotel, Lombard, Illinois

The future of autism recovery begins now!

We are thrilled to bring you the, “Autism Recovery on a Budget: Empowering Parents,” conference registration for FREE.

Recovery depends on education, not on how thick your wallet is. But first you need to know how to help your child. You need to know the most effective treatments and therapies. You need to know when certain interventions are appropriate and when they are not. You need to know hope is real.

It’s time to open not only our hearts, but our home. And so it is with open arms we invite you to come and share with the AutismOne family what we have learned collectively over the past decade. It’s time to embrace every family affected.

Currently constructed autism costs too much. One of the biggest obstacles to recovering children has always been the cost of educating parents. We believe answers need to be free.

Each year we learn how to do more with less and each year the conference is a reflection of the ever-growing body of accumulated knowledge.

Each year we learn more about how to prevent autism or minimize its effect. Each year we learn more about dealing with autism in adolescence and adulthood. Each year we learn more about the underlying biomedical issues at work.

This year we will have the chance to share with you what we have learned whether you are a woman thinking about having a child or a parent with a child aging out of the school system or a mom facing autism for the first time.

This year we will help you learn about taking care of yourself. For the first time, this year, we will train practitioners to implement the biomedical mission of care.

This year we will train more attorneys to fight for you and first responders to help protect your family. This year we will train more students to assist your child, advocates to challenge the system, teachers to educate your child, and professionals to embrace recovery.

This year we welcome parents who have not had the opportunity to learn what they must to help the ones they love the most.

We will teach you, we will guide you and provide you with the tools and education and together we will begin the journey of recovery.

- Ed and Teri Arranga, conference directors and parents to Jarad and Ian.

Thanks to the good folks at OxyHealth for helping make the conference FREE.

Wednesday at Buffalo Wild Wings

2011-01-31T17:55:00.000-08:00

Please join us each Wednesday in February for a FUNdraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings. For lunch or dinner, 10% of your check will be donated to our chapter. The coupon will change each week, so check back here for the updated coupon.

You can print this weeks coupon here:
http://freepdfhosting.com/710f6e1be0.pdf

BINGO

2010-12-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hope you can all make it to Bingo night at Hamburger Mary's tonight. We will start at 8pm. See calendar for all the details!

TV Opportunity

2010-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a note from Ally Weinberg of Pie Town Productions:

Greetings,

I am the Director of Development at Pie Town Productions, a Los Angeles based television production company. I came across your organization while researching Aspergers and autism support groups throughout the nation.

We are in the early stages of developing a new show about families with multiple children that have Aspergers syndrome and/or high functioning autism. I’m contacting you to see if you could share our information with your group members or had any suggestions on other individuals or organizations to contact.

We think this could be an amazing opportunity to shed light on misconceptions surrounding an individual's ability to live a fulfilling life with this disorder(s). Our intent is to produce a thoughtful and respectful series that will lead to a greater understanding and sensitivity about Aspergers and/or Autism through the real-life perspectives of the family members featured.

A little about us...Pie Town Productions is an award-winning company that was founded in 1995. We have produced over 3,200 episodes of programming in a variety of formats from daily series to network specials to weekly reality shows. Our client list over the last fifteen-plus years includes: Discovery, TLC, Paramount, A&E, WE, Lifetime Television, Logo, CMT, Discovery Heath, the Food Network, and HGTV. We've brought over 44 series, 36 special projects, and 1 feature documentary to the market, including the Emmy-award winning A Baby Story. We are currently producing the new Food Network hit, Meat and Potatoes and WE's new family docu-soap, Downsized. To see more about our programming go to http://www.pietown.tv/

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to contact me directly for further information.

Thanks very much for your time! I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards --

Ally Weinberg
Director of Development
Pie Town Productions
5433 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
N. Hollywood, CA 91607
818-255-9279 (Direct Line)
818-255-9333 (Fax)
ally_weinberg@pietown.tv

Holly Rod Foundation IPAD Program

2010-12-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

This Information is being shared with you from the Iowa Federation of Families of Childrens Mental Health.

