The Autism Society of Washington
Listserve for January 2008- Week 1
ASW Mission Statement
The mission of the Autism Society of Washington is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for `ascribes to the Options Policy established by the Autism Society of America.
*** Introductory Comments from ASW
SECTION ONE: How to contact ASW and its Chapters
SECTION TWO: Upcoming Events, Workshops, Conferences
SECTION THREE: Focus Topics/articles of interest
SECTION FOUR: Information for Eastern Washington
SECTION FIVE: Information for Western Washington
SECTION SIX: Legislative Issues
Introductory Comments from ASW
By Patty Gee, M.Ed SLP, ASW President’s Message – January 2008
AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY PLANNED FOR WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 27TH,
IN OLYMPIA AT THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA, AT 12:00 NOON
You are invited to attend the Autism Awareness Rally planned for February 27th, 2008, at noon in the Capitol Rotunda. We are inviting families from around the state to come and share their stories with their legislator and gather together in support of issues that are common to all those living with autism. It would be great to bring you children, if they can tolerate the crowd. We would like to put a Face on Autism.....
Legislators and individuals connected with supporting autism issues this legislative session will speak.
Currently, 1 out of 150 children are being diagnosed with autism. Often the waiting lists to receive a diagnosis and then appropriate treatment are months long. This is a difficult waiting time for families.
An Autism Spectrum Disorder can have a devastating impact on families affected by it. Several bills supported by the Autism Society of Washington are directed toward easing some of the distress families feel and thus go toward helping to preserve the family unit. Those bills are:
HB 2862/SB 6448 Intensive Behavior Support Services- Directed toward preserving the family through behavioral services provided at home and in the community.
SB 6736/HB 3078 Live Long Learning Act- Directed toward providing meaningful day services to young adults with significant disabilities interfering with work, therefore needing other activities to preserve their quality of life.
HB 2900/SB 6713 Early Intervention Services- Directed toward providing full funding for this entitlement program to preserve families’ ability to find help for their child early.
SB 6760 Developmental Disabilities Land Trust- Directed toward preserving funds from excess properties at RHCs for the use by DD employment and Individual and Family Services.
I hope to see you at the Autism Rally on Feb. 27th… For information email Patty Gee at
PattyJGee@comcast.net.
SECTION ONE: How to contact ASW and its Chapters
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1.1 AUTISM SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON- STATE OFFICE
Patty Gee - President
1101 Eastside Street SE, Suite B
Olympia, Washington 98501
Office phone: 360-786-1108
Toll free: (888) ASW 4 YOU
Email: info@autismsocietyofwa.org
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1.2ASW CHAPTER CONTACTS
Autism Society of Washington - Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Counties
Meetings held in Longview; every third Thurs. of the month at 7:00 pm
Sue Culbertson 360-423-4012
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASW-CWC.html
Autism Society of Washington – Spokane
Meetings held in Spokane; meet the third Wed. of each month
Kathleen Stimple 509-624-3323
Email: spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASW-SC.html
Autism Society of Tacoma
Meetings held near the Tacoma Community College; 4th Tues of each month
Christina Boutiette 253-759-7995
Email: astpc@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/AST.html
Thurston/Mason Counties - Autism Society of WA
Meetings held in Olympia; meet the second Tues. of each month
Patty Gee 360-754-2584
Email: PattyJGee@comcast.net
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASW-TMC.html
Autism Society of WA - Tri-Cities Chapter
Meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month
(The Neurological Resource Center)
712 Swift Blvd, Suite 1, Richland, WA
Terry Buck 509-374-2120
Dana Tolick 509-946-0619
Email: danatolick@hotmail.com
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASW-TCC.html
Autism Society of Grant County
Mike Scellick 509-754-4300
Email: asgc@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASGC.html
Autism Society of Yakima
Erin Lynch 509-961-0700
Email: asy@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASY.html
Autism Society of Washington –
White River Chapter
Tami McGrath 253-826-9112
Email: aswwrc@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASW-WRC.html
Autism Society of Washington –
Southwest Chapter
Meetings held in Vancouver, Third Sat. of odd numbered months
Victoria Fitzsimmons at 360-896-6169
Email: aswswc@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/ASWSWC.html
Autism Society of King County
Meetings as announced
Angela Dawson at 206-372-0465
Angela_niccole@hotmail.com
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1.3ASW EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Cori Valley (Past President)
Spokane, WA 99208
Email: corivalley@comcast.net
Patty Gee (President)
Olympia, WA 98501
Email: PattyJGee@comcast.net
Diana Stadden (Vice President)
Tacoma, WA 98409
Email: advocate4autism@cs.com
Marcy McCarthy (Secretary)
Vashon Island, WA 98070
Email: earait@aol.com
Mitch Freedman (Treasurer)
Bellevue, WA
Email: mitchfree@comcast.net
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SECTION TWO: Upcoming Events, Workshops, Conferences
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2.1
Advocating for Change Together (ACT)
Workshop schedule:
Feb 29 and Mar 1: Self determination and self-advocacy
Mar 28 and 29: Community systems – part 2: housing, transportation, recreation, and mental health
April 25 and 26: Systems advocacy
May 31: Graduation ceremony
We invite you to apply for this unique opportunity to become a better advocate for yourself, your family, and other people with disabilities. The ARC of King County is offering a new Leadership Development Program for adults and families of children with developmental disabilities.
For more information and how to apply: www.arcofkingcounty.org/act or contact Mary Jo Magruder at (206) 829-7010 email: mjmagruder@arcofkingcounty.org .
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2.2
Addressing Challenging Behaviors at Home: Working with Families to Find
Solutions
Class meets on Tuesdays from Jan. 8 to Feb. 5
7-9 pm
FEAT Center
14434 NE 8th St.
Bellevue, WA 98007
$100 per person
Contact nancyr@u.washington.edu
Taught by Gusty-Lee Boulware, Ph.D., BCBA and Nancy Rosenberg, Ph.C., BCBA
Does your child refuse to follow directions? Does he get upset when you make transitions? Does she act but when you "don't let her have her way" or when she can't have something she wants immediately? Does he get react negatively when you change his routine?
If you deal with these or other problem behaviors with your child with ASD, this class is for you. Come participate in a 5-week interactive workshop designed to give you the tools and real world solutions to
address the problem behaviors interfering with everyday life. You will be able to try out strategies and come back the next week and troubleshoot what did or didn't work. You will leave with a "toolkit"
of positive behavior support strategies that you will be able to draw on when new problems arise.
For parents of children ages 3-8
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2.3
Washington State Fathers Network
Western Regional Conference
February 23, 2008
Bahai Center, 16007 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA
(across from the Kindering Center)
SPEAKERS:
Peter Hunsberger, PhD
Don Meyer, MEd, Director, Sibling Support Project
Margaret-Lee Thompson
Larry Jones, Attorney
Patti Bell, Life Opportunity Trust
Laurie Slater, PhD, & Greg Schell, MEd.
For more information, contact Greg Schell:E-mail: greg.schell@kindering.org
Tel: 425.653.4286 Fax: 425.747.1069
Web page: www.fathersnetwork.org
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2.4
Free AUTISM SEMINAR - “The ABC’s of Functional Lab Testing for Children with ASD”
Saturday, February 16, 2008
1:00pm-4:00pm
Location:
Hannah S. Grunbaum Conference Center
1625 19th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
SPEAKER: Dr. Hatha Gbedawo - Naturopathic Physician
1 of 150 children is diagnosed with autism. If you are
a parent, grandparent, therapist, caregiver, medical
professional, etc. you do NOT want to miss this!
FREE
To register, please call LindaBrozanic at 1-800-288-0383
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2.5
Special Needs theme area of NW's Largest Family Expos -- KidFest!
Portland, OR: Oregon Convention Center - February 23-24, 2008
Vancouver, WA: Clark County Events Center - March 8-9, 2008
Seattle, WA: Tacoma Convention & Trade Center - May 17-18, 2008
KidFest is an amazing weekend focusing on active and healthy family lifestyle
and raising kids successfully. Non-stop entertainment, hundreds of interactive
exhibits for babies, kids, tweens and parents, family fun zones, Parent
Workshops, products and services designed to enrich your life.
