Issue 25 April 2001

Reprinted from COSACAs an Autism Awareness Ambassador, you can raise awareness in your community through many different activities. Here are a few fun and pro-ductive ideas:

Post flyers or distribute brochures in public places. Visit your local library and encourage them to create a display of autism books and information. Raise funds and awareness with a car wash, bake sale, or other event. Contact the media in your area – newspapers, radio, television – to let them know that April is Autism Awareness Month. Arrange to make a presentation or send information to educators, community groups or local legislators. Initiate conversations about autism with people that you meet (even brief conversations can have lasting impact!)

COSAC can provide you with materials, ideas, and support….everything you need to make a difference in your community. To become an Ambassador, please e-mail the following information tocourtney.knox@njcosac.org or fax it to (609) 883-5509: Name, Address, E-mail, Phone# and Fax#.

Feel like it’s too late to plan an aggressive autismawareness campaign? You can still make an impact;simply wear a small badge that says “Ask Me AboutAutism!” A common name badge can be used forthis purpose. You’d be surprised how this onegesture can open up many opportunities for you toteach others about autism! AUTISM- spread the word!

Reaching Potentials, Inc.2875 S Congress Ave., #HDelray Beach, FL 33445

P.O. Box 970161Boca Raton, FL 33497

Ph: 561-274-3900Fax: 561-274-3932

Ph: 954-321-7393Fax: 954-321-1019

Ph: 540-972-5481Fax: 540-972-1370

E-Mail: RPforAutism@aol.comhttp://www.reachingpotentials.org

Board of DirectorsL. H. Colvin

Angela GuarneriCynthia Kleinfield-Hayes

Danette M. MarksMary Partin

Professional Advisory BoardWendy Bellack

(Family Network on Disabilities)Susan Johnson Conlin, M.Ed.

Edward C. Fenske, MAT, Ed.S.(Princeton Child Development Institute)

Sandra L. Harris, Ph.D.(Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)

Robin Parker, SLPD, CCC(Nova Southeastern University)Roberto Tuchman, M.D.

(Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center)

Jack Scott, Ph.D., CBA/e/fl(Florida Atlantic University)

StaffJean Hays Bachrach, MA ,CCC-SLP, BCBA

Mapy Chavez Brown, BA, BCABAPamela Gorski, BS

Rebekah Houck, BS, BCABABarbara Jamison, BA

Lori MangenyCathy Opel, BA

Kelly Pellegrene, BALisa J. Shavelson, B.S.

Patty Thomas-Shutt, Ph.D.

Continues on Page 3

2 Clinical Director’s Corner3 Autism not linked to vaccine report says….. 4 Radio National -Autism 9 IDEA Amendments 10 RP Training Calendar 11 Insuring the Child with Autism 15 2001 Fundraiser Highlights18 Upcoming Events

Inside This Issue

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Reach out and touchothers by becoming an

Autism Awareness Ambassador

Reaching Out 2

The Importance of Continuing Education in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis

As it is for most health or Education related Professionals, certified Practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are required to obtain a certain amount of Continuing Education credits every few years to maintain certification. The cost of conferences and workshops is high. Adding to that are expensive hotel rooms, airfare and other travel expenses. Valuable time with clients and their families is also lost. Despite all the costs, continuing Education is vital for all practitioners of ABA as well as parents involved in running home programs and their therapists.

Imagine if your doctor graduated from medical school in the 70’s and never attended any workshops, never read any journals or never took another class. Now think about all the advances in the science of medicine since the 1970’s: New treatments for cancer, sophisticated diagnostic equipment for the brain, new medications for everything from baldness to stroke.

If your doctor was still stuck in the 70’s, your very life, or at least your hairline would be in trouble!

Just as the field of medicine changes, so does the field of ABA. The only way to learn about these changes is through the various forms of continuing education: workshops and conferences, professional Journals and university courses. Practitioners of ABA use Continuing Education, not just to maintain certification but most importantly to make certain that they learn about the latest research and advances in the field so they can implement it with their clients!

Another important benefit of continuing education is that exposure to it encourages more practitioners to do research and present the results to their peers. With more research and replication comes more effective treatment procedures to use with our clients. This should be the ultimate goal for all presenters and conference attendees.

Every year there are many conferences and workshops to choose from. There are several major ABA conferences each year that offer a variety of workshops and presentations. The Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) offers a major conference in the fall of each year. Visit their website at www.psy.fsu.edu/~FABA/index.html On the national level the Association for Behavior Analysis offers a conference each May. Their web address is www.wmich.edu/aba/. Another website that offers current information on ABA conferences is The Recovery Zone. Their web address is http://pages.prodigy.net/damianporcari/recovery.htm

Whether you are a certified Behavior Analyst, a parent, or a student therapist practicing ABA, it is imperative to continue to educate yourself in the most current and effective practices in the field. This is the only way our kids can “reach their potential”!

