Autistic Daily

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Summer camps are enriching for children of all ages, and children with autism shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun.

The Center for Developing Minds in Los Gatos, California is offering a weekly summer program that gives autistic preschoolers a chance to enjoy the summer camp experience and practice their social and living skills at the same time.

The program is more of a day camp instead of overnight stays, the six week “playgroup” is offered to children between the ages of 3-5 with high-functioning autism, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders.

Activities will be devoted towards improving thinking and language skills during the once a week, 75 minute group meetings that children must be screened for before acceptance to ensure compatibility for the program.

For more information and to register, visit The Center For Developing Minds.

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jenn_jenn on Flickr

At the end of the day (or month, rather), how much does a parent really spend on autism?

A recent report done by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), a research project at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Maryland found, not surprisingly, one of the biggest stresses for families affected by autism is the lack of money.

Maxing out credit cards, taking part time jobs and utilizing home equity lines of credit still cannot keep up with the rising costs of therapy, medicine, and treatment.

Graphs located on the report’s website breaks down the costs based on what type of autism the child is diagnosed with.

The report noted that parents of children with classic autism spend the most money, with an average of $6,100 per year while parents of higher functioning autistics and Asperger’s spend less than $4,000 per year.

While quantitative data is good to look at, it helps to hear firsthand just how taxing lack of funds can be on a family.

Some of the statements included in the IAN report:

“I have lost everything. My home, my 17-year career, my transportation, my health care…!”

“There has been over $250,000 in out-of-pocket costs. I had to sell stocks, raid inheritance, and this week, I am cashing in my thrift savings plan (retirement money) so we can continue to fund ABA.”

“There are so many little things that are out-of-pocket. We have never been this in debt before. It is very scary and I admit, depressing.”

Visit the IAN report to learn more about the findings.

via autism.about.com

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Jon Mitchell is a 53 year old man diagnosed with High Functioning Autism who is a self-described as being, “pro-cure, anti-neurodiversity, anti-special ed”, and “anti-ABA.”

“I have something to p**s off everybody!” he states on his website.

So what exactly is it about Mr. Mitchell that is rubbing autistics and family and friends of these individuals the wrong way?

Does being pro-cure and anti-neurodiversity mean he wants everyone cured, even those on the high functional end and Asperger’s? Even those who might express interest in not being cured?

Or is he simply wanting the option for everyone who desire it to become “normal?”

Tulsa Special Needs Kids Examiner Heather Sedlock took the daunting task of trying to decipher Mr. Mitchell’s motives behind some of his statements, such as the following:

“Though I don’t agree with the overall concept of neurodiversity and I think their claim that it is a human rights movement is disingenous propaganda.  I am in favor of respect and good treatment of persons with disabilities and I agree those should not be mutually exclusive with wishing for a cure for autism. “

Read Heather’s take on Mitchell’s statements.

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