 |
|
Monday through Thursday at 9am and 8pm; Friday at 9am |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Autism Chronicles: Amy Seeks Support
|
|
Amy Thompson |
One in 150 children is affected by autism spectrum disorders, which has parents scrambling for the early treatment that experts say is so critical. That’s certainly true for Amy Thompson, a single mother of a six-year-old with autism. Yesterday, we followed Thompson through a typical day, as she struggles to keep a job, raise two kids and find ways to help her son. Today, producers Dan Collison and Elizabeth Meister follow Thompson as she turns to the experts in her small town of Niles in southwestern Michigan. For the first time, Thompson makes her way to a support group of parents of children with autism.
Our story on Amy Thompson is part of the Autism Chronicles series produced by Dan Collison and Elizabeth Meister for Long Haul Productions, in association with Chicago Public Radio. Partial funding from the Coleman Foundation.
Tomorrow, Amy Thompson finally takes her son to see an autism specialist.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cathy Gough, Arlington Heights, IL // Wednesday, July 02, 2008 @ 9:02 PM
Thanks for exploring this topic. My two sons, 11 and 13, are both on the autistic spectrum. Support of other autism parents has been critical in my ability to cope, my self-esteem. Just knowing other adults exist who have similar experiences makes it easier to cope with the alienation I've often felt among parents of typical kids. I hope that future stories will address experiences with tween- and teenage kids, as well as kids who have the common sensory issues (my younger guy is rarely still!). Thanks again for the terrific programming.
|
|
Linda Betzold, Huntley, IL // Wednesday, July 09, 2008 @ 12:47 PM
The Chicago area chapter of TACA is presenting a New Parent Seminar on July 19th in Oak Park. It is a one-day education program presented by parents for parents. I would greatly appreciate it if you could post this opportunity for parents on any site you think appropriate.
The goal of the one-day parent seminar is to give parents and caretakers the "jump start" they need at the beginning of their journey with autism. Experienced, veteran parents of children with autism volunteer their to time to present on topics such as traditional therapies, biomedical intervention, dietary intervention, advocating for your child in the schools, who pays for what, available Illinois services, recommended first steps, and surviving the first year after diagnosis. Lunch will be provided.
Where: Fenwick High School, 505 W. Washington Blvd, Oak Park, IL
When: Saturday, July 19th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $28 per individual or $45 pr couple
Register on the TACA website:
http://www.tacanow.org/store/home.php?cat=274
|
|
|
|
|