article

August 19, 2005

Unbelievable! I would be finding a lawyer!

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Found this on www.drudgereport.com

> Sharon H.

> Mom to , (13, DS) and , (10)

> South Carolina

>

> Disabled 7-year-old ejected from theater

>

> By Dave

> Times Herald-Record

> drichardson@...

>

> Town of Wallkill - If you're a 7-year-old kid with cerebral palsy and autism,

> you have to take your laughs anywhere you can get them.

> Just don't have too much fun at the local movie theater, or you might get

> thrown out.

> That's what happened to young Pratti this week. To say his parents

> are upset about it would be an understatement.

> , who uses a wheelchair, was with his parents, his sister and his

> grandmother at the Loews Cineplex theaters in the Galleria at Crystal Run

> Sunday, watching a 1:15 p.m. matinee of the G-rated film " March of the

> Penguins. "

> The family sat in the wheelchair section provided by the theater. was

> having a good time, said his mom, Pratti.

> " He was laughing, but he really wasn't much louder than any of the other

> kids, " she said.

> About 15 minutes into the film, one of the theater's managers approached the

> family, she said.

> " He said our son was laughing too loud, " Pratti said. " My husband told him

> didn't understand, that he was disabled, but that we'd try to quiet

him

> down. "

> Not good enough, apparently - the manager brusquely told the family that

> had to leave, Pratti said.

> Outraged, the family followed the manager to the lobby, where they were told

> they all didn't have to leave - just , Pratti said.

> Pratti was dumbfounded.

> " I said to him, what are we supposed to do, wheel him outside and leave him

> there? " she said.

> The manager refunded the family's ticket purchase and sent them on their way,

> she said.

>

> Location of the theater

> .

> Pratti and her husband have spent the past three days making phone calls and

> sending e-mails, trying to get someone - anyone - from Loews to give them an

> explanation.

> " Not one person from Loews has called me back, " Pratti said.

> When contacted by the Times Herald-Record yesterday, a representative of

> Loews corporate headquarters said the company is concerned by Pratti's story,

> and is looking into Sunday's events.

> The company says it will issue a statement today.

> Pratti has spoken with attorneys about the incident, but isn't sure she wants

> to pursue any legal action.

> Meanwhile, Pratti says she hopes Loews will do whatever it takes to make

> amends.

> " This was only the third movie had ever seen, and now we're afraid to

> go back because they might throw us out again, " Pratti said.

> Explanations aside, Pratti has a simple message for the manager she says

> publicly humiliated her son:

> " Shame on you. "

>

August 19, 2005

Unbelievable! I would be finding a lawyer!

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Found this on www.drudgereport.com

> Sharon H.

> Mom to , (13, DS) and , (10)

> South Carolina

>

> Disabled 7-year-old ejected from theater

>

> By Dave

> Times Herald-Record

> drichardson@...

>

> Town of Wallkill - If you're a 7-year-old kid with cerebral palsy and autism,

> you have to take your laughs anywhere you can get them.

> Just don't have too much fun at the local movie theater, or you might get

> thrown out.

> That's what happened to young Pratti this week. To say his parents

> are upset about it would be an understatement.

> , who uses a wheelchair, was with his parents, his sister and his

> grandmother at the Loews Cineplex theaters in the Galleria at Crystal Run

> Sunday, watching a 1:15 p.m. matinee of the G-rated film " March of the

> Penguins. "

> The family sat in the wheelchair section provided by the theater. was

> having a good time, said his mom, Pratti.

> " He was laughing, but he really wasn't much louder than any of the other

> kids, " she said.

> About 15 minutes into the film, one of the theater's managers approached the

> family, she said.

> " He said our son was laughing too loud, " Pratti said. " My husband told him

> didn't understand, that he was disabled, but that we'd try to quiet

him

> down. "

> Not good enough, apparently - the manager brusquely told the family that

> had to leave, Pratti said.

> Outraged, the family followed the manager to the lobby, where they were told

> they all didn't have to leave - just , Pratti said.

> Pratti was dumbfounded.

> " I said to him, what are we supposed to do, wheel him outside and leave him

> there? " she said.

> The manager refunded the family's ticket purchase and sent them on their way,

> she said.

>

> Location of the theater

> .

> Pratti and her husband have spent the past three days making phone calls and

> sending e-mails, trying to get someone - anyone - from Loews to give them an

> explanation.

> " Not one person from Loews has called me back, " Pratti said.

> When contacted by the Times Herald-Record yesterday, a representative of

> Loews corporate headquarters said the company is concerned by Pratti's story,

> and is looking into Sunday's events.

> The company says it will issue a statement today.

> Pratti has spoken with attorneys about the incident, but isn't sure she wants

> to pursue any legal action.

> Meanwhile, Pratti says she hopes Loews will do whatever it takes to make

> amends.

> " This was only the third movie had ever seen, and now we're afraid to

> go back because they might throw us out again, " Pratti said.

> Explanations aside, Pratti has a simple message for the manager she says

> publicly humiliated her son:

> " Shame on you. "

>

August 19, 2005

There is a followup article on drudgereport.com

The owner of the theaters has apologized, apparently there was a huge backlash

from the community, disabled and nda. The theatre company is going to look at

their policies and training to see how this could have been managed better.

Sharon

Re: article

Unbelievable! I would be finding a lawyer!

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Found this on www.drudgereport.com

> Sharon H.

> Mom to , (13, DS) and , (10)

> South Carolina

>

> Disabled 7-year-old ejected from theater

>

> By Dave

> Times Herald-Record

> drichardson@...

>

> Town of Wallkill - If you're a 7-year-old kid with cerebral palsy and

autism,

> you have to take your laughs anywhere you can get them.

