We Are Now On Wordpress!

We have some exciting news to share, we are now on wordpress! This is where all of the new Danny's Wish blog posts will go from this moment on so please make a note of the change.

Here is the NEW link to our blog: http://www.letschatautism.com/

See you there!

This week's featured app: iWriteWords

Here is another of our favorite iPad apps! iWriteWords is nicely pictured here below on the iTouch, but now imagine it on the much larger screen of the iPad! It is wonderful for all children and especially wonderful for our autistic children! Interactive, fun and all about learning!

Product description from developer: “iWriteWords teaches your child handwriting while playing a fun and entertaining game. Help Mr. Crab collect the numbers in sequence by dragging him with your finger – and drawing the letter at the same time. Once all the letters in the word are drawn properly, a cute drawing appears. Tilt your iPhone or iPod Touch and watch the letters slide into the rotating hole and advance to the next level.”

Check out more about his app HERE!

Free App! "Autism Xpress"!

Danny's Wish would like to highlight another amazing App from the iPad called "Autism Xpress" Please check out the description below and go here to download it for FREE! Woot!

The ‘Autism Xpress’ iPhone Application has been created to help promote greater awareness about autism spectrum disorders. It is designed to encourage people with autism to recognizes and express their emotions through its fun and easy to use interface.

We Love ACC apps for the iPad!

We at Danny's Wish really love all the ACC apps for the iPad! The one we are featuring this week is called Prologuo2Go.

Proloquo2Go, the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that has taken the world by storm, is now available on iPad. Proloquo2Go is latin for speak out loud and that’s exactly what it helps people do! It is pronounced “Pro” as in professional, “lo” as in low, and “quo” as in quotation. The “2Go” means mobile.



Proloquo2Go version 1.3 has been optimized for the iPad and will be a free update for existing users.

Because the iPad has a significantly larger screen than the iPod touch and iPhone you will be able to use grids of up to 64 items. Proloquo2Go 1.3 also supports all device orientations allowing you to hold the iPad any way you like. Proloquo2Go 1.3 is a universal App allowing you to use the exact same application on an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Now you can use it on an iPad at home, at work or at school and use it on an iPod touch or iPhone when going to the movies, a restaurant or hiking.



Information for this article found here: http://www.proloquo2go.com/About/article/ipad

Legislators vote to mandate autism coverage

New York lawmakers have approved legislation to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for screening, diagnosis and lifetime treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

The bill passed in the Senate last week and in the Assembly on Monday night.

Citing a federal Centers for Disease Control estimate that one out of 110 children is diagnosed with the disorder, sponsors say the measure could increase overall health insurance premiums by as much as 2 percent in New York. The state would join 20 others that already require coverage.

Affected children struggle with social interaction and communication, ranging from mild to severe symptoms.

Sen. Roy McDonald, a Saratoga Republican, said he has two grandchildren with autism. “My guys don’t talk, and it’s a very serious thing,” he said.

Under the bill, which still needs Gov. David Paterson’s signature, state health officials will identify minimum coverage options for clinically proven treatment and therapy. Paterson will review it, spokesman Morgan Hook said Tuesday.

“The new law will prevent denial of coverage on the basis that treatments are educational rather than medical in their necessity, the most common grounds for refusal,” said Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, a Rochester Democrat and bill sponsor. “To that end, it allows families to appeal denials to an independent review panel if an initial grievance to the insurer is unsuccessful.”

Therapies covered by the new scope of insurance must be clinically proven and peer reviewed, Morelle said. Some parents had urged coverage of experimental treatments as well.

The Health Plan Association, which represents insurers, generally opposes mandates because they increase the cost of health care, spokeswoman Leslie Moran said.

“This bill is particularly troubling because it is so far-reaching,” she said Tuesday. “There is no age limit on coverage. There’s no annual or lifetime cap on the amount that would have to be paid for services.”

