April is Autism Awareness Month and it’s fitting that Attorney Areva Martin’s top selling book,
“EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS”,
will be re-released on April 5th in paperback. 
Quoting from Areva Martin’s Biography:
“From humble beginnings in America’s heartland, Areva’s passionate advocacy on behalf of those whose voices are marginalized propelled her to the top of her field, graduating with honors from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School.
Relocating to Los Angeles, she founded a thriving legal practice specializing in ADA, Employment and Housing Disability Discrimination, Family Law, and School Law (bullying & harassment), among others.
But when Areva’s son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, her profession became personal. Suddenly, this highly capable and accomplished woman’s most important title was “mom fighting for her child. “
With Areva’s resourcefulness, initiative, and education she was able to find the best treatment for her son, Marty, but thinking of others who might not have that advantage she founded the Special Needs Network (SNN) which is a non-profit organization that helps minorities and low income families do the same for their autistic children.
I asked Areva the following questions :
Vicki:: What are some signs that a that might indicate, to a parent, that their child might be autistic?
Areva:
There are many signs that a child with autism or a related developmental disability may display including delays in speech and language, avoidance of eye contact, difficulty tolerating noises. Rigid eating patterns, lining up of objectives and reluctance to interact with peers
Vicki: How is autism diagnosed, and are there different stages of autism?
Areva:
Autism is a spectrum disorder that is usually diagnosed by a series of test administered by a developmental pediatrician or a psychologist and by the evaluator performing an observation of the child in his or her natural environment. A written series of questions are also often given to parents.
Vicki:Is there a special education available for the autistic child, and what challenges might arise with finding a proper schooling to suit a child’s specific needs?
Areva:
Children with autism spectrum disorders are legally entitled to receive special education from their local schools. Parents often face challenges in knowing what entitlements are available in the school system, how to request services, determining what educational placement is most appropriate and finding a school setting that meets all of a child’s varied needs.
Vicki: Please share how your book, EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: “STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISTIC OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS” will assist and educate families who are dealing with problems that might arise from having a child with autism or special needs.
Areva:
The Everyday Advocate is a comprehensive guide book for parents. It provides step by step information to parents on how to recognize the warning signs, where to go for an evaluation, how to communicate with doctors, how to identify available interventions and to select the one best for your child, how to access school services including how to determine what school services are best, and how to engage in not just individual advocacy, but policy advocacy as well. The book also provides inspiration through a series of stories told about families I have represented in my legal practice or met through my non profit. In some ways, its like sitting down with a Harvard-trained lawyer and getting to pick her brain without paying the hourly fees of an attorney!
Vicki: How does your non-profit I-Pad program help kids with autism, and make it possible to come to the aid of more families, including those who may have financial problems?
Areva:
My non-profit, Special Needs Network, is providing an opportunity during National Autism Awareness month for families to win a free iPad at its annual parent and professional conference. The iPad is being offered to low and moderate income families who otherwise would not have an opportunity to purchase the device. The iPad offers so many wonderful applications for children with autism that we wanted to make sure those with the financial means are able to give the best to their children despite their financial situation.
You may find Areva Martin’s book:
EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: “STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISTIC OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS” at any local bookstore in your area.
Much gratitude to you, Areva, for taking the time to address some questions regarding autism for our readers.
Your compassion is so acknowledged, as you deal with the challenge of autism with your own child and have taken the time to share with other less fortunate via your book, and SNN.
Wishing you all of the best with your ongoing efforts and thank you for your enlightenment regarding autism.