> Just don't have too much fun at the local movie theater, or you might get

> thrown out.

> That's what happened to young Pratti this week. To say his parents

> are upset about it would be an understatement.

> , who uses a wheelchair, was with his parents, his sister and his

> grandmother at the Loews Cineplex theaters in the Galleria at Crystal Run

> Sunday, watching a 1:15 p.m. matinee of the G-rated film " March of the

> Penguins. "

> The family sat in the wheelchair section provided by the theater.

was

> having a good time, said his mom, Pratti.

> " He was laughing, but he really wasn't much louder than any of the other

> kids, " she said.

> About 15 minutes into the film, one of the theater's managers approached the

> family, she said.

> " He said our son was laughing too loud, " Pratti said. " My husband told him

> didn't understand, that he was disabled, but that we'd try to quiet

him

> down. "

> Not good enough, apparently - the manager brusquely told the family that

> had to leave, Pratti said.

> Outraged, the family followed the manager to the lobby, where they were told

> they all didn't have to leave - just , Pratti said.

> Pratti was dumbfounded.

> " I said to him, what are we supposed to do, wheel him outside and leave him

> there? " she said.

> The manager refunded the family's ticket purchase and sent them on their

way,

> she said.

>

> Location of the theater

> .

> Pratti and her husband have spent the past three days making phone calls and

> sending e-mails, trying to get someone - anyone - from Loews to give them an

> explanation.

> " Not one person from Loews has called me back, " Pratti said.

> When contacted by the Times Herald-Record yesterday, a representative of

> Loews corporate headquarters said the company is concerned by Pratti's

story,

> and is looking into Sunday's events.

> The company says it will issue a statement today.

> Pratti has spoken with attorneys about the incident, but isn't sure she

wants

> to pursue any legal action.

> Meanwhile, Pratti says she hopes Loews will do whatever it takes to make

> amends.

> " This was only the third movie had ever seen, and now we're afraid

to

> go back because they might throw us out again, " Pratti said.

> Explanations aside, Pratti has a simple message for the manager she says

> publicly humiliated her son:

> " Shame on you. "

>

August 19, 2005

There is a followup article on drudgereport.com

The owner of the theaters has apologized, apparently there was a huge backlash

from the community, disabled and nda. The theatre company is going to look at

their policies and training to see how this could have been managed better.

Sharon

Re: article

Unbelievable! I would be finding a lawyer!

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Found this on www.drudgereport.com

> Sharon H.

> Mom to , (13, DS) and , (10)

> South Carolina

>

> Disabled 7-year-old ejected from theater

>

> By Dave

> Times Herald-Record

> drichardson@...

>

> Town of Wallkill - If you're a 7-year-old kid with cerebral palsy and

autism,

> you have to take your laughs anywhere you can get them.

> Just don't have too much fun at the local movie theater, or you might get

> thrown out.

> That's what happened to young Pratti this week. To say his parents

> are upset about it would be an understatement.

> , who uses a wheelchair, was with his parents, his sister and his

> grandmother at the Loews Cineplex theaters in the Galleria at Crystal Run

> Sunday, watching a 1:15 p.m. matinee of the G-rated film " March of the

> Penguins. "

> The family sat in the wheelchair section provided by the theater.

was

> having a good time, said his mom, Pratti.

> " He was laughing, but he really wasn't much louder than any of the other

> kids, " she said.

> About 15 minutes into the film, one of the theater's managers approached the

> family, she said.

> " He said our son was laughing too loud, " Pratti said. " My husband told him

> didn't understand, that he was disabled, but that we'd try to quiet

him

> down. "

> Not good enough, apparently - the manager brusquely told the family that

> had to leave, Pratti said.

> Outraged, the family followed the manager to the lobby, where they were told

> they all didn't have to leave - just , Pratti said.

> Pratti was dumbfounded.

> " I said to him, what are we supposed to do, wheel him outside and leave him

> there? " she said.

> The manager refunded the family's ticket purchase and sent them on their

way,

> she said.

>

> Location of the theater

> .

> Pratti and her husband have spent the past three days making phone calls and

> sending e-mails, trying to get someone - anyone - from Loews to give them an

> explanation.

> " Not one person from Loews has called me back, " Pratti said.

> When contacted by the Times Herald-Record yesterday, a representative of

> Loews corporate headquarters said the company is concerned by Pratti's

story,

> and is looking into Sunday's events.

> The company says it will issue a statement today.

> Pratti has spoken with attorneys about the incident, but isn't sure she

wants

> to pursue any legal action.

> Meanwhile, Pratti says she hopes Loews will do whatever it takes to make

> amends.

> " This was only the third movie had ever seen, and now we're afraid

to

> go back because they might throw us out again, " Pratti said.

> Explanations aside, Pratti has a simple message for the manager she says

> publicly humiliated her son:

> " Shame on you. "

>

May 19, 2006

Hi ,

Noridian does not make it simple to find the news bulletins. Try the following:

1. Log onto www.noridianmedicare.com/provider2. Click on the "Publications" tab at the top3. Scroll down and click on "Medicare Part B Publications"4. Click on "Bulletins"5. Click "View and/or Search All Bulletins"6. Click "Medicare Part B"7. Click "Medicare B News Bulletins and LMRPs-LCDs (1994 to present)8. Click "Medicare B News Issue 228..."

You will then be at the table of contents, scroll down to any article of interest to you and click on that article. Adobe Reader is required.

I've attached the article on the HCFA-1500 change.

J. Holzapfel DCAlbany

-- " Cote" <cote@...> wrote:

I tried but could not figure out what article to look at, they sure can make things difficult to find!!!

If you could E-mail me the article I would appreciate.

Thanks

Cote DC

Silverton

September 8, 2007

Thank you for sharing this. How sad that he had to feel this way, and worse that

so many of us (and our kids) can identify. I sure can.

