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.

Every so often, usually after advocating within the public school system, I contemplate home-schooling my 12 year old son with Autism. I go through the same process, of listing the pros and cons as I see them, each time I consider taking the plunge and educating him myself. This time, I have decided to seek out your opinions and advice!

A discovery by scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison could hold the key to a new class of epilepsy drug, with fewer side effects and higher levels of seizure control. Researchers are investigating whether the diabetes drug, metformine, may hold the potential as a treatment for epilepsy using the same mechanism as the ketogenic diet.

My son with Autism has come quite far overall. He has made great progress with language, academics and life skills. When it comes to having a busy social life, or a group of friends, however, I know we still have far to go. Socialization opportunities for children with autism can be difficult to find and, as our children get older, the idea of having your mom accompany you to activities is less then desirable!

A study in the July issue of Neurology revealed that pregnant women taking the drug Toprimate (sold as Topromax) are at higher risk of having a baby with birth defects, especially when taking Sodium Valporate (sold as Epilim, Epilim Chrono and Convulex).

It seems like, no matter the day, I am advocating on behalf of my children for something or other. Having one son with autism and another with Asperger Syndrome, I advocate for everything from services to societal change. No matter the particular situation, I know that written communication (the Paper-Trail) is critical to successfully advocating for your child with autism or special needs.

Being the cynic I am, if a person said to me that my child had won a trip to Disneyland, my immediate response would 'Oh yeah?' followed by a very long hard look for the scam. But actually I must admit this is a genuine opportunity.

Communication is a complex skill and a typical challenge for children with autism. As a parent, understanding language acquisition is vital to helping your child developmentally progress. Once understood, it’s time to apply what you know and begin working with your child to expand their communication skills.