Sharmi, this is the link for secondary insurance for kids with special needs and they cover the therapy cost which your primary doesn't pay

http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_4845_5036-15087--,00.html

I found in few articles, which say few of the vaccine shots that they give in US, lead to autism.
Ie., after the child is been given a shot, he/she has a fever and after that they refuse/struggle to proceed to the next milestone.
Is this true? Has any one come across such a news and has any one talked to your child's pediatrician regarding this? If so, can you throw some light on this.

Sharmila, Have you tried therapeutic horse back riding classes? Check this link, there are quite a few around our area and might be helpful in developing communication, social, motor and social skills.

http://www.narha.org/Centers/findcenter_copy(1).asp?region=4

Mullai,

Thank you for posting this forum topic. I have a child with autism and know what it's like. And am touched by the people who have taken the time to play with him or including him in things. In the last few years I have learnt who my true frinds are. I have learned to slow down & enjoy simple things in life. My child has brought out the best in me! I would like to know if there are any mothers out there with kids with autism & to hear what therapies they have used etc. I do speech & O/T. I have tried a sensory diet & failed at it due to his picky eating habbits. If anyone has any suggesions or things that have worked pls share.

Thank you,
Sharmilla

I came across a website where parents of kids with trisomy 13 expressed their feelings about bringing up those kids. There was a song in that web page which moved my heart and I like to share with you. The website is:

http://www.livingwithtrisomy13.org/

Good topic n very informative Mullai..since this subject is still hardest one to talk..

Parents check this link, this organisation lends toys and adaptive equipments for kids with special needs. You need to pay a nominal membership fees or like a small donation to get enrolled.

 http://www.lekotek.org/

You are allowed to borrow 6 toys or equipments along with 6 books and audio materials. Check link for locations.

Mullai,
Nice forum topic.
Regarding chromosomal diabilities research says that pregnant women should take folic acid and multivitamin supplements to avoid birth defects and neural tube defects.
Birth defects include all trisomies (downs syndrome -trisomy 21, trisomy 1 and trisomy 13)
In order to prevent this from occuring, women who are trying to conceive should eat prenatal supplements that includes folic acid supplement of 0.8 mg daily 3 months before conception.
Please note that taking supplements after knowing you are pregnant wont help, since the cell division starts even before you know you are pregnant. Folic acid is responsible for celldivision and deficiency will spoil cell division resulting in one extra chromosome leading to DS and trisomis.

Women's maternal age also counts for downsyndrome.
Safest pregnancy term is below 30, if the women is above 30 chances of DS (Downs syndrome) increases significantly.
So the active fertile and healthy pregnancy period is below 30,

Nowadays doctors have insisted taking ultrasound at 12 weeks to detect chances of Downs syndrome and other birth defects at earlier stage.
If the neck thickness of the baby is higher than normal during ultrasound and the blood test (ultra screen/triple screen) comes positive, then you can terminate the pregnancy anytime since they tell you that there is 90% chance of birth defects.
Or if you want to confirm 100% amnio at 16 week or CVS at 12 week is preferred. miscarriages also happens due to chromosomal abnormalities.

There are also some environmental factors or precaution to be taken while pregnant to avoid certain abnormalities
1. Avoid if possible strong detergents, bleach for cleaning
2. Use Cell phone waves and microwaves sparingly sicne the growing fetus is very sensitive to these waves