P.

jpfolkert@... wrote:

Going through some OLD papers of my oldest son (now 24), I found

this:

I am a classmate of yours. I have the same hopes, fears, and

ambitions as you do. But unlike you I carry around an added

burden. For some reason you have made me your target.

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September 8, 2007

,

That article is heartbreaking to read. So many of our kids have been picked on

for being different for one reason or another. I know my son did - particularly

in middle school. How is your son doing now that he is in his twenties? Did

things improve for him socially as he got older?

Thanks for sharing that.

Sinead

article

Going through some OLD papers of my oldest son (now 24), I found

this:

I am a classmate of yours. I have the same hopes, fears, and

ambitions as you do. But unlike you I carry around an added

burden. For some reason you have made me your target. It may be

because of the clothes I wear, that somehow I am physically

different than what you consider " normal " or something as

insignificant as the type of backpack I carry to class. Every morning

I wake up knowing I will have to go to school and face you. It hurts

deep into the pit of my stomach to know there is no way out of it. I

am too old to be able to " tell the teacher " . I am not confident

enough to talk back to you. But I am strong enough not to cry, not

to let you know how much what you are saying hurts. At least that's

how I handle myself at school. At home, in the privacy of my own

room, surrounded by a loving family who accepts me the way I am,

the tears flow freely. In reality, you have accomplished what you

have set out to do. Does that make you a better person than me?

My instincts tell me no. Someday you will know fear. Someday you

will have a reason to feel insecure. Yes, someday you will have a

hurt so bad that you will have to fight back the tears. The only

advantage you will have over me is maturity. All of these things

happen to everyone sometime in their life. Usually it's adults that

have to deal with these feelings, not teenagers. That's all I want.

Time to be a " normal " teenager. People say that school days are

the best days of your life. I will never experience that. Your daily

taunts are forcing me to deal with emotions I am not yet ready to

handle.

After we graduate and go out into the " real world " I am sure that you

will not even be able to remember my name. I, on the other hand,

no matter how successful I am and how fulfilling my life is, will

forever bear the scars of having the misfortune of having known

you.

This was submitted anonyamously to his middle school newspaper.

Ironically, he dealt with a lot of this. He does not have OCD, strong

ADHD. He was really thin in middle school, not very coordinated.

He was the subject of taunts both there and in elementary school.

I think he still deals with what went on. Dd, OCD, also dealt with

some of this, ironically in a Christain high school. It wasn't necess.

outward taunts but she was " different " . In my viewing, she is

eccentric. She is who she is! She is a neat kid BUT you have to

take the time to get to know her. She is away at college and

attempting a new start.

F

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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October 11, 2007

Ifyou are a member of ada you can get it

online at www.eatright.org

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From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Valentina Antognozzi

Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007

3:48 PM

Subject:

Article

Hello,

I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help

me?

Thanks,

Valentina

J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered

dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplatin g

bariatric surgery? Cunningham

E.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join

's user panel and lay it on us.

October 12, 2007

You can search http://www.adajournal.org/ free if you are a member. Otherwise, go to http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/homepage.cws_home and subscribe to that issue. Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi@...> wrote: Hello, I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me? Thanks, Valentina J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E. Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? Preview the hottest shows on TV.

October 12, 2007

I can tell you now that I thought the article was very limited!

JB

-------------- Original message from Kathy Shattler <kshattler2000@...>: --------------

You can search http://www.adajournal.org/ free if you are a member. Otherwise, go to http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/homepage.cws_home and subscribe to that issue.

Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi > wrote:

Hello,

I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me?

Thanks,

Valentina

J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD

Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division

Http://www.ceu4u.com

kshattlercharter (DOT) net

"Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? Preview the hottest shows on TV.

October 12, 2007

Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi@...> wrote: Hello, I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me? Thanks, Valentina J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E. Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. _ YouYo,_._,___ According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5.1% of US adults had a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40 in 2002. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 40 quadrupled from 1:200 in 1986 to 1:50 in 2000. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 50 quintupled from 1:2,000 to 1:400 (1). The researchers also found that the estimated number of bariatric surgical procedures increased from 13,365 in 1998 to 72,177 in 2002. Based on preliminary state-level data, they projected

the number of bariatric surgical procedures to be 102,794 in 2003. BMI above 40 indicates that a person is severely obese and, therefore, a candidate for surgery. Surgery also may be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related comorbid diseases that worsen as weight increases but generally improve or resolve as weight decreases. These conditions include type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive severe sleep apnea (2). The client considering bariatric surgery should be motivated to accept the responsibility for sustaining lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and decrease post-operative complications. ADA’s Nutrition Care Manual (3)

includes the Bariatric Assessment and Presurgical Education form developed to collect data and lead the dietetics practitioner through the assessment and nutrition education components so that the patient can make an informed choice about the surgery. The following are several areas for special attention: •Why the client is seeking bariatric surgery at this time •Why the client thinks success is possible •Work, social, cultural history affecting weight issues •History of patient’s weight and

weight-loss strategies •Review of food groups and supplement use •Review of physical activity and limitations •Medications •Laboratory values •Education (materials will help patient know what to expect) •Readiness and motivation •Nutrition Diagnostic Statement(s) •Expected time, frequency, and duration of follow-up care The bariatric subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group is now developing client forms, educational materials for preoperative and postoperative troubleshooting, assessment forms, and material on the role of the dietetics professional in bariatric surgery. References 1. 1Santry HP, Gillen DL, Lauderdale DS. Trends in bariatric surgical procedures. JAMA. 2005;294:1909–1917. CrossRef 2. 2 GD, Nonas CA. Managing Obesity (A Clinical Guide). Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004;. 3. 3Nutrition Care Manual. 2005;Available by subscription or view the demo at: http://www.eatright.org. Accessed November 8. This article was written by Eleese Cunningham, RD, of ADA’s Knowledge Center Team in Chicago, IL. PII: S0002-8223(05)02064-X doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.11.017 © 2006

American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. You will need to set up an account with the references I gave you, but to make things quicker I pulled up the article for you. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

October 12, 2007

Apologize for posting to the whole group My mistake and potential copyright infringement. Please use the links I posted to the group to locate ADA articles in the future. Again, my apologies.Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi@...> wrote: Hello, I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me? Thanks, Valentina J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E. Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.

