4 mins read

What Causes Autism?

Here’s the way I see it (plus some information on a recent study on genes). Let’s approach the question differently. What does NOT cause autism? I have long held the belief that the MMR vaccine did NOT cause my son’s autism. I believe there are over 200 studies that debunk the idea that the MMR…

7 mins read

Autism and the Future of Education in the United States

Rant alert. Last week, the new government confirmed, by a historic tie-breaking vice presidential vote, the nomination of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Educators, teachers unions, parents, and especially the special needs community were fearful of this woman’s confirmation. Now, it has happened. In my opinion, this is yet another low for a new…

7 mins read

An Update on the IEP Procedure

This blog is a follow-up to an earlier blog (from this year) that discussed signing your IEP document. The IEP meeting (one which determines the Individualized Educational Program for a child with a disability) can be a long and exhausting meeting. In this blog, Iʼm not going to go into the meeting itself, but instead…

7 mins read

Seven Parent-Approved Games Your Teens Should Be Playing

The first question most parents ask when it comes to teens and video games is whether the game is appropriate. Video games are often stereotyped as violent, but more and more of them are challenging that old association. Many games feature complex, nuanced storytelling. They educate players about important topics like free will, gender politics and self-expression, and teach skills like improved visual processing, problem solving and fortitude. A growing amount of research shows that …