19:48
Unknown
Come across this posting in FB, and I wish that Malaysian Public will always come to the rescue of the family if someone has been an asshole: -
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Showing posts with label EIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EIP. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Parents Often Miss Subtle Autism Signs
Parents Often Miss Subtle Autism Signs
The symptoms of autism tend to emerge in children after six months of age, with a loss of social and communications skills that is more common and more subtle than previously thought, according to a new study that questions previous assumptions about the progression of the condition.
At six months, children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrated behavior similar to other children, gazing at faces, sharing smiles, and vocalizing with similar frequency, researchers reported online in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
However, autistic children displayed fewer of these behaviors as as they got older, and from six months to 18 months the loss of social communication and skills typically became clear.
To read more click here...
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Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Unlocking secrets of autism treatment
It's a disease with unknown causes, no known cure and treatments as varied as the minds forced to live with it.
Success for a person with autism can be measured by something as simple as being able to sit quietly through dinner at a restaurant - something it may take years for that person to learn.
And if one form of therapy is more successful than another in unlocking minds and personalities trapped by the ailment, executive director Frederica Blausten and her Association for Metroarea Autistic Children (AMAC) staff will probably be a part of finding it.
Autism is a developmental disorder "characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests," says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes Web site.
"There are all sorts of public policy definitions of autism," Blausten said. "It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects social and emotional development, socialization skills, social interactions and language.
"We do not know what causes autism, and there is no biological test where you can take blood and say, 'Aha! You're autistic.' Diagnoses are made by observable functions and behaviors, which makes it [diagnosis] so difficult."
AMAC's W. 17th St. facility is all about observing the several hundred students - ranging in age from pre-schoolers to people in their 40s - and designing treatments for each.
Classrooms and hallways are equipped with video cameras that record all students and teachers as they go about the school day.
Observations from those videos are teamed with meticulous classroom notes and daily student evaluation reports done by teachers to design individual student treatment therapies, Blausten said.
Dr. Nyla Lamm, AMAC's director of research and applied behavior analysis training, then crunches the report numbers to see not only what therapies work, but which teachers are more effective.
"If we have something that is really working, we want to get it out there so more people can use it," Lamm said.
Said Blausten: "We have a saying: You do not get a raise for getting older; you get a raise for getting better.'"
Nothing proves what works like results: last week, several AMAC students took the state Regents exams in several subjects.
That success could figure in why Blausten is now reviewing 120 applications for 40 student openings.
"Our goal is to move people out when they are ready," she said.
Though stung, like most nonprofit groups, by a recession-fueled drop in donations, AMAC has continued several initiatives.
In September, AMAC will hold opening ceremonies for a two-building, full-time facility for adult men with autism on 129th St. in Harlem.
In August, it will again operate Camp AMAC - billed as the the only camp for autistic children on the East Coast - at Alpine, N.J.
The two-week camp "gives students and their families a much-needed break," Blausten said. "We get camp applications from around the country."
To learn more about AMAC or to make a donation, call (212) 645-5005, or see the Web site www.amac.org. crichardson@nydailynews.com
Success for a person with autism can be measured by something as simple as being able to sit quietly through dinner at a restaurant - something it may take years for that person to learn.And if one form of therapy is more successful than another in unlocking minds and personalities trapped by the ailment, executive director Frederica Blausten and her Association for Metroarea Autistic Children (AMAC) staff will probably be a part of finding it.
Autism is a developmental disorder "characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests," says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes Web site.
"There are all sorts of public policy definitions of autism," Blausten said. "It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects social and emotional development, socialization skills, social interactions and language.
"We do not know what causes autism, and there is no biological test where you can take blood and say, 'Aha! You're autistic.' Diagnoses are made by observable functions and behaviors, which makes it [diagnosis] so difficult."
AMAC's W. 17th St. facility is all about observing the several hundred students - ranging in age from pre-schoolers to people in their 40s - and designing treatments for each.
Classrooms and hallways are equipped with video cameras that record all students and teachers as they go about the school day.
Observations from those videos are teamed with meticulous classroom notes and daily student evaluation reports done by teachers to design individual student treatment therapies, Blausten said.
Dr. Nyla Lamm, AMAC's director of research and applied behavior analysis training, then crunches the report numbers to see not only what therapies work, but which teachers are more effective.
"If we have something that is really working, we want to get it out there so more people can use it," Lamm said.
Said Blausten: "We have a saying: You do not get a raise for getting older; you get a raise for getting better.'"
