1st ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AUTISM DAY TODAY! 4/2/08

[destiny]

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19441172&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

The United Nations has designated Today as the first annual Autism Awareness Day!  With the rising numbers of children being diagnosed with autism this is a growing not only national, but international problem.  The schools are scrambling to learn how to deal with these children and the parents are scrambling for answers. 

I am one of the lucky ones as my son has the mildest form, but just imagine what the parents of the children who cannot express themselves or emotions go through every day.  The next time you hug your child or your child hugs you, remember there are those that through a cruel twist of fate may never experience that kind of joy, that wonderful feeling. 

For more information on Autism or  if you are looking to see what you can do to help.  I strongly encourage you to go to autismspeaks.org.  They are really doing alot of good work!

[LeeM]

Destiny, I've been watching and listening to coverage today.  I think it is fantastic that a day is being offered to raise awareness and enlighten the public!  I hope it increases our knowledge and compassion as a country. 

[Lataet]

The rise of autism in this country is alarming.  Some have said it's due to the mercury in the shots as the child seems to change after the quantity of shots given to a baby at such an early age overloads their system.  Others have said its all the processed foods and lack of nutrition is catching up to us.

Beyond autism, some research suggests these shots can mess up children's digestive systems for life.   I've looked into this because my daughter has struggled all her life with digestive issues. 

Until there is a clear pattern defined, how do we solve it?

I've seen a couple of levels of autism..some highly functioning, some not.  Those I worked with did blossom from equine therapy.  It builds confidence, they love the animals, they relate to them and  feel a sense of accomplishment, success.  It's positive.  Our horse was trained that if someone began to slip, he'd stop.  Of course it didn't matter - we walked along side and he is a good boy.  My other horse was the big pal..not rideable but taught those that feared to overcome.  He did that to everyone he met.  Sorry off topic!

[LeeM]

Lataet, how cool that you're involved in animal therapy with the kids!  Animals are such a neat addition into all forms of therapy.  One of my closer friends has a son on the high functioning side of the Autism spectrum.  Their family dog helped a lot with him relating on a closer level and expressing love & affection, and he's quite attached to him now.  (Also have read about the equine therapy for those in the local rehab programs here.  One whole ranch outside of town is now all therapy based.  Also, the abused children I advocate for do well with the therapy dogs in sessions.)

[destiny]

I have seen stuff on the equine therapy, and its many uses not just for autism but other disabilities as well.  I think its wonderful that you do that Lat. They used a therapy dog in the first program my son was in and the children really responded to him.

[Lataet]

Yes, our horses worked well with abused children as well.  We can't do as much as we'd like any longer because the insurance is so expensive when working with children with disabilities.  So I try to do what I can always remembering, safety first.  We wanted to have a group of severrely abused teen girls out, but due to insurance, just couldnt. I felt bad but there wasn't much I could do.  It's so sad that these things cost so much.  Now if they were all members of 4-h, that might be different because our insurance costs a few dollars for 4-H members while attending events.   Hmm...this makes me think - I wonder if the children's group would consider the girls becoming members of our 4-h group.  And if the insurance would work during these sessions if we said it was for 4-h, cause then it would be?  Amazing how things can come up when dialoging...even via blog.