October 12, 2007

YOu have my word that I will not turn anybody in

Tina

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Kathy ShattlerSent: Friday, October 12, 2007 2:25 PM Subject: Re: Article

Apologize for posting to the whole group My mistake and potential copyright infringement. Please use the links I posted to the group to locate ADA articles in the future. Again, my apologies.Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi > wrote:

Hello,

I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me?

Thanks,

Valentina

J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD

Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division

Http://www.ceu4u.com

kshattlercharter (DOT) net

"Virtual Continuing Education Institute" < /DIV>

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.

The information contained in this e-mail and any accompanying documents is intended for the sole use of the recipient to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and prohibited from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, or authorized to receive this on behalf of the recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, use, disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient(s), please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.

October 12, 2007

Kathy Shattler <kshattler2000@...> wrote: Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi@...> wrote: Hello, I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me? Thanks, Valentina J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E. Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. _ YouYo,_._,___ According to a study

published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5.1% of US adults had a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40 in 2002. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 40 quadrupled from 1:200 in 1986 to 1:50 in 2000. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 50 quintupled from 1:2,000 to 1:400 (1). The researchers also found that the estimated number of bariatric surgical procedures increased from 13,365 in 1998 to 72,177 in 2002. Based on preliminary state-level data, they projected the number of bariatric surgical procedures to be 102,794 in 2003. BMI above 40 indicates that a person is severely obese and, therefore, a candidate for surgery. Surgery also may be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related comorbid diseases that worsen as weight increases but generally improve or

resolve as weight decreases. These conditions include type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive severe sleep apnea (2). The client considering bariatric surgery should be motivated to accept the responsibility for sustaining lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and decrease post-operative complications. ADA’s Nutrition Care Manual (3) includes the Bariatric Assessment and Presurgical Education form developed to collect data and lead the dietetics practitioner through the assessment and nutrition education components so that the patient can make an informed choice about the surgery. The following are several areas for special attention: •Why the client is seeking bariatric surgery at this time •Why the client thinks success is possible •Work, social, cultural history affecting weight issues •History of patient’s weight and weight-loss strategies •Review of food groups and supplement use •Review of physical

activity and limitations •Medications •Laboratory values •Education (materials will help patient know what to expect) •Readiness and motivation •Nutrition Diagnostic Statement(s) •Expected time, frequency, and duration of follow-up care

The bariatric subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group is now developing client forms, educational materials for preoperative and postoperative troubleshooting, assessment forms, and material on the role of the dietetics professional in bariatric surgery. References 1. 1Santry HP, Gillen DL, Lauderdale DS. Trends in bariatric surgical procedures. JAMA. 2005;294:1909–1917. CrossRef 2. 2 GD, Nonas CA. Managing Obesity (A Clinical Guide). Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004;. 3. 3Nutrition Care Manual. 2005;Available by subscription or view the demo at: http://www.eatright.org. Accessed November

8. This article was written by Eleese Cunningham, RD, of ADA’s Knowledge Center Team in Chicago, IL. PII: S0002-8223(05)02064-X doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.11.017 © 2006 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. You will need to set up an account with the references I gave you, but to make things quicker I pulled up the article for you. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute" Here are the links for future reference for members and non members Link to JADA from Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/662173/description#description Link to ADA http://www.adajournal.org/ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

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October 18, 2007

I would second someone else's comment that this article was not all that helpful and honestly probably not worth working too hard to find...no disrespect intended.

Laschkewitsch RD LDDietitian, Legacy Obesity Institute(503) 413-8135

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Kathy ShattlerSent: Friday, October 12, 2007 12:35 PM Subject: Re: Article

Kathy Shattler <kshattler2000 > wrote: Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi > wrote:

Hello,

I'm looking for the article specified below: does anyone can help me?

Thanks,

Valentina

J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. _

YouYo,_._,___

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5.1% of US adults had a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40 in 2002. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 40 quadrupled from 1:200 in 1986 to 1:50 in 2000. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 50 quintupled from 1:2,000 to 1:400 (1). The researchers also found that the estimated number of bariatric surgical procedures increased from 13,365 in 1998 to 72,177 in 2002. Based on preliminary state-level data, they projected the number of bariatric surgical procedures to be 102,794 in 2003. BMI above 40 indicates that a person is severely obese and, therefore, a candidate for surgery. Surgery also may be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related comorbid diseases that worsen as weight increases but generally improve or resolve as weight decreases. These conditions include type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive severe sleep apnea (2).

The client considering bariatric surgery should be motivated to accept the responsibility for sustaining lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and decrease post-operative complications. ADA's Nutrition Care Manual (3) includes the Bariatric Assessment and Presurgical Education form developed to collect data and lead the dietetics practitioner through the assessment and nutrition education components so that the patient can make an informed choice about the surgery. The following are several areas for special attention:

*Why the client is seeking bariatric surgery at this time

*Why the client thinks success is possible

*Work, social, cultural history affecting weight issues

*History of patient's weight and weight-loss strategies

*Review of food groups and supplement use

*Review of physical activity and limitations

*Medications

*Laboratory values

*Education (materials will help patient know what to expect)

*Readiness and motivation

*Nutrition Diagnostic Statement(s)

*Expected time, frequency, and duration of follow-up care

The bariatric subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group is now developing client forms, educational materials for preoperative and postoperative troubleshooting, assessment forms, and material on the role of the dietetics professional in bariatric surgery.