Moran said many of the services are currently available in more appropriate settings like schools, and insurers don’t believe they should pay for services such as teaching daily living and academic skills. They also think the 2 percent estimate is low - New Yorkers already pay almost $28 billion in annual health care premiums, and that would mean at least another half-billion dollars.

Judith Ursitti, the regional director for Autism Speaks whose son Jack was diagnosed in 2005, said her family’s out-of-pocket costs have ranged from about $60,000 a year initially to about $25,000 to $30,000 now that he is in school and almost 7 years old. “It’s rare that parents are able to access coverage for children or adults,” she said.

Jack, who was diagnosed at the severe end of the spectrum, is speaking after many thousands of dollars and years of therapy, Ursitti said. She and other advocates stressed the importance of early diagnosis and said it should happen between 18 and 24 months, though only about half of insurers reimburse for a simple screening test.

Info from this article found here: http://libn.com/blog/2010/06/23/legislators-vote-to-mandate-autism-coverage/

Wonders of the iPad with Danny!

We sometimes don’t realize the little things we take for granted. Like having a say, a voice, vast vocabulary, and the opportunity to make choices. All qualities that Danny unfortunately does not possess. With a limited vocabulary and conversation capabilities that extend only as far as answering yes and no questions, communication as you can imagine is extremely difficult. Sure, Danny has had experience with the chunky oversized temperamental Dynavox Mt4 augmentative communication device, but nothing compares to the world of opportunity the iPad offers at the mere touch of a screen, literally.

With augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps such as TaptoTalk, Danny’s communication flourishes. Similar to the Dynavox, TaptoTalk allows family members to set up folders with both commands and “wants” essentially, by using pictures accompanied by voice dictations of the word. For example, if Danny is hungry and wants to go to his favorite diner “Taby’s” for a plate of fries, we no longer have to read tell tale signs of hunger on his face and assume its french fry depravation! He can simply press tabs that say “I am Hungry” with a picture of him eating, and then move along to “I want to go to Taby’s,” with a picture of the restaurant. Simple, efficient, and miraculous. Now Danny not only has a voice, but a choice. And we don’t have to drag out that bulky Dynavox and pray there is an outlet close by.

Aside from the AAC TaptoTalk, which undoubtedly is the most useful and important application the iPad can offer Danny, there are other benefits to this wonder pad. As you may or may not know, many Autistic children have a need to “stim” or focus on some act, usually physical, and repeat it multiple times to establish balance, clarity, and comfort. Using games on the iPad, such as memory, Danny’s “stims” have become a lot more productive and mind engaging. We are anxious to try out other educational applications like First Words and iWrite Words to see if they have a similar effect.

All these benefits prevail, on top of the classic functions equip with most iProducts, including the ability to watch movies and listen to music. These two past times are Danny’s favorites. The large screen allows Danny to enjoy his favorite movies, like “The Little Giants” and “Richie Rich” comfortably while in transit. And when he craves sensory stimulation to calm his nerves and subdue his tics, he has his entire music library at his fingertips. We are extremely proud of Danny’s accomplishments with the iPad and simultaneously impressed by his ability to pick up the functionality so quickly.

Most importantly it has given us, his family, a chance to communicate easily, often, and efficiently with our favorite little guy. There is nothing more valuable in this world to us than this. The iPad and accompanying applications have brought us miles closer to Danny, and for that we are entirely grateful and even more so, excited for the future.

-This article was written directly by Danny's sister Kristina.

Some Fun News In The World Of Autism!

We found a few fun things to share with you in the world of Autism! Enjoy!



The Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America is sponsoring an Autism Friendly Film Showing at Colonie Center’s Regal Cinema. They will be showing Pixars "Toy Story 3". The special showing will take place Saturday June 26, 2010 starting at 9:30 a.m. Admission will be $7.50 for ages 12 -59, $7 for children 11 and under and senior citizens ages 60 and over. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Autism friendly films allow for kids to move around during the film, have the sound lowered and the lights are left on so that children on the autism spectrum are more comfortable. The Albany Chapter ASA is extremely grateful to Mark LeChevet, general manager, for the opportunity to partner with Colonie Center’s Regal Cinema to make this event happen. They have been extremely helpful and accommodating in ensuring the needs of kids with autism are met.

Go here to find a location playing near you: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms

If you are on facebook you can find details here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=130038800347407&ref=mf




Jet Li says he hopes that his new movie about autism offers a refreshing alternative to the historical and kung fu epics that dominate the Chinese industry.

The veteran action star plays an aquarium worker who cares for his autistic son in the low-budget "Ocean Heaven" — his first Chinese-language production since the 2007 release of "The Warlords."

"Nowadays everyone is making blockbusters. Making a 7 million Chinese yuan ($1 million) movie requires a lot of sincerity," Li told reporters in Hong Kong. "This movie is about sincerity. It shows that in this day and age that filmmakers are willing to do something for society."

The actor promoted the movie by visiting the dolphins at Hong Kong's Ocean Park with a small group of mentally handicapped and autistic adults.

"I hope everyone can examine what is the most important relationship in life — the relationship between parent and child," he said.


A noticeably thinner Li said he lost 18 pounds (8 kilograms) from a thyroid condition.

Like Jackie Chan, a fellow kung fu star who crossed over to Hollywood from the Hong Kong movie industry, Li also now juggles careers in Chinese and American films.

His recent Hollywood releases include "The Forbidden Kingdom," which costarred Chan, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" and "The Expendables."

Information from: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=10844018

The Mansion Ride For Autism

The Mansion Ride For Autism

9th Annual Ride, Sunday June 13th 2010

A Cycling Event on Nassau County's Gold Coast

Choose 16, 40 or 62 miles

The Mansion Ride for Autism celebrates it's 9th annual event on Sunday June 13, 2010. Just $50 to ride.

Since the all-volunteer Mansion Ride began in 2002, it has served as a platform to unite hundreds of riders.

Collectively, we have raised AUTISM awareness and over $375,000 (net).

100% of those funds are donated to support the education of Children with Autism.

Learn more are visit their website here: http://www.mansionrideforautism.com

Contact The Mansion Ride For Autism here: http://www.mansionrideforautism.com/contact.html

Autism and Theatre, A Great Match!

We are excited to tell our followers that the inspiration for "Danny's Wish", Danny himself is going to be in an upcoming play this weekend! Go Danny!!

We thought this would be the perfect time to highlight an amazing theatre called "International Association of Theatre for Autism".

International Association of Theatre for Autism (IATA)

"An online network uniting professionals and parents interested

in applying theatre techniques to help individuals with autism."

IATA was created to unite professionals and parents interested in using theatre to help individuals with autism. IATA is the first network to bring people from around the world together to strengthen theatre-autism work. The collaborative work of network members will be used to develop best practices, create new techniques, spread the word about theatre interventions for individuals with autism, generate data to support claims of effectiveness, and ultimately increase the quality of life for individuals with autism.

Theatre Aspects

Body Awareness

Emotional Expression

Emotional Recognition

Empathy

Group Dynamics

ASD/AS deficits

*marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction

*a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interest or achievements with other people

*lack of social or emotional reciprocity

*failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

Visit their website for more info about the "International Association of Theatre for Autism"

http://www.autismtheatre.org

A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism

“I hear autistic people are brilliant”. “Is your son like Rain Man?” These are comments I hear when people learn that my eldest son is autistic. A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism is a memoir about life with an autistic son, Matthew, written from a mother’s perspective. It answers the many questions that people have about autism through the story of Matthew’s life, from the tender years of diagnosis to young adulthood. A Regular Guy illustrates the many ways in which family, friends and strangers are touched by Matthew’s profound desire to be a regular guy, and how his brutal honesty and social awkwardness bring out the best and worst in people in touching and humorous ways. In turn, A Regular Guy leads readers to love and accept Matthew, quirks and all, and inspires them to understand and tolerate the differences in others.



