March 2010 by Autism Insider Newsletter

March 2010 - Issue #6

FREE ne O e k Ta

South Florida Autism Newsletter

Autism Resource Guide Movie Review: Temple Grandin Planning from a parents perspective Recipe of1the month

Inside This Issue... Autism Chatter

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Articles Planning from a Parents Perspective

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Providing for Loved ones with special needs Page 8 Swimming Lessons for Children with Special Needs BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen Nurse Practitioner

To add an event in our monthly calendar, please send the information with all the details to:

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autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Calendar

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(Make sure we receive the information the first week of the month prior to the event)

Events, support groups, activities and more

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Recipe of the Month Bread: Mini Rolls (Gluten and Casein Free)

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To submit an article, send it to: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Article To publish a small ad in the classified section (free of charge), send the information to:

Temple Grandin

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autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Classified For general information or advertisement opportunities, please call us at (954)584-3198 or email at autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com

Luciana C Leo (786)306-4967 Sarah Sweeney (786)413-8017

SPECIAL THANKS TO: FOR SUPPORTING THE AUTISM COMMUNITY www.soloprinting.com

Autism Chatter An Open Letter to Educators from a Special Needs Parent Advocate By Pat Linkhorn whether it happened when my child was first born, or as he began to develop. My whole life changed. I hadn't planned to have a child who had to use a wheelchair, or who would never be able to hear or see, or who couldn't "pass" a standard I.Q. test. I was forced to change my whole outlook on the future. It may have taken a while to go through all the stages I had to go through to get to where I am today. There was grief. A lot of that. There was a lot of denial too. I had to get through those two stages before I could accept what had happened and learn to accept my child and the limitations he would put on my dreams. I had to come up with a new dream.

Look Through the Windows of My World This "open letter" is, of course, not representative of all parents of children with disabilities, but I've tried to make it a fair sampling of the views I've heard expressed from other parents. I know I won't live to see Utopia and my children probably won't either, but the laws that are being passed today providing inclusion of children with handicaps into public schools give educators the opportunity to make this a generation of better people. And that's one step closer! You can't walk a mile in my shoes, but you can take a short journey with me and I can show you some scenes from my life. I don't ordinarily open up to strangers like this, but you're not really a stranger. You're the person responsible for my child's education - a superintendent, a principal, a teacher, a guidance counselor or a special education director. The object of this is not to make you feel sorry for me. Far from it. It's to try to help you understand me and my child. If you can understand something about the places I've been, you may be able to understand where I'm coming from today.

This next window shows me after I've learned to accept my child for who he is. I've learned to take all the backward glances and tasteless remarks in stride. I've seen ignorance from some people I used to think were intelligent and I've met some really wonderful people who I never would have known, had my child been normal. I've had to learn how to make people understand that my child is a child first and handicapped second.

This first window shows you a death. It's not a typical death. We didn't get flowers or have calling hours. It was a very private affair and not too many people even realized it at the time. This was the death of a dream.

I've seen miracles too. I've seen the first step the doctors said would never happen and I've seen the light of recognition in my child's eyes when he finally grasped the "meaning of something". And I've seen sunsets you wouldn't believe once I had to really look at them and explain them to my blind child. What may seem ordinary to you has taken on a whole new significance for me.

You see, I always thought I'd grow up, marry and have a couple of "normal" children. When this death occurred, and it doesn't matter

Letter continues on page 4 (Next page)

Bounce, jump and slide in our private arenas filled with gigantically fun inflatable's. Meet with support groups to share experiences and resources in our party rooms. Provide education and therapy in a safe, inflatable environment. Pump It Up is an ideal location for support groups, play therapy and social events for individuals with special needs, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them. SPECIAL NEEDS SENSORY JUMP EVENTS Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale offers an Open Jump Night exclusively for families with autistic and special needs children. Families meet the third Thursday of every month from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Cost $8.00/child and $6.00/siblings. Parents are free! Regular monthly meeting can also be scheduled for any group. Your group will have exclusive use of a private Pump It Up facility for up to 2-hours. Children will play in the supervised, inflatable arenas for 90 minutes, and then families will eat and engage in fun, interactive activities together for the last 30 minutes of the event. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY FOR OUR BIG AUTISM EVENT APRIL 22, 2010. Socks and Signed waiver are always required to play at Pump It Up. 954-915-8484 Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale 6555 Nova Drive, STE 308 Davie, Fl 33317