For further information, contact:
Lori Washburn
KidFest! "Northwest's Largest Family Expo."
BabyFest! "Where the best ideas for babies are delivered!"
CampFest and Family Vacations! "Your Passport to Family Fun"
www.PintSizedProductions.com
kidfest@comcast.net
360.514.0767 503.310.5677
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2.6
Physicians for a National Health Program
Western Washington Chapter
Annual Public Meeting
Sunday, February 10th
7 pm
Kane Hall Room 120
University of Washington Campus
THE EFFECTS OF UNINSURANCE ON OUR COMMUNITIES
How insurance affects the community's health public services economy and the quality of life for all of us.
Rep. Jim McDermott
Rep. 7th District
Mike Kreidler OD, MPH,
State insurance commissioner
Brent Asplin MD MPH
Director of Emergency Medicine, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN
Easy parking under Kane Hall enter via 15th Ave
For more information, email- pnhp.westernwashington@comcast.net
Admission Free
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2.7
Best in the Northwest Special Needs Conference
March 7-8, 2008
Hosted by The Wyatt Holliday Foundation
St. Martin’s University Worthington Center & Pavilion
5300 Pacific Ave. SE * Lacey, WA 98503
Special Education Advocacy & Legal System
Health, Therapies, Adult & Caregiver Issues
CLEs, CMEs & CEUs offered
Featured Films: “Finding the Words” & “The Sandwich Kid”
Exhibitors in the Pavilion open to the public (Tickets $5)
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Dan Olmsted, AgeOfAutism.com
Bette Lamont, Developmental Movement
Marianne Wagner, HANDLE
Liliana Saccarin, Tomatis
Brenda High, BullyPolice.org
Jean Bateman, Independent Living
Don Aman, Special Needs Trusts
Elizabeth Horn, “Finding The Words”
Keri Bowers, “The Sandwich Kid”
Andrew Cuddy, Esq. “Special Ed Battlefield”
Michael McCormack, Esq. Health & Law
Mark Geier, MD, Autism & Vaccines
Lawrence Leichtman, MD, Down Syndrome
Gwen Glew, MD, Cerebral Palsy
Michael Belkin, Vaccines and Science
Dietrich Klinghardt, MD,PhD, Energy Med.
Robert Peretz-Rosales, PhD, Relationships
Hunter Hendrickson, Ped.PT, Transitioning
Register online now! http://www.WyattsHouse.org
For more information call (360) 507-0944
Email: info@wyattshouse.org
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2.8
The Autism Early Childhood Training Series
Presented by Margaret Brashers, Ph.D.
Northwest Educational Service District, 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA
These classes are designed for professionals and parents working with children on the autism spectrum. Dr. Brashers is a consultant at the University of Washington for Project DATA, a program for young children
with autism spectrum disorders, and consults with public school districts, preschools, and elementary schools on providing specialized instruction in inclusive settings.
Topics covered in this four-part series include:
Beginning Part 1: Ten Things Kids with Autism Really Want You to Know
Course No. AOP 1539NWV
February 7, 2008 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Intermediate Part 1: What to do When...Dealing with Challenging Behavior
Course No. AOP 1540NWV
March 13, 2008 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Intermediate Part 2: How to Teach so that Kids will Talk
Course No. AOP 1541NWV
April 10, 2008 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration: $85.00 per person per session
5 clock hours available at each class $15
Locations:
Contact Nancy Osterhout for K-20 information at (360) 299-4090 or autism@esd189.org.
Ways to register:
Mail registration form with P.O. or check to:
Northwest ESD, 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes WA 98221
Fax in the registration with P.O. or credit card to: (360) 299-4071
Phone in completed registration with your credit card to: 360-299-4082
Register online at:
http://www.esd189.org/autism/training.html
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2.9
You Are The Expert Conference 2008
"Celebrating Families and Professionals, The Heart of Success"
April 4 - 5, 2008
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th Street SW
Lynnwood, WA 989036
This is a wonderful opportunity for connecting with other parents and professionals: Gain New Ideas, Share your Knowledge and Experience . . . and Have a Great Time!
Cost: $125.00 per person for adults, free to youths 18 or younger attending with and adult. Includes breakfast and lunch both days, reception and silent auction Friday evening and youth dance Friday night.
To register go to:
http://www.washingtonpave.com/YATE/YateConference.html
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2.10
Washington PAVE’s Annual Conference
YOU ARE THE EXPERT 2008
Celebrating Families and Professionals:
The Heart of Success
April 4-5, 2008
Lynnwood, WA
SPEAKERS:
Keynote: Josh Brothers: The State of State—Information about Special Education in Washington State
Keynote: Kimmer Gordon: Using People First Language
•Karen Davis: Dispute Resolution in Special Education
•Renee Arcement: Recognizing Stress and Depression in Children
•Kate Orville & Cassie Johnston: Children with Special Healthcare Needs and the Medical Home
•Tricia & Cal Luker: Transition under IDEA 2004: Can We Expect Better Outcomes?
•Barbara Curtis: Traumatic Brain Injury
•Paul Alig: Specific Learning Disabilities and Response to Intervention
•Helen Jones: Strengthening Families Through Early Care & Education
•Kristen Hennessey: Conversations with OSPI’s Ombudsman
•Robin Higa: Community Café: Changing the Lives of Children through Conversations that Matter
•Vicky McKinney: Practice-Based Evidence
•Tricia & Cal Luker: Restraint, Seclusion and Positive Behavioral Interventions in Schools: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
•Sarah Pennington: Dancing on Quicksand while Gargling Peanut Butter
•Andrea Sheehan: Starting a New Journey—Transition to Preschool Special Education Services
•Diane Davis: Working with Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effects, and Autism Spectrum Disorders
•Kris Hirschmann & Mark Conley: Washington Virtual Academy—Meeting the Needs of Students in the 21st Century
The Youth Strand of the conference—for ages 12-21 years—features classes, workshops, and activities for building self-advocacy skills and other talents. It will be a fun, and active, as well as educational time. In addition, there will be a dance with a live band on Friday evening! The Youth Strand is free for youth who accompany their parent or caregiver to the conference.
The registration cost of $125.00 also covers breakfast, lunch, and evening reception with silent auction and great hors d’oeuvres on Friday plus breakfast on Saturday. Child care will not be provided.
To register go to www.washingtonpave.org and click on You Are the Expert Conference link.
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2.11
2008 ASA National Conference, July 9-12, at the Gaylord Palms
Resort & Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla.
Mark Your Calendars!
Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities
Think about supporting the 2008 ASA National Conference as a sponsor
or an advertiser. These spots go fast. With nearly 2,000 attendees
anticipated at the conference from around the US and internationally,
it's a great way to reach the autism community. For more
informati on, go to www.autism-society.org/conference and click on
"Exhibitor Information" to see the Sponsorship and Advertising
opportunities. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=01HVBerRlWO6AXh7t6katg..
Exhibitors
If you're interested in exhibiting at the 2008 ASA National
Conference, please visit www.autism-society.org/conference or call Meg
Ellacott, ASA's Exhibit Sales Director, at 302-260-9487. To date, over
45 percent of the available exhibit floor space has already been sold,
so you'll want to take action today. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ydyJKkjAOcNlcioi4Tw4AQ..
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FOCUS TOPICS/ARTICLES OF INTEREST
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3.1
Autism group getting the word out
Kings County Register
Efforts by the Valley Autism Support Team (VAST) to educate the public about
autism have paid off.
A recent donation by four Medical Office Assistant students from NSCC's
Kingstec campus - Jennifer Sabean, Melissa Tenyenhuis, Katelyn Halbgewachs
and Holly Boudreau - is just another initiative to fundraise in support of
VAST. VAST director Norm Donovan made a presentation at the college in
October, Autism Awareness Month. The students raised $389 by selling candy
packages and tickets on a basket.
VAST had been looking at holding a summer camp for autistic children, but
Donovan said the financial challenges associated with hosting anything on a
long-term basis proved considerable.
The group, which meets at the autism centre at Kingston school, now has a
membership of 32 families who are caring for a total of 35 autistic
children. Instead of the summer camp, VAST members have decided to focus on
establishing a year-round autism centre in the Valley. The Kingston site is
not available to families during the summer months, a time when support is
much needed by families.