References

1. 1Santry HP, Gillen DL, Lauderdale DS. Trends in bariatric surgical procedures. JAMA. 2005;294:1909-1917. CrossRef

2. 2 GD, Nonas CA. Managing Obesity (A Clinical Guide). Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004;.

3. 3Nutrition Care Manual. 2005;Available by subscription or view the demo at: http://www.eatright.org. Accessed November 8.

This article was written by Eleese Cunningham, RD, of ADA's Knowledge Center Team in Chicago, IL.

PII: S0002-8223(05)02064-X

doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.11.017

You will need to set up an account with the references I gave you, but to make things quicker I pulled up the article for you.

Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD

Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division

Http://www.ceu4u.com

kshattlercharter (DOT) net

"Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Here are the links for future reference for members and non members

Link to JADA from Elsevier

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/662173/description#description

Link to ADA http://www.adajournal.org/

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD

Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division

Http://www.ceu4u.com

kshattlercharter (DOT) net

"Virtual Continuing Education Institute"

Catch up on fall's hot new shows on TV. Watch previews, get listings, and more!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This communication, including any attachment, contains information that may be confidential or privileged, and is intended solely for the entity or individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you should contact the sender and delete the message. Any unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message is strictly prohibited. Nothing in this email, including any attachment, is intended to be a legally binding signature.

October 20, 2007

No disrespect taken. I only provided the article because someone requested it. I did not find it particularly useful either. Not even worth the comment, ."Laschkwitsch, :LPH Obes Inst" <KLaschke@...> wrote: I would second someone else's comment that this article was not all that helpful and honestly probably not worth working too hard to find...no disrespect intended. Laschkewitsch RD LDDietitian, Legacy Obesity Institute(503) 413-8135 -----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Kathy ShattlerSent: Friday, October 12, 2007 12:35 PM Subject: Re: Article Kathy Shattler <kshattler2000 > wrote: Valentina Antognozzi <v.antognozzi > wrote: Hello, I'm looking for the article specified

below: does anyone can help me? Thanks, Valentina J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Jan;106(1):163 What is the registered dietitian's role in the preoperative assessment of a client contemplating bariatric surgery? Cunningham E. Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. _ YouYo,_._,___ According to a

study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5.1% of US adults had a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40 in 2002. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 40 quadrupled from 1:200 in 1986 to 1:50 in 2000. The prevalence of individuals with a BMI higher than 50 quintupled from 1:2,000 to 1:400 (1). The researchers also found that the estimated number of bariatric surgical procedures increased from 13,365 in 1998 to 72,177 in 2002. Based on preliminary state-level data, they projected the number of bariatric surgical procedures to be 102,794 in 2003. BMI above 40 indicates that a person is severely obese and, therefore, a candidate for surgery. Surgery also may be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related comorbid diseases that worsen as weight increases but generally improve

or resolve as weight decreases. These conditions include type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive severe sleep apnea (2). The client considering bariatric surgery should be motivated to accept the responsibility for sustaining lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and decrease post-operative complications. ADA's Nutrition Care Manual (3) includes the Bariatric Assessment and Presurgical Education form developed to collect data and lead the dietetics practitioner through the assessment and nutrition education components so that the patient can make an informed choice about the surgery. The following are several areas for special attention: *Why the client is seeking bariatric surgery at this time *Why the client thinks success is possible *Work, social, cultural history affecting weight issues *History of patient's weight and weight-loss strategies *Review of food groups and supplement use *Review of physical

activity and limitations *Medications *Laboratory values *Education (materials will help patient know what to expect) *Readiness and motivation *Nutrition Diagnostic Statement(s) *Expected time, frequency, and duration of follow-up care

The bariatric subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group is now developing client forms, educational materials for preoperative and postoperative troubleshooting, assessment forms, and material on the role of the dietetics professional in bariatric surgery. References 1. 1Santry HP, Gillen DL, Lauderdale DS. Trends in bariatric surgical procedures. JAMA. 2005;294:1909-1917. CrossRef 2. 2 GD, Nonas CA. Managing Obesity (A Clinical Guide). Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004;. 3. 3Nutrition Care Manual. 2005;Available by subscription or view the demo at: http://www.eatright.org. Accessed November 8. This article was written by Eleese Cunningham, RD, of ADA's Knowledge Center Team in Chicago, IL. PII: S0002-8223(05)02064-X doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.11.017 © 2006 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. You will need to set up an account with the references I gave you, but to make things quicker I pulled up the article for you. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division

Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattlercharter (DOT) net "Virtual Continuing Education Institute" Here are the links for future reference for members and non members Link to JADA from Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/662173/description#description Link to ADA http://www.adajournal.org/ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director, Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattlercharter (DOT) net "Virtual Continuing Education Institute" Catch up on fall's hot new shows on TV. Watch previews, get listings, and more! IMPORTANT NOTICE: This communication, including any attachment, contains information that may be confidential or privileged, and is intended solely for the entity or individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you should contact the sender and delete the message. Any unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message is strictly prohibited. Nothing in this email, including any attachment, is intended to be a legally binding signature.Kathy J. Shattler, M.S.,RD Director,

Nutrition and Dietitians Division Http://www.ceu4u.com kshattler@... "Virtual Continuing Education Institute" __________________________________________________

July 2, 2008

In a message dated 7/2/2008 5:29:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

srippetoe@... writes:

Fathering autism

interesting article. I guess he really did believe in the safety of vaccines

while injecting his daughter. It's a sad story.