Autism Chatter Continues... I've learned a whole new language too. It's called "medicalese". Doctors tend to speak in words you don't hear every day. At first, I thought I'd never be able to keep all the terms and "isms" straight, but I speak it fairly fluently now. I'm beginning to learn "teacherese" now. You use a lot of abbreviations and numbers, but I know I can learn your language too. Even though I've accepted my child, this next window will show you my fears for my child's future. I realize it's going to take a lot more effort if my child is to lead a fulfilling life. Learning may be difficult for him and in some cases, impossible, but I've really been trying to make his life as normal as possible. I try to focus on the abilities he has and I try to make him feel worthwhile.

had to be to get services for my child. Maybe my sister-in-law has excluded my child and I from every family get together she's had since I've had a "disabled" child. Maybe my husband isn't supportive. Or maybe the professionals I've dealt with before have done everything they could to help me. Maybe I'll assume that you will too, and I won't remember all the hard lessons I've learned along the way. Or I may remember each one too vividly. I may be a combination of all these feelings. Whatever the case, I am just a normal person who wants the best for my child.

I probably already know that my son won't grow up to be the captain of the foot ball team and my daughter won't be a Home Coming queen, but that doesn't mean that I don't have dreams for them. I've I realize there are some things that my child can't do yet and he may just substituted other dreams for those I've lost. We all harbor some never be able to do some things. Sometimes, I tend to focus too much pretty unrealistic expectations for our children and I'm no different on what he can do and not what he can't do, but it helps me and my than any other parent. family. Some days I seem to be taking three steps backward for every one forward. If I seem to want too much from you, I don't mean to. I may have a lot on my mind. I may not have totally accepted the direction my You may only see the bad things about my child. It may not seem life has taken; it sometimes takes years for a parent to get to that fair to you to spend more time with him or do things differently for point of acceptance. That's really not too hard to understand when one child, when you have a class room full of children who learn you realize that I lived with that dream for most of my life, whereas things in standard ways. My child may disrupt your class and may I've lived with my "reality" for a lot shorter period. I may even be not seem to be learning much. I don't expect you to ignore other feeling cheated because my life seems so different from yours. There students for his sake. I don't want him forgotten in a back class room may be a lot of resentment in me. Or I could just be tired of fighting with all the other "different" kids either, although he may have to the battle. You may have a better education than me and you may spend some time in a smaller class room with more individual feel more qualified to make decisions about how and what my child attention. My goal is to make his life as normal as I possibly can, will learn. and being around regular kids helps. It will take some understanding In most cases, you are the expert. But if you feel I'm realistic and on both our parts to work this out. Perhaps some of your brighter I've accepted my child's limitations, there will be instances when I students could help my child in some areas. You'll be teaching them will know what will work best. In that case, I am the expert. I've about responsibility and they'll learn acceptance. They'll view learned some things that you should be thankful you've never had handicapped children as children first and handicapped second. They to learn. may learn to accept my child before you do. If you take all the things you've seen through my windows into As a parent, I know I'm not perfect. I make mistakes every day. I consideration, you may understand me and my child better. If we realize teachers are only human too. I also remember the time when work together, maybe we can do what I pray for each night. That is some of my teachers were up there with God, in my estimation. They to give my child as many opportunities as possible to lead a normal had such an impact on my life! Your lives probably aren't as worry life, in a world that isn't fair. free or stress free as I used to think and my child may only add to a day that's too full and too underpaid. If you at least make the effort Pat Linkhorn is an advocate/trainer/information specialist with the to try to treat my child as a person, I know how he will view you. Ohio Coalition for the Sit next to God for a while. Education of Children with Disabilities.. She is also an experienced parent and has two girls with special needs - autism and blindness My attitude may not be the best you've seen lately. I may already due to prematurity. http://thelinkto.com/laugh have had some run ins with the "system" before I ever talk to you. I may come on too forcefully and seem too demanding. Maybe I've Source: http://www.comeunity.com/disability/advocacy-