Pointing to the Halifax Autism Centre as a model, Donovan said "we envision
a centre staffed by paid employees that would be open all year in an
accessible location."
In the meantime, Donovan continues his efforts to inform the public about
autism. He recently hosted a presentation to the Kingston and District
Volunteer Fire Department on risk management for people with autism. He said
about 150 firefighters and paramedics were on hand.
http://www.novanewsnow.com/article-173688-Autism-group-getting-the-word-out.html
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3.2
We just visited Disneyland in October with our eight-year-old son who is Asperger's and high-functioning. One thing we wished we had brought were ear-plugs and sunglasses, as the loud and brightly-lit rides bothered him. He spent the first time through both Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion with his eyes tightly shut and his hands clapped over his ears. (We went through both a second time and he wasn't so bothered, I think because he knew what to expect.) He also wasn't that keen on the rides that threw him around a lot. He did love the raft ride (Grizzly Mountain, I think it's called) in California Adventureland, and he got soaked on that, but he hated Splash Mountain; go figure. He and I skipped Space Mountain and let his dad and seven-year-old sister go on that. The three of them went on the huge rollercoaster, Screamin' Over California, and neither of the kids liked it too much. I stood by the entrance until they got on and told them they could leave their dad if they decided they didn't want to do it, but they both went. I hate rollercoasters.
The one thing he absolutely adored was getting to fight Darth Vader in the "Jedi Training" in the Tomorrowland area! He and his sister were lucky enough to be among the group of kids picked to go up and be "trained" to fight with toy light sabers, then each kid got to "fight" with either Darth Vader or Darth
Maul; it was a hoot! He had the best time with that since he's a big Star Wars fan.
We never pursued any sort of special pass due to his Asperger's, and for the most part, there were no other problems. We had a great time, overall. I'm so glad we went in the off-season (at the end of October and on Wednesday and Thursday) when there were fewer crowds. I think that made all the difference since we rarely had to stand in any lines.
- Molly K.
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3.3
Courant.com
A Leg Up On Life
Adults With Autism Are Getting Help With Life Skills
By KATHLEEN MEGAN
Courant Staff Writer
January 20, 2008
Above Jonathan Ross' computer is taped a list of his long-term goals: Lose 200 pounds. Get a job. Become more socially active.
Next to it is another note that says, "I believe in myself," written five times.
"So have you been saying it?" asks Caitlin Kenny, his life-skills coach, referring to the "belief" note.
"Yes," Ross replies. He's been repeating it out loud once in the morning and again later in the day.
If you were to meet Jonathan Ross, you might not know there was anything different about him. He is perfectly affable, has interesting observations and lives in a well-organized apartment.
But for years, Ross, who is 47, has had trouble making friends, following through on his life goals and leading an independent life. Finally, a few years ago, a doctor told him he has Asperger's syndrome, a disorder that is considered a mild form of autism.
Asked how it is that Asperger's affects him, Ross spoke about his feelings: "There's some connection that has to be made, and I don't have the connection" to form relationships with people.
"If there are seven things in life you need to do things, I have six of them, and that seventh thing, I don't have," said Ross. "It's some kind of learning experience that you have that I don't.
"I feel like if I could get my hands around that one thing: Maybe I could get something out of life different."
To view full article visit: courant.com/features/lifestyle/hc-autisticadults.artjan20,0,6145933.story?coll=hc_sports_golf_promo
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3.4
In 1971 California added full syndrome autism to it's list of eligible
conditions that could qualify for admittance into California's eligibility based
developmental services system. During the next 22 years, from 1971-1993, the
system grew to serve some 4000 persons with full syndrome autism.
According to a report just released this week by California's Department of
Developmental Services (DDS), during the most recent 12 month reporting
period from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 California added 4,143 new
cases of professionally diagnosed full syndrome cases of autism to it's
system. What took 22 years to accumulate in the system in raw numbers of persons
with autism now takes just 12 months. Twenty years ago in 1987 there were 2,778
persons with autism in the system, by the end of 2007 there were 36,952.
During the 4th. Quarter of 2007 alone, there were 1,236 new children added
to the system with full syndrome autism...an all time record number of new
cases for a Quarterly reporting period in the 39 year history of California's
system. It was the recent 3rd. Quarter of 2007 that brought in, for the first
time ever, more then 1,000 new intakes (1,060) in the history of the system,
followed now by another record number (1,236) of new intakes during the 4th.
Quarter of 2007. Autism now accounts for 59% of all new intakes entering the
system that also includes children with mental retardation, epilepsy, and
cerebral palsy.
Last year, for the first time ever, California's developmental services
system served more persons with autism then cerebral palsy, and by the end of the
first quarter of 2008, autism will surpass epilepsy as the number two
condition served by California's developmental services system. Historically,
autism, prior to 1980, accounted for just 3% of the total population and ranked a
distant fourth among all the eligible conditions.
The most telling fact surrounding California's autism epidemic is the age
distribution in the autism population. Whereas with all the other conditions
that are served in the system where between 55- 60% of those populations are
over the age of 22 years old, in the autism population only 15% are over the
age of 22.
85% of the autism population is under the age of 21, 78% under the age of
18, and over 1 out of 4 persons with autism in the system is between 6 and 9
years old. No children under the age of three are included in the DDS reports.
Due to the strict eligibility requirements to enter California's
developmental services system, the director of DDS estimates that California's
developmental services system serves less then 20% of the autism and autism spectrum
population in California.
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3.5
Gene Expression Profile Distinctions In Autistic Children Identified
Genomic analysis could add biological certainty to behavioral diagnosis
A group of genes with known links to natural-killer cells -- the first to attack viruses, bacteria and malignancies -- are expressed at high levels in the blood of children with autism when compared to children without the disorder, according to a new study from the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. Researchers also found gene expression distinctions in children with early onset and regressive forms of the disorder. The outcomes, published in the January issue of Genomics, offer hope that gene expression analyses can provide biological evidence of autism, currently diagnosed only through behavioral assessments,
in some children.
"What we found were 11 specific genes with expression levels that were significantly higher in the blood of children with autism when compared to the blood of typically developing children," said Frank Sharp, senior author of the study and professor of neurology with the M.I.N.D. Institute. "Those 11 genes are all known to be expressed by natural-killer cells, which are cells in the immune system necessary for mounting a defense against infected cells. We were surprised by our results because we were not looking for these particular genes. And while a number of studies have shown immune system dysregulation to be an important factor in autism, ours is one of the first to implicate these particular cells."
In conducting the study, Sharp, molecular pathologist Jeff Gregg and their M.I.N.D. Institute colleagues used blood samples from 35 children diagnosed with autism, 14 with development delay but not autism and 12 typically developing children. The samples were subjected to gene expression analysis using microarrays and compared for common patterns. In addition to finding the 11 genes with natural-killer cell connections shared by all of the children with autism, they identified a pattern of 140 genes differentially expressed in children with the early onset form of the disorder and a pattern of 20 genes differentially expressed in children with the regressive form of the disorder. The team is the first to use genomic profiling of blood to observe differences in children with autism.
A serious and increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, autism is characterized by language impairments, social deficits and limited, repetitive behaviors. While some parents report they knew something was wrong with their child close to birth, others report their children progressed just like others and then lost social and/or language skills later, usually between the ages of 1 and 2.
These separate experiences led clinicians to hypothesize that there are at least two types of autism -- early onset and regressive. This study offers biological evidence of those two subtypes. Microarrays are used to examine the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. Because of its accuracy, the technology may become an important diagnostic tool for a variety of neurological conditions, including
ischemic stroke and multiple sclerosis. To perform the analysis, RNA is isolated from cells in the blood. Complimentary strands of DNA (cDNA) are then created using the RNA as a template. Fluorescently labeled cRNA is next made from the cDNA and hybridized with the DNA on the array.
Scanners using laser technology then read the array, revealing which genes are expressed and at what levels.In addition to being expressed by natural-killer cells, some of the 11 genes found to be expressed at higher levels in children with autism are also expressed by CD8+ T lymphocytes -- cells that target infected cells and, once bound to them, destroy them. It is not yet clear whether autism involves a primary problem in natural-killer cells, CD8+ lymphocytes or both.
