This Email is Going To All TACA Members & Friends

IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED ALREADY FOR THE SEPTEMBER 26th PICNIC
(i.e. if you have NOT received TACA PICNIC CONFIRMATION email)

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
No additional reservations can be accepted
No additional on-site attendees can be accepted

We are surprised by the quick sell-out of this event. It is the first time for us to do such an event.
Next year, TACA will acquire a larger venue for the 2nd annual picnic.
(Yes, we have checked - there is no larger venue at the Irvine Park at this time. It is too late to relocate this event.)

Thanks again for everyone’s support and efforts! It is appreciated!

a) Flu Vaccine Information

Very good article by Mothering Magazine (You'll have to copy and paste the address into your browser as it's too long to link completely here)

http://www.safeminds.org/pressroom/press_releases/MotherMagazinePressRelease.pdf

From the above: Fluzone, the only flu vaccine licensed for infants 6 to 23 months of age, comes in two versions. One contains less than 0.3 micrograms of mercury and is considered by the manufacturer to be thimerosal-free. The second version contains 25 micrograms of mercury, which could be as much as 25 times the safe level of mercury suggested by the EPA. (More so read the above link)

In the People Magazine on sale this week (September 27, 2004) the article on Vaccines it says this regarding the Flu Vaccine:

Are Flu Vaccines Safe?

The mercury from thimerosal in a flu vaccine is about the same amount contained in 2.5 oz. of albacore tuna-far below harmful levels. "The known risk of influenza is greater than the theoretical risk of thimerosal," says Dr. Cody Meissner, chief of pediatrics at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Vaccines with only trace amounts of thimerosal cost about $12, a third more than the regular shot (call ahead to request). FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, doesn't contain thimerosal, but it's only for kids older than 5. In any case, getting a modified flu shot may not be easy: Only about six percent of the up to 100 million vaccine doses expected to be distributed this season will be preservative-free.>>

I found this article on the dangers of mercury in canned tuna....

Canned Tuna or Canned Poison:
http://www.safeminds.org/research/library/20031223.pdf

Risk of the FluMist Vaccine:
http://www.mothering.com/news-bulletins/november2003.shtml#flumist

LA TIMES article on Mercury in Flu Shots:
(You'll need to copy and paste the address into your browser as it's too long to link completely here):
http://www.safeminds.org/mercury/mercury_releases/LosAngelesTimesArticle_1April2004.pdf

b) The Truth about the Vaccine Cover Up

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE VACCINE COVER-UP
By Russell Blaylock, M.D.

Web Site: http://www.russellblaylockmd.com
http://sydney.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=45874&group=webcast

c) Mercury-Containing Vaccines May Help Not Harm Kids

Health - Reuters

Friday, Sept. 17, 2004

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - There have been widespread concerns that mercury-based preservatives used in vaccines might impair the neurological development of children, but the opposite seems to be true.

Immunizing infants with vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal may actually be associated with improved behavior and mental performance, according to two British studies published in the medical journal Pediatrics.

Dr. Jon Heron of the University of Bristol, and colleagues followed 12,956 children, born in 1991 and 1992, until they were about 7-1/2 years old. Information was collected on doses of thimerosal-containing diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines given at ages 3, 4, and 6 months, as well as on measures of behavior, fine motor skills, speech, tics and special education needs.

Instead of finding that outcomes were worse with increasing exposure to thimerosal, the authors saw less hyperactivity and conduct problems at 47 months, better motor development at 6 months and at 30 months, and reduced difficulty with sounds and need for speech therapy.

In the second report, Dr. Nick Andrews of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Center, London, and colleagues conducted a look-back study involving 107,152 children born between 1988 and 1997.

There appeared to be protective effects from thimerosal-containing vaccine exposure for general developmental disorders, attention-deficit disorder, and unspecified developmental delay.

The only condition associated with increased risk with increasing thimerosal exposure was tics. However, "the vast majority of tics were minor transient events," the authors note.

Hence, they conclude that "there is no reason to change current immunization practices with thimerosal-containing vaccines on grounds of safety."

