The Art of Autism is universal.  For so many of our kids, art is that first inspiration that lures them out, into a world of fulfilling social interactions, through their exceptional, autism-enhanced ability to connect to others through art.  That’s why Autism Today has teamed up with author Debbie Hosseini, to create Artism: The Art of Autism, a magnificent coffee table book, packed with beautiful art by artists who happen to have autism.  As you enjoy the book, Hosseini takes you on a journey into the lives of 54 artists from around the world, and how each has used art to overcome the challenges of living on the spectrum.  In the process, she dispatches, one by one, with common myths about people with autism, perceptions among neurotypicals for example that people on the spectrum lack emotion, creativity, sensitivity, and empathy.

But Artism: The Art of Autism is not just a book.  It’s a community!  Be sure to check out our website, ArtismToday.com.  Interact with Debbie Hosseini, who curates the site.  Follow Artism artists in the news.  Each artists continues to attract interest and media coverage now that Artism: The Art of Autism is now available.   Learn about Keri Bowers’ upcoming Art of Autism Tour dates and how to participate, www.normalfilms.com.  Share YOUR story or that of a friend whom art has helped to cope or to transcend the challenges of autism.  Best of all — have fun!  Our goal is for ArtismToday.com to be an online crossroads for everyone interested in art and, yes, autism too.

We look forward to seeing you, interacting with you and learning about you and your art soon, on ArtismToday.com!

We are so lucky to welcome Hollywood leading lady Kelly LeBrock, star of such romantic comedies as Woman in Red and Weird Science, as our Honorary Host.  (We are highlighting her in this week’s Speaker Profile, below.)  Kelly is a dedicated advocate who believes deeply in whole-health strategies for treating autism and related disorders.  Her brother Harold struggled with Asperger’s before his death.

Valentine’s Day is coming up.  Why not consider joining us for The Women in Red festivities at Autism Vancouver 2011?  Borrowing from the title of Kelly’s movie, our Women in Red activities will honor autism moms everywhere, their giant hearts, their limitless energy, and their passion for helping their children grow and achieve their full potential.  Red is the color of love.  Vancouver is a place to celebrate with other autism moms and families.  Dads are welcome too!

In addition to Kelly LeBrock, we have been fortunate to enlist other artists active in the autism community to participate in Autism Vancouver and support related social activities.  These include Keri Bowers, founder of Normal Films, www.normalfilms.com, and director and producer of such independent films as Normal People Scare Me, with her son, Taylor Cross and many others, and The Sandwich Kid, and Elaine Hall, a.k.a., Coach E, the Hollywood child acting coach who founded The Miracle Project, www.themiracleproject.com, subject of the Emmy Award-winning movie Autism: The Movie.

Love,
Karen

LeBrock began her career as a model at the age of sixteen. She went on to appear on magazine covers and in fashion spreads, including an exclusive Christian Dior campaign, and became one of Eileen Ford’s most sought-after models. She also gained notoriety as the Pantene shampoo commercial spokeswoman whose line “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” became a pop-culture catchphrase.  Later, LeBrock was cast as the “perfect” or “fantasy” woman in several 1980s comedies, perhaps most notably The Woman in Red (1984).  Our conference is a tribute to all “women in red,” the mothers of children born on the spectrum, whose passion and devotion helps these children live full and productive lives.

Join Kelly Lebrock at the 3rd Autism Biennial Congress 2011

Visit www.AutismVancouver.com

Eustacia Cutler

Eustacia Cutler is the mother of four children. Her oldest child is Temple Grandin, who has become a successful person with autism in the world today. Eustacia is a graduate of Harvard. She has been a band singer at the Pierre Hotel, New York City, performed and written for theatre and cabaret, and written for major television networks.

Her current book, “A Thorn in My Pocket” describes raising Temple in the conservative world of the 1950′s.

