Autism Society of Greater Austin

This is our local chapter of the Autism Society.
http://support.autism-society.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1040&pg=main

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or affected individual, you are sure to find useful information on their site - this is one to bookmark!

This is a nationwide organization - here's their nationwide "about" page:

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.

Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of children with autism, the Autism Society is the leading source of trusted and reliable information about autism. Through its strong chapter network, the Autism Society has spearheaded numerous pieces of state and local legislation, including the 2006 Combating Autism Act, the first federal autism-specific law. The Autism Society's website is one of the most visited websites on autism in the world and its quarterly journal, Autism Advocate, has a broad national readership. The Autism Society also hosts the most comprehensive national conference on autism, attended by 2000 people each year. Our information and referral team, our program staff, and our strong chapter presence serve thousands of families each year who are searching for help in their journey with autism.

The Autism Society's national office is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. We are proud to be one of the few organizations to have members with autism serving as active board directors. The Autism Society's Panel of Professional Advisors sets the standards for our Options Policy that governs our practices, and we are proud to count the top professional experts in autism on our PPA. The Autism Society's Advisory Panel of People on the Spectrum of Autism is a first-of-its-kind advisory panel comprised solely of individuals with autism, who help Autism Society staff create programs and services that will advocate for the rights of all people with autism to live fulfilling, interdependent lives.

Each year, people with autism, families and professionals volunteer thousands of hours to help the Autism Society achieve its mission of serving all those affected by autism. To each and every one of you, thank you.

Gluten-free "playdough"

So far, this is the only one I've tried - both my daughter and the teachers at her school and after-school care seem pleased with it, so I never bothered trying any of the other ones:

Colorations® Wheat & Gluten-Free Dough

Special Needs Community Expo - Austin TX

Bannockburn Baptist Church is hosting a Special Needs Community Expo, Saturday April 30, 1-4 pm at 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The Expo will be hosting over 25 central Texas agencies that provide services in our community.
Contact: Amy Louis 512.892.2703 x237 or amyl@bbcfamily.com

PBS to air series on autism

PBS is producing a 6-part series on austism. Knowing their standards, this series is likely to be relevant and thoughtful.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/04/robinhari-preview-draft.html

Upcoming Conferences

I'll be updating this entry regularly - keep checking back for things of interest to you and your family!

"A Journey Through the Autism Spectrum"
September 15 - 16, 2011
Houston, TX

Cali bowls

It's hard to find tableware that's both functional and attractive - so much tableware suitable for special needs people looks like it was created for the military about 150 years ago! Cali bowls, on the other hand, are fun, cute, and totally functional for us. They come in BPA-free plastic (which goes in the dishwasher, lunch bag, and bounces off the floor) or ceramic (haven't tried those yet); they have these nifty non-skid bottoms and so are very stable; best of all an innovatively shaped rim that helps scoop food back on to the fork or spoon and not all over the table!

My 10 yo daughter likes her 12 0unce bowl - not too deep, not too wide - and it's such a great size that mom steals it all the time for various things! This is something the whole family will want to use, fun and attractive. Not cheap, but so far they've been worth the money - we have had the current set for over a year, daily use, and they show minimal signs of wear.

http://www.calibowl.com/home.html

Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland is a specially designed "ultra accessible" family fun park near San Antonio. Prices are modest, reservations strongly suggested.
http://www.morganswonderland.com/index.html

Road ID

Just heard about this item from a list-serve, thank you so much for posting this, Lisa!!
http://www.roadid.com/Common/Default.aspx
Lisa said: Here is a new interactive ID that works great for those with autism. I have used the non-interactive Shoe ID for years with my son. I just bought the interactive. It is peace of mind in case your child gets lost and only costs $20. The yearly dues are only $10 if you decide to get the interactive version. It has information regarding your child on their website and through a phone number so that anyone can call to find out their address; phone numbers to contact; doctors; and much more.

It's a miracle ...

... to me just how many different bodily fluids one small special needs kiddo can produce - and in what quantities! Fortunately for me (and what's left of my house) I've been well trained by cats to clean up poop, hairballs, upchuck, and cat urine (the worst!). Some kiddo fluids can put the cats to shame though - through sheer quantity, if not stinky potency. My favorite cleaner for bodily fluids these days is Nature's Miracle. I had originally bought it for dealing with cat messes, but soon discovered that it worked great on kiddo excretions too. Works on carpet (hallelujah), vinyl floors, painted surfaces, and clothes. Works in the washer, too, and helps rid the laundry of any lingering odors - I put it in the bleach dispenser and in the fabric softener dispenser. Sometimes I also use it to spray laundry (like a stain pre-treater) if I can't wash the stinky stuff right away.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling flush, I also use BioKleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator. I think it also works well, and it smells much nicer than Nature's Miracle. I sometimes save this for laundry where the smell will make a nice difference and use the less expensive Nature's Miracle for cleaning floors and carpets.

The pet stores carry gallon sizes of different kinds of Nature's Miracle - the least expensive, original, formula works just fine for human fluids. In my area the best prices are often at PetCo and PetsMart. I've also found good prices on-line, but don't usually have time to wait for delivery.

I've found the BioKleen at my local Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Central Market. If none of these are in your area, you can probably find it at your local "natural" foods store, or of course, on-line.