Nothing proves what works like results: last week, several AMAC students took the state Regents exams in several subjects.
That success could figure in why Blausten is now reviewing 120 applications for 40 student openings.
"Our goal is to move people out when they are ready," she said.
Though stung, like most nonprofit groups, by a recession-fueled drop in donations, AMAC has continued several initiatives.
In September, AMAC will hold opening ceremonies for a two-building, full-time facility for adult men with autism on 129th St. in Harlem.
In August, it will again operate Camp AMAC - billed as the the only camp for autistic children on the East Coast - at Alpine, N.J.
The two-week camp "gives students and their families a much-needed break," Blausten said. "We get camp applications from around the country."
To learn more about AMAC or to make a donation, call (212) 645-5005, or see the Web site www.amac.org. crichardson@nydailynews.com
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Parents of two autistic sons vaccinated one but not the other
Punch drunk as I am, required to read every alert regarding vaccine injury, I was struck by the facts issued on WKRG.com News 5. Reported by Kesshia Peyton, who interviewed Dr. Paul Offit, there is a surge of parents who are very angry at the diversion that anti-vaccine activists have created.
Tina Brown, mother of 2 boys with autism, decided not to vaccinate son Dylan because his brother Dalton had been inoculated and was subsequently diagnosed with autism. Sadly, even in the absence of vaccines Dylan demonstrated symptoms of autism at 4 months of age. (video interview here).
Mrs. Brown believes that there is great need for research in environmental, genetic, and DNA reasons for the onset of autism. She is part of a growing number of parents who want answers, other than the constant mention of vaccine injury.
Dr. Offit, author of Autism False Prophets, believes that "those who oppose vaccines have taken the autism story hostage". He agrees that there is profiteering and quackery in this arena. It is the fundamental action of false prophets, to entice and recruit vulnerable families. Frankly, I agree, but "snake oil" medicine is not relegated to autism. Parents need to be vigilant and at the same time practical about the information that is presented. Sometimes it is very painful to tease our emotions from clarity of thought. We so desperately need a reason, a cure, a miracle, our focus is skewed, and ultimately our children are victims again.
I don't have the answers, but I sure want them. Now.
Robin Hausman Morris is a National Examiner. You can see Robin's articles on Robin's Home Page.
Tina Brown, mother of 2 boys with autism, decided not to vaccinate son Dylan because his brother Dalton had been inoculated and was subsequently diagnosed with autism. Sadly, even in the absence of vaccines Dylan demonstrated symptoms of autism at 4 months of age. (video interview here).
Mrs. Brown believes that there is great need for research in environmental, genetic, and DNA reasons for the onset of autism. She is part of a growing number of parents who want answers, other than the constant mention of vaccine injury.
Dr. Offit, author of Autism False Prophets, believes that "those who oppose vaccines have taken the autism story hostage". He agrees that there is profiteering and quackery in this arena. It is the fundamental action of false prophets, to entice and recruit vulnerable families. Frankly, I agree, but "snake oil" medicine is not relegated to autism. Parents need to be vigilant and at the same time practical about the information that is presented. Sometimes it is very painful to tease our emotions from clarity of thought. We so desperately need a reason, a cure, a miracle, our focus is skewed, and ultimately our children are victims again.
I don't have the answers, but I sure want them. Now.
Author: Robin Hausman Morris
Friday, 29 May 2009
SOS! Autism Centre Closing Down - 14 June 2009
What is Autism? Kindly click here for google Information!
Both my sons are suffering from acute form of autism, and they have been going to this center for the past few months. This center was funded by a Kind Businessman via charity donation. Hence it has been offered as Free Service to those parents who cannot afford the full commercial service. I am one of those parent who need Early Intervention Program and cannot afford it.
The center was headed by a very experience teacher in autism management and intervention. He is a retiree and if he left this job I don't think he will be actively working for the good of autistic kids again. I want to secure his service and take over the operation of the center. I have the business experience and also autism management experience to turn this around.
We are not going to provide a free for all kind of services, but will be very affordable. We will have a trust fund setup to help those who cannot afford to pay for the service. Time is running out, 14 June 2009 is the deadline for the Current Center to cease operation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the owner of the current center for his contribution in past years.
Why am I here asking for help? I have no other way to go and seeking the help from whoever I can get my hand on to. We need the following: -
1. Premise - prefer a corner lot house with some garden area where we can setup sand and water therapy area.
2. Musical - Since autistic kids are very artistic and musically inclined, I want to setup some musical class to explore their potential. Any good working Piano or Electronic piano are needed. Can Yamaha donate some? Anyone who know someone in Yamaha?