Dr. Temple Grandin

Eustacia was one of the first to tread new water as she overcame the difficulties of “challenging the system”. Like every parent and teacher, she wanted the best for her child. She understands the myth, reality, angst, and guilt a family experiences in society. She is where you will be in the future: looking back on the things you did to help you.

When the “system” is not meeting the needs of your child, you must be creative and design your own program. Piece by piece, you and your child can develop a meaningful, interrelated reality.

Hear Eustacia Cutler speak at this extraordinary upcoming event, the 3rd Autism Vancouver Biennial Congress 2011, April 8 – 9, 2011, Vancouver BC. Register early and Reserve your seat today!

Dr. Granpeesheh is a must see! She will be speaking at the 3rd Autism Vancouver Biennial Congress 2011, in Vancouver, BC April 8 – 9, 2011.

Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) and President of the Board of Autism Care and Treatment Today (ACT Today!). Dr. Granpeesheh received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA and is licensed by the Medical Board of California, the Texas State Board of Psychologists and the Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Dr. Granpeesheh holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been providing behavioral therapy since 1979. In 1990, Dr. Granpeesheh founded the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) and through its 20 offices world wide, she has provided diagnosis, assessment and behavioral treatment for thousands of children with autism and related disorders.
In 2005, Dr. Granpeesheh founded ACT Today!, a non-profit organization that provides support and funding to families of children with Autism. In addition, Dr. Granpeesheh is also a principle member of the Thoughtful House Center for Children, a charity organization that provides behavioral services in collaboration with medical treatment and research.
Dr. Granpeesheh is member of the Defeat Autism Now Executive Council, on the Scientific Advisory Board of the US Autism and Asperger’s Association and First Vice Chair of the National Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America. Dr. Granpeesheh is also the executive director and co-producer of the award-winning documentary, RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back.

Register today! Don’t miss Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, along with over 18 more autism experts at the Autism Vancouver Biennial Congress 2011,

I found out about my mom’s passing at the exact moment that the movie “Temple Grandin, based on the life of Dr. Temple Grandin received the Emmys for the acting of Claire Dane and others and Temple grabbed the microphone on stage to ask her lovely mother, Eustacia, to stand up and be recognized.

My sister Susan was the one who called me to tell me that my mother had suddenly passed away from a stroke and I do believe I was in shock!  At that moment I realized that I will never have my moment of asking my mom to stand up and be recognized like Temple did, so maybe we can all ask Eustacia to be `the mom“ that stands up for the other moms that can’t be there.

The phone which was glued to my head went completely dead during this time of the Emmy’s and I completely forgot it was there as I was numb from the news.  It was almost like Mom was saying from Heaven, I want you to enjoy your friend, Temple Grandin`s fine moment in the spotlight as she hugged Claire Danes! Hugs are unusual for Temple. I also reflected that as an individual, the reason I do what I do is due to moms passion.

Mom would always tell me “Karen, you can do whatever you want to do as long as you set your mind to it”. It’s because of her that I pursue my work with relentless persistence never giving up no matter what gets in the way.  It was also very coincidental that this Emmy celebration was all about `What did your mother want you to be when you grew up’.  They would ask the stars that question and show the stories in little vignettes.

I still can`t believe she`s gone.  Mom was in everything that I do, she even drew some of the pictures in my first book, Little Rainman: Autism Through The Eyes of a Child.  She was truly my biggest cheerleader and fan and I feel her presence still there shining down from above as I write this blog.  To get a sense of my mom (and maybe even yours) I will share the poem I wrote for her…

MITZI MY MOM

She never knew a stranger, she always knew a friend

Her heart of gold she shared with you and presents she would send!

Every moment a story shared with love and passion true

By my side when I almost died, only to start my life anew

When mother said “now girls”, we knew we were in trouble

She’d holler out, “you kids clean up right now and on the double!”

She traveled the world from Hong Kong to Beirut, and with Bunny painted the town red

Operas, musicals, shopping, fancy clothes, always tasteful in what she did and said!

When she tried something really good, it was simply “the best she’d ever tasted”

And boy was she frugal you could always count on her for not a penny wasted!

