Follow Us
African American children with autism fall between the cracks
March 1, 2013
For many in the African American community, especially those who are between poverty and middle class, autism is unfamiliar. We aren’t quite sure what kind of delay that means in our children. Does it mean they are dumb? Does it mean they won’t talk ever in life? Will they be sitting in the corner for decades, fascinated by the shiny object on the ceiling? Will they have friends of their own? Will they be independent?
Local boy with autism makes great gains
February 11, 2013
Jody Moore of Alameda, Calif., and her son, Xavier, have struggled for years with the academic delays and social aggression stemming from his autism diagnosis. Everything turned around, however, several months ago, when the Moores’ lives changed dramatically for the better – thanks to assistance provided by California-based international autism support non-profit Generation Rescue.
Pardon wrongfully convicted autistic youth Neli Latson
June 14, 2011
Reginald “Neli” Latson is a wrongfully convicted 19-year-old autistic young man. This case has raised concerns about how law enforcement deals with the developmentally or mentally disabled. Latson had done nothing wrong and acted completely within his rights.
Stealing from the poor to give to the rich
November 2, 2010
With the elimination of the Calworks Stage 3 child care program, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has made it clear that he cares nothing about the struggling working families of California. Without child care, parents of over 8,000 children in the Bay Area may lose their jobs. TAKE ACTION NOW! Flood the governor’s offices with calls, faxes and email. Demand that he reverse his decision to eliminate Stage 3. Call the State Capitol at (916) 445-2841 or fax (916) 558-3160. His San Francisco office can be reached by phone at (415) 703-2218 and by fax at (415) 703-2218 or (415) 703-2803.
Understanding autism: African American children with autism are more likely to be misdiagnosed
April 18, 2010
The diagnosis of autism, which affects a child’s ability to speak, learn and communicate with others, is on average made two years earlier in white children than Black children. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, here are some early signs of autism to help families identify a need for early intervention and treatment.
Changing your autism mindset
November 16, 2009
Experiencing this enlightened age of “autism” is remarkable after having parented three autistic boys over the past 21 years. Now that autism spectrum diagnoses are estimated in one out of 100 births, all I need do is mention the word and many nod knowingly, yet physically recoil. Don’t speak about our children in hushed tones with downcast eyes or, even worse, avoid our presence altogether. Don’t worry about interacting with our children; get over your discomfort and come to see us.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t give a damn
July 28, 2009
According to The ARC (advocacy, respect and commitment) of California, the governor has made devastatingly destructive cuts in the support system for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Recently I received a letter from the president of the ARC, Dwight Stratton, stating that our elected legislators decided to ignore the will of the people of the state of California by decimating the Lanterman Act.