CLINICAL DIRECTOR’S CORNER

BY: JEAN HAYS BACHRACH, MA, CCC-SLP, CBA/E/FL

Reaching Potentials and

The Templeton Group announce scholarship

Several Reaching Potentials families will become the recipients of the 2001 Wall Street Helping Hands Scholarship, thanks to the many generous donations and fundraising efforts achieved during the 2001 Annual Fundraiser.

This year’s annual event, held on February 17th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, raised over $125,000 in support for the organization. These funds will be utilized to provide financial assistance to families through the scholarship fund, and to support the organization’s expansion and development goals.

Reaching Potentials’ 2001 initiatives include the expansion of services into the State of Virginia, as well as increases to its current Florida operations.

Reaching Potentials families in need of financial assistance should complete and forward a financial aid application. The application form is available on our website at www.reachingpotentials.org or you may call 561-274-3900 to request that an application form be mailed to you.

APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEADLINE OF JUNE 1, 2001.

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JOIN THE STAFF OFREACHING POTENTIALS

Reaching Potentials is currently seeking applications for ABA Program Consultants with experience in the supervision and implementation of ABA/ discrete trial programming for children with autism. Appropriate academic and field experience is required, together with behavior analyst certification (or the ability to become certified.) Candidates must be available to travel and must have their own reliable transportation. We offer training and a competitive compensation package.

Interested candidates should forward a current resume/vita, together with salary history to: Pamela Gorski, Executive Director, Reaching Potentials, Inc. 2875 S. Congress Avenue, Suite H, Delray Beach, FL 33445. (Telephone: 561-274-3900; facsimile 561-274-3932; e-mail to RPforAutism@aol.com.)

The controversial idea that the dramatic upsurge in autism over the past decades was caused by the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine – a concept widely embraced by many parents – is wrong, according to a report to be released today by the California Department of Health Services.

The new study, like two others recently conducted in England and Finland, found that the rate of autism has been rising dramatically – by 500 percent in the past decade alone – while the number of children vaccinated has remained virtually constant. This convinces researchers that the vaccine plays little or no role in the disease.

“We cannot rule out the possibility that in certain isolated, rare instances, the vaccine might have caused a rare case of autism,” said Dr. Hershel Jick of Boston University Medical Center. “But it is certainly not the major villain.”

The study appears in today’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Advocates of the link dismiss the new reports, however, claiming bias on the author’s part.

“I don’t know why anyone would believe information that comes out of a branch whose sole purpose is to promote immunization in California,” said Rick Rollens, a parent advocate who was instrumental in creation of the MIND Institute for researching autism at the University of California, Davis.

He said the England and Finland studies are equally questionable because they were paid for the vaccine manufacturers.

And Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute in San Diego argues that it is not the MMR vaccine alone that triggers autism, but the entire burden placed on the immune system by the 22 separate vaccines that are now given children between birth and age 2.

Autism is a severe developmental disorder in which children seem isolated from the world around them.

Though most researchers are convinced that genetic susceptibility lies at the heart of the disorder, it has become clear that some triggering agent in the environment plays an equally important role, either during gestation or soon after birth.

Autism not linked to vaccine, report says…………..Los Angeles Times, March 8, 2001

SAVE THE DATE!!

June 23, 2001Reaching Potentials Golf Fundraiser Event

Boca Teeca Golf & Country Club

Proceeds benefit Reaching Potentials and the Lauren Thackeray Scholarship Fund

See Page 13 for details.

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[This comes by way of Beth Clay, Professional

Summary:Research in the United States looked for a genetic cause of autism.

Transcript:

One of the leading groups in the world looking at the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease is at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. More recently, they have turned their attentions to a brain disorder early in life: autism, that major communication and intellectual problem starting in childhood.

Professor Margaret Pericak Vance is Director of the Centre for Human Genetics at Duke, and she told me why she looked for a genetic cause of autism in the first place.

Margaret Pericak Vance: Because it’s something that we look at, that geneticists look at, that’s called sibling risk ratio, which looks at the risk to brothers and sisters of a patient with autism, compared to the risk in the general population. And in autism this was extremely increased, it was like 150 to 200 times normal. Which makes you think that Well, there must be a genetic component here, and if we could figure out what that genetic component is, in how many genes, and what

Radio NationalA Health Report

Autism Broadcast Monday, Dec 4,  2000 

We welcome your submissions of items of interest for inclusion in our newsletter. Please mail to:Reaching Potentials, 2875 S. Congress Avenue, Suite H, Delray Beach, FL 33445Or you may send via facsimile to 561-274-3932 or 954-321-1019 or e-mail to RPforAutism@aol.com

Co-editors:Pamela GorskiMapy Chavez Brown

If you would like to place an advertisement in our newsletter, please submit your request IN WRITING to:

Pamela GorskiReaching Potentials, Inc.2875 S. Congress Avenue, Suite HDelray Beach, FL 33445Fax: 561-274-3932

Radio NacionalReporta de Salud

AUTISMO

Lunes, Diciembre 4, 2000Con Norman Swan

Resumen:Estudio en los Estados Unidos que busca una causa genética para el autismo.

