April is Autism Awareness Month.
How aware are you?
Research shows;
1:68 children in the US have autism
1:45 children in NJ have autism
1:29 boys in NJ have autism
70% of children with autism have gastrointestinal disorders
20-30% of children with autism will have epilepsy
36% of children with autism have food allergies or sensitivities
49% of children with autism will "elope" or "wander" from safety
91% of lethal wandering cases occur by accidental drowning in body of water.
(Stats provided by NIH, CDC, IAN, NCMEC, Autism Speaks, National Center for Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Autism Awareness Month is a time to reflect on this medically complex disorder and it's affects which reach far and wide into families and communities around the world.
Autism has no boundaries.
The Autism Think Tank, NJ addresses these issues through international medical videoconferences and community outreach programs. Our renowned physicians from across the United States help families and doctors resolve complicated medical issues through a collaborative team approach. Our community events bring families together in sensory safe environments to promote positive family experiences.
In partnership with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, The Autism Think Tank will sponsor educational seminars on wandering and elopement to help to reduce the tragic outcomes of wandering behaviors. This spring and summer, live and internationally streamed seminars will be held for first responders, law enforcement, educators and professionals in New Jersey, California and Florida.
Stay tuned for upcoming seminar dates.
Grants are now available for families in need of medical videoconferencing with the Autism Think Tank experts. On February 28, 2015, The Wild Honey Orchestra and guest singers lit up the Alex Theater in Glendale, California to raise over $33,000 for The Autism Think Tank! Over 70 artists including The Bangles' Vicki and Debbie Peterson performed the Beatles "White" Album for a full house of 1400 guests. It was another outstanding show produced by Paul Rock and David Jenkins in honor of Paul's son Jake, who has autism.
Check out the video of the grand finale "Hey Jude" performed by the entire Wild Honey ensemble.
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Hey Jude - Christine Collister & the Wild Honey crew at The Beatles' The White Album show 2-28-15 |
We are beyond grateful for the effort and enthusiasm the Wild Honey family brings to each show to help support the mission of The Autism Think Tank.
If you would like to receive information about Autism Think Tank grants, please click on the link below.
Grant Information Request
In the spirit of music and giving, UCLA and Autism Think Tank Allergy/Immunologist, Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, presented a piano to Paul Rock for his son Jake at the Wild Honey show. Dr. Tachdjian is the founder of The Children's Music Fund which provides instruments and music therapy to individuals with life altering illnesses.
Autism Think Tank Gastroenterologist, Dr. Timothy Buie, from the Lurie Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, has created informational videos on gastrointestinal disorders affecting individuals with autism. Too often, symptoms of GI distress are difficult to recognize in non-verbal individuals, stifling a timely diagnosis and proper intervention. Symptoms of GI distress can unknowingly be expressed as self-injurious and aggressive behaviors resulting in behavioral intervention as opposed to medical treatment. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders can lead to severe health issues and symptoms should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist with specific training in autism. To learn more, Office Hours with Dr. Buie can be viewed at AutismSpeaks.org or by clicking on the links below.
Acid Reflux Q & A with Dr. Buie
Autism, Probiotics and Dietary Fiber Q & A with Dr. Buie
GI Related Sleep Issues with Dr. Buie
We are proud to feature our distinguished gastroenterologist, Dr. Buie, in this month's "Spotlight on Autism Think Tank Doctor...." where you can read about his many accomplishments and significant contributions to the field of autism.
In honor of Autism Awareness Month we hope you will consider making a donation to The Autism Think Tank, NJ so that we may continue our mission to help individuals and families who struggle with medically complex autism.
Click here to donate
Stay tuned for Autism Think Tank family outings with the NY YANKEES and NY METS!!
Happy Spring!