Holly

**************Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music

scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! (www.tourtracker.com

?NCID=aolmus00050000000112)

July 3, 2008

What I found interesting about this article is Hotez saying that this can

not be caused by a toxin after birth, it is a mis-wiring in the brain.

It is common knowledge that the brain is only partially formed before birth and

brain development continues until the second birthday. Everything that happens

in a childs environment effects the development of the brain. This includes:

chemicals, nutrition, emotions and trauma. An excellent book regarding this

study is Ghosts from the Nursery. As a foster parent specializing in the care

of infants exposed to drugs I have studied and found there are amazing changes

and improvements that can take place in the first year to year and a half of a

childs life if the problem is identified and changes are made.

Vaccines do causes toxins to invade a body. Toxins can and do cause problems in

the function of the body. It is as simple as that.

" This is not something that can be caused by a toxin after birth. This is a

deeply patterned mis-wiring in the brain, and this is not how a toxin works, "

Hotez told his wife. " It can only be a genetic condition that affects the

whole neurobiology of development. "

It is very sad that some researchers only see what they are told to see, what

they expect to see, what they are looking for........

July 3, 2008

He knows. He just can't face the truth because then he would have to take

responsibility--and he'd have to find a new job.

Winnie

re: article

Vaccination Group

> What I found interesting about this article is Hotez

> saying that this can not be caused by a toxin after birth, it is

> a mis-wiring in the brain.

> It is common knowledge that the brain is only partially formed

> before birth and brain development continues until the second

> birthday. Everything that happens in a childs environment

> effects the development of the brain. This includes: chemicals,

> nutrition, emotions and trauma. An excellent book regarding this

> study is Ghosts from the Nursery. As a foster parent

> specializing in the care of infants exposed to drugs I have

> studied and found there are amazing changes and improvements

> that can take place in the first year to year and a half of a

> childs life if the problem is identified and changes are made.

> Vaccines do causes toxins to invade a body. Toxins can and do

> cause problems in the function of the body. It is as simple as that.

> " This is not something that can be caused by a toxin after

> birth. This is a deeply patterned mis-wiring in the brain, and

> this is not how a toxin works, " Hotez told his wife. " It

> can only be a genetic condition that affects the whole

> neurobiology of development. "

> It is very sad that some researchers only see what they are told

> to see, what they expect to see, what they are looking for........

>

August 5, 2008

WOW!!! You must have really dug for that one! lol (long url)

Bessie

>

> http://images.google.com/imgres?

imgurl=http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/Field_Guide/Images/originals/Fig.%

252076.jpg & imgrefurl=http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/Field_Guide/field_guide.p

df & h=391 & w=600 & sz=44 & hl=en & start=21 & sig2=pdpjp1iU031jmtLJpwqhgA & um=1 & tbn

id=UjupkiTEXI6C4M: & tbnh=88 & tbnw=135 & ei=lG-

XSPWxNpnk1ga30aW0Cg & prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbody%2Blice%2Blife%2Bcycle%

26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

>

March 4, 2009

Good article Ian. Maybe alot of us have morgellans disease.

From: Ian <tenchantre@...>bird mites Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 9:23:03 PMSubject: article

http://www.naturaln ews.com/z025757. html

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

June 12, 2009

Sara I have heard of this...this is just awful!!!!!!!!! It does scare me...actually it terrifies me.

From: Sara <sarapoli@...>autism Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 5:06:08 PMSubject: article

The Miami Herald

Lawsuit: Drug mix killed boy

A disabled boy was lethally overmedicated, a lawsuit contends, as outrage continues over a child's suicide while on several drugs last month.

BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER cmarbin@miamiherald .com Wednesday, May 20, 2009Amid a wide-ranging debate over the proper use of mental health drugs on troubled children, the mother of a disabled boy who died in 2007 is claiming in a lawsuit the boy was overdosed by a cocktail of psychiatric drugs, including two powerful anti-psychotics.Martha Quesada, the mother of 12-year-old Denis Maltez, filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit Monday in Miami-Dade circuit court, claiming Denis' psychiatrist, Dr. L. Kaplan, and the now-shuttered Rainbow Ranch group home overmedicated Denis and failed to properly monitor his condition.Denis, who was diagnosed with autism,

died of serotonin syndrome, according to a 2007 autopsy by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's office.The rare condition, which can be life-threatening, occurs when a combination of drugs -- particularly mental-health drugs -- causes the brain to produce an excess of serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells that regulates mood. The condition can cause rigidity and tremors, as well as confusion and high blood pressure, said Dr. Singer, a professor of neurology at the University of Miami's medical school."I miss him so much, " Quesada, 31, of Hialeah, said of her son, who died a week after Mother's Day. "This month, for me, is hard because of Mother's Day. This Saturday will be two years since he died. The last time I saw him it was Mother's Day.""I know I am happy, because I have two other children, " Quesada said. "But I am also sad, because my other son died. It's hard."Denis died May 23, 2007. He had gone by

van with others from the group home to get a haircut at a local flea market. In the parking lot, he became aggressive, kicking and biting group home staff. An autopsy report said he became unresponsive shortly after staff restrained him while he lay on his stomach on a bench seat in the van.Quesada's lawsuit was filed amid a high-profile investigation by the Department of Children & Families into the death last month of Myers, a 7-year-old foster child who had been taking a cocktail of mental health drugs. DCF Secretary Sheldon appointed a task force to study 's case, and the use of psychiatric drugs on foster kids.'TOUGH' TO HANDLEKaplan did not return calls for comment. In a June 2007 article in The Miami Herald, Kaplan said "it's possible" Denis would have been sleepy at school if he had not been given his medications at the right times. But, Kaplan added, "I never saw him dopey or

