August 30, 2009
By Toni Lapp
No matter where you find yourself on the autism-vaccine debate, you’ll want to tune in to NBC Dateline tonight for an hourlong program, “A Dose of Controversy,” at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Dateline. Matt Lauer will interview British researcher Dr. Andrew Wakefield, whose 1998 medical study was the first in the world to suggest a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism.(In-depth Newsweek article examining the developments set off by Wakefield’s research can be found here.) Since then, many, many studies have attempted to refute or support Wakefield’s conclusion, and many, many parents have opted not to vaccinate their children as recommended by the government.
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August 25, 2009
By Brian McTavish
A participant in the Mission Project, Lauren Stern -- who has Asperger Syndrome -- is holding down a job and living independently.
The young woman plants her hands on her hips and peers affectionately at the dozen small dogs barking and frolicking around her.
“Annie! Annie-ba-nannie!” she calls to a black miniature poodle hanging out with Bubby, a black-and-silver Silky Terrier.
“Who loves Bubby? Is that your boyfriend, Annie?” she says, before the feisty yip of another of her furry charges demands notice.
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August 13, 2009
By Jeanne Holverstott, M.S.
Question: Do you recommend that parents and students on the autism spectrum take special steps to ease into back-to-school activities?
Answer: For most every school-aged child, August generates mostly positive thoughts amidst the dread of homework, going to bed early, and listening to teachers. You may not know it, but a child with ASD is already anxious about school. Many of my clients have been worried since August 1, weeks before most start school; some because they dislike school, others because they enjoy it. Love or hate, school creates anxiety and anxiety is the breeding ground for much more.
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August 13, 2009
By Toni Lapp
Kids with special needs have often been relegated to the sidelines on the field of athletic achievement. Thanks to a program pioneered by the YMCA, more special-needs kids in the KC area are getting to experience the thrill of sports for the first time.
Last night, I enjoyed being the one on the sidelines as the second season of YMCA’s Challenger bowling league came to a close at AMF Lanes in Overland Park. Kids with various disabilities could be seen squealing with delight as they watched pins scatter. One wheelchair-bound child rolled up to the line and against the odds, pull off an impossible split.
Although they won’t be featured on Metro Sports anytime soon, it was inspiring to see these kids — who we all know are typically shunned by their able-bodied peers — high-fiving each other and their volunteer buddies in victory.
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