Focusing on all behavior issues and the autism spectrum Ÿ Behavior: Individual, Home Programs Aeleen B. Garrido-Tortorici MS LMHC

Ÿ Occupational: sensory, Gross, Fine, Vestibular

P (954) 434-5784 C (786) 251-9479 www.all4kidz.info

Ÿ Speech: Individual, Pragmatic Groups Ÿ Tutoring 4

Ÿ Auditory Integration: Berard Method Ÿ Groups: Summer, Winter, Spring Ÿ Schools: Observations, Shadowing, I.E.P. Rep.

Planning from a Parents Perspective Tara Lynch, Co-Founder & Executive Director Florida SNAP & the Preventive Family Support Services how to design a strategy that will leave your family and specifically your special needs loved one and his benefits and entitlements in tact can be confusing. Putting in place your Last Will And Testament isn't just for wealthy people. For many families typical and special needs alike, having a will means having your thoughts, your vote and your directions for care for your minor and special needs children spelled out so a judge doesn’t have to decide. For a family with special needs loved ones, a Last Will and Testament drafted properly will include specific language that unlike a typical Last Will and Testament, is designed specifically to name guardians for adults over the age of 18 with disabilities and most importantly, can create a testamentary special needs trust and name trustees that can accept any and all gifts, assets and life insurance proceeds left by a parent to a disabled child with out compromising their benefits and entitlements. As a general rule of thumb, based on Federal Government Guidelines in the world of special need planning a mere $2,000 makes you a Rockefeller. If you have children with special needs, putting your will in place must be done with the specific language mentioned above. Basic cookie cutter wills won't do it, a living will won't be a quick fix and no other trust except a Supplemental/Special Needs Trust can protect disabled individuals from compromising their benefits and entitlements now and into the future.

When a child with special needs becomes an adult at 18 what are your rights as a parent to make healthcare, legal, financial & educational decisions for/with them? For many families with special needs loved ones, their care and concern doesn’t diminish over time. As special needs children grow older their parents concerns change and grow too. Questions like what happens if you're not here become daunting, accessing proper information and medical advice without guardianship can become nearly impossible, families begin to find themselves mute voices at IEP meetings, housing decisions become heart breaking, and protecting adults from legal actions when their decisions lead them into trouble have serious consequences. Many families are seeking information and resources on the best way to remain a decision maker and caregiver for their disabled children as they reach adulthood and aren't sure where to start. If you have a special needs loved one ask yourself these questions and consider coming to our free information workshop sponsored by grants received by the Preventive Family Support Services, a not for profit division of SNAP. As A Parent Ask yourself: At 18, will my child be able to... ·

Advocate for himself at IEP meetings from age 18 to 21 and make sure he is on point with post secondary educational goals and graduation requirements?

Make health care decisions for himself, from simple dentists appointments to discussions concerning changes in treatment or medication?

Live independently? Drive or take mass transit?

Manage his finances, banking, budgets, benefit eligibility and entitlements?

Discern the difference between friendly/professional relationships and individuals/companies/salespeople/credit-card companies who are taking advantage of them?

As A Parent Ask yourself: Do I have a will with special needs provisions? ·

Have I disinherited my special needs loved one and given his share to a sibling without realizing the legal and moral pitfalls of this choice?

Who will be my child's guardian if I am not here?

Am I the parent of a child that's not biologically mine? What are my rights?

Have I named my special needs loved one as a beneficiary on my life insurance policy, 401K, or other accounts? Is my gift over the $2,000 mark?

