[The views represented below are my own.  Care has been taken to protect the identities of those who participated.  This summary is imperfect and meant to convey only a flavor of the discussion.  You are invited to attend for a full fidelity experience!]

A good kickoff breakfast and conversation was had by all!  Thanks to our chef Hameed!

Here's a quick summary of topics with links for follow-up.

RDI:  Relationship Development Intervention

Dr. Steve Gutstein of the Relationship Development Intervention Program (RDI) will be having a conference at the Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport on October 5-6, 2007 (9am-4:30pm).  For more info on this event and RDI in general click here.

WSFN in Snohomish County

Greg Schell is working on finding a leader for the WSFN group in Snohomish County.  That group currently doesn't have a schedule of meetings.

Group Wisdom and Observations

We were all reminded that when it comes to intervention, early is best, especially for federally-mandated services available for your child before they reach 3 years of age.  Doctors know a lot, but parents know their children best.

One resource you ought to check out if you haven't already is the University of Washington (Seattle) Autism Center.  Here's their web site.

There seems to continue to be some confusion in DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) or with insurance companies over terminology for diagnosis and eligibility.  You might work with your doctor to see if the following work better for your situation.

• autism
• autism spectrum
• PDD - NOS (Pervasive Developmental Delay - Not Otherwise Specified)
• speech apraxia

Despite more money for DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) as a result of the last legislative session here in Washington, improvements or changes for better has yet to be experienced by all.  It was noted that funds have already helped some 1300 families with respite or other benefits, but the need is still great.  Note that since this group meets in King County, your mileage in your county may vary.  Some suggestions:

• The key to advocacy is to be patient, polite and persistent ["as hell"].
• Get the name/phone/e-mail of the director, and make your case known.
• Remember that respite is available for "emergencies".
• Medicaid Personal Care is available, but you must meet income and resource limits.

Don't forget to check your insurance coverage for any new information or revisions related to your child's diagnosis.  It doesn't hurt to ask your Human Resources person about specific benefits.

How Is Your Spouse Doing?

True of False:  "90% of all marriages in which there is a child with Special Needs, wind up in divorce."  False!  There has never been any study which has verified that families of children with special needs are at any higher risk of difficulties.  Studies have shown that high points are higher and low points are lower for these couples.  One quote was "in some ways I feel like our special needs child has been the glue that has kept us together."  It is important to give our spouses a break from time to time, and tell them when we need a break, as well!

We as men tend to want to solve problems, but in the end, our own goals or views of the problem at hand or our child's capabilities may be what needs to change.  It is true that we all may find ourselves entertaining negative fantasies from time to time.  However, when we look at today and it's challenges or the little victories that have accrued over time, that is often more worth or mental energies.

One quote:  "get into your child's world, find out what they can do, how they look at things, do not limit them and they will teach you."

Announcement:  Washington State Fathers Network Regional Conference

The conference will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the new Eastside Bahai Center less than a block from Kindering on NE 8th.