About Laura

Laura Shumaker is the author of A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism and is a City Bright for the San Francisco Chronicle. She has contributed to several anthologies, including Voices of Autism, A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs, Writin’ on Empty, and the forthcoming Gravity Pulls You In. She is a regular contributor to NPR Perspectives and a columnist for 5 Minutes for Special Needs. Laura’s essays have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, Literary Mama, the East Bay Monthly, The Autism Advocate and on CNN.COM.

Laura speaks regularly to schools, book and disability groups.

She lives in Lafayette, California with her husband Peter and her three sons.

Source of this article

Laura Shumaker describes the book:

"A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism is a memoir about life with my autistic son, Matthew. It answers the many questions that people have about autism through the story of Matthew’s life-and our family’s life- spanning from babyhood to young adulthood. The story tells the many ways in which family, friends and strangers are touched by Matthew’s desperate desire to be a regular guy, and how his brutal honesty and social awkwardness bring out the best and worst in people in touching and humorous ways. Those who’ve read the book have told me that the book inspired them to understand and tolerate the differences in others."

Autistic Basketball Phenom Inspires Cornell Team

Our last blog post was about teaching you Autistic child basketball. Soon after we saw a very inspiring story of Jason “J-Mac” McElwain. Below is an article from The Autism News.

‘J-Mac’ Secret Weapon of Cornell Basketball Team During NCAA Tournament

By David Muir and Christine Brozyna

If Cornell is this year’s Cinderella story at the NCAA tournament, than Jason “J-Mac” McElwain certainly would be its prince.

J-Mac, who has autism, first captured the heart of the nation four years ago when, in the last game of his high school basketball team’s season, he was given his first chance to play. In just four minutes, he scored six three-point shots and finished with 20 points. He even tied the school record.

One of J-Mac’s admirers is Cornell basketball coach Steve Donahue, whose own son, Matt, has autism. Donahue reached out to J-Mac after that electrifying high school basketball game and the two have stayed in touch ever since.

“It was one of the greatest inspirational stories I had ever heard,” Donahue said. “Jason was having so much fun and enjoying the experience. It made me really happy that one day my son could have kind of experience as well in his high school.”

This year, J-Mac, now 21-years-old, joined Donahue at the NCAA tournament selection. In addition, he’s been calling and texting Donahue with advice for the team — including how to beat top NCAA teams Temple University and University of Wisconsin.

“Jason’s advice is unbelievable. The kid is on the money,” Donahue said. “What better way to motivate our guys then to have Jason come in and talk to them. He’s got a lot of great ideas and always ends them with an inspirational thought. I love hearing from him.”

Still, J-Mac, who is not a student at Cornell, is humble about his involvement with the team.

“I’m not taking anything away from the team,” J-Mac told ABC News.

But it was J-Mac’s text in the final minutes of the Wisconsin game that has had the most impact. It read, “If you don’t dream to become a champion, you won’t become a champion.”

Moments later, Cornell won again.

As J-Mac’s story continues to unfold, a new chapter is developing for the inspiring young man. He’s decided to turn his attention to the sidelines, and in addition to giving advice to the Cornell basketball team, he volunteers as a junior varsity assistant coach for his alma mater — Greece Athena High School in New York state. Next year, he’ll help with the varsity team.

He also works a job in the Greece, N.Y., area.

In the meantime, J-Mac continues to dole out advice to the Cornell team.

“I’ve been a part of many comebacks,” he said. “I’ve been a part of teams that have come back against us. I told them you have to finish the game.”

What You Can Do to Participate in "Autism Awareness Month"

April is “Autism Awareness Month” and many are out there every day, showing their support. I am sure you want to as well, but may not know how or what to do. Here are a few suggestions:

Put on the Puzzle!