"What we are seeing can reflect something in the environment that is triggering the activation of these genes or something genetic that the children have from the time they were conceived," Sharp explained. "Such an immune response could be caused by exposure to a virus, another infectious agent or even a
toxin. Another possibility is that these changes represent a genetic susceptibility factor that predisposes children to autism when they are exposed to some environmental factor."
He added that the current study also does not identify whether or not the natural-killer cells are functioning abnormally, which further work by M.I.N.D. Institute immunologists will reveal.
"If the natural-killer cells are dysfunctional, this might mean that they cannot rid a pregnant mother, fetus or newborn of an infection, which could contribute to autism."
Gregg and Sharp consider the findings preliminary until they can be replicated, but still believe the study results point them in a new research direction that will shed light on the biological foundations of autism and eventually lead to new therapeutic targets.
The study, "Gene Expression Profiles in Children with Autism," was funded by the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the UC Davis Center for Children's Environmental Health and the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. A copy can be downloaded at www.sciencedirect.com
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3.6
MANDARIN LESSON
In China, Grass-Roots Groups
Stretch Limits on Activism
A Mother Leads Quest
To School Autistic Kids;
Selling the Family Home
By IAN JOHNSON
January 9, 2008; Page A1
TAIZHOU, China -- For nearly two years, Ma Chen and a group of her
friends have run a volunteer effort to help children with autism. They
opened three schools, raised $200,000 and brought in outside experts.
Now the 35-year-old mother of an autistic girl wants to turn an
overgrown plot of land into a working farm for the children when they
grow up.
"We need to grow in size," says Ms. Ma, as she tramps through a tangle
of orange trees and creeping vines.
But her ambitious goals will require a bigger, better-organized
charity -- and that is propelling her into delicate territory. She is
part of a grass-roots movement that is testing China's tolerance of
groups that operate independent of official supervision.
The outcome has important implications for China. Independent centers
of power, such as charities and advocacy groups, have begun popping up
here in response to social problems. Beijing is gradually permitting
nongovernmental organizations, but it restricts their scope. The
country's leadership worries that too much civil society could stir up
conflict, challenge its grip and put at risk the stability that has
underpinned 25 years of fast economic growth.
[go to slideshow]
Ian Johnson
Ma Chen and her daughter, Yu Miao, who suffers from autism, share a
quiet moment at school.
To view full article visit: http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119980515239074901-PF0OvHPbu7SnBlXo6pTUufYd8cI_20080208.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top
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3.7
Children's Mental Focus Foundation Announces A Scientific
Breakthrough For Children Who Have Been Diagnosed With Autism, ADD
And ADHD
25 Jan 2008
Children's Mental Focus Foundation (CMFF), a nonprofit organization located in Henderson, Nevada, has discovered a virus that may be linked to children with autism and other mental disorders. CMFF is a "Research Foundation" currently working with doctors that have patients afflicted with mental disorders. This new discovery may help children and adults cope with behavioral problems associated with mental disorders such as Autism, ADD and ADHD, says head of research at CMFF, Rick C. Hunt, PhD who discovered the virus. The virus is called the R1H2 virus. Further evaluations on some 200 children who had been diagnosed with Autism also revealed this same specific virus present in the brain of these children.
CMFF has already developed a natural technology approach, to prompt the child's own immune system to respond correctly to this virus and support the elimination of this virus. The challenge facing the CMFF researchers and their affiliate physician offices across the USA is the task of creating a comprehensive brain healing therapy, so that these children can slowly recover from this disorder.
To view full article visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/95064.php
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3.8
Washington PAVE has established an annual award to recognize those who have exemplified PAVE’s mission to individuals with disabilities, their families, and communities.Up to 3 nominees will be awarded with the Coin of Excellence at Washington PAVE’s You Are The Expert Conference. All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition.
Winners will be selected by how they demonstrate PAVE’s mission in supporting:
• the community,
• classroom/school/work environment,
• individuals, and/or
• Family lives.
MISSION OF WASHINGTON PAVE
PAVE, a parent directed organization, exists to increase independence,
empowerment, future opportunities and choices for consumers with
special needs, their families
and communities, through training, information, referral and support.
Deadline to accept nominations will be on FEBRUARY 29, 2008 (EXTENDED). Winner needs to be chosen prior to You Are The Expert Conference 2008.
Please nominate someone for the “2008 You Make a Difference Award” by sharing your story about how that person made a difference for you or for others. Who is that person for you? Who do you know, who has reached outside their own comfort zone to help someone? Many people don’t even realize what they have done to help a life of another person. Each person has a choice in making the world better. It could be something as simple as a smile for the person standing in line at the grocery store, or offering a helping hand to a fellow community member in need. Up to 3 nominees will be awarded the Coin of Excellence at Washington PAVE’s You Are The Expert Conference 2008. For more information, please call Joanne Butts, Executive Director, at 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or 1-800-5-PARENT (v/tty) or check our website at www.washingtonpave.org.
Please, email the nomination form to Diana Lloyd at dlloyd@washingtonpave.com or fax it at 253-566-8052.
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3.9
Autism help scarce
By Maureen O'Hagan
Seattle Times staff reporter
"Arthur," therapist CJ Stout said quietly.
No response.
"Arthur," he said again. And again, and again.
Eight-year-old Arthur sat inches away. He alternately stared into the distance and squished his nose with his fingers. Six years ago, he was diagnosed with autism. He still hasn't quite perfected the skill of responding to his own name. Stout was beginning a behavioral-therapy session with Arthur at the boy's home in Seattle's Madrona neighborhood. It's an intensive treatment involving repetition and rewards. And national experts say it should be done about 25 hours a week with kids like Arthur.
When Arthur was diagnosed, the neurologist told his parents, Ned Conroy and Katrina Davis, to start him on such therapies quickly if they wanted to see his condition improve.
To view full article, visit: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2004136303&zsection_id=2003925728&slug=autism21m&date=20080121
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SECTION FOUR: Information for Eastern Washington
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^========
4.1
AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA – TRI-CITIES CHAPTER
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4.2
AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA – SPOKANE CHAPTER
Upcoming Events:
Annual Meeting-
Preview movies for April Autism Film Fest
Sign ups for volunteering for this event
Wednesday Feb 20, (6:30-8 pm)
Saint Luke’s Rehab Institution
711 S. Cowley, Rm 200 Spokane
If you have an autism DVD to preview, contact
spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org
Mocha Group
Wednesday Feb 13th (7-9pm)
Rocket Market
723 E 43rd, Spokane
(South on Grand, Left at Highdrive (43rd))
DVD & discussion (Jepson./Biomedical issues)
Autism 204: SOCIAL SKILLS
Instructor: Steve Becker, PhD
“Sexuality & Relationships”
Thurs January 21th, 2008 7:00-8:30 pm
ESD 101 Video Link W/ Children’s Hospital
4202 S. Regal Conference Room
Teen/ Youth Group
Bring a game to play.
Trying to schedule the 3rd Sunday of the Month
Sunday Feb 17th 1-3pm
Service Station Coffee House
9317 N. Nevada, Spokane
spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org
Adults with Asperger’s
Looking to start new social group—
meet at Service Station Coffee House same time as
Young Adults/ Teen Group
Bring ideas and game to play
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4.3
The SCPC Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1999. The purpose of this fund is to assist parents, foster parents, guardians, siblings, or other family members of children with developmental disabilities in Spokane County to attend workshops, conferences, seminars, or other trainings specific to the disability of their family member. Funding can be used for registration fees, respite care, travel expenses, fuel expenses, and/or lodging involved with attending an approved event.
For more information contact Lance Morehouse at (509) 328-6326. Or mail your applications to: Arc of Spokane, 127 W. Boone, Spokane, WA 99201
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SECTION FIVE: Information for Western Washington Families
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^========
5.1
THURSTON/MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA
THURSTON and MASON COUNTY ASPERGER AND AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
This group meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm at the
Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside Street SE, Olympia.
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington, Olympia Chapter
The family support group continues each month the second Tuesday of each month. We continue to meet at the Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside St SE, Suite B (take exit 105B and go right on Plum to Eastside St)
For your information, the Tuesday Night Support Group for family members living with autism and/or Asperger’s (no cost to participants) will meet monthly, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
2nd Tuesday of the month: Parents and family members living with ASD
If you have any questions feel free to email Patty Gee at pattyjgee@comcast.net or call 360-754-2584
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5.2
Steve Becker and Associates is offering four exciting new groups for families living with persons with Asperger's Syndrome!