La entrevista:

Uno de los grupos más importantes en el mundo que estudia las causas genéticas del Alzaimer está en la Universidad de Duke en Durham, Carolina del Norte. Recientemente, han dirigido su atención a un problema cerebral que afecta en la temprana edad: el autismo, ese gran problema de comunicación y desarrollo intelectual que empieza en la niñez.

La profesora Margaret Pericak Vance es Directora del Centro de Genética Humana en Duke, y ella me dijo porque busca una causa genética para el autismo.

Margaret Pericak Vance:Porque hay algo que nosotros estudiamos, el llamado el riesgo entre hermanos, que mira al riesgo que corren los hermanos y hermanas de un paciente con autismo, comparado con la población general. Y en autismo, este ha aumentado significativamente, es 150 a 200 veces mayor que lo normal. Lo que nos hace pensar que debe existir un componente genético, y si lo podemos descubrir, quizás podamos tener una mejor idea de lo que lo causa.

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NOTEAny resources listed in this newsletter or distributed through monthly meetings or training workshops are given on an information only basis. Publication of any treatments, opinions, publications, products or services by individuals or organizations does not indicate an endorsement by Reaching Potentials, Inc.

Norman Swan: Dígame que es lo que ha descubierto

Margaret Pericak Vance: En estos momentos, con referencia al autismo, creo que hemos hecho grandes avances, no hemos descubierto los genes que lo causan, pero hemos encontrado que hay partes de cromosomas que se ven de cierta forma cuando hay un problema, ya sea en los genes, o en el cromosoma mismo, esto predispone a alguien al autismo.

Norman Swan: Nosotros tenemos 23 pares de cromosomas en cada una de nuestras células y es en estos cromosomas donde se encuentran los genes.

La Doctora Pericak Vance y sus colegas han encontrado 100 familias las cuales tienen más de un niño con autismo. Estudiándolas a ellas, estos científicos han hecho sus propios hallazgos, y también han confirmado las investigaciones de otros científicos que muestras anormalidades en los cromosomas 7 y 15 que parecen estar particularmente relacionas con el autismo.

Pero hay aún más, pues nuestros cromosomas están formados por dos mitades con idénticos genes en cada mitad. Algunas veces heredamos un gene anormal y se pensaba que el hecho de que proviniera de la madre o el padre no tenia rol alguno en si esto causaba un problema o no.

Estudios recientes sugieren que, para muchas enfermedades, esto no es cierto. La posibilidad de que un gene sea dañino puede depender de si este fue heredado de la madre o el padre. Y también puede ser así con el autismo, pero el patrón no siempre es el mismo.

Radio National ….. continued from page 4 Continued, next pageRadio Nacional …. from page 4

Continued, next page

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And in fact, both in chromosome 15 as well as in the region of chromosome 7, we found a parent of origin effect.

Margaret Pericak Vance: Comenzamos a investigar este efecto del origen dependiendo del padre o de la madre para ver si era cierto. Y de hecho, tanto en el cromosoma 15 como en el 7 encontramos que esto era cierto.

Norman Swan: ¿De cual?

Margaret Pericak Vance: En el cromosoma 15 era materno, en el cromosoma 7 era paterno. Fue aún más interesante, pues encontramos que estas son dos razones identificadas como posibles genes causantes del autismo. Otra cosa que investigamos fue cuando individuos reproducen los cromosomas que se dividen y después se vuelven a juntar, y cuando los dos brazos de los cromosomas se juntan, e intercambian elementos, ocurre lo que encontramos en las familias con autismo, en ambos cromosomas 7 y 15, con un aumento de esta división, y el juntarse nuevamente, cuando son comparadas con familias típicas. ¿Y qué es lo que esto significa? Bueno, que estamos viendo que estas regiones, 7 y 15 son regiones inestables.

Norman Swan: Así que vemos que las cartas se están mezclando, las cartas son un poco anormales, y dependiendo de donde vienen las cartas, puede tener consecuencias. Pero no parece que sea un solo gene el que está causando el problema, parece ser que hay varias cosas

On chromosome 15 it happened to be maternal, and chromosome 7 the effect we saw was paternal.

Radio Nacional….continued from page 5

RADIO NATIONAL…..continued from page 5

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que van mal en esas regiones, que juntos causan el autismo.

Margaret Pericak Vance: Esa es una hipótesis muy importante. El autismo es obviamente un desorden muy complejo. Uno no puede mirar a una familia en la cual existe el autismo y decir, Parece ser que esto fue heredado de ambos padres, como lo que ocurre en los que llamamos desordenes recesivos como cistic fibrosis, o dominante como el desorden de Huntington. Uno no puede indicar la causa exacta de cómo este desorden fue heredado, y esto se debe al hecho de que este es un problema complejo que no es transmitido de una sola manera.

Norman Swan: Y en cuanto al hecho de que es transmitido por la madre o el padre, ¿existe una relación clínica? Es decir, ¿hay características del autismo en ese padre que son transmitidas junto con la inestabilidad del cromosoma?

Margaret Pericak Vance: En este momento no podemos afirmar o negar eso.