The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America – that’s 13 million families and growing who live with autism today. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon this month – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture – and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! For suggestions and resources, visit www.autism-society.org/ribbon.

Spread the word

Helping the autism community can be as easy as updating your Facebook or Twitter status! Check out our website: http://www.dannyswish.org, read our story and make a donation. Our mission is to help provide life enhancing resources and experiences for kids and families that deal with Autism and Autism related spectrum disorders.

Connect with your neighborhood

Check out the local events going on in your community. Reach out to someone you know who’s life is effected by Autism and plan an activity together. See if anything is going on at your local school district, and just be involved in those activities.

Watch a movie

Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC entertainment to bring special-needs families “Sensory Friendly Films” every month. The special showing of How to Train Your Dragon is coming to a theatre near you on April 10. Or, you could see a movie about autism itself – the Autism Society is partnering with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) to support 70 community screenings of the new movie The Horse Boy, based on the memoir of the same name. In the film, Rupert Isaacson shares the inspiring story of how he and his wife learned to think of their son’s autism as an adventure rather than a curse, a beginning rather than an end. Find participating locations for both events at:

- Sensory Friendly Films: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms

- The Horse Boy: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/horse-boy/

Autism On A Spectrum

What is an autism spectrum disorder?

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms. Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder, a group of disorders with similar features. One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms. But they both have an autism spectrum disorder.

When individuals refer to the autism spectrum, they are referring to one of these five pervasive developmental disorders.

Autistic Disorder

Autistic disorder, sometimes called childhood autism or classic autism, is what most people think of when hearing the word autism. To receive a diagnosis of autistic disorder, symptoms must be present before the age of three years. Children usually have significant speech and language delays (if they are speaking at all), noticeable social deficits, apparent repetitive actions, and aren’t always well-connected with the world around them.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Childhood disintegrative disorder is rare; it is marked by children who are on a typical developmental path for the first three years of life and then begin to experience regression. The level of regression varies between children but is usually in the significant range. The behaviors associated with childhood disintegrative disorder are similar to those of a person with autism. Childhood disintegrative disorder is more common among boys than girls.

Asperger’s Disorder

Unlike autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder is usually diagnosed in older children. It is not uncommon to have a child diagnosed as a teenager. People with Asperger’s disorder have a different type of language impairment. They may have an expansive vocabulary but have difficulties with social language and social reciprocity. Individuals with Asperger’s disorder also commonly have rigid thought and behavior and an unusually intense focus on a narrow range of interests. Children with Asperger’s disorder are often called “little professors” due to their pedantic use of speech and language.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

PDD-NOS can be a confusing diagnostic term. Individuals who meet some of the criteria for autism or Asperger’s disorder, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. An example would be an individual with a language delay and social impairments but lacks stereotypical and repetitive behaviors. In this case, he would not meet the criteria for an autistic disorder diagnosis but definitely falls under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders.

Rett’s Disorder

Almost exclusively found in females, Rett’s disorder is similar to childhood disintegrative disorder in that it is preceded by apparently normal development. However, children with Rett’s disorder begin to experience regression much earlier; usually the regression begins around six months of age. Rett’s disorder is quite rare affecting fewer than four in 10,000.

It is important to understand that pervasive developmental disorders fall on a true spectrum. One person with a diagnosis of autistic disorder can present quite differently than another with the same diagnosis.

Sources: http://autism-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/exploring_the_autism_spectrum, http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm

Autism Screening Quiz For Children

Autism Screening Quiz

Does your child have any symptoms of autism?

Try this Autism Screening Quiz from the people at About.com

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/autism/l/bl_autism.htm


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Danny's Wish Congratulates Caryl Bank and Barbara Feingold

For 40 years of unwavering commitment
to the students and families of the Hagedorn Little Village School.