If you are a parent looking for information, resources, referrals and support, Florida SNAP can assist you with many of the topics covered in this article along with additional family support services. We encourage you to join us at one of our upcoming parent training workshops in Plantation or Sunrise covering topics such as ABC’s of IEP’s, Wills and Trusts, Creating Your Letter of Intent and more. Dads should RSVP for our monthly dads meet up group and share information and be encouraged in their walk as parent and advocate. Learn more about our grant programs and find a comprehensive resources list for Broward and Dade counties by calling Florida SNAP & PFSS at (954) 806 7589 or log on to our website at www.FloridaSNAP.com.

If you answered NO to any of these questions you should consider learning about guardianship and other legal directives that may be appropriate for your family. To learn more join us at our upcoming workshop visit our website for workshop dates and times. Are you a Rockefeller? Most families live within their means. No matter how much money you make or if you own a home or assets, your most valued possession is your family and your health. In the world of special needs planning, understanding benefit eligibility, future planning and

Autism Resource Guide Parent to Parent of Miami is a community parent resource center for families of children and adults with all disabilities. Located in Miami, Florida, there program serves families in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. With the help of Parent to Parent of Miami's specialized team, parents and professionals can find information, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about early intervention, early childhood, education, vocational training, employment, college opportunities, as well as the laws that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities.

UM-NSU CARD is a comprehensive outreach and support program serving people with autism and related disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. UM-NSU CARD operates in three Florida counties under the supervision of a constituency board comprised of family members who help guide program policy priorities and activities. Our Services Include: · Individual & Family Support Services · Program Consultation & Technical Assistance · Parent & Professional Training · Public Awareness & Community Outreach

Parent to Parent of Miami, Inc. 7990 SW 117th Avenue, Suite 200 Miami, Florida 33183 Phone: 305-271-9797 Fax: 305-271-6628 Email: info@ptopmiami.org www.ptopmiami.org

UM CARD - Miami Office 5665 Ponce de Leon Boulevard P.O. Box 248768 Coral Gables, FL 33124-0725 Phone (305) 284-6563 Fax (305) 284-6555

The 2-1-1 Special Needs Hotline, funded by the Children’s Services Council, is truly unique. The program offers an ever-expanding list of information and referrals for “all things Special Needs” including physicians, camps, therapies, legal resources, advocacy and support groups, social / recreational resources, help with school issues and so much more! The website also has many features that families can benefit from! Call 2-1-1 or visit the website at www.211-broward.org/specialneeds.htm today.

UM CARD - North Miami Office NSU Technology Building 1745 NE 167th Street 4th Floor North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Phone (305) 284-6563 Fax (305) 284-6555 UM CARD - Broward Office Mailing Address: 3301 College Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314 Building Address: 6100 Griffin Road Davie, FL 33314 Phone (954) 262-7111 Fax (954) 262-3996

ASA’s full range of family support, children’s programming, public outreach and autism awareness campaigns are available to all interested in the betterment of life for not only individuals and families with autism, but to the community of South Florida as a whole.

The Dan Marino Foundation’s mission is to “open doors” for children and young adults with special needs by supporting comprehensive integrated treatment programs, providing outreach services, advancing scientific research, and fostering independence through transition programs. www.danmarinofoundation.org

Autism Society of America - Broward Chapter Phone: 954-577-4141. Mailing address is: Broward County Chapter PO Box 450476 Sunrise, FL 33345 www.asabroward.org Autism Society of America - Miami Dade Chapter Phone Number: (305) 969-3900 Fax: (305) 947-0019 Mailing address is: P.O. Box 771706 Miami FL 33177 www.autismsocietymiami.org

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be.