Partner Therapy Groups give clueless significant others ways to live more happily with their spouses with Asperger’s: self-care, setting realistic expectations, anger and avoidance, and sexuality.
Des Moines Group
Runs: February 8th-29th
Day: Friday afternoons
Time: 12:00-1:30
Fee: $150
Parenting Children and Teens class offers practical strategies for caregivers coping with stress, bullying, avoidance, anger, aggression, and other behavior problems.
Runs: February 7th-28th
Day: Thursday mornings
Time: 10:30-12:00
Location: Des Moines office
Fee: $150
Friends Club for Teens ages 13-17 who need social skills training and opportunities to make new friends in a safe, supportive environment. Offered in 3-month blocks.
Starts: January 10th-March 27th
Day: Thursday afternoons
Time: 4:30-5:30
Location: Bellevue office
Fee: $150/month
DDD funding available
For more information or to register, please call us at 206.824.1525 or e-mail the attached Registration Form to us at lisa_beckerandassociates@comcast.net
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Families Living with Asperger’s Syndrome”
with Steve Becker, Ph.D.
Runs: January 31-February 21, 2008
Day: Thursday evenings
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Fee: $150 per Family Unit (any two people)
Location: 365 118th St. SE, Ste 118, Bellevue, WA 98005
Families Living with Asperger’s Syndrome offers clueless family members strategies to live more happily with loved ones who have Asperger's Syndrome. Topics will include:
•Self-Care
•Coping with the Diagnosis
•Organizing and Structuring your Home
•Communication Strategies
•Setting Realistic Expectations
•Teaching Social Skills
•Living With Siblings
•School Programs
•Getting your Needs Met with Adult Aspies
•Working with Problem Behaviors
For more information or to register, please call us at
206-824-1525
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5.3
AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA – SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Autism Society of WA Southwest Chapter General Meeting
Please join us for our next Autism Society of Washington SW Chapter general meeting. We meet
the 3rd Saturday of the odd-numbered months, at 3:00pm.
ARC Family Center Bldg A Conference Room
6511 NE 18th Street, Vancouver
Please join us for our next Autism Society of Washington SW Chapter general meeting. We meet the 3rd Saturday of the odd-numbered months, at 3:00pm.
Our November meeting will be an informal gathering. Please bring a potluck item and recipe to share (or any snack of your choice-- we understand!). GF/CF appreciated but not required for the potluck items.
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5.4
Autism Society of Tacoma
A Chapter of the Autism Society of Washington
Informational Support Group Meeting held at TACID
6315 South 19th Street in Tacoma
Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 pm
AST meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month
For further information call (253) 759-7995 or (253) 576-6351.
AST abides by the Options Policy as established by ASA/ASW.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.5
Adult Caregiver Support Group
The Arc of Snohomish County
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300
Everett, WA 98201
This group would be great for you to attend if:
•You have an adult son or daughter that has a developmental disability and they are living with you.
•You have an adult son or daughter that is living in a residential program and you are not sure what your rights and responsibilities are.
•Your son or daughter with a developmental disability has reached the teenage years and you need start thinking about the future.
•You are a sibling of an adult with a developmental disability and take part in care giving or may become a primary caregiver in the future.
If you have any questions please contact Jamie Coonts at
Jamie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459
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5.6
Snohomish County Family Interagency coordinating council County Interagency Coordinating Councils are made up of local community members, including family members, service providers, and local agencies. ITEIP ensures an operational local council through contracting with the early intervention services lead agency. The FICC is the advisory body to the local ITEIP contracted early intervention lead agency. The FICCs focus on making services easier for families to access locally and on building community capacity for early intervention services. The Snohomish County FICC meetings this year will be quarterly on the third Thursday in November, March and May. They will meet at 9:30am at Children's Village, 14 E. Casino Road- Bldg A (closest to Casino Road). The Children’s Village is behind Fred Meyer just west of Evergreen Way. The parking entrance is at the farthest end of the building from Evergreen Way. Plenty of free, easy parking is available. Parent participation in the FICC is encouraged. The FICC can reimburse parents up to $25.00 for childcare and travel. Interpreter or translation services are available. Mary Jean Mitchell (425-513-1663) will handle parent stipends and meeting accommodations. Please request accommodations at least a week in advance. The parent co-chair position is currently vacant. If you are interested in this position, please contact Pattie Urie, the Agency chairperson at (425) 334-4071 or purie@sherwoodcs.org. Or you can contact Meg Voedisch, voedima@dshs.wa.gov or 425-339-4851.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.7
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES NETWORK - OLYMPIA
Parent network for kids with special needs (not just autism or Aspergers) This groups meets the third Saturday of the month, 1-4pm, Olympia Community Center. Free child care. Call (360) 507-0944 or info@wyattshouse.org or visit http://spclneedsparents.meetup.com/3/calendar/5218758/ for
information on speakers and activities.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.8
MOCHA - Mothers of Children with Autism
Peer support, comfort and energy for parents of children with ASD
diagnosis or related issues. Email amyohta@hotmail to be added to
the mailing list.
EASTSIDE: Contact Amy at amyohta@hotmail.com or (425) 827-8057.
WESTSIDE: Contact Ricci at (206) 938-5032 or wutsername@aol.com.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.9
PARENT ALLIANCE FOR INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH
The Parent Alliance has several upcoming program activities and meetings that we are excited to share with you. Please let us know what you are interested in! We want to be sure to connect you to resources that you need.
Community Conversations are monthly community meetings in your community to discuss topics of interest to you and your family. These meetings will focus on increasing inclusive opportunities and programs in your community and help direct the Parent Alliance in planning informational specialty trainings and activities.
Special Education Roundtable Discussions are topic driven, monthly support meetings for parents regarding issues in special education. These roundtables are an opportunity for parents to build their knowledge through parent peer mentors and develop natural supports for navigating the school system.
Students Advocating for Valuable Education—SAVE—empowers students before the age of transition to be active participants in their IEP’s, career choice, and other issues related to transition services for individuals in special education.
The Parent Transition Advisory Committee will focus on what families need to be informed, feel valued and be prepared for the next steps with their son or daughter who reaches the age of 21. Where are the gaps? What is or is not working?
We have several email resources to meet your needs:
Our Monthly Newsletter is packed full of information from state, regional and local resources. It also includes upcoming trainings, resources and websites that you might find useful.
The CORE email list group, (Community Opportunities, Resources, & Education) gives you information on upcoming events, including leisure and recreational opportunities, resources for your family member, and education and training opportunities.
The DDD Information & Advocacy email list group will keep you updated on the changes happening in the Division of Developmental Disabilities. We’ll keep you informed about any changes, deadlines and trainings available.
If you would like more information about any of our programs, email groups, or activities, or would like to be added to an email list, please contact Lori or Karin. If you do not see what you need, feel free to send any suggestions to us. We want to meet your needs.
Scroll down to find several fun summer opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy! Summer is upon us, but there are still plenty of meetings and opportunities for information and training.
Karin Coppernoll
Email: ddadvocate@comcast.net
425.345.8171
Lori Flood
Email: loriaflood@verizon.net
425.273.5066
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5.10
THE KENT AUTISM EDUCATIONAL/SUPPORT MEETINGS (Formerly the Des Moines)
Meetings will be at Children’s Therapy Center of Kent
10811 SE Kent Kangley Rd.
Kent, WA 98030
Just like before the meetings will be the third Thursday, except for Sept. 7-9PM
Oct - Facilitating Play dates and Social Skills
Meetings are Sept - May (Excluding Dec)
New Coordinators
Elaine Ford
Elaine@skipkids.org or
Jennifer O’Neal
JenniferO@dfs.org
253-854-5660
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5.11
SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY CHILDREN WITH ASPERGERS PARENT GROUP
This group meets twice monthly on the first and third Monday
evenings from 7-9pm, at Family Support Center, 6330 - 195th St SW,
LYNNWOOD. Guest speakers featured at the third Monday meetings.
