Archive for January 2012

Monthly Archive

Autism and Things We Would All Rather Not Think About- Part 2

This is the second part in a series on the emergency department, hospitalization and insurance.

While parents all hope their children will never be hospitalized, under certain situations, it may be necessary. For children with autism, a hospitalization may be even scarier. Kids on the spectrum may become emotionally dysregulated when taken out of their routine. If it is necessary to hospitalize a child on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (IPU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH), there are many things a parent should know and can do to help in the transition to the hospital. The purpose of this blog is to give some background on why a child might be admitted and what to expect during a hospital stay. Read full post »

Autism and Things We Would All Rather Not Think About

The first part in a series on the emergency department, hospitalization and insurance

Today we begin a series of blogs on topics that none of us likes to think about. The daily challenges autism brings are plenty enough to keep loved ones on their toes. Our experience with hundreds of families though, tells us that there is value in discussing circumstances that you hope will never ever happen to your child . . . just in case . . . Read full post »

Why the Sharp Rise in Autism Rates?

A while back The Autism Blog received a comment from someone who suggested that the sharp rise in autism rates is a direct result of people wanting to make money. The person who posted this comment seemed quite frustrated by the apparent increase in the number of people being diagnosed with autism. I can thoroughly identify with and appreciate his or her frustration.

So, let’s take a deeper look at the issue. There is no doubt that the diagnosis of autism has increased tremendously in the past 15 years. And, are there undoubtedly people who have made money from many parents confused, frustrated and angry about this condition. That makes me sad and a bit angry as well. Nevertheless, to tarnish the entire professional community is unfair and inaccurate.  Read full post »

Telling Your Child They Have Autism

Guest Writer: Karen Kaizuka, parent

Fear. That is the overwhelming feeling that rushes through me when I think about telling my son that he has autism. What do you say? How do you say it? Can we just not tell him?!!

Our little guy is 6. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 4. He is doing remarkably well. He is learning how to read. In fact, he is reading absolutely everything around him and is asking what words mean. We can’t drive down the road without him reading signs, “No Parking”, “Bridge Closed”. Read full post »