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System Child Find in coordination with the school districts, locates children who are potentially eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and links them with needed services. Broward County: Gwen Lipscomb 754-321-2205 Dade County: 305.274.3501

Talk about curing autism 3070 Bristol Street, Suite 340, Costa Mesa CA 92626 Phone (949) 640-4401 - Fax (949) 640-4424 www.tacanow.com

Autism Resource Guide continues... Special Needs Advisory Partners (SNAP) Provides parent and provider training on site at schools, support groups, and locations where families seek to find information, resources and help for their special needs loved ones. SNAP helps families access information on health care, educational services, therapies, support groups, and special needs centered resources that enhance their quality of life. Address: 8201 Peters Road, Suite 1000 Plantation, FL 33324 Phone: (954) 806 7589 E-mail info@FloridaSNAP.com www.floridasnap.com

For Religious Exemption for Immunizations Contact the Florida Health Department Broward County 780 SW 24th Street Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33315 P (954)5467-4743 Dade County P (305) 324-2400 ANDI was established by parent researchers, Lisa Lewis and Karyn Seroussi, to help families around the world get started on, and maintain an appropriate diet. The ANDI mission is simple: To help parents understand, implement and maintain dietary intervention for their autistic children. ANDI phone: 609-737-8985 ANDI fax: 609-737-8453 www.autismndi.com

Advocates Special Kids Law Center, LLC 2241 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL 33020 PHONE: (954) 342-4077 FAX: (954) 923-3803 Email: info@specialkidslawcenter.com

The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. For more than 40 years, ARI has devoted its work to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing and treating autism. We provide research-based information to parents and professionals around the world. English: 1-866-366-3361 Espa単ol: 877-644-1184 ext. 5

Allison Hertog, Director 2000 South Dixie Hwy., Ste. 112 Miami, FL Tel: 305-856-2698 Fax: 305-573-1559 E-mail: AllisonHertog@gmail.com www.makingschoolwork.com The Empowerment Coach 20260 NE 25th Ave Miami, Florida 33180 Tel: 786-859-4050 Fax: 305-682-8118 E-Mail: bbuncher@gmail.com www.theempowermentcoach.net

Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center Pediatric Urgent Care Center 2900 S. Commerce Parkway Weston, FL 33331 Phone: 954-385-6200/ 1-866-558-6510 www.mchdanmarinocenter.com Compounding Pharmacies specialized in Autism Treatments

ACPD - Developmental Disabilities Protection & Advocacy 4411 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 967-1493 Email: g.weiner@advocacycenter.org www.advocacycenter.org

Post Haste Pharmacy 4401 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33021-3591 Phone: (954) 989-6524 www.posthastepharmacy.net

Children's Home Society - Resources Early Advocacy in Children 3333 W Commercial Blvd Suite 200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: (954) 318-1035 Email: maureen.johnson@chsfl.org www.chsfl.org

Universal Arts Pharmacy 6500 West 4th Avenue Hialeah, Fl 33012 Phone: (305) 557-3151 www.uaprx.com

Advocates In Motion 2151 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 202 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Phone: (954) 426-9545 Fax: (954) 426-4989 www.advocatesinmotion.com

SPEC (Support for Parents of Exceptional Children) is a support group for families of children on the autism spectrum. Everyone is welcome! Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month (excluding December and summer months), at 7:00pm at the Dan Marino Center in Weston. Call 954-577-4141 for additional information.

ESE Advisory Council 24 Hour Hotline (954) 321-2252 www.browardeseadvisory.com

Denise's List is an online yahoo group: Your #1 source for Autism related information in South Florida! E-mail Denise at deniseslist@yahoo.com to subscribe. This is a very active list generating 10-20 postings per day. Members exchange information on news, therapies, resources, advocacy, on just about anything concerning autism.

Support Groups

By Gabriel Dardik If you’re caring for someone with special needs, you know how important it is to prepare for the future and the possibility that, one day, you may no longer be able to provide the care this person’s needs. Providing for someone with special needs involves preparing for the long-term needs of a physically or mentally disabled member of the family. Most often the special needs individual is a minor or adult child, but in some cases, planning may be necessary for dependent parents or other relatives. With a special needs adult child such preparation should provide for him/her once his/her parents (the caregivers) become disabled or die. The ability of a child with special needs to function will determine the required level and cost of care. Caring for a person with a mental illness is generally considered more complicated than caring for a person with a developmental or physical disability; however, each situation is unique and should be considered on an individual basis. Even when other members of the family, such as siblings, are willing to assume the duties of caregiver, it is still important to provide for the management of assets. A testamentary or Living Trust are examples of vehicles that can be considered for this purpose. Such a trust, sometimes called a “Special Needs Trust,” should: · Appoint someone to take care of this person’s property and money · Select a guardian for the individual · Set out instructions on how he/she is to be cared for · Ensure, to the extent possible, that he/she will not lose payments or benefits from government agencies · Integrate the trust with the remainder of the parent’s estate plan to ensure equity among all family members.

