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Tip of the Month

Let's Talk Turkey!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, everyone is busy, busy, busy! Remember the little ones get caught up in all the excitement of extra guests around, traveling, shopping and all that goes with this time of year. Please take some time to relax, remember the reason we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving and try to enjoy the time spent with friends and family.

Grant money was disbursed on November 1st. I am pleased to say all applicants were approved and awarded a grant. HOWEVER, we still have money left! Another disbursement date will be set after the first of the year. PLEASE take advantage of this opportunity to be awarded a grant for your loved one with autism. Even if you received an award this time, you may apply again. PLEASE also remember that if you have MORE THAN ONE loved one with autism, you are eligible for a grant for EACH of those individuals. Please check out the newsletter and/or website after the first of the year for specific dates.
Sandy

Josh's Story I want to tell you about Joshua Romberger. He is 6 years old and goes to school at the Institute for Child Development of Binghamton University. The reason I am telling you his story is because he can't talk or maybe he doesn't want to.

Joshua developed the same as his older brothers and sister until he became ill after routine vaccines at 2 years old. He withdrew from everything. I thought I was working too much or it was just a part of recovering from being so sick. After several months with no improvement and several doctors' visits, we took him to be tested and received the diagnosis of PDD-Autism.

It has been 4 years of OT, PT, speech therapy and a very different diet. He is still not talking but he is more interactive and I can see the happiness in his face again.

Heartstrings will be a feature each month for readers to share personal stories. If you would like to submit a story for the newsletter, please send it to me at
AutismHearts@stny.rr.com Please know that this newsletter is on the internet, so anything you say can be viewed by anyone. If you wish to submit a photo, attach it to the story. Also, I must be able to reserve the right to edit for space and content if necessary. Sandy

Reader's Reviews
Have you read a good book on Autism lately?
If you have and would like to share a title and make a comment about it, please email it to me at
AutismHearts@stny.rr.com
I will then place it here for all to share! Sandy

View Autism Society of America report on healthcare in the House here.:

Here is an ASA report from Phoenix New Times on language barriers.:

Here is a series of stories from Autism Speaks called "Autism in the News."

Our family is part of Autism Hearts for support and to provide that support to others in the same battle for kids who have autism. I pray for the day there is a cure or a proven treatment. No mom should have to battle as I do now. We support public education and research to make this a better place for Joshua and others like him to live and be happy.

Marsha Romberger

Parades
Autism Hearts entered a float in the Halloween parade and received a check for $20! We won 2nd place in the community-minded category. November 27th is the Valley Christmas parade-perhaps we can do it again! If you'd like to walk with us in the parade, contact me via AutismHearts@stny.rr.com Thanks! Sandy