Your vision, foresight and faith in education
and therapeutic services have made a
positive difference in so many lives.

You have been the source of inspiration for me to
initiate The Hope Process...to provide a means
of giving back to charities across the country.

Thank you for your guiding light.

-Dino Sgueglia

The Process of Charitable Giving

www.dannyswish.org

www.thehopeprocess.com

Building a recurring residual of donations for the benefit of charitable organizations.

800 Shames Drive • Westbury, NY 11590 USA • Phone: 1-800-366-1388 • Fax: 1-877-837-2040

Danny's Wish Now Part of Givenik!

Danny's Wish is proud to announce that we are now a member of Givenik, a program that donates 5% of Broadway ticket purchases to the charity of your choice! Follow the link below to see where we are featured. Going to the theater is even more rewarding now!
http://www.givenik.com/index.php?org=434

We are Also excited to let you know that from now until September,any purchases made on this website will contribute a donation to Danny's wish.
http://www.dawnmariecastellano.myarbonne.com/

Dawnmarie Castellano and Arbonne are your perfect one stop beauty shop! Visit them today for all your skin care needs!

We, at Danny's Wish would like to thank these programs and the many others that have signed on to support our organization. We could not do what we do without all of you. To learn more on how you can support Danny's Wish, please visit http://www.dannyswish.org/

Danny's Wish Now Part of the GuideStar Family!

Have you heard the news? Danny's Wish is now a part of the GuideStar family! Now there are even more ways for you to make your mark and help children with Autism by making a donation to Danny's Wish through GuideStar. Just visit the link below to get started. With a click you can make a difference in a child life! There's never been a better time to get involved than now.http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/24-4595056/dannys-wish.aspx

Danny's Wish is also on Facebook now. Take a look at and join their cause page today!

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/328844/39296333?m=71bb3202 The Facebook cause page allows you to personalize your help in the fight against Autism by creating a cause badge that can be placed right on your Facebook page. Let everyone of your friends see what causes you support today!

Danny's Wish....It's all about the giving!

http://www.dannyswish.org

Finding Support With Autism

When dealing with Autism, sometimes it can feel like you are all alone. You may have questions that you can't find the answers to or need a recommendation on a good doctor. That's why it's important to find support where you can. Finding an Autism Society Chapter could be that place for you. As reported by the Autism Society of America, Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support. To find a local chapter in your area, visit The Autism Society of America and the link below.

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_chapters

Learn more about how you can help support Autism research at Danny's Wish http://www.dannyswish.org At Danny's Wish, It's all about the giving!

Follow Us and Make a Connection!

Danny's Wish is expanding and our Social Accounts are growing with us! Take a minute to save our links. We are looking forward to fostering relationships with you and making connections. Got a story to share? Email us or Facebook us. Has your life been touched by Autism and you want the chance to help give back? Join our cause page on Facebook. Want to Tweet with us? Follow us on Twitter. Want to help out with Haiti relief? Join The Hope Process' Karma 411 page!

Several ways to connect with us, several ways to get active! We look forward to hearing from you today!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dannys-Wish/286736276705?ref=ts#!/pages/Dannys-Wish/286736276705?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dannyswish

Cause Page: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/328844/39296333?m=71bb3202

Hope's Karma 411: https://www.karma411.com/Markslist/campaign/display/profile.do?campaignId=3181

Good Shop and Good Search

IRN Payments is happy to announce that Danny's Wish is now officially a member of Good Shop and Good Search ( http://www.goodsearch.com/ ). Both are different ways to channel donations towards Danny's wish organization and help provide life enhancing resources and experiences for kids and families that deal with Autism and Autism related spectrum disorders.

Today, 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism, making it more common than Pediatric Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes, Leukemia, Muscular Dystrophy and Pediatric AIDS combined! There has never been a better time to get involved. Please visit us at http://www.dannyswish.org/ Or visit Good Shop and Good Search to learn more.