Focus on Autism

More and more children are now referred early to EI and diagnosed with PDD or Autism. The increasing prevalence of this disorder has been alarming that it's considered an epidemic. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world. We tackle this problem daily in our work.

April 2, Wednesday, is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAS) as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. Let's do our share by passing on this information to family, friends, relatives, colleagues, and to everyone we know. Yes, to everyone.

There numerous walks around the country that have been organized by Toys R Us, this year's (and last year's) national walk sponsor. The flyers in all of their stores not only generate funds for Autism Speaks, but also raise public awareness in an enormous kind of way. Imagine the number of people who go in and out of this store every single day, and who start to ask about or find out what Autism is. That's a big deal! As a person who gets to work with children afflicted with this disorder, I am immensely pleased that we are getting this support.

Can't join the walk? Do a virtual walk instead. Or pass this brochure around. Or join the US Autism and Asperger Association or Autism Today. Just do something.

Putting Early Intervention on the Spot

Welcome to this blog! EI (or Early Intervention) On The S.P.O.T. will not only reflect what I do for a living but also promOTe, educate, and highlight the occupation that I so love -- Occupational Therapy. It's been more than 10 years now since I started working as an Occupational Therapist (OT), and to this day, I can say that I am still learning and I am still growing professionally. I continue to love what I do, and I am grateful to be in a helping, health profession.

There are a myriad of topics about early intervention (and related services) that will be discussed and posted in this blog. 'will tackle issues regarding professional isolation, new gadgets for clinicians out in the field, FAP (family as partners), documentation, engaging difficult families, amazing stories about children that we service, our daily grunts and woes about the job, job hunting, and so on. Feel free to chime in, share or compare notes, or email me about events (and/or courses) that are related to EI . Or link up your blog.

See you around...