Category: DSM-5 & Psychology

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM) & Psychology topics including autism, autistic spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, mental retardation & ADHD

Aptos psychologist: surfing soothes many children with autism. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

surfing calms autistic children
surfing calms autistic children

Santa Cruz is an ideal spot for children with autistic spectrum disorders to experience the healing and calm by surfing in Monterey Bay. We need something similar to Surfers Healing which is located in southern California. See below. If you are interested in starting such a camp or know of children who might benefit contact: Cameron Jackson, licensed psychologist 831 688-6002 cameronjacks@gmail.com

More info
For more information, contact Jennifer Tracy, camp coordinator, at (949) 370-1083 or go to www.surfershealing.org

The roar of the ocean surf lures thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies to ride the waves. But many autistic children, like 8-year-old Alex Acebal of North Las Vegas, find the crashing waves a calming serenity to their normally jangled restlessness.

By the age of 3, Alex showed typical signs of autism such as failure to make eye contact, delay in learning to talk and throwing tantrums that went beyond the typical “terrible twos,” his mother, Shanea Acebal, said.

After being diagnosed with autism, Alex was enrolled in the school district’s autism program, but his parents were looking for other ways to break him out of his shell, his mother said.

Then she learned of Surfers Healing, a nonprofit foundation that runs free day camps for children with autism that allows them to ride a surfboard with a professional.

Israel “Izzy” and Danielle Paskowitz have run a for-profit surfing camp for 37 years. They started the Surfers Healing foundation and camp in 1999, after seeing the effect surfing had on their autistic son, Isaiah.

About 60 autistic children from the Las Vegas Valley are scheduled to attend the camp in San Diego on Aug. 5.

Many autistic children suffer from sensory overload. Simple sensations could overwhelm them, but for some reason, being on the water helped Isaiah to focus, Izzy Paskowitz said.

With Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and his father steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together.

“There’s something magical that happens that still, to this day, freaks me out,” he said. “It’s the surf of the ocean, but it’s really bigger than that.”

Now 18, Isaiah Paskowitz is surfing on his own and his behavior is stable enough to where he can be in public without having fits, his father said.

“I don’t think his behavior would be as consistent as it is now,” he said. “I know when he was in the water, that just helped him calm his nerves.”

Shanea Acebal saw a similar response in her son, Alex, though the first time at the camp was highly emotional for both mother and child.

“My son was screaming. He did not want to go into that ocean. He did not want to go with the surfer, and I was sobbing,” she said. “I was frightened for my son to see him crying.”

Alex’s mood did not change as he and the surfer paddled out over the waves to a spot beyond the breakers, where the water was placid.

They sat there for about 10 minutes and Alex showed he was no longer scared.

“We saw them paddling in and they were about to catch the wave. I saw my son’s face and he was smiling and he was excited. He was happy,” Shanea Acebal said. “When they came on the shore, he was calm, he was focused. Throughout the entire afternoon, he just sat still, which is very rare for a child with autism.”

More than 2,000 autistic children attend Surfers Healing camps on both coasts each year, Izzy Paskowitz said.

“Parents just have to let go and just let them try,” said Shanea Acebal, who helps the foundation organize Las Vegas families to attend. “There are parents who struggle on the beach and have a hard time seeing their child cry, but it’s worth it. If they try it once and they don’t like it, OK. But at least they tried it.”

Surfers Healing has teamed with Opportunity Village to raise money for the children with disabilities it serves locally and to provide autistic children the chance to attend the surfing camp.

The two charities are hosting a fundraiser from 3 to 9 p.m. on June 24 at Marie Callender’s, 600 E. Sahara Ave. Proceeds from a raffle will benefit Opportunity Village, and the restaurant will donate 15 percent of all sales to Surfers Healing.

This summer, Shanea and Alex Acebal will attend the camp for the sixth year.

Alex looks forward to surfing and on a recent family trip to Southern California, he was playing in the water and loving it, his mother said.

“He did ask, ‘Do we have a surfboard?’” she said. “He was in the water and he wasn’t scared.”

For more info go to: Surfers Healing surfing

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Autism screening & treatment paid for by insurance in some states. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

Michigan Class Action Settlement on Autism Treatment Hailed as Landmark Case
The article below discusses a recent class action case in Michigan wherein insurance co has agreed to pay for ABA treatment for autism. Hopefully, other methods such as P.L.A.Y. and FloorTime – softer approaches than ABA — will also be covered. Contact Easter Seals for P.L.A.Y. in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. If you are interested in Floor Time — a way to spontaneously interact with children there are a several therapists available in the Santa Cruz and Monterey area.

