Easter Seals Child Development Center is an awe-inspiring three star DHS approved center, a member of the Oklahoma Child Care Association and is recognized through National Early Childhood Accreditation as being a dedicated center that makes children their first priority.

Is autism in Oklahoma an issue of compromise or indifference? Those on the side of House Bill 2027—otherwise known as Nick’s Law—are passionate and clear on one point: without insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, it won’t matter how many new Board Certified Behavior Analysts are enacted in this state through Senate Bill 135. There will be very few families who can afford to pay them.

Many children with autism, Asperger's, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, or mood/behavior issues have nutrition problems stemming from malabsorption, bowel problems, and/or inadequate diet. These impede learning, growth, behavior, and functioning in all children—not just special needs children. Not surprisingly, when you address the nutrition problems of these kids, the symptoms of their disorder lessen and, in some cases, disappear.

I have never met a child with sensory processing disorder, autism, Asperger's, ADHD, or other learning, behavior, or mood disorders who did not have nutrition problems. Up to 80 percent of children with autism, for example, may have active bowel symptoms, gut inflammation, and even malnutrition. When a child can't eat and absorb nutrients normally, she can't sleep, grow, explore, learn, or develop typically either.