Call Pam Graham at (425) 670-8984 Ext 4# or email pgraham@lcsnw.org
for more information. Visit www.familysupportcenter.net .
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5.12
KINDERING CENTER AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT MEETINGS
This support group is for parents of children up to age six who are
on the autism spectrum (not just Asperger's). Morning meetings are
the first Thursday at 9AM; Evening meetings are the 3rd Thursday at
6:30PM. Childcare is provided at evening meetings for $5-10/child
donation. Meeting are facilitated by Laurie Slater, family
counselor at Kindering. Call (425) 747-4004, email
laurie.slater@kindering.org, or visit
http://kindering.org/623.html . Kindering Center, 16120 NE 8th
Street, BELLEVUE.
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5.13
PUYALLUP AUTISM SUPPORT
For more information, email ASAP (Advocating for Students with
Autism in Puyallup and surrounding areas) at
asappuyallup@comcast.net or (253) 262-1742. Groups meets October
through June each school year.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.14
SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
SPD Parent Connections meets one Saturday a month from Noon-1:30pm,
at the Redmond Regional Library, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond. Email
Carrie at spdredmond@notmail.com to confirm meeting dates or for
more information.
NOTICE: Currently working on a national petition to add SPD
diagnostic criteria to DSM. Visit www.kidfoundation.org for details.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.15
EASTSIDE ADHD PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets on the second Monday of the month, 7-9 pm at the
conference room in the Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Avenue
SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Contact Jayne Carlin, (206) 230-9071
or jscarlin@juno.com . Free and open to the public.
Visit http://www.addresources.org/adhdmeetings_parents_eastside.php
TACOMA ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7-9pm, at Jackson Hall, 314
Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma. Visit
http://www.addresources.org/adhdmeetings_adults_tacoma.php or Jayne
Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for details.
SEATTLE ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm, at Plaza Café in the
University of Washington Health Sciences Center in Seattle. Visit
http://www.addresources.org/adhdmeetings_adults_seattle.php
or Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for more
details.
OLYMPIA ADULT ADHD SUPPORT GROUP
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm at St Peter
Hospital Professional Building, 525 Lilly Road, Olympia. Visit
http://www.addresources.org/adhdmeetings_adults_olympia.php or email
Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 for more details
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.16
BRIDGES - MAPLE VALLEY
This is a group for families of children receiving special education
in the Tahoma School district and surrounding areas. This group
meets the 1st Tuesday of every month (including summer) at the Maple
Valley Community Center, 22010 SE 248th Street, Maple Valley, 6:30-
8pm.Contact Sara Lundin at (425) 432-1366 or by email at
ssjlundin@earthlink.net for details.
BRIDGES - NORTH THURSTON
New group for parents of children in the North Thurston School
District. Email
Bridges11@comcast.net or call Maura Garratt at (360) 923-5666
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.17
FATHER'S NETWORK
Are you the father of a child with a disability? The Fathers
Network was started just for you. Finally get the support you've
been looking for. Visit www.fathersnetwork.org , call Greg Schell
at (425) 747-4004 ext 4286, or email greg.schell@kindering.org
2007-2008 Bellevue/Kindering Center
Fathers Network Calendar
Welcome! All dads are invited to join us for a good cup of coffee and solid conversation.
We look forward to meeting you!
February 2, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
February 16, 2008 (Saturday), VALENTINE’S PARTY, "Couples", 6:30-8:30 P.M.
March 1, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
March 15, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
March 29, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
April 12, 2008 (Saturday), FAMILY SEMINAR, "Couples", 10AM-noon
April 26, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
May 10, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
May 24, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
June 7, 2008 (Saturday), Discussion, 9:30AM-noon
June 14-15-16, Annual Anacortes Campout, "All Family", Washington Park, Anacortes, WA
(Additional dates may be added for July and August dependent on dads’ availability)
Meetings are held at Kindering Center, 16120 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA
Childcare is available by informing us of the need
Reserve a space by calling 425-747-4004, ext.5434
Holiday celebrations may be held at a different location than Kindering Center
Call 425-747-4004 for details
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.18
WASHINGTON STATE PARENT TO PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Looking for support near you? This is a network across the state
that provides support,
information and education for families of children with special
needs. Call (800) 821-5927 for support and resources near you.
http://www.arcwa.org/parent_to_parent.htm
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5.19
Feb 11, 2008 Dealing with the Explosive Child and Teen with Peter Weiss, M.A., LMHC, Seattle Child Therapy
March 10, 2008 "Responsibility Earns Freedom" with Jack M. Reiter, M.D., Child and Adult Psychiatrist
April 14, 2008: Answers to ADHD for Children and Teens-Why do I have it? How does Medication Help Me? How do I explain ADHD others? With Dr. Ted Mandelkorn, Puget Sound Behavioral Medicine.
May 12, 2008: Understanding AD/HD in Girls and Women with Kim Kendall, PhD
June 9, 2008: ADHD and Bipolar Disorder with Hower Kwon, M.D., Child and Adult Psychiatrist
July 14, 2008: ADHD and Brain-Based Treatment for Cognitive Behavioral and Socialization Oriented Growth and Development with Pamela K Smith, MA, LMFT
Mercer Island Fire Station
3030 78th Avenue SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.20
Tacoma Parents Support Group
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7-9 pm in Jackson Hall in Tacoma.
Tacoma Adult ADHD Support Group
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm in Jackson Hall in Tacoma. Amy LePage, Life Coach, will present "Playing to Your Strengths" on December 12.
Olympia Adult ADHD Support Group
This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-9 pm in St Peter Hospital Professional Building, 525 Lilly Road, NE in Olympia. No meeting in December.
Seattle Adult ADHD Support Group
This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-9 pm at the Plaza Cafe in the University Medical Center in Seattle. Margaret Z Sutro MA, psychotherapist in Seattle, will present "Plan for a Rewarding Year" on January 16.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EASTSIDE ADD RESOURCES PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Contact Jayne Carlin at jscarlin@juno.com or (206) 230-9071 to be added to this e-mail reminder list.
========^^^^^^^========^^^^^^^^=======
5.21
It's time to register for February classes offered by the Autism Outreach Project!
The Autism Early Childhood Training series continues in February. Presented by Margaret Brashers, Ph.D., these courses are designed for parents and professionals working with children on the autism spectrum . Dr. Brashers is a consultant at the University of Washington for Project DATA, a program for young children with autism spectrum disorders, and consults with public school districts, preschools, and elementary schools on providing specialized instruction in inclusive settings. These courses are presented at Northwest Educational Service District and are available statewide to K-20 locations. The next course in the series, How to Lose the "Velcroed" Aide, will be presented on Thursday, February 7, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This session will show ways to optimize support by building independence while systematically fading your help. Techniques shown will apply to both special education and general education classrooms as you help students become more independent in making transitions, following routines, tolerating delays in reinforcement, completing tasks, and getting started. Participants can register for individual courses and are not required to take each class in the series.
Components of an Effective Program for Elementary Students with ASD is an all-day course offered on Thursday, February 21, 2008 , from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This essential session on evidence-based practices will outline the components of an effective education program for elementary students with autism spectrum disorders. Practical research-based interventions will be taught with engaging anecdotes, examples, and case studies. Presenter Crystal Gray, M.Ed., Ph.D. ABD, is a dynamic presenter and autism specialist. She is the author of the Educational Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders and a certified Special Educator who has worked in the field of autism as the Autism Outreach Project Coordinator, special educator, behavior specialist, author, and researcher. Currently, Crystal is completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Washington State University, where she is conducting research on responsiveness to treatment in students with autism spectrum disorders. This course is available to K-20 locations statewide.
On Thursday, February 28, 2008, Meeting the Academic and Social Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders will be presented from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This all-day course will explore how social skills impact all areas of school functioning, including academics. Participants will learn to identify students with social cognitive deficits and will learn specific strategies for addressing these deficits within existing curriculum and in the general education setting. Presenter Gretchen Schmidt-Mertes, M.Ed., is an Educational Specialist in Autism for the Bethel School District and has presented on topics in autism throughout the state of Washington. She attended a short-term internship on Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism at the University of Kansas and has trained extensively with Michelle Garcia Winner at the Center for Social Thinking. Gretchen has completed an internship and intensive training with the University of Washington Autism Center and for the past seven years has served as a Regional Autism Facilitator Trainer (RAFt) for the Autism Outreach Project. This course is available to K-20 locations statewide.