The HollyRod Foundation is giving iPads to children diagnosed with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Application deadline is December 31, 2010.Link for application: http://www.hollyrod.org/#/holiday-2010/4545650338 What are the eligibility requirements??1. The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (as identified in diagnosis report).
2. Reside in the United States of America.
3. Be non-verbal or minimally verbal (as identified in speech pathology report).
4. Be in financial need: Gross income not to exceed $35,000 single income family or $50,000 two-income family (asidentified by documentation).
5. Have access to a computer and an iTunes account (some programs must be downloaded on a computer and transferred to the iPad due to size).
6. A professional on your team (i.e., speech pathologist, doctor, teacher) must be willing to take responsibility of the gift card that downloads the applications.For more information please visit the foundation's website:

November is National Eplilepsy Awarenss Month

2010-11-19T13:45:00.001-08:00

Who Has It?

About 3 million people in the US live with epilepsy
About 300,000 Iowans live with epilepsy
Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year

What is It?

A seizure occurs when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.
When a person has 2 or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy
There are over 20 different types of seizures
Some seizures last a few seconds while others can last up to several minutes
Symptoms of seizures can include convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle jerks, difficulty speaking and staring spells

Where and When can It Happen

A seizure can happen anywhere at any time: at the supermarket, in the library, or on an airplane
10% of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime

Why?

Common known causes of epilepsy can include head trauma, stroke, infections of the brain, heredity, and lead poisoning.
However, in about 70% of people with epilepsy, the cause is unknown
Seizure triggers lack of sleep, missed medications, stress/anxiety, hormonal changes, dehydration and photosensitivity.

Thanks to Cara for sharing this info with us. As you may be aware, a high number of those on the autism spectrum also have a seizure disorder. More info can be found at www.getseizuresmart.org

Copy of Letter to the Editor

2010-11-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

Published 11/13/10

As a parent of a child with autism, I would like to express my great concern over what is going on in the Cedar Rapids School system.

My son was given a chance to participate in a terrific case study by the University of Iowa. This study provides free training to all guidance counselors who participate in the case study. Counselors would be trained on 2 different models, Video Modeling and Social Stories. Both of these methods have been proven to reduce behaviors in children with autism.

After being declined, I spoke with the associate superintendent, Mr O'Malley. During our conversation, I explained with this is so valuable, and the training is free to all participants. Mr. O'Malley told me upfront he did not know much about autism, but he would reconsider.

Less than 24 hours later, I had a 2nd decline, saying that too many resources would be used to participate.

How many resources are spent when a child is pulled out his classroom for a behavior that could have been prevented using social stories or video modeling? Does the school not see the influx of special needs kids coming up the ranks? I spoke with Mr. O'Malley again, and he told me I was right, but was unwilling to have Cedar Rapids participate in the case study. After speaking with my son's staff, they were disappointed as well.

How can we expect improvement in our children when the school is unwilling to provide the tools?

Pertussis Scare?

2010-11-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

It seems the more you try to help your child safe in all aspects of the autism diagnosis, health, education, and community, another situation rears it's ugly head.
This week I got a voice mail from Dallas's school saying that the school was partnering with Linn Co Public Health to provide Tdap booster shots. This did not happen even during last years H1N1 scare tactic. This phone message came on a day where I had had my 3rd meeting this school year for Dallas's educational needs, which are greatly suffering. So, I wasn't really in the mood to listen to how the school district wants to help all our kids. I did call the school and check, and they do have his exemption on file, however, I will be keeping him home from school that day (thanks to Grandma's helping hands) so that no mistakes are made. Sadly many parents will sign the permission slips with no reservations. I used to be that mom, and now my son is paying for it. Have any other middle schools partnered with Linn Co Public Health to provide these same services? I would love to hear how other parents are handling this.
I also feel that schools really have no business getting involved with medicine. At least until they can adequately accommodate a child's educational needs.
Thanks for letting me vent! Feel free to write me and let me know what is going on in your child's school. All board members, and other warrior parents in our chapter are available to help.