sleepy.""He was all over the place, a tough little guy to handle but very likeable, " the psychiatrist said at the time.Rainbow Ranch's owner, Glatt, whose group homes were shut down by the state in June 2007, could not be reached for comment.Denis, whose autism was severe, was sent by his mother to a state-funded group home in 2003 after he tried to choke his younger sister. Quesada never relinquished her right to raise the boy, but was afraid his violent outbursts were a danger to her two other children.According to the 28-page lawsuit, Glatt stopped taking Denis to doctors at Memorial Hospital after he arrived at the group home in May 2006, and substituted Kaplan "without the consent of [Denis's] mother." Kaplan was treating several group home clients, the suit claims.Kaplan prescribed and refilled four mental health drugs: Seroquel and Zyprexa, both anti-psychotic medications; Depakote, an

anti-seizure drug sometimes used to stabilize moods; and Clonazepam, a tranquilizer. The lawsuit says the drugs were used "as chemical restraints to control Denis's behavior."Though some of the medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on children and carry strong warnings about possible side-effects, Kaplan "took no steps to ensure that Denis was not suffering any adverse effects from these medications, " the suit claims.In fact, the suit claims, Kaplan examined the boy only once between between May 26, 2006 and May 23, 2007, the day Denis died.There were warning signs that the drugs may have been harming the boy, according to the suit, filed by by Fort Lauderdale attorneys Elena Abate and Talenfeld. In June 2006, teachers at Denis's school, Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center, reported the boy was sleeping through class.UP AND DOWNActing on concerns from his teachers,

Denis was hospitalized twice, first on July 17, 2006, at Miami Children's Hospital for emergency treatment, and, later on Aug. 4, 2006, at Baptist Hospital's emergency room. Doctors at Baptist recommended that the dosage of one of the drugs, Depakote, be reduced, the suit claims.The lawsuit says the dosage was, indeed, reduced, but then increased again about six months later. That winter, the suit claims, the Department of Children & Families child abuse hot line received a call that Denis was being overmedicated, and that Rainbow Ranch staff "were not seeking medical attention for Denis when he was overmedicated. "DCF would not discuss the investigation with a reporter Tuesday.

June 12, 2009

Very sad!StacieSent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "Sara" Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:06:08 -0400<autism >Subject: article The Miami Herald Lawsuit: Drug mix killed boy A disabled boy was lethally overmedicated, a lawsuit contends, as outrage continues over a child's suicide while on several drugs last month. BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER cmarbin@miamiherald .com Wednesday, May 20, 2009Amid a wide-ranging debate over the proper use of mental health drugs on troubled children, the mother of a disabled boy who died in 2007 is claiming in a lawsuit the boy was overdosed by a cocktail of psychiatric drugs, including two powerful anti-psychotics.Martha Quesada, the mother of 12-year-old Denis Maltez, filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit Monday in Miami-Dade circuit court, claiming Denis' psychiatrist, Dr. L. Kaplan, and the now-shuttered Rainbow Ranch group home overmedicated Denis and failed to properly monitor his condition.Denis, who was diagnosed with autism, died of serotonin syndrome, according to a 2007 autopsy by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's office.The rare condition, which can be life-threatening, occurs when a combination of drugs -- particularly mental-health drugs -- causes the brain to produce an excess of serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells that regulates mood. The condition can cause rigidity and tremors, as well as confusion and high blood pressure, said Dr. Singer, a professor of neurology at the University of Miami's medical school."I miss him so much, " Quesada, 31, of Hialeah, said of her son, who died a week after Mother's Day. "This month, for me, is hard because of Mother's Day. This Saturday will be two years since he died. The last time I saw him it was Mother's Day.""I know I am happy, because I have two other children, " Quesada said. "But I am also sad, because my other son died. It's hard."Denis died May 23, 2007. He had gone by van with others from the group home to get a haircut at a local flea market. In the parking lot, he became aggressive, kicking and biting group home staff. An autopsy report said he became unresponsive shortly after staff restrained him while he lay on his stomach on a bench seat in the van.Quesada's lawsuit was filed amid a high-profile investigation by the Department of Children & Families into the death last month of Myers, a 7-year-old foster child who had been taking a cocktail of mental health drugs. DCF Secretary Sheldon appointed a task force to study 's case, and the use of psychiatric drugs on foster kids.'TOUGH' TO HANDLEKaplan did not return calls for comment. In a June 2007 article in The Miami Herald, Kaplan said "it's possible" Denis would have been sleepy at school if he had not been given his medications at the right times. But, Kaplan added, "I never saw him dopey or sleepy.""He was all over the place, a tough little guy to handle but very likeable, " the psychiatrist said at the time.Rainbow Ranch's owner, Glatt, whose group homes were shut down by the state in June 2007, could not be reached for comment.Denis, whose autism was severe, was sent by his mother to a state-funded group home in 2003 after he tried to choke his younger sister. Quesada never relinquished her right to raise the boy, but was afraid his violent outbursts were a danger to her two other children.According to the 28-page lawsuit, Glatt stopped taking Denis to doctors at Memorial Hospital after he arrived at the group home in May 2006, and substituted Kaplan "without the consent of [Denis's] mother." Kaplan was treating several group home clients, the suit claims.Kaplan prescribed and refilled four mental health drugs: Seroquel and Zyprexa, both anti-psychotic medications; Depakote, an anti-seizure drug sometimes used to stabilize moods; and Clonazepam, a tranquilizer. The lawsuit says the drugs were used "as chemical restraints to control Denis's behavior."Though some of the medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on children and carry strong warnings about possible side-effects, Kaplan "took no steps to ensure that Denis was not suffering any adverse effects from these medications, " the suit claims.In fact, the suit claims, Kaplan examined the boy only once between between May 26, 2006 and May 23, 2007, the day Denis died.There were warning signs that the drugs may have been harming the boy, according to the suit, filed by by Fort Lauderdale attorneys Elena Abate and Talenfeld. In June 2006, teachers at Denis's school, Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center, reported the boy was sleeping through class.UP AND DOWNActing on concerns from his teachers, Denis was hospitalized twice, first on July 17, 2006, at Miami Children's Hospital for emergency treatment, and, later on Aug. 4, 2006, at Baptist Hospital's emergency room. Doctors at Baptist recommended that the dosage of one of the drugs, Depakote, be reduced, the suit claims.The lawsuit says the dosage was, indeed, reduced, but then increased again about six months later. That winter, the suit claims, the Department of Children & Families child abuse hot line received a call that Denis was being overmedicated, and that Rainbow Ranch staff "were not seeking medical attention for Denis when he was overmedicated. "DCF would not discuss the investigation with a reporter Tuesday.