Life insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates. Our policies contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force. Your licensed financial professional can provide you with costs and complete details. The availability of disability income insurance varies by carrier and state. IFS-A144338 Ed. 02/2008 Expires 8/11/2010 Provided courtesy of Prudential Financial. For more information, contact Gabriel Dardik, a sales professional with The Prudential Insurance Company of America's South Florida Agency, located in Boca Raton, FL. He can be reached at gabriel.dardik@prudential.com and at (954) 540-3811 or (561) 955-8628.

Swimming Lessons for Children with Special Needs Learn to Swim with Mr. Blue Certified Swimming, Infant/Child CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard Instructor, and Author, Julie Gross, has created a Learn to Swim in Just 5 Days Guaranteed! program through her company, Swim with Mr. Blue. This program is perfectly designed to meet the needs of children with Autism by the use of repetition, association, playful maneuvers, consistency, songs, toys, colorful puppets, patience, love, encouragement and lots of high fives. When you sign up for the swim program, you will receive Ms. Julie’s book with DVD entitled Learn to Swim with Mr. Blue, prior to your child’s lessons which will help them to learn and be prepared.

Not withstanding the time value of money, survivorship life insurance on both parents could provide a cost-efficient means of funding this trust upon their death. Disability income insurance on a working parent is also something to be considered. At one time or another during his/her lifetime a person with special needs could receive benefits from, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and/or Medicaid. Keep in mind though, that eligibility for government assistance can be negatively affected by the disabled person’s assets. For example, to be eligible for the SSI benefit, a single disabled person cannot own more than $2,000 in cash and liquid assets. The objective of a Special Needs Trust is to supplement the child’s inheritance, not replace these government programs. Planning for the future when you’re caring for a loved one with special needs can be overwhelming. A licensed financial services professional can help you determine what approach may best serve your needs. Adapted with permission of the publisher from Field Guide Online, by Donald F. Cady, Copyright 2007, The National Underwriter Company.

Ms. Julie and her Certified Instructors, Mr. Mark, Mr. Will and Ms. Hannah, are devoted to teaching your child all about water safety and they each have their own unique way of making your son or daughter feel comfortable in the water. This group of Certified Swim Instructors are always ready and willing to welcome your child with open arms, high fives and warm smiles. Our qualified Instructors will meet the needs of your child at their developmental age. Swimming develops muscles and coordination and is also great for cognitive processing by using multiple steps, such as moving the arms and legs, holding the breath and jumping into the water. Through songs and repetition your child’s cognitive and coordinating skills will develop more, along with their self esteem and the water will make them more relaxed. Rachael Baldassarra, President of MyKidsCounty.org, Inc. and Co-Chair of Broward County 2010 Walk Now For Autism Speaks, has a 3 year old Autistic son who learned to swim in just 3 days with Ms. Julie. Read more about her story on our website www.swimwithmrblue.com To learn more about our program please call us at 954-956-9955.

BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen, Biomedical Practitioner We have found ways to help our body including the brain to make its own glutathione.

Dear Ms. Mellen, Why is Glutathione Useful? Glutathione is a three amino acid molecule that consists of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. In the body glutathione is a detoxifying agent and a major antioxidant. The body gets rid of chemicals, heavy metals and metabolites through the glutathione molecule. It helps the body to get rid of toxins and pollutants. Our body’s filters, the liver and kidney, contain high

c. d.

