"Autism - Ben Golden" is a public yahoo discussion group available on October 28, 2001. It was started by Arthur Golden to discuss and provide the public information about his 30 year-old son Ben Golden, born on January 30, 1972, who is completely nonverbal and described as having low functioning autism* (LFA) but has several outstanding accomplishments* through his use of Facilitated Communication* (FC). The asterisk [ * ] following several terms in the above sentence and below means that there will be more detailed information explaining these terms.

Thank Heavens, Ben has a wonderful life*, living with his parents in Jerusalem Israel and being part of the Pisgat Yehuda* program since August 1994, immediately following nine years in a wonderful school program at the Boston Higashi School*. One main purpose of this discussion group is to give other people access to information about Ben as an example to help other persons* with disabilities, especially adults with LFA.

However, Ben and his parents are open to any ideas* about trying to improve his life. Therefore, the other main purpose of this discussion group is to give other people access to information about Ben so they can make such suggestions.

Please remember that this discussion group is intended to be public and publicized. If you wish to send private or confidential information, please send an e-mail directly to Arthur Golden at golden@shani.net

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The introductory statement above to the "Autism - Ben Golden" yahoo! group has an asterisk [ * ] following 8 terms:

1) low functioning autism (LFA)
2) outstanding accomplishments
3) Facilitated Communication (FC)
4) wonderful life
5) Pisgat Yehuda
6) Boston Higashi School
7) an example to help other persons
8) open to any ideas

More detailed information explaining these terms can be found in the first message posted to e-mail list at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Ben_Golden/message/1