In my opinion as a psychologist it is crucial that parents be in the driver’s seat and make decisions they think in the best interest of their child. Too often parents defer to others (this therapist, that therapist) and are slow to voice their concerns. There are many treatments for autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Parents need to decide what is best for THEIR child.

Emial cameronjacks@gmail for more information. Dr. Cameron Jackson, licensed psychologist in CA PSY14762

June 23, 2009
In what plaintiffs lawyers are calling a landmark autism case, a Michigan insurance company has agreed to reimburse at least 100 families for costs involving treatments for their autistic children.

The $1 million class action settlement from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan comes amid a legislative wave in which a growing number of a states are passing laws that require insurance companies to pay for autism treatments and screenings. To date, 13 states have such laws, the most recent being Connecticut, Colorado and Nevada. New Jersey is currently considering an autism bill, and Pennsylvania’s law goes into effect July 1.

The June 17 Michigan settlement, meanwhile, has autism advocates hopeful that insurance companies will stop claiming that behavioral therapy for autistic children is experimental, and start paying for it.

“It is a significant victory for the families, obviously, and it marks a trend, hopefully, that insurance companies will start to look at autism treatment differently,” said Areva Martin, an attorney at Los Angeles-based Martin & Martin who is currently handling about 30 autism cases. She believes the labeling of autism treatments as experimental is “absurd.”

“It’s a neurological condition similar to a patient that has a stroke,” Martin said.

In the case, Johns v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, the family of an autistic child sued Blue Cross for allegedly failing to acknowledge that a treatment known as applied behavioral analysis is scientifically valid. ABA therapy attempts to change behavior through positive and negative reinforcements.

In the suit, the plaintiffs alleged that Blue Cross’ pattern and practice of characterizing ABA as “experimental” was arbitrary, capricious, illegal and contradicted by many years of scientific validation.

Blue Cross sought dismissal of the case, but a judge permitted it to go forward.

The case settled shortly after plaintiffs counsel obtained a court order requiring Blue Cross to produce documents that validated the effectiveness of ABA. Among the documents obtained was a draft of a 2005 Blue Cross Blue Shield medical policy, which stated: “Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is currently the most thoroughly researched treatment modality for early intervention approaches to autism spectrum disorders and is the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Academy of Sciences Committee and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, among others.”

Blue Cross’ documents also stated: “The earlier the disorder is diagnosed, the sooner the child can be helped through treatment interventions.”

“I think we had ’em. Their files were so damming,” said Gerard V. Mantese, of Troy, Mich.’s Mantese & Rossman, one of two lawyers who represented the plaintiffs. “We kept hearing from Blue Cross that this is experimental, we’ve researched it. So when we sent our discovery requests saying, ‘Show us what you have,’ their file looked almost like my file. It had paper after paper supporting ABA therapy.”

Under the settlement, Blue Cross will pay for behavioral therapy rendered to more than 100 children in the past six years. Mantese believes this is the first such lawsuit settlement where an insurance company has agreed to pay for autism treatment.

“We’ve searched across the country for similar cases. This is the first one that we’re aware of,” said Mantese, who is getting calls from numerous attorneys handling similar cases. “I’m getting calls from all across the country. They’re encouraged. They’re pleased with the settlement, and they’re motivated to fight for these families and these children.”

Jeffrey Rumley, vice president and general counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, issued this statement: “We knew we could resolve this matter to the benefit of the families involved, and are pleased to be able to conclude this matter in a manner that puts the families first who received services from the early intervention program,” Rumley stated.

Separate from the lawsuit, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced on May 11 that it will offer its customer groups the ability to purchase coverage for autism treatment programs that provide intensive early intervention. The new benefit option involves coverage for children aged two to five years old who use ABA, although the insurance carrier said that it still considers ABA an investigational and experimental treatment.

The coverage will begin on July 1.

“We saw a need in the community and moved to find a way to address it,” said Thomas Simmer, M.D., Blues Cross Blue Shield of Michigan senior vice president and chief medical officer, when announcing the new coverage last month. “We developed this coverage option as part of our commitment to improving the health and wellness of all Michigan children and families.”

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Aptos psychologist: Take a look at $100 mo subscription for ABA for autism www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

The link below takes you to an About Us page for Rethink Autism which has sample lessons using ABA techniques. There re a handful of free sample lessons. The subscription cost is $100 a month WITHOUT professional assistance. There is an additional monthly charge for professional assistance.

The good news is that you as parent have complete control of how the ABA program is done. You know how much stress your child can tolerate. You can tailor the lessons to fit the needs of your child. Certainly, $100 a month seems very reasonably priced.