An artist to her core, she’d say “oh, look at the trees and flowers”

She’d talk about her times and memories and we’d listen for many hours

She never knew a stranger, she always knew a friend

Her water colors are still filled with every color in the wind

Everything always had a place she’d say Karen “put it back where you found it”

Of course as kids when she said clean up, we’d say when we get around to it

She had a saying for everything like “I feel more like I do than I did”

If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,   I hear her recite now in my head!

She always had her “face on” and was impeccably dressed

Perfection was her middle name and she always looked her best.

She was lovingness, please and thank you’s and her home was someplace special

Like a dream-world keeping things clean, “don’t put it down, put it up” all very beneficial

Somehow I never thought she’d leave us, and we’ll cherish her forever

She taught us all how to love and feel and was a mother like no other

Remembering her with wonderment like a connoisseur of dark chocolate

A real lady with all the class in the world, she’d want to be remembered like that!

She never knew a stranger, she always knew a friend

Her memory will live on in our souls, and over time our hearts will mend

Your essence will live on in our being and you will leave us…… never

We will all remember you Mitzi, love and butterfly kisses….. forever!

Before all this happened I had asked our Autism Today friends to submit articles to share with our readers.  We received an overwhelming amount of articles.  Then I had to fly to Alabama to tend to my mother’s affairs.  I don’t want anyone to think I dropped the ball or forgot about them as we still have all the articles ready to post to my site waiting on my computer and they are deeply appreciated so I want to thank each and every one of you that sent me articles for sending them.  Because of all that’s happened, we’ve decided to put them into the new website we are launching in November – December this year.  If you were one of the folks that submitted an article please watch for it on the new “launch” of Autism Today

Since I know so many of us are baby boomers and you may have lost someone very special in your heart recently as well.  To you I send my condolences.  Moms are everything, aren’t they?  They nurture us when we are sick, they love us and care for us unconditionally.  Temple’s birthday was on August 29^th and my mother passed away on that very same day.   I will continue to do whatever it takes to bring her loving passion through me to the cause of autism related disorders.

Much love and warm wishes!  Have a happy holiday season.  Your loved ones would want it to be that way.

Love,

Karen Simmons

We are looking for a limited number of enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to distribute fliers and posters throughout the entire Vancouver area!

We will be screening the first 50 volunteers that reply. Volunteers can be organizations or individuals who have an interest in advocating for the autism community and its increased awareness in education.

Volunteers will receive free registrations to the conference!

Join us at the Autism Vancouver Biennial Congress 2011 April 8th – 9th 2011!

Autism Through the Lifespan, featuring the Autism Expo & Market, will feature 18 plus of the world’s foremost autism experts speaking on topics covering the full range of everything that you must know about Autism Spectrum Disorders Across the Lifespan.

This theme reflects the reality that autism spectrum disorders present an evolving set of personal, familial, societal, and therapeutic issues as affected individuals pass from infancy, childhood through adolescence, adulthood, and finally old age.

Adopting a life-span perspective is a fundamental requirement for developing a set of comprehensive services to individuals and families who are dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This 2 day event assembles leading experts on autism spectrum disorders. Speakers include:
– Jerry Newport
– Dr. Stephen Shore
– Keri Bowers
– Bill Davis
– Julie Matthews
– Tasreen Alibhai
– David Kirby
– Dr. Bill Shaw
– Eustacia Cutler (Temple Grandin’s Mom)

Speakers will focus on ways to improve the quality of life for those affected by autism and the families, caregivers, and professionals by conducting presentations in the areas of:
– Behavioral and Biomedical Interventions
– Adjunct Therapies
– Social Skills Training
– Diet and Nutrition
– Family Issues

Please contact Susan Simmons at susan@autismtoday.com for details.

