Autism: Improving Quality of Life (Program #4)

In this special, KVCR’s Lillian Vasquez is going to the dogs.... Golden Retrievers actually. In conjunction with California State University, San Bernardino, UCDD provided a special seminar in February, 2006, regarding a very special program featuring Golden Retrievers and children with special needs. KVCR was there to video tape the event. Lillian visits with a family who lives with Autism but now have a very special companion that has made a world of difference in their home. The program also includes information about The North Star Foundation, the organization that has spearheaded the project of placing dogs throughout the United States.
Then Lillian visits one Chiropractor whose work is making a difference with children on the Autism spectrum and other special needs. Dr. Rochelle Neally of Long Beach, California is having great success treating children helping to elevate ear infection, bed wetting, colic, and improving sleep disorders. She also treats clients with ADD, ADHD and asthma with a positive outcome.
About the Producer:
The producer is the mother of a 12-year old autistic boy. This is her 6th project on the subject of Autism. Her focus is to provide information for parents, educators, physicians, to learn by and to continue spreading awareness on the subject of Autism.
Contact Information:
Autism: Quality of Life
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, Dr. Rochelle Neally
Long Beach, CA
(562) 987-5507
North Star Foundation
www.northstardogs.com
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Autism: Oh, The Possibilities (Program #3)
The third documentary produced by KVCR-TV and Lillian Vasquez on this disorder. Autism is having increased influence in our health and educational systems and our families. The show features four segments: Early Signs and Signals, Possible Intervention. Possible Causes and Possible Futures. Educators, physicians, health care experts, and parents are all included in this update.
Contact Information:
Autism: Oh The Possibilities
Related links: Autism Society of America | Underwritten by:

Autism: Out of the Darkness, Other Avenues (Program #2)

Many people are unaware of what autism is, however it is becoming better known with the disorder on the rise. The movie "Rainman" introduced the public to autism and some of the unique challenges it brings.
KVCR-TV, a PBS affiliate for Southern California, has produced a one–hour documentary highlighting some of the many therapies, interventions and medical options available for those living with this disorder. AUTISM OUT OF THE DARKNESS: OTHER AVENUES, was developed for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, educators, the medical community and other professionals looking for options. The program does not advocate one therapy or intervention over another but merely provides alternatives and creates choices.
When a parent first receives a diagnosis from the medical community, often very little information is given as to what the next step should be. Many parents will delve into the subject and learn all that they possibly can by searching the internet, attending conferences and seminars and grasping for all the information available. Other families, due to financial burden, child care responsibilities or other reasons, are not able to attend conferences and are not always as informed. This documentary is an effort on the part of KVCR-TV to follow its mission of education, making this information available to viewers.
The program was produced by a mother with an 8-year-old autistic son. She knows first hand the challenges, stress, frustrations and joys that come with raising an autistic child.
Autism is a neurological disorder that usually strikes in the first two years of life. It can cause severe impairment in language, cognition and communication. Other behaviors include lack of eye contact, lack of social interaction, repetitive behavior, a rigid need for routine, severe sensory dysregulation, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and in many cases gastrointestinal symptoms. Half of all autistic children will never learn to speak.
But parents have come a long way and are making great strides with their children through early intervention programs. The key to battling this disorder is early detection. The earlier interventions are initiated the better the autistic child's outcome may be. Autism can be treated and a child with autism can learn.
• Conversation with Temple Grandin
• M.I.N.D. Institute with Rick Rollens on the MMR Theory
• Music Therapy with Betsey Brunk, MMT, MT-BC
• Vision Therapy with Claude A. Valenti, OD., F.C.O.V.D.
• Floortime Therapy (Greenspan) with Dr. Ricki Robinson
• Dietary Intervention with Lisa Lewis, Ph.D.. & Karen Seroussi
• Medical Intervention with Dr. Michael Goldberg
Related links: Future Horizons | Miss Roben's
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Autism: Out of the Darkness (Program #1)
Autism: Out of the Darkness is a one hour documentary that shares several different therapies and methods to use with children diagnosed with autism. This is a great video for those parents who have recently received the diagnosis of autism for their child and are unsure of what steps to take next.
What’s Featured:
There are many therapies available today to help those with autism. The therapies and methods of learning mentioned in this video include:
ABA (Discrete Trial Training)
Rhythmic Therapy
Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
Sensory Integration
Picture Exchange Co
Special Kids Videos
Social Stories
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
TEACCH
This was the first documentary produced by Lillian Vasquez on the subject of Autism. This program discusses, ABA therapy, PECS, TEACCH, Auditory Integration, Sensory Integration and more.
“Thanks for the excellent program. I’d like a copy to share with families with whom I work that have children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.”
Nancy, Speech Language Pathologist - Perris, CA
“...Boy did I learn alot! It was very informative.”
Robert, Television Producer/ Parent - Ohio
“Out of the Darkness filled a void in providing high quality information about the array of treatments that are being used in children with the Autistic Spectrum Disorder."
Pediatric Neurologist - Loma Linda, CA
“...Congratulations to everyone involved the production of Autism Out of the Darkness.”
Donna - Long Beach, CA
“Thank you for the excellent public service, your story has opened the eyes of educators, doctors and parents alike.”
Annette, PhD. - Yucaipa, CA
“Excellent information ... all the research, I was so impressed.”
Susan - Chino Hills, CA
“Just wonderful and extremely informative, it was just terrific.”
Pat - Los Alamitos, CA
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For additional information please contact Lillian Vasquez at (909) 384-4444 or e-mail lvasquez@kvcr.org