Ways to register:
¨ Mail registration form with P.O. or check to:
Northwest ESD 189, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221
¨ Fax in the registration with P.O. or credit card to:
(360) 299-4070
¨ Phone in completed registration with your credit card to:
360-299-4082
¨ Register online at:
http://www.esd189.org/autism/training.html
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5.22
FEBRUARY 7, 2008 -Cary Griffin: Job Development and Customized Employment
9:00 AM-3:30PM, Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline, WA, To register, contact: Andrew Kottwitz, W.i.S.e. (206) 343-0881 x105 : andrew@theinitiative.ws
FEBRUARY 16, 2008:Free AUTISM SEMINAR - “The ABC’s of Functional Lab Testing for Children with ASD” Saturday, 1:00pm-4:00pm Location: Hannah S. Grunbaum Conference Center. 1625 19th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. SPEAKER: Dr. Hatha Gbedawo - Naturopathic Physician. 1 of 150 children is diagnosed with autism. If you are a parent, grandparent, therapist, caregiver, medical professional, etc. you do NOT want to miss this! FREE To register, please call LindaBrozanic at 1-800-288-0383
FEBRUARY 27th, 2008 Teresa Grossi: K-12 Benchmarks for Success
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, 2445 3rd Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134. Presented By Seattle Public Schools, King County Developmental Disabilities Division, Pierce,County Developmental Disabilities, and Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities K-12 Benchmarks
Teresa Grossi returns to Seattle on February 27th to present K-12 Benchmarks for Success for students with developmental disabilities. As it becomes more apparent that employment should be an expectation from an early age, it is more important to implement supports to ensure that each student is given the best possible chance to achieve gainful employment. But what are the timelines? How can you evaluate each individual as they progress? An immensely popular presenter last year, Teresa Grossi is sure to bring energetic discussion to school staff, educators, teachers, and para-educators. For registration, contact Andrew Kottwitz at W.i.S.e Phone: 206-343-0881 x105 Email: andrew@theinitiative.ws Interpretation service available upon request with ten days notice. Lunch on your own. Clock-hours will be offered.
MARCH 7, 2008 4th Annual Developmental Disabilities Health Care Update: Focus for primary care providers
8 a.m.– 4 p.m. 7.0 Category 1 CME Hours, Location: Swedish Medical Center Glaser Auditorium, Seattle, Washington. Swedish Medical Center will designate this activity for 7.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
Keynote Address By: I. Leslie Rubin, M.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Editor of Medical Care for Children and Adults with Developmental Disability; 2nd. Ed. (Paul H. Brookes, 2006). Formerly, President of the Medical Interest Group of the American Assoc. on Intellectual & Developmental Disability (was AAMR), and at The Marcus Institute, Emory University. Currently, Founder & President, Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Disability.
Presentations include:
oRecognizing Choking and Aspiration Risk in patients with ID/DD
o“Nuts and Bolts” of psychiatric medication management
oAssessment and Management of GI problems
oTailoring office evaluations for the patient with ID/DD
oPartnering with Parents- consumer perspectives
oClinical Case Conferences
Registration Fee: $90 for MD/ PA/ ARNP/PH.D. (with online registration); Allied healthcare professionals-- $60.
oFind complete conference information after Jan. 10 at: www.swedish.org/cme
oFor Further information, contact Gene McConnachie at mcconga@dshs.wa.gov
MARCH 11, 2008 Dale Dileo: Employment for Everyone
9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Snohomish County Public Utility District Building, 2320 California Street, Everett, WA
To register, contact: Teri Johnson, O'Neill and Associates, (206) 269-0232 : teri@oneillandassociates.com
APRIL 4 - 5, 2008 You Are The Expert Conference 2008
"Celebrating Families and Professionals, The Heart of Success". Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th Street SW Lynnwood, WA 98036 This is a wonderful opportunity for connecting with other parents and professionals: Gain New Ideas, Share your Knowledge and Experience . . . and Have a Great Time!
Cost: $125.00 per person for adults, free to youths 18 or younger attending with and adult. Includes breakfast and lunch both days, reception and silent auction Friday evening and youth dance Friday night.
To register go to: http://www.washingtonpave.com/YATE/YateConference.html
APRIL 16th - April 18th A Community Of Action: Leadership Conference
Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA To register, contact: Marnie Valenta, W.i.S.e.
(206) 313-0577 : marnie@theinitiative.ws
APRIL 24th: Imagine the Possibilities: Candee and Katie Basford.
The Down syndrome Community welcomes a mother/daughter presentation that addresses living life with Down syndrome from the perspective of both the parent and the child. Candee shares lessons learned from life with her daughter and the artwork it inspired. While Katie shares her dreams and means of pursuing them. For a closer look visit: www.wedancetogether.com. Highland Center, Bellevue, 7pm. No childcare available. Everyone welcome.
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5.23
All classed to be held at:
Children’s Therapy Unit
402 15th Avenue East Puyallup, WA 98371-0192
For more information on the following classes, visit www.goodsamhealth.org
Introduction to NDT in Pediatrics
February 28, 29, & March 1, 2008 - Thursday, Friday, Saturday / 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Playing and Engaging With Others - Introduction to Floor Time and The DIR Model for
March 7 - 8, 2008 (Friday Evening and Saturday) / Fri 4:30PM - 9:00PM - Sat 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Understanding Sensory Processing/Integration with Remediation Strategies
Sat. & Sun, April 12&13, 2008 / 8:00 - 4:30 each day
It Takes Two to Talk Hanen Certification Workshop for SLP Professionals NOTE: Limited to 14 registrants!
May 1 - 3, 2008 / Use Contact Info provided on Good Samaritan Web Site www.goodsamhealth.org
There is Always a Reason for the Behavior
June 13, 2008 - June 14, 2008 Friday and Saturday / Times to be decided. Will post when decided.
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SECTION SIX: Legislative Issues
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6.1
The current issue of the Olympia Insider is up on the Arc of Washington State web site. You can access it at http://www.arcwa.org/arc_insider.htm
If you missed the briefing for advocates before the Legislative Reception last week and didn’t get your Monopoly board for DD issues, you can go to the file via a link in this issue of the Olympia Insider to print a copy. The corresponding one-pagers and talking points are also there. You can follow the link in the Olympia Insider or go directly to the Issues Papers page of the web site at http://www.arcwa.org/issue_papers.htm
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6.2
Check out the newest Arc/DDC podcast - Episode 2 - at http://www.arcwapodcast.org/
Watch for Sue’s changing hairstyles in each episode J
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6.3
Senate & House Bills to be heard next week -
Disability Awareness Month in the Schools
*************Alert *************
Senate Bill 6313 scheduled for Senate Hearing Monday, 1.28.08 at 1:30 Cherberg Bldg Rm 1
and
House Bill 2599 scheduled for House Hearing Monday, 1.29.08 at 1:30 O'Brien Bldg Rm B
Students willing to testify needed !
Dear Friends of Special Educaiton,
We are delighted to be working with Disability Rights Washington, the Governor's Committee, the Arc of Wa and most of all, students with disabilities themselves who first brought the idea for this legislation to us.
Last year we loved helping to get Kevin's Law passed. In the past, some of the legislation we have most enjoyed working on helped get legislation that put an Ombudsman in the Special Ed section of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and working with others, got the Anti-bullying bill passed, and the Governor's office of Education Ombudsman established.
Please Note:
THIS LEGISLATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A BURDEN OF ANY KIND TO SCHOOLS AND STAFF.
We know we can count on you to help get this legislation passed.
Don't forget to thank the bill sponsors! We also appreciate the support of the Washington Education Association, the Equitable Opportunity Caucus, the PTA and others.
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In Their Own Words:
Jennifer Thomas, KASA (Kids As Self-Advocates of New Mexico) Advisory Co-Chair, explained how her life might have been different if she had learned some some of the things taught through disability awarenss presentations.
