There are many valuable resources a parent can call on when their child receives a diagnosis of epilepsy. Doctors, Health Care professionals in all shapes and sizes, Teachers and other parents to name just a few.

But this clip from the 1998 film ‘First Do No Harm.’ Highlights an often-overlooked source of information. Meryl Streep who plays the mother of Robbie goes to visit an adult with epilepsy to try and find out about his experiences.

Vaccinations are a controversial topic, so many people are watching the latest court case involving a child injured from vaccines.

This case involves a child born in 1974 and the vaccination being discussed is the DTP, which has been altered since that time.

As expected, those arguing vaccines are safe, assert the child had a pre-existing condition that predisposed the child to having an adverse affect and subsequently autism, in addition to other neurological injuries.

My son with autism used to wander. Actually, he used to escape first and then wander! In one particular situation I had to call the police to help me find him and, upon their arrival, it was clear that they did not understand the implications of autism on search and rescue. After my son was found (safe & sound), I realized I could have been better prepared myself.

In 1998 the film ‘First Do No Harm’ was released. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it was a TV movie produced for ABC. It really is an excellent movie that is well worth watching (just make sure and have the tissue box ready!).

Starring Meryl Streep as Lori Reimuller and Fred Ward as her husband Dave, it tells the story of a mother’s fight to save her child from a draconian medical establishment who seem determined to give her epileptic son the very worst treatment they can.

The movie "Tropic Thunder", now being called Tropic Blunder by thousands of parents, professionals and community members that oppose the movies catch phrase, "Never go full retard", is the latest example of how our society allows the degradation those with disabilities.

My email inbox is overflowing with protests, calls for action and a boycott of the film and its maker, Dream Works, because of the catch phrase and repeated use of the r-word.

Is there more then one adult in your child's classroom? Is there ever a substitute teacher, assistant or aide?

If yes, are you certain that everyone teaches, supports and manages your child consistently throughout the day?

My son with autism (Ian) is in a 12:1:1 classroom and there are 1:1 professionals also in the class, so there are many people interacting with him.

Casting your vote in the upcoming election is one way to advocate for Autism. There are so many issues we have to consider as voters, such as the price of gas, health care and social security, that issues affecting those with disabilities (our children!) are rarely discussed let alone brought to the front and center.

Before Election Day, I encourage you all to take some time and research the candidate’s positions on disability issues and determine who you are going to vote for before going to the polls.

A national survey has uncovered a number of key challenges that epilepsy sufferers face on a daily basis. It was discovered there is room for dramatic improvement in the balancing of epileptic seizure control and medication side effects, with a lack of communication between patients and doctors in this area.

Last week I read an article discussing the use of restraint when working with children that have disabilities. A 12 year old boy with Asperger Syndrome had been restrained face-down on multiple occasions and now, after a hearing, litigation has begun.

Buffalo News reporter, Barbara O’Brien, poses the following questions that teacher’s face:

Former epilepsy sufferer Charlie Abrahams delivered a powerful and moving speech at the 2008 International Symposium on Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders. The teenager addressed over 300 scientists, neurologists, dieticians and nurses, sharing his inspirational story of overcoming epilepsy using the ketogenic diet.