SOURCE: Pediatrics, September 2004.

d) Vaccines are NOT mercury-free

August 12, 2004 - Health Advocacy in the Public Interest (HAPI)
Contact: Dawn Winkler 970-641-7413

After much public controversy surrounding the mercury content of childhood vaccinations, Health Advocacy in the Public Interest (HAPI) raised $500 to have four vaccines tested for heavy metal content. The vials were sent to Doctor’s Data, an independent lab which specializes in heavy metal testing. Many manufacturers voluntarily began producing supposed “mercury free” vaccines in 1999. Some product inserts currently claim that a “trace” amount of mercury still exists in the final product but that the amount has been greatly reduced. Others claim to be producing completely mercury free products.

During an investigation into the mercury issue, HAPI learned that Thimerosal, a 50% mercury compound, is still being used to produce most vaccines and that the manufacturers are simply filtering it out of the final product. However, according to Boyd Haley, PhD, Chemistry Department Chair, University of Kentucky, mercury binds to the antigenic protein in the vaccine and cannot be completely, 100% filtered out. All four vaccine vials tested contained mercury despite manufacturer claims that two of the vials were completely mercury free. All four vials also contained aluminum, one nine times more than the other three, which tremendously enhances the toxicity of mercury causing neuronal death in the brain. The mercury content of routine childhood vaccinations has been linked to the current autism epidemic as well as numerous other neurological disorders affecting children today. Currently, one in six children are affected in some way and one in 250 children are diagnosed as autistic compared to one in 10,000 prior to mercury containing vaccines. It is the position of Dr. Haley as well as HAPI that if mercury can be detected in any vaccine using standard instrumentation, the content should be disclosed in the product insert and manufacturers should not be allowed to call the product “mercury free”.

Executive Director of HAPI, Dawn Winkler, met with FDA officials in Silver Spring, Maryland on July 27, 2004 to discuss blatant mislabeling and misrepresentation of ingredients in vaccinations which are licensed by the FDA. Clearly, more testing is needed. The FDA has the ability and authority to take on the necessary testing, however, at present, this task sadly appears to be up to the public. HAPI will be attempting to raise more funds to test more vaccines in an effort to pressure the FDA to crack down on manufacturers to label their products correctly. To help with this effort call 970-641-7413 or email noshots@earthlink.net

e) Controversial Study Reignites Debate Over Autism and Childhood Vaccines

Wall Street Journal -- September 7, 2004 Health Journal / By Tara Parker-Pope healthjournal@wsj.com

Just a few months after the nations’ top medical adviser rejected a link between vaccines and autism, a mouse study has reignited the debate and raised new fears among parents considering vaccinations and flu shots for their kids.

For years, a cadre of parents and physicians have contended that thimerosal, an ethyl-mercury compound that has been one of the most widely used vaccine preservatives, is partly responsible for an apparent rise in autism in recent decades. But broad population studies haven’t supported the claim. In May, a major report from the Institute of Medicine’s Immunization Safety Review Committee sought to put the debate to rest, rejecting a link between autism and vaccines.

But tomorrow, a congressional committee will review a June study from Columbia University, which found that a mercury preservative used in vaccines can indeed cause autism-like symptoms in a specific strain of mice. The research raises important questions about whether some people might be genetically vulnerable to the effects of thimerosal.

The study also raises questions about a new push by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to add flu shots to the immunization schedule for school-age kids. Thimerosal has been mostly phased out of childhood vaccinations, which include shots for whooping cough and other illnesses. But the vast majority of flu shots given to both adults and children still contain the preservative. In addition, it’s widely believed that many unexpired vials of thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines remain on the shelves of pediatricians’ offices.

None of this is to say that parents should stop having their children vaccinated. Instead, critics of thimerosal say parents should insist on thimerosal-free vaccines and ask to check the label themselves before a child receives a shot.

Many researchers believe increased use of vaccines with thimerosal may help explain the alarming rise in autism in the U.S., which was just 1 in 2,500 children 20 years ago. Now CDC studies show the rate for autistic disorders in some areas to be as high as 1 in 150.