Saturday Gazette

2010-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

I am very pleased that my letter to the editor made the Saturday edition of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. While my ultimate goal was to have a feature story, the media is always skittish about offending the powers that be. Please check it out and let me know what you think! I would love to see your feedback. I also encourage all of you to write your concerns and send them in. You parents have more power than you realize. It is a very easy process, and if you would like some assistance, please contact me anytime!
Have a great week everyon!
Cindy

Get a Clue!

2010-11-12T09:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday!
Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend. If you are looking for a fun time, join us at the walkin and wheelin event at Westdale Mall to benefit Camp Courageous. We will be there as well, supporting the camp that so many of our kids love, and handing out information for anyone who is interested in local resources for autism, and general healthy living.
Don't forget tomorrow the chapter office will be open from 10am-12 noon for Coffee Talk. Come ask questions, get answers.
Thanks to Facebook friend Shelly for sharing this link. For those who like to argue about flu vaccines being safe, facts from this link should be shared:
www.clueshot.com

Another time correction

2010-11-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

The correct time for the support group meeting on November 30 is 7-9pm. Not 1-9pm. Sorry for the confusion on that. The correction will also be made in the next newsletter!

The "F" word

2010-11-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you an email I got this morning from Dr Terry Cooper in regards to the flu vaccine. Her thoughts on it are so on the mark, that I thought I would share word for word what she shared with her clientele. There are many healthier alternatives to vaccination. See below:

In the last few weeks I have been bombarded by emails and questions at the office about the flu shot (the “F” word—according to Julie, our clinical nutritionist at Wholistic Wellness Clinic). So many of you are wanting to know if they should or should not get the flu shot. I personally, have not and will never get the flu shot. Neither will any of my children, my husband, my parents or my staff members. I make this decision because I am well informed and I understand the risks vs benefits of the flu vaccine. It has never been the right thing for me.

On a side note, I have seen several patients in the office last week that received the flu shot and NOW HAVE THE FLU! Good thing that we can help most of them as well

In the article below, you will see that Vitamin D works as well if not better at preventing the flu. So I am taking that daily along with Immuplex from Standard Process (a whole food nutritional company). Vitamin D happens to be our supplement of the month in November…..so take advantage of the 15% discount and also a healthier way to prevent the flu by boosting your immune system to FIGHT the flu bug.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/10/21/avoid-flu-shots-vitamin-d-is-a-better-way.aspx

Cedar Rapids Vision in Motion

2010-11-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

In September, we had Dr Fitzgerald spoke with us on the the benefits of vision services that her non profit, Visions In Motion offers. This innovative part of Dr Fitzgerald's practice offers services for the sensory system, handwriting, and a program called Play Attention. See her website for more information.
http://www.lowvisioniowa.com/

A few Things to Note

2010-11-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone

Tonight we will have a walk committee meeting at 6pm at the chapter office. If you are interested in helping out, just stop by. We are still in the planning stages, and could use your talents in all areas.
Sunday at 1pm Jen Bohn with Witwers will be leading a group discussion on the Brushing Technique. Stop by with questions, and see if this technique may be useful to your child
A bit of good news, I just heard that a Traders Joe's is opening in West Des Moines this week. Won't it be nice to not have to travel to Chicago or Madison? :) If you are a Facebook user, go on and join the group "Bring the Chuck to Cedar Rapids" where over 600 folks are trying to gather interest in bringing this organic grocery to our area!

And, last but not least, don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend!