"I was taught to be proud of being African American. I was taught to be proud of being part of a family that worked together. I was taught to be proud of being a woman. But no one ever sat down and taught me to be proud of having a disability. No one knew how to be proud of that or teach me that because they had not had that experience themselves. My disability was nothing that was ever discussed in my household. My parents would say, 'I hate that you have to go through this,' but there was no reason for me to have to apologize or feel less than for my disability. My relationship with my family could have been different if I knew about my culture early on and if I could have been part of my community, and had some pride."
Gina Semenza, Chair of the Youth Advisory Council of the National Council on Disability, explained youth don't often have a chance to learn about disability history, because unlike other cultures, kids with disabilities are not usually born into families that understand that culture.
"My dad used to ask me, 'Instead of fixing the ramp to your car, why don't you work on physical therapy to get your legs better?' He had no idea how much that hurt me. But that's not what my life is about. He would say, 'I wish you cared about finding a cure.' But those things don't make me who I am. They aren't important to me."
Semenza went on to explain that her parents have come around, and that since that time she has gone on to buy a condo, with the help of her parents, which is currently being renovated so that it is completely accessible for her.
"My mom said she wants me to be as independent as possible; to have a home I can get in and out of, and use the shower and cook and be my own person. It is wonderful to have that kind of support. My parents were devastated when I was born. But I've come from that point to being a 25-year-old woman who is purchasing her own home, has a career and is successful. Now, they celebrate my life."
Student advocates suggested people think about why disability history isn't already taught in schools, and what a difference it makes to understand one's culture.
"What would life be like if you knew nothing about your culture?" said Thomas. "Knowing about disability history and why our culture is what it is today has made a major difference in my life. We study history to obtain a better future. If students don't know about this aspect of history, that particular area of discrimination will continue. How else will we learn how to include everyone?
How can society be more inclusive if these things are not spoken about?"
Taken from a Disability Rights Washington paper. Fall 2007
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This great article motivated Governor to write Toby and thank him. We thank him, too!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Disability is a civil rights issue
TOBY OLSON
GUEST COLUMNIST
Each October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, yet we have made little or no progress toward initiating the open, mature public dialogue essential to improving public awareness on disability. As a result, we continue to endure the human and economic costs inflicted by attitudes and policies shaped by widely held, but false assumptions and myths.
As things stand now, the general public is consistently, spectacularly wrong in nearly every truth it holds dear about the experience of life with a disability.
When I say that to someone, that person usually will look sad and thoughtful and nod in agreement, and I'll know that person is thinking, "He's right; I couldn't possibly imagine how horrible it must be."
Let me tell you, every one of us has much more than enough experience imagining how horrible it must be, and if our imaginations were ever to fail us in this regard, we could always count on Hollywood to shovel out yet another overblown, melodramatic, cliché-riddled treatment to help us along. What the general public is unprepared to imagine is just how wonderful, rewarding and full of accomplishment life with a severe disability usually is.
There have been dozens of studies that have shown not just a disconnect but rather an immense chasm -- we're talking the Grand Canyon here -- between the popular assumptions and the actual experiences of people with disabilities. One of the earlier studies compared overall satisfaction and happiness rates for people with paraplegia and people who had won the lottery, and found not much difference. I buy lottery tickets, and I see this as very good news. Since my odds of having a spinal cord injury are much better than they are for picking those winning numbers, it's good to know that either way, once I make it through the disruptive process of adjustment to the dramatic changes in my life, I'll probably end up being about as happy as I am right now.
The kinds of things that the popular perception of the experience of significant disability consistently and spectacularly underestimates include: what we can do; how happy we are; our level of self-esteem and virtually every other measure of competence, productivity and quality of life.
All of this plays well for telethons, personal injury suits and other efforts to tug at heartstrings to loosen purse strings, but it's a real disadvantage in any endeavor that requires being accepted as a competent, functioning adult. Some examples include applying for a job, trying to get a date, rent an apartment, preserve parental rights or help someone else understand that disability is first and foremost a civil rights issue.
We must develop a public dialogue that actively challenges the preconceptions and stereotypes about people who have disabilities, forces an examination of those beliefs and replaces them with beliefs informed by the actual experiences of people with disabilities. In other words, we need to talk.
We need to talk about the backlash currently directed against the Americans with Disabilities Act. We need to talk about why the only right of a person who has a disability that seems to be capable of commanding the public's attention and inspiring the media is the right to die.
We need to be talking about why there remains so much distance and misunderstanding between the disability rights movement and its progenitors, those earlier civil rights movements that by their example taught people with disabilities how to understand the nature of our predicament and provided us with the model for redressing it.
Because of the failure to develop this discourse, myths about disability are so uncritically accepted as common knowledge that they nearly crowd all serious discussion of the reality of the experience of disability from the mainstream marketplace of ideas.
Most of us know people with disabilities who are going about their lives, working, supporting themselves and their families and actively contributing to the diversity and vitality of our communities. But these examples can be before us on a daily basis and have surprisingly little impact on our preconceptions. We accommodate our stereotypes by perceiving such people to be something extraordinary. We need to challenge that. We should not see people with significant disabilities who have achieved some measure of satisfaction and success as brave, heroic or inspirational. Such people should be the norm. Such people should be exactly what we expect.
Instead, we should be looking at the lives of people with disabilities who have been denied those experiences and asking what went wrong.
Toby Olson is executive secretary of the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.
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A Special Message from the
WeeCare Coalition
Dear WEECARE Supporters,
We are pleased to tell you we have another bill to ensure equitable funding for infants and toddlers birth to three with disabilities. The bill is called the Infant Toddler Equity Act. The bill is House Bill 2900 and the prime sponsor is Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, our wonderful champion for Infants and Toddlers with disabilities. We are attaching our handouts and will be sending out hearing alerts very soon.
The Infants and Toddlers of Washington State are counting on you to help us get this important bill passed as we did the Birth to Three Bill to bring on school funding by 2009.
If you have questions, need more information or can just tell us if you have a supporter please contact Cecile Lindquist by phone at 206-524-6564 or e-mail weecare@olywa.net.
We look forward to your support!
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnston and Cecile Lindquist
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Action: Call all your own legislators and ask them to support ITEA and tell them how important this is to the infants and toddlers with disabilities in Washington State.
INFANT TODDLER EQUITY ACT
(ITEA)
Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP)
Federally Required Program Under IDEA, Part C
A Good Beginning for Children Birth to Three with Disabilities and Their Families
Early Intervention Services are a vital part of the Developmental Disabilities community system and are an effective intervention program. In Washington State, from October 2006 through September 2007, 26% of children exiting the ITEIP did not need special education services by their third birthday.
However, An Inequity Exists With The County Developmental Disabilities Funding:
ITEIP is charged with coordinating funds from three state sources: School Districts, County Developmental Disabilities, and Health agencies to offer a comprehensive system.
The Legislature has not designated Developmental Disabilities funds to the counties for the required Early Intervention services.
Therefore, Developmental Disabilities funding is not utilized in all counties to provide required services to eligible children. Counties are forced to use money that could have served adults to maintain this required children's program.
Access to appropriate birth to three services should not depend on where a child lives!
We Are Asking For: Designated County Developmental Disabilities base rate funding for each eligible child to provide the required services.
The Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program needs to be Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) forecasted and caseload driven. ITEIP is an entitlement program that has experienced an average growth of 8% statewide for each of the last five years.
Wee Care Coalition weecare@olywa.net, Association of County Human Services, Parent Coalitions of King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties
1/14/08
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6.4
Congressman Reichert asked me to share the following statement with you:
“Thank you again for sharing with me your experiences in trying to access the necessary services for your developmentally disabled family members. As I read over each response that I received from constituents and families across our state, I was deeply touched by the frustrations many of you have faced and the passion that we share for these issues. Your words have touched my heart and inspired me to move forward with this investigation.
Many of you mentioned that you have been told that the federal government is a source or the primary source of the problems you are facing. To that end, I have contacted the United States Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to seek their guidance on possible actions, if any, that the federal government can take to correct the problems you brought to my attention. I also shared your responses with these agencies, with your personal information redacted to protect your privacy, to highlight the extent of the frustrations you have experienced.
I am grateful for your input, and will be sure to keep you informed each step of the way as my investigation proceeds.”
Copies of the letters Congressman Reichert sent to the United States Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services are enclosed. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide you with any additional information.
Sincerely,
Jason Edgar
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