I would like to second the comment that SI dysfunction (also known as sensory processing disorder) is not a form of autism. You can have sensory integration dysfunction and no other issues, or you can have it as well as autism, adhd, learning disabilities, etc.
As for dyspraxia (also known as apraxia), there’s a fabulous listserv at http://www.apraxia-kids.org which I’ve found utterly invaluable. Children with this speech problem need a special form of speech therapy called verbal cueing in order to make progress.
If anyone knows of an address for Toni Braxton, I’ve tried to send her helpful info twice now and my package was bounced back–I would very much like to reach out to her.

they know what causes autism and so do I. I have brain tumors after 20 years and now I get it. I know what they are not telling us. I know why these children have autism. I know why the government has taken some responsiblity. They are responsible. It is not a conspiracy, they are just trying to maintain “internal balance” and they are failing us. It is becoming an epidemic, as everything else. Contact me if you want to know. We are all walking dead and instead of telling us, they are trying to manage it without our knowledge

My first and only pregnancy resulted in the birth of my autistic son. As a teacher I suspected some type of developmental delay, not AUTISM.
I was TOTALLY overwhelmed, depressed and disappointed. I had such high hopes and expectations.
I HAD, not him. So the pity party was over and I went to work seeking
information on speech therapy, physical therapy, cognitive skill
building everything to enhance and
enrich his life. My most severe battles were convincing others he
was capable of learning and functioning. Well that was 21 years ago. I am proud to say my son,
Brandon Burnett graduated from high school, is enrolled at a city
college taking a few courses and is
employed as a part-time worker.
HE IS HAPPY AND FULFILLED and I am
SO PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: Toni Braxton

I am a retired Special Education Teacher, with over 35 years of experience. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. My proven techniques and classroom management skills, can eliminate or greatly reduce the symtoms and conditons that are common to autism and other learning disabilities. Early intervention is the key
to your initial success. Please don’t delay any longer, it is crucial that you call me today for a one time free consultation to help guide your child back into the light. Testimonials and credentials can be
provided upon request. This conditon is not hopeless, it just requires time and effort on every ones part. Children who have been
diagnosed in the following categories have
been entrusted to my expertise and care: ADD, ADHD, Speech and Language impaired and Delayed, Emotionally Impaired, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Severely and Mildly cognitively impaired and children suffering from Crouzon’s Syndrome. Hopefully you are confident enough to let me provide you with valuable imput on your child’s care.

Waiting to hear from you!

Ethel Williams

(586) 868-0223

My son was diagnosed with PDDNOS also at the age of 4. My doctor too dismissed my concerns. When I found out from th insurance company that I did not need approval I went for help myself. I worked at the daycare my son attended so I was able to have him observed and then referred from there and the everything took off! My son is 6 now ;and in kindergarten and he is doing great!!! We have some challenges sometimes but his teacher is awesome and we get through it! But I have to agree A MOTHER KNOWS WHEN SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT!

A few years ago after losing my oldest son, who was born with C.P., I was approached by a family to care for their autistic child. I wasn’t sure if I was ready, but I took the time to research as much as I could, as I had never experienced autism. The family knew how I was with my son though and was amidant they wanted me. After researching, and a lot of prayer, I knew I was ready to take on the challenge. To this day I am forever grateful for such a wonderful learning experience. I eventually-5 years later- had to give up my position, because I returned to nursing school. I truly miss her, but carry her and my son with me everyday. Toni, keep your head up and stay strong, God only gives these blessings to those in which He knows is well equipped for the job! You and your family are within our prayers, and Thank You for sharing your story!!

I have a son with atypical autism. I was able to get my diagnoses early. However, I was not taken seriously by the doctors either. I am studying psychology and my son has a cousin who is severely autistic. I knew the warning signs and when I asked for the tests I was told I was overreacting, that he was too young to see any of these signs, to give it time and he would catch up. It took me breaking down on the phone to the doctor and before I as able to even get a referral. If you feel that there may be something wrong with you child, FIGHT! Fight for them to listen to you and fight to be taken seriously. No one knows a child better than their parents. And if we won’t fight for them who will?

I also have a 4 year old son with autism/pdd. I am a mother of five, and have been trying to get mu son diagnosed correctly since he was two years old. I actually had a County based program laugh at me, and state, “you make it seem as though he has autism”. that was one of the most crushing moments. I have been discounted and dismissed by one place to another. Thankfully, I am a psychology major at The Ohio State University and am very familiar with Mental and Developmental Disorders. I have never stopped advocating for my wonderful son, and I never will. Also, like Toni, there has been one stumbling block after another within the Medical community. I am just thankful one Psychologist stood up and told me, yes, Ms. Smith your son has autism. I was relieved and still hurt at the same time, that it took so long to be validated as a parent, and to be assured I was not insane for seeing the things in my son that I have for the past years. I encourage all parents to never ever, ever give up. eventually you will find the right programs and services for your children. God Bless and be encouraged you are not alone out there. Hopefully the medical community will stop putting parents off when we know there is something wrong with our child, they don’t listen to us. We know our children and live with them everyday.

I am a high funtioning adult with autism and I have lived on my own for over 15 years. I was dianosed with autism at age four and I am now 43 and I was very fortunate to have a mother who had good instincts. She knew long before my dignosis something was wrong so when I finally received my diagnosis, it was either autism or mental retardation and my mother knew I was much too smart to be mental retardation. About five years ago I wrote a book with the help of my mother and a friend which discusses in detail how my mother helped me overcome many obstacles to live a normal life. My mother told me many times when I was younger many of her peers told her should be taking care of me the rest of my life after my diagnosis with autism and she even knew back then I would prove all of them wrong and now she is getting the last laugh. I truly feel Toni Braxton has run into doctors who think they know everything and I understand her frustrations.

my daughter receives early intervention ABA services for ppd. SHe has made tremendous improvement since she started. It is so important to follow your gut. Get independant evaluation for your child the 2 minutes the doctors spend with your child does not give them enough info to make a informed diagnosis you are the best person to decide if something is not right. Don’t wait and see. Time is of the essence. The sooner you start the better you can improve and catch up the childs devolpment with that of a typical devolping child