An Unacceptable Use of Duct Tape

Duct tape has been used to fix many things, and has dozens of uses. One thing that duct tape should never be used on, however, is a child’s shoes, especially if the purpose was to prevent the child from removing the shoes while she was at school. Sadly, this really did happen. Westlake Elementary School is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nate and Elizabeth Searcy have two children who were attending the school: their son, Riley, who is six years old, and their daughter Shaylyn, who is eight years old. Shaylyn has Down Syndrome. On Monday, February 4, 2013, the Searcy’s … Continue reading →

Differing Views on Alternative Treatments

The New York Times Magazine published an article called “The Boy With a Thorn in His Joints”. In it, a mother describes how she went from traditional medicine to alternative medicine to treat her son’s condition. On Slate, there is a response to that article that discusses reasons not to use alternative medicine. Together, the two articles give a wide range of views about choices of treatment. An article called “The Boy With a Thorn in His Joints” was recently posted to the New York Times Magazine. It is six pages long, and was written by Susannah Meadows. It is … Continue reading →

Why Schools Must Provide Sports to Disabled Students

The Department of Education announced that schools must give disabled students the chance to compete in sports along side able-bodied classmates. One wouldn’t think this would be controversial, and yet, it is for some. Here are some things parents can say when someone argues against the idea of having students who are disabled participate in sports. Recently, Arne Duncan, the United States Secretary of Education, wrote a blog on the Department of Education website. It clarified the requirement that schools must provide sports to disabled students. Somehow, this has become a topic of controversy for some people. Here are some … Continue reading →

Universities Must Accommodate for Food Allergies

Parents of teens who have celiac disease, and who will be heading to college this year, may have concerns about what will be served in the school cafeteria. You may not be aware of it, but the Department of Justice announced in December that universities must make meal plans that are inclusive of students will food allergies. Last year, I wrote a blog about something that will make parents of young adults with celiac disease, or a gluten allergy, rest a little easier. Some universities were starting to make accommodations for students who had celiac disease, or a gluten allergy … Continue reading →

Sensory Friendly Events in February

Parents of children who have autism, or who have a sensory processing disorder, may find it difficult to attend movies, plays, and other events. The sensory aspects that others find entertaining can be overwhelming for their child. Fortunately, an awareness of this difficulty has resulted in plenty of sensory friendly events. Here are a few that will take place in February of 2013. February 3: Sensory Friendly Monsters, Inc. movie Where: Cineworld cinema at Valley Centertainment in Sheffield, England. When: 11:00 A.M. What: Lighting will be kept on. The volume of the movie will be reduced. No advertisements or trailers … Continue reading →

Parents Use Medical Marijuana for Son’s Autistic Rage

A family in Oregon is using a non-traditional source of medication to manage their son’s medical conditions. He is severely autistic, and has had incidents of rage. He also has Tuberous Sclerosis. The parents are using medical marijuana as a form of treatment. Alex Echols is eleven years old. He is severely autistic, and has exhibited self-destructive behavior. This behavior has been described as rage. Alex also has Tuberous Sclerosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a complex and rare genetic disease. It causes benign (or noncancerous) lesions to grow in many parts of the body. The lesions can … Continue reading →

Food and Drug Administration Approves Gleevec

The Food and Drug Administration has approved of the use of a drug called Gleevec for children who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It has previously been approved to treat adult patients with several conditions. Gleevec is marketed by Novartis. On January 25, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the use of a drug called Gleevec for children who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Gleevec is also called imatinib. It has been specifically approved to treat kids who have been newly diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (ALL). ALL is a fast-growing cancer of the white … Continue reading →

Schools Must Provide Sports to Disabled Students

The United States Department of Education has announced that schools must give disabled students the chance to compete in extracurricular sports alongside their able-bodied classmates. This is part of the guidelines that were issued this week. The Department of Education has announced new guidelines this week. Schools are required to provide students who are disabled with the chance to compete in extracurricular sports alongside their able-bodied classmates. Or, if this is not possible, then schools must provide disabled students with their own sports programs. Reasonable modifications must be made in order to accommodate students who have disabilities. One example that … Continue reading →

Massachusetts Bill Will Strengthen Mental Health Services

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick has created a bill that, if it becomes law, would help strengthen mental health services in the state. It is part of the gun control legislation he recently filed. The Governor feels treating mental health is critical to reducing gun violence. The gun control bill that Governor Deval Patrick has several different parts to it. It is the first I have heard of that will, if passed into law, require gun owners to purchase gun liability insurance. for their firearms. It also has some portions that are intended to strengthen access to mental health treatment. … Continue reading →

Waiter Refuses to Serve Family Who Made Mean Comment

There is a story going around the internet about a waiter who refused to serve a family at a restaurant. The family took offense that another family brought their child, who has Down Syndrome, to the restaurant. The family made a mean comment. The waiter refused to serve the family who made the mean comment. He did the right thing! This situation occurred in a restaurant called Laurenzo’s Prime Rib that is located in Houston, Texas. Kim Castillo was there with her family. Her son, Milo, has Down Syndrome. She wrote about her experience on a note on one of … Continue reading →