Norman Swan: ¿Existe algún indicio de que efecto tienen estos en el cerebro de estos niños, que pueda permitir intervención?

Margaret Pericak Vance: No, pero me parece que no tendremos esa información hasta que definamos cual gene o genes en esta región lo causan.

Norman Swan: Y en cuanto a su trabajo en Alzaimer, ¿le parece que encontraremos un solo gene que lo causa? En una entrevista anterior en Harvard, negaron esta posibilidad.

Margaret Pericak Vance: Estoy de acuerdo, me parece que son definitivamente varios genes los que causan el Alzaimer, no es un problema simple, y será una interacción entre genes y ambiente.

Direct Instruction……………Continued from Page 6

RADIO NATIONAL…….continued from page 6

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Norman Swan: La Doctora Margaret Pericak Vance es una epidemilogista genética en el Centro Médico de la Universidad de Duke.

Invitados:

Doctora Margaret PericakDirectorCentro de Genética HumanaCentro Médico de la Universidad de DukeCarolina del NorteU.S.A.

Este escrito esta disponible en la Internet. Para verlo visite http:abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s220505.htm

Continued, page 8

RADIO NACIONAL…..continued from page 7

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Victory for IDEA in the Senate! This month the Senate passed a budget resolution that included an amendment by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Sen. Kennedy (D-MA) to “Leave No Child Behind.” This amendment, which passed by a 53-47 vote, increases education funding by $250 billion over ten years. Mandatory full funding for Part B of IDEA is a part of the amendment, as well as doubling funds for Title I; increasing the maximum Pell Grant of $600 to $4350; increased funds for Head Start; and additional funds toward the goal of hiring 100,000 new teachers. Another amendment related to IDEA was also adopted. Offered by Sens. Jeffords (R-VT) and Breaux (D-LA), this amendment adds an additional $70 billion over ten years for IDEA Part B. Together, the total increase in the Senate Budget Resolution for IDEA is $320 billion dollars. Now the House and Senate head for conference where they will resolve the differences in their bills. The House has an additional $1.25 billion for IDEA Part B over 10 years but it is not mandatory funding and is far more limited than the Senate bill in other educational funding. Senators and Representatives are in their districts for spring recess. Call your Member’s local office and make an appointment to see him/her. Urge your member to support more funding for IDEA but also talk about ways that we can ensure that the funding makes a real difference for your child in the classroom. Find out how your Senator/Representative voted on these amendments……tell them what you think and how you need their support!!!

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Reaching Potentials FLORIDA TRAINING CALENDAR

MAY – DECEMBER, 2001BEGINNING DISCRETE TRIAL TRAINING SERIES:

May Track:May 18 Overview of Behavioral Programming $ 25.00 6:30 p - 9:30 pMay 19 & 20 Beginning Discrete Trial Training $150.00 9:00 a - 4:00 p

(Two Day Workshop)(Required Textbook: A Work in Progress by Ron Leaf & John McEachin)

June/July Track:June 29 Overview of Behavioral Programming $ 25.00 6:30 p - 9:30 pJune 30 & July 1 Beginning Discrete Trial Training $150.00 9:00 a - 4:00 p

(Two Day Workshop)(Required Textbook: A Work in Progress by Ron Leaf & John McEachin)

August Track:August 17 Overview of Behavioral Programming $ 25.00 6:30 p - 9:30 pAugust 18 & 19 Beginning Discrete Trial Training $150.00 9:00 a - 4:00 p

(Two Day Workshop)(Required Textbook: A Work in Progress by Ron Leaf & John McEachin)

October Track:October 5 Overview of Behavioral Programming $ 25.00 6:30 p - 9:30 pOctober 6 & 7 Beginning Discrete Trial Training $150.00 9:00 a - 4:00 p

(Two Day Workshop)(Required Textbook: A Work in Progress by Ron Leaf & John McEachin)

November Track:November 2 Overview of Behavioral Programming $ 25.00 6:30 p - 9:30 pNovember 3 & 4 Beginning Discrete Trial Training $150.00 9:00 a - 4:00 p

(Two Day Workshop)(Required Textbook: A Work in Progress by Ron Leaf & John McEachin)

(All classes to be held at our DELRAY OFFICE – Advance Registration Required)(Call Reaching Potentials @ 561-274-3900 or 954-321-7393 one week prior to class date to confirm time and location)

Beginning Discrete Trial Training Workshop carries required prerequisite of Overview of Behavioral Programming class

BEGINNING SERIES CLASSES - SPANISH PRESENTATION CLASES DE NIVEL BASICO - PRESENTACION EN ESPAÑOL LLAME A LA OFICINA PARA OBTENER FECHA Y HORA EXACTA

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED TRAINING: (Presenter: Jean Hays Bachrach, MA, CCC/SLP, CBA/e/fl)

May 5 Shadowing in the Classroom $50.00 9:00am – 1:00pm

NOTE: ADDITIONAL INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CLASSES MAY BE SCHEDULED. CALL FOR ADD’L INFO. ON THESE AS WELL AS VIRGINIA TRAINING SCHEDULE. 561-274-3900.

