A diagnosis of Autism/PDD can overwhelm even the strongest of families.
The Texas-Autism-Advocacy List and Web Site should be used to facilitate communication between families and others dealing with disabilities and spectrum related disorders. We can gain strength in numbers and knowledge through those experiencing similar circumstances.

NOTE TO LIST MEMBERS: Okay, I am going to need a geography lesson to categorize your city/town. When you send your biography (either short or long), please include: Your name, city/town, county, e-mail, and what category you fall under (North Texas, South Texas, etc.). You can also include your child's birth date (since their age will change year to year, treatments you have tried, doctor's used, problems you have had, and anything else you think would help others. Feel free to send updates and revised submissions after they are posted. Send to: autismzone@yahoo.com

NORTH TEXAS
NORTHEAST TEXAS
NORTHWEST TEXAS
CENTRAL TEXAS
SOUTH TEXAS
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
SOUTHWEST TEXAS
MAPS & KEYWORDS

NORTH TEXAS

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

 

NORTHEAST TEXAS

LUBBOCK

Tonya Hettler, PureCntry@email.msn.com We live on a farm near Lubbock and are in the Idalou school district. We have two boys, (4/25/92) no diagnosis and (4/14/94) with the diagnosis of speech delay, autism, and sensory integration dysfunction (order they were given). Currently our son is receiving Speech and OT through school and we use the Kirkman Labs Supra-Nu-Thera with P5P. The vitamins do make a difference with him to the point that other folks comment on the change in behaviors. I'm one of the Texas Reps for Unlocking Autism , volunteer with our local MHMR parent educator, a co-teacher for Visions for Tomorrow classes (sponsored by NAMI and similar to the Family to Family Education program), sit on the CMT (Community Management Team) and are starting a chapter of Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health here on the south plains. Will gladly provide information and support, but must admit that I'm not on the best terms with our local ISD.

 

NORTHWEST TEXAS

 

CENTRAL TEXAS

AUSTIN

Marrlene Thomson, marrlene@bigfoot.com, Mom of three, One challenged with Autism/PDD, Williamson County Austin TX, 10 year old son, 8/4/91, with PDD/NOS or PDD/Autism depending on which eval you want to believe - ha ha. Active in several parent support groups in the greater Austin area. Andrew attends a 3rd grade regular ed class and a resource class in the Round Rock ISD in NW Austin. He has been on a strict gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet for 2 years. We have tried many interventions, most notably ABA, SLP, OT, diet and nutritional therapy (mostly from Kirkman Labs), secretin as infusions, sublingual and transdermal which we continue to use. Other things we have tried with varying degrees of success are various school programs, home programs, cranial-sacral, steroids, massage, play therapy, pepcid AC, allergist, enzymes, colloidal minerals, herbs, and super food (the green stuff). I probably left out 2 dozen others. If I had to pick the top three interventions that made the most difference for Andrew (beyond speech and OT), I would say the GFCF diet, ABA and secretin. They have allowed him to make significant gains in speech, attending/focusing and socialization. This is what has helped us as parents deal with the Autism: parent support groups, networking with other parents, keeping up with the latest news on Autism/PDD so that we can make informed decisions on interventions, keeping the focus on the rest of the family too (there are others?) and praying every day and night for strength, wisdom and perseverance and giving thanks for how far we've come.

SOUTH TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO

John & Theresa Madore, autismzone@yahoo.com, son Andrew-ASD 5/98, dtr Kristen-NT, 12/96. We visit TCART, in-home ABA/AVB, SLP, OT, sensory integration, supplements, started PPCD 8/01 & possibly looking at chelation. ABA really helped Andrew's behavior and AVB and play type therapy has really helped his verbal skills. Our family's web site is located at https://www.angelfire.com/tx5/autism .

SOUTHEAST TEXAS

HOUSTON

Ron and Julie Grabau, autism_em@hotmail.com, Autistic Child: Emily age 21 who lives at home with us. Other siblings: 4 boys. Moved to Houston in 1995. Activities: Julie serves on a MHMR advisory board. Ron participated in the Cycle USA (Understanding and Solving Autism) in 2001 as the Route Master. Major concerns: Finding day programs when our daughter finishes public schools in 2002, Respite care and long term care.

Michelle Guppy, TGuppy@lgc.com, Mother of Brandon Guppy - 7 year old non-verbal child, Listowner of Texas-Autism-Advocacy and Autism-Awareness-Action --- internet discussion lists designed to benefit parents and professionals in their lives with Autism. Mostly informational and resource sharing - but also serves as a support network. All issues dealing with a child or adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are discussed. I was proud to be a part of the organization and promotion of the first ever rally for National Autism Awareness in Washington, D.C. April 8, 2000 - which was also the first ever Congressional Hearing on Autism - inspired by the efforts of Unlocking Autism. I work with Unlocking Autism Texas, Volunteer Parent Advocate, and my child attended a private school at 2 years of age which was specialized for children with an ASD disorders. My child then entered the public school system at 3 - it was a nightmare at first, but after having hired a Special Education Attorney to get the right program for my son implemented - I have for the most part been pleased with his services...... My child at school receives OT, Speech, Sensory Integration, Music Therapy, and ABA type instruction with a private aide. He also receives private Sensory Integration/OT therapy through Texas Children's. We use a variety of nutritional supplements - and have had numerous lab tests and procedures on our son. Just about any intervention and medical/laboratory test out there - we have been there and done that. Am happy to share our experiences with anyone.

Jeff Sell,jzsell@pdq.net I am proud to be referred to as "Ben and Joe's dad"--they are my 7 yr-old autistic twins. My wife of 15 years, Paula and I also have two beautiful daughters, Natalie (8) and Gracie (3). In my spare time I am a trial lawyer, 3rd V-P of ASA, Chairman of the ASA Government Relations Committee, and 1 of 3 State Reps. for Unlocking Autism in Texas, and, I'll probably run for the US House of Representatives again, but not in 2002. Y'all feel free to visit our firms web site for more info www.HittPattersonSell.com .

SOUTHWEST TEXAS

 

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MAPS & KEYWORDS

Key Terms:

NT-Neuro-Typical (Normal Brain Function/Normal Child)
dtr - daughter
SLP - Speech Therapy
OT - Occupational Therapy
ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis
AVB - Applied Verbal Behavior

Maps:

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