Monterey Bay Forum

What resources in CA are there for young adults (18-22) with autism? The junior college system is the place to offer appropriate services.

Who wants to co-author a Dummies type book on autism? email psycholoigst DrCameronJackson@gmail.com & visit Monterey Bay Forum

Too many domestic terrorists “near misses” thanks to Obama policies and people like Attorney General Holder. No MIranda rights for them!

Why do you suspect autism? Depends on the age of the child/ person as to what to look for as possible signs of autism.

Infant to age 1+: no “social” smile that typically occurs about age 6 weeks to 12 weeks of age. Failure to follow parent’s gaze. Does not turn head when name is called. Not able to engage in joint attention tasks with parent. Seems like the child might be deaf as not responsive to parent’s voice. Repetitive behaviors that go on and on without much point. Playing very inappropriately with toys. Very limited interests.

Age 3: child does not put 2 words together. Limited one word vocabulary. Child does not seek parent for comfort. Child prefers objects to people. Ignores parent and does not come when called by parent. Failure do draw; child only scribbles. May count and knows colors and alphabet but the 3 year old is not interested in other children. Many seem “angelic” — very sweet expression and little emotion on their face.

written by Dr. Cameron Jackson, licensed psychoologist DrCameronJackson@gmail.com 831 688-6002

A parent recently said to me, “I wish there was a Dummies book for children with autism….” Well, we have the Internet so alot of what could go into a Dummies type book can go up on the web.

We will call the “book” Autistic Spectrum Disorders for Dummies & Smarties!! You — those who want to — and I will write it. Here we go. This is for families in California who have a child or adult living with the who has autistic spectrum issues.

Index for Autistic Spectrum Disorders for Dummies & Smarties!!
How to Start – suspect autism because?
Parents ARE the Experts
Access to Services
Connecting with other parents
Blogs about Autism
Camcorders, use
Social Networks, Useful?

washing hair

Like designer jeans, Asperger’s Disorder has become a “hot” diagnosis.

Asperger’s is much more preferred by parents as a diagnosis than a diagnosis of Mental Retardation. Or Autistic Disorder. It’s easy to see why: In Asperger’s Disorder the person’s cognitive I.Q and functional abilities (self care abilities, ability to work) are in the normal range.

In Asperger’s Disorder, only the social abilities are in the Borderline or Deficient range.

One young woman I recently had the opportunity to assess (a young 18 year old with Asperger’s) said that she preferred to learn over the Internet — with her lap top on her bed — so she did not have to interact with people. She views her mother as her best and only friend. She tries to stay “with it” by not showering and having dirty hair — as that is socially acceptable here in Santa Cruz, California. She is right — in Santa Cruz, California dirty hair and rarely washing hair or taking showers is “in”. In certain circles.

written by Dr. Cameron Jackson DrCameronJackson@gmail.com Monterey Bay Forum www.FreedomOK.net (more…)

BlogBabel Tags: asperger's disorder, diagnosis

Cost of illness covered?

Curious, I went online to see what I could find. What I learned is that YES there can be an exclusionary period (up to a year typically) wherein you pay premiums and the conditions for which you received care during the six months before joining are excluded. So if you sought treatment for Asperger’s Disorder and received care in the six months before then you could not get costs incurred for that condition for the first 12 months of coverage. (more…)

BlogBabel Tags: Asperger's, illness, pre-existing conditions

Tell your congress person to vote OUT Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House. Scrub the Senate bill. Start fresh on real health care reform.

Start all over with a fresh slate. Get health care reform right.

Sam Farr supports single payer & government option. Farr is too far to the left for me. Vote him out of office in Nov 2010