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The battle lines are being drawn in Indiana. The Autism community in that state is urging legislators to change insurance laws, making coverage of Indiana children with Autism Spectrum Disorders available to its citizens. A recent article in the Indianapolis Star highlighted the dilemma faced by those parents, and has drawn national attention. On the other side of the battle lines is the insurance industry. Concerned that covering treatment of Autism and other Spectrum Disorders will cost them profits, they are fighting the legislation tooth and nail.

This isn't the first time a fight such as this has taken place. A similar bill in the Florida Legislature failed when the representatives responsible for scheduling the vote on the House floor failed to allow it to come to a vote. The Florida Autism Society noted that both legislators were from Jacksonville, the home of Blue Cross-Blue Shield.

Research has shown that in the year 2000, 43% of families with children diagnosed as autistic have been denied insurance coverage for the condition Parents are quoted as saying things like, "Our insurance company will not cover anything that pertains to his autism, because under their definition autism is a mental disorder, which they don't cover." The insurance industry is responding with statements like, "Autism is a written exclusion in our insurance policy. Medical services are provided, but anything related to autism is denied." This scenario is repeated again and again in many states.

There are Federal laws that supposedly mandate insurance coverage, but many Autism groups indicate that these laws are so full of loopholes that they are virtually useless. As a result many states are trying to pass their own laws that guarantee coverage, but often these efforts are thwarted by the insurance industry lobby.

The insurance industry claims that to cover Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders would cost too much money, but research has shown that the cost would be minimal to the insurance industry. Without it, however, costs to individuals who are not receiving SSI for their children's conditions are being forced to spend upwards of $12,000 per year to provide appropriate treatment. As a result, many families are being forced into divorce and/or bankruptcy, just to provide treatment for their children.

As parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, we need to make sure that the law provides that our children receive the same treatment by the insurance industry that other medical conditions enjoy, and that if that coverage is lacking, we lobby our legislatures to enact laws that provide fair and just coverage for our children. Indiana is beginning that process and other states will follow. The Autism community needs to make certain that this time those efforts do not fail.

While there are federal laws which deal with the issues of insurance coverage of citizens with Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, these laws are often vague and open to interpretation by the insurance industry. One of the major problems with them is that they, according to the guidelines of the DSM IV classify Autism as a Mental condition, and as a result they allow insurance companies to place restrictions on coverage. Find out if your state has specific laws that protect the insurance coverage of Autistic citizens by [clicking here] http://www.drkoop.com/hcr/insurance/library/health/basics/mentalstate.asp. This comprehensive list of all states gives you valuable information on how your state stacks up in the insurance question. Remember, if your state does not specifically mention Autism as one of the conditions covered by insurance, it is possible that companies may find a way to deny coverage for treatment.

Insuring the Child with AutismAvail: http://autism.about.com/library/weekly/mpreviss.htm

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Se está preparando la batalla en Indiana. La Comunidad del Autismo en este estado esta pidiéndole a sus legisladores que cambien las leyes se seguros, para que niños dentro del espectro del autismo sean cubiertos bajo pólizas de seguro. Un articulo reciente en el Indianápolis Star explicaba el dilema que estos padres enfrentan, y ha llamado la atención del país. Por otro lado la batalla también se prepara en la industria de seguros. Preocupados que el asegurar a estos niño les costará sus ganancias, ellos están luchando contra esta ley.

Esta no es la primera vez que una batalla así ocurre. Una ley similar se trató de pasar en Florida, pero no pasó debido a que los representantes que debieron haberla puesto para que se votara se opusieron. La Sociedad del Autismo de la Florida notó que estos representantes era de Jacksonville, el hogar de Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Estudios han mostrado que en el año 2000, 43% de las familias con niños con autismo han sido negadas seguro. Padres han dicho, “Nuestra compañía de seguros no cubre nada que tenga que ver con su autismo, porque lo consideran un problema mental, lo que ellos no cubren”. La industria de seguros responde con comentarios como el siguiente, “Autismo esta excluido bajo nuestra póliza. Servicios médicos son dados, pero cualquier servicio relacionado con el autismo es negado.” Este escenario se repite en muchos estados.

Existen leyes federales que supuestamente obligan a asegurar a estos niños, pero muchos grupos de Autismo indican que estas leyes tienen tantos huecos que las convierten en inusables. Por ello, muchos estados están tratando de pasar sus propias leyes, pero la industria de seguros lucha contra estos esfuerzos.

La industria de seguros indica que el cubrir el Autismo costaría demasiado, pero estudios indican que el costo sería mínimo para la industria de seguros. Pero sin él, el costo de tratamiento apropiados para aquellos que no reciben seguro social para sus niños es más de $12,000 por año. Por ellos, muchas familias terminan en divorcio o bancarrota, simplemente para darle el tratamiento apropiado a sus hijos.