levels of glutathione. Glutathione is involved in the activation and regulation of enzymes, some of which occur in the liver where detoxification takes place. Glutathione is the major protector of our living cells and tissues. The brain and intestines, kidneys and lungs all have glutathione actively at work to keep our body’s bio-chemistry going in a healthy manner. Glutathione is needed in the immune system. It helps white blood cells (WBC) to replicate so we have enough WBCs to attack pathogens. It protects the DNA within the cell. It works as a master antioxidant. Glutathione is found in every cell of our bodies. Most of the body’s glutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies anything that it perceives as bad for the body. It will transfer the harmful compounds into the bile to be excreted by the body. The liver releases glutathione into the bloodstream as your body calls for its use. In the lungs glutathione is at work protecting lung tissue from toxins as they filter pollutants. In the intestinal tract glutathione helps improve gut function and helps irritable bowel heal. The response from glutathione in the gut is less diarrhea or constipation. It helps the walls of the intestine and the walls of blood vessels by helping them remain healthy and retain their elasticity. Glutathione is useful when tapering off psychotropic drugs. It works in the brain by making certain receptors more sensitive. The two receptors that seem to need glutathione to work most optimally are serotonin and dopamine. Also worth noting is that glutathione protects the brain against free radicals. Glutathione will not pass the blood brain barrier so the brain must make its own glutathione.

We know that melatonin boosts glutathione production. It also helps sleep so take the melatonin about 20 minutes before bed. If you add magnesium to the melatonin it works even better at inducing and sustaining sleep. Magnesium is needed in making your own glutathione. Vitamin B12 given as a methylB12 injection. One tiny shot into the hip every third day. The supplements TMG, DMG, folinic acid and NAC all increase your own levels of glutathione production.

If you think you see a glutathione deficiency in yourself or your child perhaps you should seek more information about glutathione. A glutathione deficiency may show up as a balance disorder. I have seen it when I ask a child to step on the scale to be weighed. Going along with a balance issue may be coordination problems. Glutathione may help decrease twitching or tremors and some nervous system disorders. Part of the molecule of glutathione is the amino acid cysteine. When cysteine levels are low we find decreased speech and the individual appears to be ‘spacey’. If glutathione levels are low, cysteine levels may be low also.At home glutathione can be given in a cream that is massaged into the skin, or nebulized by adding a small solution of glutathione that is breathed in using the same equipment that an asthmatic uses for their breathing treatments. Try not to give glutathione by mouth because when it gets into the digestive tract it is digested rather easily and seems to cause the yeast to flourish. The best way to receive glutathione is an intravenous injection and it must be done with the help of a healthcare professional. Glutathione is part of a complex process within the body. It promotes detoxification, boosts immune health and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Do any readers have any questions? Email at: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject Ask Ms. Mellen.

Mild Hyperbaric Therapy at

· · · m s fro Price hour per $ 50 t ion a sess TA 1.3 A

The blue in the first picture (Before mHBOT) indicates low blood flow and limited brain activity. yellow area in the second picture, same patient (After mHBOT) indicate higher blood flow and brain activity

· · · ·

Autism ADD / ADHD / PDD-NOS Asperger’s Syndrome Speech Delay Cerebral Palsy Brain Injury And more ...

Call us to find out about our monthly package $700 unlimited!!!

For more info call (954)584-3198 or go to www.bodymedonline.com 9

Calendar of Events

SPECIALIZED CAMPS

Registration: specialpopulations@broward.org. (954) 3578160

March 29 – April 2, 2010

EXERCISE PROGRAM

Camp Matecumbe Coral Estates Goulds Park Greynolds Camp Tamiami Park Westwind Lakes Park

BOWLING TEEN SOCIALS

(305) 752-4966 (305) 226-1622 (305) 234-1673 (305)-945-3425 (305) 222-2128 (305) 380-9106

Hawaiian Luau Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt. May 28, 2010, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fern Forest Nature Center 201 Lyons Road South Coconut Creek, 33063

Special Needs Dad’s Group March 27th at 11am

PARENTS ASSIST TING AND LEARNING SUPPORT

12550 NW 29th Manor Sunrise, FL 33323 954 476 5312

Parents/Guardians Only January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 9:30 am - 11:30 am Room: 502 (305) 284-5263