Sincerely,
Karen Simmons

Can Food Sabotage Your Child’s Progress?

by Dr. Daniel Dantini, MD

In the mid 1980s, I conducted a study on food sensitivities and their effects on ADD/ADHD symptoms. After testing the patient for delayed food sensitivities, the study consisted of two phases:

The Avoidance Phase, in which the offending foods are avoided for six weeks.
The Challenge Phase, in which the excluded foods are slowly added back into the diet. The reason for the challenge phase is to prove that the foods identified by the test are actually causing specific symptoms.

Included in this particular study, was an autistic child around 2 years old.  During the avoidance phase when the harmful foods were removed from this child’s diet, ALL of the autistic symptoms disappeared.
With such dramatic results, the parents withdrew the child from the study before the challenge phase. They not only feared that challenging the foods back into the child’s diet would cause the symptoms to return, but that they would not be able to reverse them again.

This was the first autistic child I had ever encountered.  I consulted my dad who had been a General Practitioner for 50 years, and he had never seen a single case.  As an otolaryngologist, I didn’t see many cases of autism.

However, just before I moved from Pittsburgh to Florida, I saw the son of a nurse at the hospital who had just been diagnosed with Autism. After I tested him for delayed food sensitivities, I instructed his mother to have him avoid the harmful foods.  16 years later, he and his mother stopped by my office.   He had continued the protocol and was preparing for college.  As far as I could tell, he was normal. The only unusual remnant of his autism was that he couldn’t lie.

In Florida, I started seeing more and more patients on the Autistic Spectrum.  I have been watching results in my own practice and getting feedback from DAN doctors and others who regularly treat Autism.  What I have found is that, in delayed food sensitivity, immune complex plays a vital role in the progression of autism.  And the younger the child we treat, the better the results.

Certainly there are genetic predispositions that affect the population, but since it was rare before the 1980s, there is obviously something else, which is drastically contributing to, if not causing the huge increase in cases.

Allergic load and an over-stimulated immune system seem to me to be major culprits.  Allergic load is the amount of allergens the body can successfully tolerate.  When we’re exposed to more than we can handle, the immune system reacts badly.  In the case of autism, the brain is affected during its development.  By decreasing the allergic load, the immune system is better able to handle any other onslaughts it may encounter.  Since food is such a large portion of the potential allergic load, it makes sense to test children early for both immediate AND delayed food sensitivities and eliminate the foods to which they react. This increases the chance that the brain can develop normally.

As children grow, parents ask many important questions, such as, “What will my child do? How can my child function in the real world? How will my child communicate?”

Since the autism epidemic first began in the mid-eighties, hundreds of thousands of families now have a child reaching adulthood, without a comprehensive resource, to help make that transition.

The book Autism Tomorrow is both a life guide, with solutions, and a warm, heart-felt combination of two families’ stories about their sons with autism. My son, Jonny, is high functioning, while Bill’s son, Chris, requires a great deal of care and attention. Through their stories, along with the practical tips from all the authors, you will learn how to help your child build a solid and safe future.
As you read on, you’ll discover this is a book of hope and understanding. Autism Tomorrow provides solutions, makes you laugh and cry, and gives you a roadmap for your child’s future, no matter where he is on the spectrum. This is for parents, educators, caretakers, first responders, people around you, and all people with autism. It has practical lists of things to do and not to do, beginning when your child is young, and later, going out into the world. This includes school, special training, medications, classes, post-secondary education, jobs, and families.

Because we learn from each other in the world that revolves around a child with autism, we want to share what we have learned (often the hard way), about working with schools, community, and neighbors. Everything we do benefits you, and your child with autism.

Everyday life is hard, and some of the most difficult decisions relate to how to make plans for your child’s care whether you are around or not. You’ll want to know who will care for your child, where she will live, and how the life style is funded? You’ll also want to know more about what your child’s daily life will be like, whether he or she can live independently, and what kinds of documentation you’ll need to implement today to ensure your child’s best interests.

Facing each day not only brings new challenges, but also gives birth to the dawn of knowing you can take action and make decisions for a better future.

Karen Simmons, founder & CEO Autism Today