Como padres y familiares de niños con Autismo, necesitamos asegurarnos que la ley les de a nuestros niños el mismo tratamiento que las compañías de seguros le dan a otras condiciones médicas, y que si no es así, nuestros legisladores pasen leyes para que así sea. Indiana está iniciando el proceso, y otros estados seguirán. La comunidad del Autismo necesita asegurarse que estos esfuerzos no fallen.

Mientras que existen leyes federales para asegurarse que los seguros cubren a ciudadanos con Autismo, están leyes son vagas y abiertas a libre interpretación por la industria de seguros. Uno de los mayores problemas es que de acuerdo a la guía dada por el DSM IV el autismo es clasificado como una condición mental, y esto permite que las compañías de seguros pongan restricciones en como y cuando es cubierto. Para averiguar si su estado tienen leyes específicas que protegen a ciudadanos con autismo visite http://www.drkoop.com/hcr/insurance/library/health/basics/mentalstate.asp. Esta lista incluye todos los estados, con información en como cada estado protege a estos ciudadanos. Recuerde que si su estado no menciona Autismo específicamente como una de las condiciones cubiertas por el seguro, es posible que la compañía encuentre una manera de negarle el cubrir el tratamiento.

Asegurando al Niño con AutismoTranslated from article at: http://autism.about.com/library/weekly/mpreviss.htm

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This is Lauren. She is autistic and cannot talk.Our hearts break everyday when we look into those beautifuleyes that say “I’m in here, please don’t give up.”

When: June 23, 2001Rain date June 30 ,2001

Where: Boca Teeca Country Club5800 NE 2nd AveBoca Raton, Florida 33487561-994-0400

Time: Arrival/Check-in 10-11amShot Gun start @12 noon-Best Ball/Scramble

Cost: $125 per golfer-includes golf, dinner, auction & raffle$65 per person-includes dinner, auction & raffle (no golf)CASH BAR AVAILABLE

Sponsorship: $150 per Green or Tee Box $275 for both Green and Tee Box

Prizes: *Longest Drive

*”Beat the Pro” on Par 3*Closest to the pin-Par 3*High score per 4some

Silent Auction

Autographed Memorabilia: NHL-LPGA-Golf 4somePGA-Tennis-Baseball-Ice Skating

Skiing etc., also Celebrity Autographs etc.

LOTS OF RAFFLE ITEMS********RSVP********

by June 1, 2001Space is limited

REACHING POTENTIALS: 561-274-3900 Fax 561-274-3932

Erik Buth: 561-279-4162 (days only)

Thank you for taking the time to careThis year’s Golf Invitational Proceeds will benefit Reaching Potentials and the Lauren Thackeray Scholarship Fund

Reaching Out

Camp TLCJune 18-22, 2001

Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Camp TLC is an outgrowth of the Therapy-Learning Connection (TLC) our year-round program for young children with significant communication challenges. Speech language, physical, occupational, and music therapies are integrated into fun camp activites.

Camp TLC is designed for children ages 5-9 who experience developmental disabilities impacting speech, language & communication skills. Augmentative communication strategies & assistive technology are used to enhance each child’s communication skills. Participation limited to 10 children.

Costs

The fee for Camp TLC is 175.00. A non-refundable 50.00 deposit is due June 1 with the balance payable in full on or before June 18th.

How Do We Apply?

1. Contact Dr. Zangari at 954-262-7706, zangaric@nova.edu or www.fgse.nova/csd/clinictyler/index.html for an application.

2. Submit the application with a copy of your child’s IEP, a brief videotape of your child, and a deposit.

3. After receiving your application materials and deposit, we will contact you to arrange for a home or school visit. This will give us a better idea of how best to serve your child.

Sponsorship opportunities available.Help support a child with special needs.

Make & TakeA Hands-On Work Session for Parents & Caregivers

June 8, 2001 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of children using picture supports for communication, play and learning. Participants will be able to make materials that their children can use at home, in school and in the community.

A variety of supports for communication and learning will be available. Participants can choose to make whichever item(s) are of interest, such as:

Communication cards, boards, and books Picture or object schedules Communication necklaces and wristbands Carpet boards Activity sequence strips Adapters for writing utensils Page puffers Eye gaze boards Adapted story And more

There is no cost for this session, however, pre-registration is required. Seating is limited.For more information or to pre-register, contact Dr. Zangari (954) 262-7706 or zangaric@nova.edu

Sponsored by the Nova Southeastern UniversityPrograms in Communication Sciences and

Disorders And The Tyler Institute

NSU Graduate School of Education & Human Services

South Region Assistive Technology Education Network (ATEN) Satellite

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 18 – Jun 28: Electronic Aids for Daily Living

Jun 29 – Aug 2: Communication Options for Individuals with Autism

Contact Information: Ph: 954-262-7773 Fax: 954-262-3940 E-Mail: zangaric@nova.edu

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

from the Reaching Potentials staff

C L A S S I F I E D

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THETEMPLETON / REACHING POTENTIALS

2001 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

THANK YOU to our donors and to the 2001 event committee whose efforts made this evening possible:

Magda AlzuriJohn & Lisa Velazquez

Mark BeckwithTracy Metcalf 16

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Templeton / Reaching Potentials 2001 Annual Fundraiser……….continued

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On behalf of Reaching Potentials and the families we serve, we extend our sincere thanks to those of you who contributed to our 2001 Annual Fundraiser.