3. Art - Art supply for painting and others
4. Renovation - Can some good soul help to pay for the renovation and furnishing of the center?
5. Telecommunication - Telephone, Fax and Internet access
6. Funding - We need at least one year of funding before we can be self funded. I will work out the requirement once we have more people come into play and willing to help
7. Teaching material - I have plenty in my house becasue both my sons are autistic and I have invested over the years.
Anyone can help me to published all the above? I have 2 weeks to put thing together before they closed it down. 20 kids will be affected if the center is closed down without giving them an alternative to go.
Update
29 May 9:32pm : Immediately we need a place to move all the material to. A place where we can start to put all the thing together. Funding can be later since we need a place to continue teaching those kids after 14 June 2009.
For those who ask me about the account number, I will ask NST tomorrow to see if they can help as independent party. Using my account will be a BIG conflict of Interest.
If you want to help to donate cash, piano, or anything that we can use. Please send me an email at Shiokx@gmail.com with the subject line of "I love to help"
29 May 10:11pm: A few friend comment that my english is really suck and they cannot really understand what am I talking about. Since I am an engineer by training, let me put it in point form: -
I have also done some budget for the initiate fund required. We would need RM40K to last us until Dec 2009
The following is my Maybank Account detail: -
Account Name : Yong Yek Ming
Account Number : 164847018858
or Paypal
30 May, 17:31pm: I belief this is Zorro Account Number. If you feel more comfortable to donate to his account instead of my Maybank, please do so and the cause is the same.
Update 4 June, 2009: We have received pledge and cash donation, Casio Keyboard and personal help
Click the above image for full or larger view. Thank you very much for your support.
Regards
Yong Yek Ming aka Shiok Guy
+60 12 208 2818
Both my sons are suffering from acute form of autism, and they have been going to this center for the past few months. This center was funded by a Kind Businessman via charity donation. Hence it has been offered as Free Service to those parents who cannot afford the full commercial service. I am one of those parent who need Early Intervention Program and cannot afford it.
The center was headed by a very experience teacher in autism management and intervention. He is a retiree and if he left this job I don't think he will be actively working for the good of autistic kids again. I want to secure his service and take over the operation of the center. I have the business experience and also autism management experience to turn this around.
We are not going to provide a free for all kind of services, but will be very affordable. We will have a trust fund setup to help those who cannot afford to pay for the service. Time is running out, 14 June 2009 is the deadline for the Current Center to cease operation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the owner of the current center for his contribution in past years.
Why am I here asking for help? I have no other way to go and seeking the help from whoever I can get my hand on to. We need the following: -
1. Premise - prefer a corner lot house with some garden area where we can setup sand and water therapy area.
2. Musical - Since autistic kids are very artistic and musically inclined, I want to setup some musical class to explore their potential. Any good working Piano or Electronic piano are needed. Can Yamaha donate some? Anyone who know someone in Yamaha?
3. Art - Art supply for painting and others
4. Renovation - Can some good soul help to pay for the renovation and furnishing of the center?
5. Telecommunication - Telephone, Fax and Internet access
6. Funding - We need at least one year of funding before we can be self funded. I will work out the requirement once we have more people come into play and willing to help
7. Teaching material - I have plenty in my house becasue both my sons are autistic and I have invested over the years.
Anyone can help me to published all the above? I have 2 weeks to put thing together before they closed it down. 20 kids will be affected if the center is closed down without giving them an alternative to go.
Update
29 May 9:32pm : Immediately we need a place to move all the material to. A place where we can start to put all the thing together. Funding can be later since we need a place to continue teaching those kids after 14 June 2009.
For those who ask me about the account number, I will ask NST tomorrow to see if they can help as independent party. Using my account will be a BIG conflict of Interest.
If you want to help to donate cash, piano, or anything that we can use. Please send me an email at Shiokx@gmail.com with the subject line of "I love to help"
29 May 10:11pm: A few friend comment that my english is really suck and they cannot really understand what am I talking about. Since I am an engineer by training, let me put it in point form: -
- The current Autism Center will cease operation on 14 June 2009 (CONFIRMED)
- 20 kids including my two sons will have no center to go after 14 June 2009
- We negotiate with the owner to take over the material and furnishing
- We need to find a new place, a corner lot house is ideal because we need outdoor/garden to setup Sand and Water Play Therapy
- We Have Not Setup a company just yet
- The idea is to have a SDN BHD as Center. This will be run as normal business center but provide affordable rate of service. The main Objective is to survive by itself.
