Meeting Dr. Temple Grandin

October 3rd, 2008 was a GREAT day! I sat in a room filled with local pediatricians and nurse practitioners mesmerized by Dr Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin BA MS PhD was invited to be the keynote speaker at the annual Pediatrics at Williamsburg conference- which focused this year on autism spectrum disorders. Dr Grandin, who has autism, was able to discuss her life and it's challenges. As a parent of a child with autism, it was so impressive to hear her describe how it feels to deal with being " different." She stressed the need to find your child's strengths and foster them. Her books are available at almost any bookstore. They include "Thinking in Pictures" and " The Way I See It". Check out her website at grandin.com. It was exciting to know that our local medical providers are being provided with information to help them become better caretakers for our kids!

Welcome!

Welcome to the blogspot for autism at renaissancepeds.com. I am Dr Harewood, founder of the Autism Spectrum Parent Connection and manager of our autism blog. I am also a parent of a child on the spectrum. Autism affects 1 in 150 children. The diagnosis of autism can be devastating to a family. What can you do for your child? What services are available? So many questions run through your mind. As your pediatrician, I am here to help guide and help you and your family find the resources you need to help your child reach his/her potential. This blog spot will serve to provide education, provide resources, and provide support for all of us touched by Autism.