One of the complaints I hear regularly about ABA is that outsiders come in to the home. The “work” is done in a separate room and the child is isolated from parent involvement during the session. Frequently some kind of sugar reward is used to motivate the child to do the work. All of those kinds of complaints are addressed with this program. No strangers. No isolation, Use of praise and hugs for a reward.

I looked at the sample for teaching imitation. It is clear and something a parent can do readily. Like telemedicine this program might be quite helpful for certain kinds of families.

In California because of budget issues the Early Start program (ages 0 to 3) may be drastically cut. Use of this kind of a online subscription program might be a helpful adjunct for some regional center clients who receive Early Start services.

written by Dr. Cameron Jackson, Ph.D., J.D. Licensed clinical psychologist cameronjacks@gmail.com

Rethink Autism

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Terminate parent rights when they commit Three Strikes abuse against ther children? Yes! www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

If parental rights of parents who abuse their children were terminated earlier, fewer children would be harmed. Three Strikes of abuse and parental rights should be terminated. Immediately. The child should then put up for permanent adoption. Give children a break to have a break from an unhealthy, abusive past. Currently the law allows parents who repeatedly abuse to still keep their parental rights.

What Three Strikes? Strike #1: Use of dangerous to drugs dangerous to fetus. All children born addicted are a strike against the mother and probably the father as well. I see heaps of cases where mothers have had several children all of them born addicted to heroin, cocaine, meth or a combination of drugs.

Strike #2: Neglect and physical and/or emotional abuse. Let CPA decide what constitutes abuse and neglect. Being spaced out on drugs and ignoring the child day after day is neglect. Hitting children that leaves marks is abuse. Not feeding or diapering children so they have horrible rashes is abuse.

Here is a real case why parental rights should be terminated early: The child, Erica, (not real name) was taken care of by her grandmother for the first few years. Left on a rug, fed but not much interaction with the elderly woman. Mother, who had been in prison re-appears and takes the child from age 4 to age 8. The mother’s boyfriend on one occasion chokes the child in public fast food restaurants. Both use and abuse various illegal and legal drugs. Child is taken away from them by CPS.

Erica, now age 8, was placed in foster care. A licensed psychologist assessed her and recommended that she be adopted by a two parent family with extended family and good structure. Take her to a church or place of worship. Enroll her in group sports.

That never happened. Erica is now age 18. She has been in a number of foster placements for over ten years. She takes medications for psychotic symptoms, ADHD and depression. She fixates on returning to live with her mother. Her mother has been in prison most of the last 10 years and is currently in prison

What skills does Erica have? She almost passed the Exit exam for CA in Reading. Her score was just a couple points too low to pass. Her life skills are quite Deficient.

Erica will have to cared for by taxpayers probably for the rest of her life. Her life would have had promise had she been adopted many years ago.

Maybe Three Strikes is too generous Abused in the womb and born addicted to drugs has such serious concequences. Had Erica been given a fresh start while very young she probably would be a productive young citizen capable of providing for herself and contributing to society.

Who is respeonsible for the harm to Erica? Her biological parents and relatives for sure. Also the social service system that moved her from one placement to another. And the legal system that bends over backwared to put children back with their bad parents. The law must be changed in California.

Your comments? written by Cameron Jackson cameronjacks@gmail.com

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Aptos psychologist: Asperger’s Web Ring has 91 sites. What think of sites? www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

Web Ring exists for all sorts of topics. For autistic spectrum disorders (autism, pervasive developmental disorder, NOS, etc) there are several interesting rings: Autism Family Circle, Special Needs Support Groups and Asperger’s Web Ring.

Anyone who knows of a particularly good site – please post what it is and why you like it.

I am in process of joining the Asperger’s Web Ring which has 91 sites. What that means is you can quickly move from one sit to another and see what you think of all of them.

For more info go Web Ring

There is also a Children’s Health Issues ring that has 50 sites. I plan to join that ring too once I figure out how to do so!

Any sites you particularly like that relate to children — please share the info so it can be posted.

For more information about Web Ring — Google it and put in Autism.

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Aptos psychologist: know the early warning signs of autism. Go to www.freedomOK.net/wordpress or www.firstsigns.org

First Signs launches a National Campaign to Inform Physicians and Parents about Autism and Developmental Disorders.

“First Signs, a national awareness initiative, was recently launched recently in the state of New Jersey to inform the state’s physicians and parents about the early warning signs of autism and developmental disorders. The New Jersey pilot, which was launched in collaboration with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Center for Outreach Services to the Autism Community (COSAC), was the first statewide campaign of its kind in the country by the Massachusetts-based First Signs, Inc, launched in collaboration with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Center for Outreach Services to the Autism Community (COSAC).