- The SDN BHD Center will setup a trust fund to manage donation to help those needy.
- Immediate we need a House, Renovation and Funding for at least 1-2 years for Teachers and Operating Cost!
I have also done some budget for the initiate fund required. We would need RM40K to last us until Dec 2009
The following is my Maybank Account detail: -
Account Name : Yong Yek Ming
Account Number : 164847018858
or Paypal
30 May, 17:31pm: I belief this is Zorro Account Number. If you feel more comfortable to donate to his account instead of my Maybank, please do so and the cause is the same.
Update 4 June, 2009: We have received pledge and cash donation, Casio Keyboard and personal help
Click the above image for full or larger view. Thank you very much for your support.
Regards
Yong Yek Ming aka Shiok Guy
+60 12 208 2818
Brothers, Sisters and Friends who highlighted our SOS call (pls email me if you carry our SOS call): -
- Zoro-Unmasked
- Niamah!!!
- Hornbill Unleased
- Malaysia For All
- Dream A Little More Dream
- RUN IN DIVERSITY
- YITYIENG TAN
- onelikming's Mansion
- Susan Loone's Blog
- jelas.info
- Eyes Wide Open
Monday, 4 May 2009
Early autism intervention makes dollars and sense
Early autism intervention makes dollars and sense
By William Frea with Daily Breeze
Posted: 05/02/2009 07:13:13 PM PDT
With one in 150 children today diagnosed with autism, the debate rages on over what is the best treatment for this condition, and - just as importantly - who will pay for it.
In the wake of Autism Awareness Month in April, we have an opportunity to take a realistic and probing look at the most effective means for treating this developmental condition, and where resources should be placed for this treatment.
Today, beleaguered states with budget deficits, such as California, are evaluating all service programs to find ways to cut costs. States need to take a close look at what approaches deliver the best outcomes and the best return on investment. The question is not how much do autism services cost, but how much is saved by treating autism early and effectively, and how much is lost if this early intervention does not occur.
The Autism Society of America has calculated that autism costs the United States more than $90billion each year. There's no question that treatment for autism is expensive. However, there is a significant difference between autism and other severe developmental disabilities. With autism, it's been shown that with targeted early intervention using scientifically validated methods, many children can gain the skills they need to move into a mainstream classroom.
With evidence-based early interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, the most widely accepted method for treating autism, as many as half of these children would no longer be on the autism spectrum, and most would go on to successful futures as independent adults.
The costs of caring for a person with autism over his or her lifetime is estimated to be at least $3.2 million, according to a study from Professor Michael Ganz at the Harvard School of Public Health. Others have pegged the cost even higher, up to $4.7 million. With ABA therapy averaging $40,000 to $70,000 a year, and most children requiring only several years of therapy starting around age 2, early intervention with this approach clearly delivers an enormous return on investment by avoiding the multi-millions required for lifetime treatment, residential housing and care.
Not included in this cost-benefit estimate is the value that a functioning adult can contribute back to society, or the joy of parents and families who recover the child they thought lost behind the veil of autism. This human benefit is truly priceless.
Unfortunately, California recently opted not to require insurance providers to cover behavioral interventions such as ABA, even though this treatment has been the gold standard for treating autism for more than 30 years. Insurance companies have taken the position that it is education-based rather than a medical treatment.
Other states disagree. Nevada is close to passing legislation requiring insurance companies to fund ABA therapies. Nevada Assemblywoman Melissa Woodbury made a compelling argument citing research that demonstrated 47 percent of children with autism were able to lead independent lives after receiving at least 30 hours per week of intensive ABA early intervention. Nevada would join Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas as states that require insurance providers to cover intensive autism treatments.
We all hope researchers will soon discover the cause of the autism epidemic and how to prevent it. In the meantime, we need to deal with both today's reality and tomorrow's prognosis, as these children move on through middle school, high school and transition to adulthood and careers. The best investment that we can make today is early intervention with scientifically validated ABA therapy.
As policy makers in California struggle with tough financial choices and argue over how much support to give to autism treatments, we urge them to consider not only the dollars and cents of autism, but the dollars and sense. Funding based on the outcomes of evidence-based therapies is the prudent decision for both the short-term and the long-term interests of children with autism, their families and our society as a whole.
Dr. William Frea is chief clinical officer and co-founder of Autism Spectrum Therapies, an agency providing autism services throughout Southern California. He has served on the California State Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.
