Fair Winds Way, PLLC

09/05/2023

In an August 2023 article by US News & World Report, researchers have discovered new insights on the genetic link to autism in families with multiple children with ASD. The researchers found “seven potential genes that are predicted to increase the risk of autism…Most of the new genes were supported by rare inherited DNA variations that were transmitted from parents to children.” Findings published July 28, 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a complex genetic architecture involving contributions from both de novo and inherited variation. Few studies ha...

08/23/2023

What is “stimming?” Stimming is short for “self-stimulation.” While the average person has stims such as twirling hair while chatting on the phone, or biting nails while nervous, stimming is most often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Stimming in ASD can be so pronounced it causes “significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning” (DSM-5). Do you need help about stimming and ASD? Contact us today.

08/14/2023

What is autism “masking?” Masking is hiding ASD’s signature characteristics in order to fit better in social settings. Some examples are a person struggling to understand language pretending to follow the conversation, or a sound-sensitive person avoiding reacting to loud nosies. In the short term, masking can help with social acceptance, but long term problems can cause delayed diagnosis and burnout. Are you or a loved one struggling with masking? Contact Fair Winds Way, PLLC today.

08/08/2023

The new school year has come around! Do you have a child who needs special assistance? Consider an IEP or 504 plan to ensure your child gets the help needed. Contact us for more help.

04/18/2023

Routine is normal. We brush our teeth before bed, sit on the same place on the couch, drink the same brand of coffee every morning, and other small rituals that have been built into our day. For the autistic person, routine is extremely important. It is a way to predict what is going to happen that day and decrease anxiety. When something happens to change that routine, anxiety levels increase drastically because of the way information is processed by someone with ASD. The bigger the change, the bigger the increase in anxiety.

“A recent meta-analysis found that the prevalence of at least one anxiety disorder among children with ASD was 39.6%”

People with ASD need the constant support and understanding of those around them to help with dealing with the overload of processing changes in their environment. Mindfulness techniques are helpful tools to learn to deal with anxiety.

If there are further questions or the need for additional support, please give us a call at: 615-445-5990.

03/08/2023

For 4,050 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), researchers learned that 47% received early intervention services. Children in wealthier areas were 80% more likely to receive early intervention services than children in disadvantaged areas. Black and Hispanic children were less likely than others to receive these services.

(“Disparities in early intervention program participation by children with autism spectrum disorder in a US metropolitan area, 2006 to 2016” JAMA Pediatrics, July 18, 2022. “Only half of children with autism receive early intervention services,” News release, Rutgers University, July 27, 2022.)

Fair Winds Way, PLLC accepts some forms of insurance, and also self-pay. Having trouble? Contact us. We are here to help!

02/18/2023

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individualized Education Program provided at no cost to families of eligible students. For students with unique needs, an IEP provides the specialized education they need to thrive through K-12 in public and charter schools. Support can even include assistive technology, testing, and transportation.

Who qualifies? There are 13 categories that an eligible student can qualify under, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and emotional disturbances such as anxiety disorder and depression.

The school or parents can initiate the process. Parents must consent to have their child evaluated. Evaluations can be done through the school, or through a private evaluation from a qualified mental health practitioner. If the evaluation determines eligibility, the parents and schoolwork together to tailor a program to the student’s needs. An IEP provides a written plan that is legally binding, protecting the family and allowing them to be involved in their child’s goals.

How is an IEP different than a 504 plan? While both the IEP and 504 plan are designed to help students with physical and mental challenges at no cost to the parents, the 504 is less in-depth. It provides accommodations for any disability but does not focus on specialized instruction.

If you happen to have any questions about IEP's please reach out to us at 615-445-5990

02/09/2023

CALL TO ACTION
Your immediate attention is needed regarding:

Senate Bill 141/ House Bill 127*
As introduced, allows a school resource officer, school security officer, or other law enforcement officer who is trained and certified for completing a behavior intervention training program to use a mechanical restraint on a student receiving special education services in an emergency situation. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 10, Part 13 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

Currently, School Resource Officers (SRO’s - police officers contracted into the school) are allowed to use mechanical restraint, such as handcuffs or zip ties, on students with disabilities in “emergency situations.” This bill would expand the use of these mechanical restraints to School Security Officers (SSO’s).

Why It Matters:
Despite making up only 13% of the school population, students with disabilities make up an approximated 80% of all restraint cases.
SSO's are not required to have the same amount of training as SRO's
Numerous reports prove that restraint can escalate a student’s agitation and can cause students to act more aggressively, increasing the possibility for harm. Struggles during physical restraint have lead to injury and even death by asphyxia.

How You Can Help:
Call the members of the House K-12 Subcommittee and the Senate Education Committee to let them know that you do not agree with this bill.
House K-12 Subcommittee
Senate Education Committee

Additional Resources
TN Department of Education FAQ: Restraint and Isolation for Students with Disabilities
*This bill is sponsored by Representative Greg Martin of Hamilton County and Senator Bo Watson also of Hamilton County.

Above information from Autism Tennessee

02/02/2023

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