Paul DavidsonPeter & Ann O'Connor

Robert & Nancy RismanStephen Holowesko

Tony CirilloM/M Terrence McCabe

Peter & Sandra NoriPeter & Suzanne Yannakakis

George & Kim NeillDavid Lambert

John J LautoMona Baird

David & Marjorie PerlinMauricio A Arellano

Robert CohenEnrico Gaglioti

Amy BoxerThomas J O'Leary

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTORS

DresdnerInstinet tradingUBS WarburgBBV latinvestMerrill Lynch

Casanove TradingABN Amaro

Morgan Stanley Dean WitterCredit Suisse First Boston

Bear StearnsDeutsche Bank

Salomon BrothersSantanderFinamex

Goldman SachsBanca IMI Securities Corp

Lehman BrosJP MorganFlemings

Princeton Securities GroupING Financial ServicesBBVA -Banco Bilbao

VizcayaSociete Generale

TargetDonna Griffith Foundation

Hop-a-Jet, Inc.Hector Turf

Adam F. EnglanderRichard Anderson

Elliott BaimMark Beckwith

Joy C BejasaPaige Book

Lori BurgerHelen Cho

James T. CirenzaTony Cirillo

Christopher J CohaneM/M Lloyd H Colvin

Karen ComoDavid Crummy

Wesley & Susan DickmanMichael Duggan

Thomas V FennStephen Forman

Jess GaitanFabio S GheilermanBernard Ginnity

Sarajeanne GulleyBrian Halloran

Mr & Mrs Kerry HanifinTim & Christine Hartigan

Paul M HavensWilliam HinkleMichele Docharty

M/M Stuart NuttingStephen Holowesko

Julie L HurvitzAndrew J Jans

Gregory KarcichLeroy Keating

Raymond A KellyRenato Klarnet

John KnoxKari KontuIvan Kraiser

Linda LardinoMarsha Laviage

Noah LeeDominic Lepore

Ruth Rosley LibinThomas Limerick

Ron W A MadiganMartin Maliner

Jeff & Danette MarksM/M John McCormick

William McGlynnWilliam McLaughlin

Brien McMahonDan Mulvenna

Peter NatoliArlene J NavalanyKenneth Nicholas

Peter & Ann O'ConnorJohn & Janet Page

Peter & Virginia PageAri Perlman

Paul M PomfretDavid Pratt

Robert PreziosiChristopher Pye

Frank RaoGerard RahoSandra Rhow

Robert & Nancy RismanStephen FX Roney

Robert RoyceJohnny Salcedo

Kimberly T SciarrettaAnn A Scott

Maureen SmithWilliam StephensonRachel Stern

Thomas StiresEdward SullivanLaverne Thompson

Kevin TroellerGary Tsarsis

Tracy VazquezMark Webb

W Jessie WilcoxDr Jerry Wildman

Amelia C. J. WolfeCarlisle C Wysong

Michael ZampardiCathy Opel

M/M John O’Neill, JrM/M James McKillop

M/M Charles Bauer IIIM/M John BlundinM/M John Gill

M/M Neal Sherman

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UPCOMING EVENTS(see page 14 for additional events)

Autism Society Support Group: meets at the Dan Marino Center every month on the 1st Wednesday from 7:00 – 9:00pm. Call Susan Clayton for more information (954) 349-9201. Fee: No Charge

Issues in AutismThe New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community,Inc - (COSAC) Annual ConferenceMay 4-5, 2001Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City Convention Center1-800-4-AUTISM or 609-883-8100

Eden Institute Foundation Princeton Lecture SeriesAdvances in research and services for individuals and Families with Autism.Dr. Ivar Lovaas will be presentJune 6, 2001Princeton, NJ Princeton Universitywww.Members.aol.com/edensvcs 609-987-0099

Eden Institute Foundation's 7th AnnualPrinceton Lecture SeriesGuest Lecturer will be Dr. Ivar Lovaas from UCLA and othersJune 8, 2001Princeton, NJ Princeton University609-987-0099 EdenSvcs.aol.com

2001 Autism Awareness ConferenceFeaturing Tony Attwood, author of "Asperger's Syndrome: A guide for Parentsand Professionals" as well as Dr. Rimland, founder of the Autism ResearchInstitute, and Robert Naseef, PhD, author of "Special Children, Challenged Parents"April 27-28, 2001Biinghamton, NYThe BTASA, PO Box 447, Vestal, NY 13851 rainmansmom@cs.com

Asperger's Syndrome Super ConferenceDr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Raun Melmed, Dr. Fulvia Castelli, Dr. Max Wiznitzer,Carol Gray, Catherine Faherty, Jerry Newport, Dr. Rosina Schnurr, and aspecial sibling panel.May 2-4, 2001Dallas, TX Mesquite Convention Center, Hampton Inn & Suites800-489-0727 www.futurehorizons-autism.com