“Since First Signs announced its program launch on April 27, 2001 in Washington D.C. before the Congressional Caucus on Autism, the non-profit organization has been receiving hundreds of requests from pediatricians, parents, and other clinicians throughout the country for information about early identification and treatment. The organization hopes to create a national model for disseminating key information about early warning signs, the need for routine developmental screening, of children from birth to age three, and the options available to parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

In the December 2001 issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the editorial “Child Development in Pediatrics: Beyond Rhetoric”, by Barry Zuckerman, M.D., Marilyn Augustyn, M.D., and Steven Parker M.D., First Signs is described as a parent-run organization calling for “regular systemic screening by pediatricians with validated instruments, emphasizing the social and emotional aspects of development, to identify autism spectrum disorders.” First Signs is noted as an example of how parents are listening closely to the recent national emphasis on the importance of early childhood development. “Because parent groups have a long and special tradition of improving care for children, it is likely that they, rather than professional organizations, will be more effective in changing practice.”

“First Signs grew out of the personal experience of founder and president, Nancy Wiseman, whose daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 1998. Based on her daughter’s steady improvements through early identification and treatment, Wiseman, a marketing communications professional and parent, knew that she had an important message to share with both physicians and parents—that the earliest possible diagnosis and intervention are the keys to success for all children at risk of developmental disorders.

“The high and growing incidence of autism and related disabilities demands greater awareness and improved early identification,” says Wiseman. “We don’t know how to prevent autism or how to cure it, but one thing we do know is that early and intensive treatment and intervention can profoundly change the quality of life for children at risk and their families. The key is early detection.”

To that end, the First Signs mission is to ensure the best developmental outcome for every child. By educating both parents and physicians, First Signs hopes to promote ongoing discussions regarding the most important and often overlooked aspects of development: social/emotional, communication, and behavior.

Through an integrated mix of print and broadcast press, direct mail, public service announcements, speaking engagements, and at their Web site, the First Signs campaign is focused on a primary target audience of physicians, parents, and family service organizations. The program has three primary components: a screening kit designed for physicians and family practitioners, an informational mailing sent to parents of children under three years of age in participating states, and a comprehensive Web site that provides evidence-based information for parents and professionals.

In August 2001, physicians in participating states received a mailing offering letter from UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and COSAC with an offer to receive the a free First Signs Screening Kit and to earn CME credit by viewing and completing materials on an enclosed educational video. The screening kit includes an educational video (hosted by Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes”), a developmental milestones wall chart, validated screening tools for both developmental and autism screening, recommended screening guidelines for physicians, and an Early Intervention referral guide. The 20-minute educational video, entitled “On the Spectrum: Children and Autism,” outlines the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders, provides guidelines for conducting developmental screening, and describes how to relay developmental concerns to parents. The video is hosted by Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes” and features actor Anthony Edwards of “ER” and football legend Doug Flutie. “On the Spectrum” draws upon clinical expertise, with interviews of some of the top experts in the field.

One of the initiative’s major goals is to encourage more pediatricians to refer young children to early intervention programs. In keeping with the recent AAP Policy Statement on the Pediatrician’s Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, First Signs recommends that a physician or nurse practitioner perform a routine developmental screening at every well visit for any type of atypical development. The First Signs Screening Guidelines leads physicians through the referral process for those children in need.

Parents of children under age three will receive an informational mailing three weeks after the physician mailing goes out to create awareness around the hallmark milestones during each stage of development. A checklist of developmental milestones is included in this mailing, which helps to serve as discussion points between parents and physicians at the next well visit. To minimize language and cultural barriers in parent populations, First Signs will test informational mailings to Head Start programs and day care centers in selected areas to see if family service workers can influence parents to have their children screened.

The First Signs Web site provides physicians and parents with essential developmental information, an explanation of the screening process, a systematic guide that walks them through each stage of the process, listings of available local and national resources, and links to research, books, articles, and programs nationwide. Physicians and parents can become better informed about the different educational, biomedical, and alternative treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

First Signs has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatricians/New Jersey Chapter, Medical Society of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Pediatric Society. First Signs is funded by a number of foundations and government agencies, including Cure Autism Now, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, the Mellanby Autism Foundation, the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Autism at UMDNJ, and Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) of Ocean County.