SafeMinds - Except When They Do

2010-11-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

While going through one of my favorite websites, Age of Autism, I came across this very informative video that lets the public know, that in spite of the propoganda out there, the higher ups know, and sometimes even admit, that vaccines are a health problem for our kids. Makes you wonder how much more they know, and readily hide from the public

Welcome to New Site

2010-11-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Welcome to the new layout of our website! We all hope you find this new site easy to use, as well as informative. The message board is still being worked on, but hope to have it available shortly.

Happy Friday!

2010-05-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

Just a couple reminders about what is going on in the next week in our community

Yard Sale drop off is tonight from 6-8pm at the Vineyard Church. You can bring any items to donate or baked goods. The Vineyard is located at 5101 16th Ave SW
The Yard Sale will run Sat from 8am-1pm at the Church. Leftover items will be taken to goodwill. Come shop till you drop! For those of you who missed the walk, we will have our remaining supply of 3rd annual walk shirts for $5!!!
On May 24th, 7pm at the ARC Matthew Brownfield will prevent an interactive overview of Vizzle. This is state of the art web based special education software. To RSVP call Jody Bridgewater at 365-0487 X 1045
Our monthly support group meeting will be on May 25 at GWAEA. REACH from the University of Iowa will be the presenter.

Have a great week everyone

Pepsi Refresh

2010-05-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
The East Central IA Autism Society if thrilled to let you know we are in the running for a $50K grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Money will be used to assist those receiving grants from our chapter. Please vote every day and make sure your friends vote every day.
www.refresheverything.com/eciautism

Estate Planning for Those with Disabilities

2010-05-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here is an informative session being held in Iowa City. I have had the pleasure of hearing Frank speak, and he has a lot of useful information!

Frank A. Varvaris will speak about estate planning for family members with a disability.
Hosted by the Iowa City Area Asperger Syndrome/PDD Family Group.

Date: Thursday May 6, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm (will last approximately 55-65 minutes)
Location: Parkview Church, 15 Foster Road, Iowa City, Iowa
Room: 108
Cost: None
RSVP: Meigen Fink: keir100@aol.com
Kathleen Friestad: kfriestad@earthlink.com

Walk Regsitration Info

2010-04-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
Here's hoping you have a great week! Late registration and T shirt pickup will be at the following days and times at our office located at 642 10th St Marion.
Wed-6:30-8:00 pm
Thurs 6:00-8:00 pm
If you have any questions, or would like more info, please send me an email at cdircks@imonmail.com and I will send you our latest newsletter
Looking forward to seeing you all Sat!
Cindy

Happy April Everyone!

2010-04-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick updates on what is going on in April

T shirts are on order for the 3rd Annual Walk. We should have them in a couple weeks. If you pre-registered, we will sort for you. We did order extras that will be available while supplies last. Keep watching the website, or better yet, subscribe to our newsletter to be informed about pick up days and times. T shirt pickup will be held at our chapter office.
Our Baseball game is set for this Sat. Game time is 2pm. Come see our kiddos race the field with the dream team, throw the first pitch, and be featured in the announcer booth. Tickets are now regular price and can be purchased directly through the kernels.
Our bowling Fundraiser will be next Tues April 14 at Westdale Bowl. $10 gets you shoes and 3 games. Time is 6-8pm. The chapter will receive $5 from each paid donation.

Thanks to everyone for their support! I would like to take just a second to thank the committee who works to bring all these fun events to you. Thanks to Dana Martin, Sheri Grawe, Debbie Robinson, Vicki Brendes and Mark and Sue Hartung!

Purple Day

2010-03-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

March 26th is Purple Day to raise awareness about epliepsy worldwide. To help support Purple Day, wear purle on March 26th and encourage your friends and family to do the same! For more informaiton about Purple Day, visit www.purpleday.org

Financial Assistance!

2010-03-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

Who couldn't use some financial assistance with allergy testing? I received word today of a new non profit group providing assistance to families wondering how to pay for allergy lab work. Thanks to this group for giving our kids help where it is needed most. Below is the website. Let me know if you have success with this!

www.freeallergytesting.org

The Autism Debate: Who's Afraid of Jenny McCarthy?

