Missouri Advocates For Families Affected by Autism

We are a citizens action group advocating and lobbying for families that have a child with special needs. We believe that EVERY child has a right to a FREE and APPROPRIATE EDUCATION and should NEVER BE LEFT BEHIND.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 and Research Questionnaire Form E-3 | Autism Research Institute

Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 and Research Questionnaire Form E-3 | Autism Research Institute


ARI's Diagnostic Checklist, Form E-2, was developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland to diagnose children with Kanner's syndrome, which is also known as 'classical autism.' Many parents and professionals have also used the E-2 checklist to assist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The responses on Form E-2 are entered into a computer which calculates a diagnostic score. The score along with its interpretation is sent to the person or agency submitting the checklist. In addition, a file number is assigned to each child for data recording and analysis, and to ensure confidentiality. There is no charge for this service.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Life on the Other Side of the Wall: An Open Letter to the Media

Life on the Other Side of the Wall: An Open Letter to the Media


An Open Letter to the Media


“Asperger Syndrome”— That’s what I saw on the news headline in bright, bold red letters on Friday. If I didn’t already know what it was because I have it I probably would have been afraid of it. In the article that followed the autism spectrum wasn’t properly explained and to the uninformed, the only thing to gather was that all things autism were dangerous.
 
What is being left out of the conversation is that those were Asperger’s, and other autism spectrum disorders, are far more likely to be a victim of a crime than the one committing it. And often times the person on the spectrum will not speak up about it because of communication issues.

What is also being left out of the conversation is perhaps the most important line about the autism spectrum and that is, “If you’ve met one person with autism you’ve only met one person with autism.” It is dangerous and irresponsible to generalize autism like I have heard in the past few days. Each person on the autism spectrum can be radically unique to the next. Myself, I’m a public speaker and yet the next person you meet with Asperger’s may have a difficult time engaging in a one-on-one conversation. I heard one speaker on the news say that ALL people with Asperger’s are great in math. This too is untrue, some can be, and may be amazingly good at it, but others may be more of an abstract thinker and be good in the areas of music and art.

Teacher accused of improperly strapping autistic child; faces firing - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Teacher accused of improperly strapping autistic child; faces firing - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Which Congressman Is Blocking Bill That Would Protect Kids with Autism? - ABC News

Which Congressman Is Blocking Bill That Would Protect Kids with Autism? - ABC News

"Chairman Kline believes state officials and school leaders are best equipped to determine appropriate policies that should be in place to protect students and to hold those who violate those policies accountable," said Alexandra Haynes Sollberger, the communications director for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. "For this reason, the committee has not scheduled any action on seclusion and restraint legislation at this time."