Originally published in Developmental and Behavioral News, published by the AAP, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

References
Zuckerman, B., Augustyn, M., Parker S., (2001). Child development in pediatrics: Beyond rhetoric. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 155, 1294-1295. [50]

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Related Links
First Signs
Group that advocates early detection of autism, with information about screening tools and treatment information.
http://www.firstsigns.org accessed 12/5/2008
Autism Society of America Home Page
Parent information on Autism and support and advocacy information. A good source of credible information about diagnosis and management autism.

for more info to to: More info

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Aptos psychologist: Dog therapy does wonders. No overflowing refrigerator! Dogs can reduce blood pressure. Help socialize children. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

I recently saw a post on Twitter about a family raising $13, 000 to buy a particular kind of therapy dog. They believe that a therapy dog, trained by a particular organization, will enhance the life of their child who has autism.

Yes, dogs provide wonderful therapy for people includng children who have an autistic spectrum disorder. But $13 K is a steep price to pay.

Are there other ways to get a dog which can increase the social and communication skills of your child? Yes!

There are rescue organizations for many kinds of breeds. In the economic downturn, more pets are dropped off at the local pound. Most communities have good resources for training dogs.

One decent rescue dog or pound dog plus lots of appropriate training can probably produce a dog that meet your child’s needs.

One organization that does provide therapy dogs is: 4 Paws Dog

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Aptos psychologist: In England, 50% of persons with autism fall through cracks…www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

English doctors
English doctors
Do you want nationalized health care? Look at what socialized medicine provides persons in merry old England: NO services for roughly 1/2 of all persons suffering from autism. See what following article says:

“Eight out of 10 doctors need more training to spot the signs of autism, according to a new report.

The study, from the National Audit Office (NAO), also found that around half of the estimated 400,000 adults in England with autism may be falling through the gaps due to a lack of services.

This is because they do not have a learning disability and services are mostly set up for people with illness, physical or learning disabilities, and mental health problems.

A poll of 1,000 GPs for the report found 80% thought they needed additional guidance and training to identify and manage those with autism more effectively. Many did not know where to refer people with autism due to a lack of specific services.

The study said: “In our survey of GPs, 64% told us that they referred adults with suspected high-functioning autism to adult mental health services, and 19% to learning disability services.

“(A total of) 12% were not sure where they should refer such patients, and only 10% reported that they would refer them to a specialised autism diagnostic service.”

The NAO found that most NHS organisations and local authorities do not know how many people with autism live in their area, something it said should change. It also called for specialist support services.

The study – called Supporting People with Autism through Adulthood – said: “Providing specialised support could improve outcomes for this group of people and their carers, and potentially enhance value for money, as the costs of establishing such support could be outweighed over time by overall savings.”

Tim Burr, spokesman for the NAO, added: “Greater awareness of the numbers of people with autism, as well as better understanding of autism amongst those providing health, social care, benefits, education and employment services, would lead to improved quality of life for those on the autistic spectrum.”Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society (NAS), said: “Neither the Government, people with autism nor the taxpayer are getting value for money from existing autism services and support, leaving those affected by the condition feeling isolated, ignored and often at breaking point. This is simply unacceptable.”

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Aptos, CA:Easter Seals shows parents how to PLAY & ENGAGE their autistic child.www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

From Aptos psychologist Dr. Jackson 831 688-6002

Easter Seals offers P.L.A.Y., a method that is softer and more gentle than Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Parents need to educate themselves about the different techniques available for assisting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Parents need to be in the driver’s seat as to what kind of therapy they think will be best for their child.

There are “squishy” softer methods such as P.L.A.Y. and FloorTime. And there are “prickly”, harsher methods in my opinon such as Applied Behavior Analyisis (ABA). Different methods for different severities and kinds of autistic symptoms. Each child is unique. Parents who have educated themselves will make the best decisions.

Call EASTER SEALS in Aptos for informantion about how to PLAYFULLY engage with children with social and communication delays. Go: Easter Seals

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Aptos psychologist: How’s your baby? An Apgar score measures Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity & Respiration

A student asked Dr. Virginia Apgar how a newborn might be evaluated. She said how and then rushed off to test her idea.

After testing it on 1000 babies she presenteed the idea she presented it at a conference in 1952. The APGAR score caught on quickly.

A baby is given a score of O, 1 or 2 in five categories: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration.

Dr. Virginia Apgar came up with a simple way to measure the overall health of a baby at birth. The score laid the foundation for the field of neonatalogy.

As a result of the APGAR score and other advances,
US infant mortality dropped from 58 per 1000 to 7 per 1000 today.

The score came about indirectly because of sexism in medicine. Though Dr. Apgar excelled in surgery a mentor convinced her not to try to make a living. “Even women will not go to a woman surgeon” she was told. She went into anesthesiology, was passed over for a man to head the new department and threw herself into teaching and patient care. She was especially concerned about obstetrical anesthesia and what she saw there.

Watch a video of Dr. Apgar applying the score at WSJ.com/health

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