2010-02-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Autism Debate: Who's Afraid of Jenny McCarthy?

Good Friday Morning All!
Read this article last night and thought it was very interesting. While I don't agree with everything, I will say it appears to be a balanced article on what our families are dealing with. I know many families who were implementing Jenny's ideas BEFORE she wrote books about it. I would love to see your comments!

BTW if you come across an article or other newsworthy piece of information, whether a local or national level, please send it to me and I will incorporate it into our blog to share with folks!
Enjoy your weekend!
Cindy

Good Reading

2010-02-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you 2 interesting articles that were shared with me by a fellow autism dad. I strongly encourage you to check them out.

http://www.newswithviews.com/Renee/tocco100.htm
http://www.newswithviews.com/Tocco/mary104.htm

NO BOWLING

2010-01-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

Once again Mother Nature has got the best of us. Westdale Bowling is closed, so we will have to reschedule our bowling outing. We will keep you posted as to the new date. Probably in the Spring!!

We are cleaning House

2010-01-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is staying well and staying healthy.
As we set up our new office, we are finding we have several items to offer our readers. We are tying to best utilize our space and want to make these items available. All items need to be removed by the recipient.

a full size, working refrigerator
office desk
microwave, and cart
folders (can be used for office supplies, or school supplies)

Give our chapter phone a call if you are interested, and we will be glad to meet you at the office to take a look 431-9052

One more thing to note, I hope to see you at our bowling event at Westdale Bowl this Wednesday, from 6-8pm

January News

2010-01-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
If you receive our email updates, you will notice the new format which we are very excited about. If you do not receive our emails, please sign up via the link on our website. We are trying our best to keep everyone informed of changes and the exciting things that are happening. So, spread the word.

We are very excited to tell you we now have an office located in Marion. We are located at 642 10th St suite 201 in Marion. Give us a call at 431-9052 and we would love to show you around. We also will be planning an open house soon.

We will be resuming walk committee meetings on Monday Jan 11. 7-9pm at the office.

Don't forget on January 20 is our bowling fundraiser at Westdale bowl in Cedar Rapids. $10 gets you 2 hours of bowling and shoes. $5 will come back to the chapter. 6-8 pm

Our regular chapter meetings will also resume at Grant Wood AEA January 26 at 7pm.

We look forward to seeing you. Stay warm!

Bowling Event Rescheduled

2009-12-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
As you may have seen, the bowling fundraiser that was scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled. Our new date and time is January 20 from 6-8pm. We will be meeting at Westdale Bowling in Cedar Rapids. $10 will get you 2 hours of bowling, and shoe rental. $5 will be donated back to our chapter. Thanks to Dana Martin for the organizing and re-organizing. Hope to see you there.

In case you missed it, we will be having a parents Christmas party on December 19. We will be meeting at 7:30 at Gringos in Cedar Rapids for dinner, and then over to the Piano Lounge, which is just across the street.

Also we will not be meeting in December. We will resume our meeting schedule in January. Diane Hill will be presenting her essential oils. These oils have all kinds of properties. You won't want to miss it.
Say warm!!
Cindy

Weclome!

2009-11-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Eastern Iowa Autism Families!

Welcome to the first installment on our blog. In order to keep things current, please utilize this tab to catch the latest happenings within our group. Our hope is that this blog will open up our website for ideas and communication. Feel free to leave comments and questions.

Current News:
Our next meeting will be November 24 at 7pm at the GWAEA. Come join us and Carolyn Wilcoxen talks about methods she used to improve her now teenage son.

Our walk committee meetings will resume Monday November 9 at 7pm. We meet in the conference room at Westdale Mall. We are looking for all areas of talent and planning. Please call 431-9052 with any questions.

Thanks to all who came out to Steve Krug's farm and decorated the 800 pound pumpkin. The kids had a great time and the finished product was taken to Bloomsbury Farm to display.