June 12, 2009

I had heard about that boy about a year ago. It is so sad. What a mess. Lois

article

June 12, 2009

That is so sad. A ped psy. over my protest prescribed too high a dosage of Geodon and caused Karac to have Tardive Dyskinesia. If I had been the mother, he would have been sued. Pat K

article

The Miami Herald

Lawsuit: Drug mix killed boy

A disabled boy was lethally overmedicated, a lawsuit contends, as outrage continues over a child's suicide while on several drugs last month.

BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER cmarbin@miamiherald .com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Amid a wide-ranging debate over the proper use of mental health drugs on troubled children, the mother of a disabled boy who died in 2007 is claiming in a lawsuit the boy was overdosed by a cocktail of psychiatric drugs, including two powerful anti-psychotics.

Martha Quesada, the mother of 12-year-old Denis Maltez, filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit Monday in Miami-Dade circuit court, claiming Denis' psychiatrist, Dr. L. Kaplan, and the now-shuttered Rainbow Ranch group home overmedicated Denis and failed to properly monitor his condition.

Denis, who was diagnosed with autism, died of serotonin syndrome, according to a 2007 autopsy by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's office.

The rare condition, which can be life-threatening, occurs when a combination of drugs -- particularly mental-health drugs -- causes the brain to produce an excess of serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells that regulates mood. The condition can cause rigidity and tremors, as well as confusion and high blood pressure, said Dr. Singer, a professor of neurology at the University of Miami's medical school.

"I miss him so much, " Quesada, 31, of Hialeah, said of her son, who died a week after Mother's Day. "This month, for me, is hard because of Mother's Day. This Saturday will be two years since he died. The last time I saw him it was Mother's Day."

"I know I am happy, because I have two other children, " Quesada said. "But I am also sad, because my other son died. It's hard."

Denis died May 23, 2007. He had gone by van with others from the group home to get a haircut at a local flea market. In the parking lot, he became aggressive, kicking and biting group home staff. An autopsy report said he became unresponsive shortly after staff restrained him while he lay on his stomach on a bench seat in the van.

Quesada's lawsuit was filed amid a high-profile investigation by the Department of Children & Families into the death last month of Myers, a 7-year-old foster child who had been taking a cocktail of mental health drugs. DCF Secretary Sheldon appointed a task force to study 's case, and the use of psychiatric drugs on foster kids.

'TOUGH' TO HANDLE

Kaplan did not return calls for comment. In a June 2007 article in The Miami Herald, Kaplan said "it's possible" Denis would have been sleepy at school if he had not been given his medications at the right times. But, Kaplan added, "I never saw him dopey or sleepy."

"He was all over the place, a tough little guy to handle but very likeable, " the psychiatrist said at the time.

Rainbow Ranch's owner, Glatt, whose group homes were shut down by the state in June 2007, could not be reached for comment.

Denis, whose autism was severe, was sent by his mother to a state-funded group home in 2003 after he tried to choke his younger sister. Quesada never relinquished her right to raise the boy, but was afraid his violent outbursts were a danger to her two other children.

According to the 28-page lawsuit, Glatt stopped taking Denis to doctors at Memorial Hospital after he arrived at the group home in May 2006, and substituted Kaplan "without the consent of [Denis's] mother." Kaplan was treating several group home clients, the suit claims.

Kaplan prescribed and refilled four mental health drugs: Seroquel and Zyprexa, both anti-psychotic medications; Depakote, an anti-seizure drug sometimes used to stabilize moods; and Clonazepam, a tranquilizer. The lawsuit says the drugs were used "as chemical restraints to control Denis's behavior."

Though some of the medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on children and carry strong warnings about possible side-effects, Kaplan "took no steps to ensure that Denis was not suffering any adverse effects from these medications, " the suit claims.

In fact, the suit claims, Kaplan examined the boy only once between between May 26, 2006 and May 23, 2007, the day Denis died.

There were warning signs that the drugs may have been harming the boy, according to the suit, filed by by Fort Lauderdale attorneys Elena Abate and Talenfeld. In June 2006, teachers at Denis's school, Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center, reported the boy was sleeping through class.

UP AND DOWN

Acting on concerns from his teachers, Denis was hospitalized twice, first on July 17, 2006, at Miami Children's Hospital for emergency treatment, and, later on Aug. 4, 2006, at Baptist Hospital's emergency room. Doctors at Baptist recommended that the dosage of one of the drugs, Depakote, be reduced, the suit claims.

The lawsuit says the dosage was, indeed, reduced, but then increased again about six months later. That winter, the suit claims, the Department of Children & Families child abuse hot line received a call that Denis was being overmedicated, and that Rainbow Ranch staff "were not seeking medical attention for Denis when he was overmedicated. "

DCF would not discuss the investigation with a reporter Tuesday.

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