But the IOM report said an exhaustive review of the evidence doesn’t support the claim that vaccines are to blame. The finding has sparked the ire of many autism researchers as well as parents who are convinced that vaccinations triggered autism in their kids. Among them is Congressman Dan Burton, an Indiana Republican, whose grandson developed autism five years ago after receiving shots containing thimerosal. Rep. Burton is chairman of the subcommittee that this week will hold hearings on the mouse study and other research. “We just need to get the mercury out of vaccinations,” says Rep. Burton.

What is so frustrating to critics of the IOM report is that thimerosal is an entirely unnecessary ingredient. The mercury preservative typically is found in multi-dose vials to prevent contamination. But vaccines can be packaged in single doses and other preservatives can be used to protect multi-dose packs. Thimerosal remains in use in flu shots and adult vaccines mainly because of the cost of changing ingredients or switching to single-dose shots. “We have other ways to make vaccines safe,” says Ellen Silbergeld, professor of environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The new mouse study bolsters the theory that genes involved in the immune system might make some people vulnerable to mercury -- explaining why the vast majority of kids do fine after vaccines while a small number develop problems.

In the Columbia study, researchers administered thimerosal to four strains of young mice, injecting them with amounts comparable to those given to kids. Three of the mice strains were unaffected by thimerosal, but the fourth developed problems consistent with autism such as delayed growth, social withdrawal and brain abnormalities. The vulnerable mice were known to have a specific genetic susceptibility to mercury.

While a mouse study is far from conclusive, it’s important to know that mice have long been a useful proxy for understanding human health. The researchers are close to developing a blood test to look for similar patterns in autistic children to see if the research translates to humans. Until more is known, says Mady Hornig, associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, “I think we should err on the side of caution and more thimerosal-free vaccines should be available.”

Other experts say the mouse study offers little insight into the issue, but is needlessly upsetting parents and could undermine the nation’s childhood vaccination program. Unproven worries about autism and vaccines are “hypothetical” compared to “a very real risk of disease,” notes Marie McCormick, professor of maternal and child health at Harvard School of Public Health and chairwoman of the IOM committee.

Parents concerned that a pediatrician may have an old vial of thimerosal-containing vaccine can politely ask to see the label. Most doctors understand that parents can be nervous about vaccinations, says Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Immunopathogenesis and Infectious Diseases at Columbia University and co-author of the mouse study. In addition, you can check Food and Drug Administration charts listing vaccines and their thimerosal status at http://www.fda.gov/cher/vaccine/thimerosal.htm.

Many doctors and clinics may not have a supply of thimerosal-free flu shots. Calling in advance may give a doctor enough time to obtain a single-dose syringe. Another option to ask for is Flu-Mist, a nasal mist vaccine that doesn’t contain thimerosal.

Attention Fathers, Grandfathers and MALE caregivers of T.A.C.A. families...

Come one and all to a “MENS NIGHT OUT.”

This is an opportunity for the MEN of T.A.C.A. to get together with our kids and share company. Please feel free to bring your kids (And give the ladies a few hours of well deserved rest).

The first get-together to be held at:

Skosh Monnihan's
2000 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone (949) 548-0099

DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 23rd at 4:00 p.m.

Skosh's has a menu of GF/CF foods that our kids can enjoy while the men enjoy a game (Or at very least catch up on the scores) on the big-screen. (Did I mention that they have excellent Steaks and a full Bar?)

For further info:
Bryan Barboza
(Joey's Dad)

714-396-4417
dad2joey@adelphia.net

Parents of Special Needs Children Support Group
We welcome you to attend our group, which will provide education, support, and counseling. This will be a small group setting with opportunity to share your experiences with other parents.