RSVP: rick@floridasnap.com

Broward Saturday, April 17, 2010 Sherman Library Green Nova Southeastern University, Davie Fl Walk Starts at 10am - Check in time is 8:30am www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

UNDERSTANDING ADHD What is ADHD? How does it impact academic progress? 3/23/2010 6:30:00 PM -8:30:00 PM Parent to Parent of Miami

PARENTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 3/24/2010 6:30:00 PM - 8:30:00 PM MCH West Kendall

SENSORY NIGHT Thursday March, 18 2010 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

INCLUSION 3/25/2010 12:00:00 PM - 2:00:00 PM Mailman Center for Child Development

6555 Nova Dr. Suite 308 Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33317 10

Recipe of the Month GFCF Bread Mini Rolls From Special Diets for Special Kids Ingredients: ½ Cup of Oil ½ Cup of Milk Substitute (Rice, Almond, Hemp) ½ Cup Quinoa Flour or Chickpea Flour ½ Cup tapioca Starch ½ Cup Potato Starch 1 Tablespoon of Sugar 1 Egg or egg replacer (3 teaspoons) 2 Teaspoons Xantham Gum 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda (WARNING: Reed the label, most Baking Sodas have Aluminum in them)

Preparation: In a small bowl mix the wet ingredients: oil, milk substitute and egg. In a large bowl mix al the dry ingredients: Quinoa Flour, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sugar, Xantham Gum and Baking Soda. Combine the wet and dry mixtures, and mix with a fork or your hand. (Don’t overbeat) You can place little balls (2 inches) in a sprayed cookie sheet 2 inches apart form each other. Baked in preheated oven 400 F for 20- 25 min or until bread is gold. After cooling down you can freeze the mini rolls and reheat them in the oven when needed. TIP: When ever you are baking a cake or bread it is recommended to place in the lower oven rack a pan with water, this way the food will have moisture during the cooking process.

Movie Review Temple Grandin, directed by Mick Jackson The film Temple Grandin (character performed by Claire Dane) is based on a true story. It paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when it was still quite unknown (1960‘s). The film touches every step of Temple’s life, from the time she is diagnosed to her school years, until she becomes a working and independent adult. She not only overcame a host of physical, mental and social obstacles but actually used her autism to create a career for herself in animal husbandry. Today, Temple Grandin (62 years old) is best known for designing a more humane method of herding cattle to the slaughterhouse. She is also a full professor at Colorado State University and an autism advocate. This movie shows us not only how the world sees Temple, but also how she sees the world giving us the chance to have an inside of what is going on in the mind of a person with autism. Temple has difficulties dealing with sound and touch. In the film she reacts to people's attempts to shake her hand with the remark, "I don't do that." She also has difficulties trying to figure out people expressions. One of the things that the movie does, is to magnify the sounds of various things that Temple encounters and she can not tolerate or they are very distracting for her like a chandelier, the sound of a fish tank or a fan. These observations make the spectator understand some of Temples’ behaviors and reactions. Temple has lots of support from her mother, Eustacia (Julia Ormond), who at the time of the diagnosis at age of 4 refused to put her on an institution; her Aunt Ann (Catherine O’Hara), who introduced her to livestock industry; and her science teacher Dr Carlock (David Strathairn), who realized that Temple literally thinks in pictures and recognized her great potential. With the help of her family and her teacher, she is able to make sense of how she differs from others and use her perspective to do things others can’t. This movie not only makes you see the world from Temple’s perspective, it also makes you realize the efforts that her family made in order to understand her, and all the obstacles they had to go though in order to provide her with the right tools to success in life. There are many breathtaking matter-of-fact ness in the movie as well as many uplifting moments. This movie shows everyone’s point of view... the person with autism, his/her family, and the outsiders. Is a movie that everyone should see. There is a phrase that Temple and her mother always say in the movie referring to her…”Different, but not less”. If you can not see the movie, I will like for you to at least keep this phrase in mind, and remember it any time you think about someone with special needs.

Temple Grandin and Claire Danes Movie Review done by Luciana Leo