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By William Frea with Daily Breeze
Posted: 05/02/2009 07:13:13 PM PDT
With one in 150 children today diagnosed with autism, the debate rages on over what is the best treatment for this condition, and - just as importantly - who will pay for it.
In the wake of Autism Awareness Month in April, we have an opportunity to take a realistic and probing look at the most effective means for treating this developmental condition, and where resources should be placed for this treatment.
Today, beleaguered states with budget deficits, such as California, are evaluating all service programs to find ways to cut costs. States need to take a close look at what approaches deliver the best outcomes and the best return on investment. The question is not how much do autism services cost, but how much is saved by treating autism early and effectively, and how much is lost if this early intervention does not occur.
The Autism Society of America has calculated that autism costs the United States more than $90billion each year. There's no question that treatment for autism is expensive. However, there is a significant difference between autism and other severe developmental disabilities. With autism, it's been shown that with targeted early intervention using scientifically validated methods, many children can gain the skills they need to move into a mainstream classroom.With evidence-based early interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, the most widely accepted method for treating autism, as many as half of these children would no longer be on the autism spectrum, and most would go on to successful futures as independent adults.
The costs of caring for a person with autism over his or her lifetime is estimated to be at least $3.2 million, according to a study from Professor Michael Ganz at the Harvard School of Public Health. Others have pegged the cost even higher, up to $4.7 million. With ABA therapy averaging $40,000 to $70,000 a year, and most children requiring only several years of therapy starting around age 2, early intervention with this approach clearly delivers an enormous return on investment by avoiding the multi-millions required for lifetime treatment, residential housing and care.
Not included in this cost-benefit estimate is the value that a functioning adult can contribute back to society, or the joy of parents and families who recover the child they thought lost behind the veil of autism. This human benefit is truly priceless.
Unfortunately, California recently opted not to require insurance providers to cover behavioral interventions such as ABA, even though this treatment has been the gold standard for treating autism for more than 30 years. Insurance companies have taken the position that it is education-based rather than a medical treatment.
Other states disagree. Nevada is close to passing legislation requiring insurance companies to fund ABA therapies. Nevada Assemblywoman Melissa Woodbury made a compelling argument citing research that demonstrated 47 percent of children with autism were able to lead independent lives after receiving at least 30 hours per week of intensive ABA early intervention. Nevada would join Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas as states that require insurance providers to cover intensive autism treatments.
We all hope researchers will soon discover the cause of the autism epidemic and how to prevent it. In the meantime, we need to deal with both today's reality and tomorrow's prognosis, as these children move on through middle school, high school and transition to adulthood and careers. The best investment that we can make today is early intervention with scientifically validated ABA therapy.
As policy makers in California struggle with tough financial choices and argue over how much support to give to autism treatments, we urge them to consider not only the dollars and cents of autism, but the dollars and sense. Funding based on the outcomes of evidence-based therapies is the prudent decision for both the short-term and the long-term interests of children with autism, their families and our society as a whole.
Dr. William Frea is chief clinical officer and co-founder of Autism Spectrum Therapies, an agency providing autism services throughout Southern California. He has served on the California State Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.
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Sunday, 12 April 2009
Service Providers Directory Listing
If you are interested to advertise your products and services here, kindly check our Advertising Rate under Directory Listing Standard and Premium.
Do contact the management for any comments and suggestions, please send to the following shiokx@gmail.com
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Thursday, 9 April 2009
The National Autism Society of Malaysia
The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) is a society formed in 1986 by a group of parents and professionals. It was registered on 3rd March 1987, as a national voluntary charitable organization and aims at providing Education, Help, Care & Protection for people with autism and their family members.
Our children are born with a lifelong complex neurobiological disorder called Autism. In most cases, autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines or repetitive behaviours such as obsessively following schedules or arranging belongings in very specific ways. Autistic behaviours not only make life hard for people with autism but also make life hard for their families, their health care providers and teachers. However, autism does not have to be a life sentence. Intensive early intervention in optimal educational settings results in improved outcomes in most young children with autism, including speech in 75% or more and significant improvements in rates of developmental progress and intellectual performance (Rogers 1996). Through intensive education and behavioral management provided by NASOM, we have seen children emerging’ from their autistic disabilities to function like a near-normal child.
Currently, NASOM has established 11 Autism Early Intervention Programs and 3 Vocational Programs for people inflicted with autism in Malaysia. Maintaining and developing all these programmes at the 14 centres require a staggering sum of RM2 million annually (2004).
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