Contact group leaders:

• Susan Gonzales, LCSW (310) 770-5009
• Karen Cladis, MFT (714) 490-3780

Group begins August 23, 2004 and will be held for 12 weeks.
Fee: $50.00 per meeting
Time: Mondays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Place: 19732 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 130 Irvine, Ca. 92612

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Southeast Family Resource Center
Guest Speaker: Pete Salcido Department of Public Social Services/IHSS
TOPIC: In Home Support Services (IHSS) What is IHSS? How do I qualify for IHSS? How do I appeal if I have been denied IHSS?
DATE: September 29, 2004
TIME: 11 am –12:00 pm
LOCATION: Southeast Family Resource Center, 16337 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706
RSVP: (562) 461-2986 - Child care is not available

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DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW!) CONFERENCE UPDATE:
Fall DAN! Los Angeles, CA - October 1-3
The DAN! Autism Is Treatable Conference - Internationally recognized expert speakers offering physician and nurse training, parent panels. Westin Hotel. www.danconference.com
NOTE: TACA will have a booth at the DAN! Conference – we will see you there!

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Oct 14-16 Learning Disabilities Association @ Ontario Airport Marriott Hotel
Louise Fundenberg, 949-673-5981 www.ldaca.org

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Soma and Tito Mukhopadhyay and the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) Save the Dates! Sept 18 and Oct 14-16 Full-day conference featuring Soma and Tito Mukhopadhyay and the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) will take place on Sept 18 in San Diego (open to all). Individual RPM workshop sessions with Soma will still take place Oct 14 - 16 with the possibility for a limited number of participants and observers. These events are sponsored by The San Diego Chapter of the ASA, and HALO. More information and details will be posted by the end of Jun. Oct 14 - 16 San Diego Chantal Sicile-Kira csicilek@pacbell.net

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Autism Conference - Educating Children with Autism: Services Needed & How to Obtain Them
Speakers: B.J. Freeman, Ph.D., Kathleen L. Jernigan, J.D.
Nov. 2 8am - 4 pm, $125
NW Auditorium, UCLA Campus
B.J. Freeman, Ph.D. or Kathleen L. Jernigan, J.D.
bjfoo7ca@aol.com or jfisher@rcf.usc.edu 310-440-8543 or 310-670-6071

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TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids) has some great workshops on a variety of different topics in different locations. Check them out

TASK WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILS: http://www.taskca.org/sched/WSSched.htm
Sat., Sept. 25 (9:00-4:30)	MILITARY IEP WORKSHOP	Camp Pendleton USMC
Wed., Sept. 29 (1:00-5:00)	TRANSITION TO PUBLIC SCHOOL	TASK, Anaheim

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Evaluation and Treatment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders Ricki Robinson, MD, MPH
Saturday, November 13, 2004, Registration at 8:00 a.m. Conference Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Neighborhood House 5660 Copley Drive, San Diego, CA 92111

Dr. Robinson is Co-Director of the Descanso Medical Center for Development and Learning in La Canada, California. She is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and Senior Attending Physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Robinson has been in private practice for 25 years and limits her practice to children on the autistic spectrum. Dr, Robinson, a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of autistic spectrum disorders, has also been a founding board member of Cure Autism Now Foundation and the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning.
Dr. Robinson will present two sessions:

• A Biomedical Approach to the Evaluation of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Development of Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Protocols
• Demystifying Medication Management of Children with ASD

Registration $120.00 (Continental breakfast provided; Lunch on your own)
No refunds after November 1st, 2004.
Registrations refunded before November 1 will be charged a $20 fee.
This conference has been approved for 6.5 CME/CPD/MCEP credits for physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech pathologists, and audiologists for an additional fee of $20.
For more information, please call Bonnie Corbin at the Children's Autism Intervention Center (858) 966-7453

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The ADHD-Autism Connection Tour
Author Diane M. Kennedy offers real help for parents, professionals & individuals facing social, communication & behavioral conditions such as ADHD, ODD, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome & related conditions.
Dec 1 Los Angeles 8am-4pm. $135 professionals (3 or more $125 each); $100 parents & students
Marriott LA Airport
Deb Newton adhdautismconnection.com webmaster@adhdautismconnection.com 502-243-9110