Reaching Potentials Training Class:SHADOWING IN THE CLASSROOM

Saturday, May 5, 2001 9:00am – 1:00pm2875 S. Congress Ave., Suite H

Delray Beach, FL 33445Ph: 561-274-3900 to register

Unlocking Autism's "Power of ONE" Conference and RallyFor parents, family members, and people with autism. With a focus on political autism advocacy. .April 25-27, 2001Washington, DCwww.UnlockingAutism.org EndAutism@aol.com

Autism Society of America Millennium of Hope National Conference on Autism July 18-22, 2001 in San Diego, CAFull Conference:Member ASA $180Non-Member $220Individual with Autism $90Town & Country Resort & Convention Center (Hotel phone # 1-800-772-8527)ASA Conference Registration 1-888-233-2864 imi@imimtg.com www.autism society.org****************************************

Two Day Workshop:AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS:

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS OTRBetty Paris, PTRobin Parker, SLPD, CCC

Focusing on specific treatment strategies to improve sensory processing and modulation, communication, motor control and function. Parents, teachers and other professionals will gain valuable information. CEU’s will be offered for OT, PT & SLP

Location:Baptist Hospital, Miami Florida

Date:June 16-17, 2001

Contact:MP Rehabilitative Services, Inc.1-888-651-7737

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COMPUTER RESOURCES

WEBSITES

Reaching Potentials Website:http://www.reachingpotentials.org

UM CARD Website:www.psy.miami.edu/card/

Hyperlexia Parents Group:http://www.iac.net/~whaley/gordy.html

General Autism Information:http://pages.prodigy.com/MI/dporcari.htmlhttp://web.syr.edu/~jmwobus/autism/http://134.68.79.12/AIA.html

Advocacy:http://www.wrightslaw.comhttp://www.Myerslaw.com

Autism & Lovaas Type Programs:http://web.syr.edu/~jmwobus/autism/lovaas/

Autism Frequently Asked Questions:http://web/syr.edu/~jmwobus/autism/autism.faq

ASA Website:http://www.autism-society.orgNICHY Website:http://www.nichcy.org

Asperger's Disorder HomePage:http://www.unmed.edu:8000/pub/o/ozbayrak/asperger.html

Asperger's Syndrome Resources Page:http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

TEACCH Homepage:http://www.unc.edu.dept/teacch

Autism & Brain Development Research Lab:http://nodulus.externucsd.edu/

National Institute of Health:http://www.nih.gov/

National Alliance Autism Research:http://www.naar.org

Human Bioliogical Data Interchange:http://www.hbdi.org

CAN (Cure Autism Now) Website:http://www.canfoundation.org

NIH Grants & Contracts:http://www.nih.gov/grants/

Autism Network International:http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~bordner/ani.html

Autism Network International:http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~bordner/ani.html

Future Horizons Autism Homepage:http://www.onramp.net/autism

Insurance Appeal:http://web.syr.edu/~jmwobus/autism/lovaas/appeal.txt

Association for Behavior Analysis:http://www.wmich.edu/aba/

The Recovery Zone:http://pages.prodigy.net/damianporcari/recovery.htm

Family Network on Disabilities:http://www.fndfl.org

Edlaw, Inc.:http://www.access.digex.net/~edlawinc/

General Resource for Exploring the Web:http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/Oc:/jumpoff.html

Abstracts of Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis:http://www.envmed.rochester.edu/wwwrap/behavior/jaba/jabahome.htmhttp://www.envmed.rochester.edu/htbin/jabaif?kw=autism&ao=or&mb=&in=jaba_Tindex&mc=100

Univ. of So. FL - ABA Website:http://www.coedu.usf.edu/behavior/behavior.html

NEWSGROUPS:

Dads with Disabled Children:Listserv@dadvocate@ukcc.edu

(St. Johns) Autism & Developmental Disabilities:listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu

The ME-List: (a parent ABA mail list)rallen@iupui.edu(E-mail Ruth Allen & ask to be put on mailing list)

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Don’t Miss It!

Reaching Potentials2001 Autism Golf Invitational

June 23, 2001Boca Teeca Country Club

$125.00 ea. golf and dinner($65.00 ea. dinner only)Call 561-274-3900RSVP by June 1, 2001

Reaching OutReaching Potentials, Inc.P.O. Box 970161Boca Raton, FL 33498

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage PAIDBoca Raton, FLPermit No. 1634

Inside This Issue Report says Autism not linked to vaccine… Reaching Potentials Training Calendar Radio National – an interview with Dr.

Margaret Pericak Vance on autism & the search for a genetic component

Insuring the Child with Autism Highlights from the 2001 RP Annual

Fundraiser

Reaching Potentials Intermediate Training ClassSHADOWING IN THE CLASSROOM

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2001 9:00am – 1:00pmLocation: Reaching Potentials – Delray Office

Fee: $50.00 / Advance Registration Required / Call 561-274-3900

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